Pharmacology News and Research

Latest Pharmacology News and Research

Study: Gene mutations are associated with severe form of nearsightedness

People have long taken for granted that glasses and contact lenses improve vision for nearsightedness, but the genetic factors behind the common condition have remained blurry. Now researchers at Duke Medicine are closer to clearing this up.

3 May 2013

EPAC2 and diabetes: an interview with Dr. Hussain, Johns Hopkins University

EPAC stands for exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP (cAMP). cAMP is an (among many) intracellular messenger molecule. cAMP is generated when certain hormones stimulate a cell by binding to their receptor, which is at the outside surface of the cell.

3 May 2013

TSRI scientists find dissimilar genes that keep very similar shapes

Solving the structure of a critical human molecule involved in cancer, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found what they call a good example of structural conservation-dissimilar genes that keep very similar shapes.

2 May 2013

Hypothalamus controls aging throughout the body, scientists report

While the search continues for the Fountain of Youth, researchers may have found the body's "fountain of aging": the brain region known as the hypothalamus.

2 May 2013

Study reveals link between binge drinking and risk for developing alcoholic liver disease

Long after a hangover, a night of bad decisions might take a bigger toll on the body than previously understood. Described in the current issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, a study at the University of Missouri has revealed a unique connection between binge drinking and the risk for developing alcoholic liver disease and a variety of other health problems.

2 May 2013

Experts call for medical leaders to establish guidelines, embed honesty in academic cultures

Unethical behavior among physicians-in-training threatens to erode public trust and confidence in the medical profession, say two academic physicians in the current issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

30 Apr 2013

Penn Medicine's Brian L. Strom named 2013 Career Distinguished Investigator

Brian L. Strom, MD, MPH, the executive vice dean for Institutional Affairs in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, was recently presented with a National Award for Career Achievement and Contribution to Clinical and Translational Science at the Translational Science 2013 meeting in Washington, D.C.

30 Apr 2013

Study: Green tea extract with polyethylene glycol could help control body weight gain

Evidence has shown that green tea extract may be an effective herbal remedy useful for weight control and helping to regulate glucose in type 2 diabetes.

30 Apr 2013

Drug alerts have variable impact on prescribing habits

Direct communication with healthcare professionals, in the form of so-called “Dear doctor” letters, can be effective in reducing inappropriate and unsafe use of medicines, Dutch scientists believe.

29 Apr 2013

GWCI research focuses on real needs of adolescent, young adult cancer survivors

New research out of the George Washington University Cancer Institute focuses on the difficulties of transitioning to adulthood while dealing with the long-term and late effects of cancer and its treatment.

29 Apr 2013

BIOMARGIN research project aims to prevent, diagnose lesions in transplanted kidneys

The BIOMARGIN (BIOMArkers of Renal Graft INjuries in kidney allograft recipients) research project, coordinated by INSERM, has just received financing from the "health" seventh framework programme of the European Commission to the tune of 6 million euros for a four-year period.

29 Apr 2013

Symposium presentation highlights pioneer of gastrointestinal research

A fur trader who suffered an accidental gunshot wound in 1822 and the physician who saw this unfortunate incidence as an opportunity for research are key to much of our early knowledge about the workings of the digestive system, say speakers of an upcoming symposium.

25 Apr 2013

Convergence starts Phase II proof of concept study with CNV2197944 in pain associated with PHN

Convergence Pharmaceuticals Limited, the company focused on the development of novel and high value analgesic medicines for the treatment of chronic pain, today announces that it has started a Phase II proof of concept study with CNV2197944 in pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia.

24 Apr 2013

Researchers decode toggle switch that can stimulate fat burning

For a long time, scientists have dreamt of converting undesirable white fat cells into brown fat cells and thus simply have excess pounds melt away. Researchers at the University of Bonn have now gotten a step closer to this goal: They decoded a "toggle switch" in mice which can significantly stimulate fat burning.

24 Apr 2013

Researchers uncover potential new way to fight obesity-related illness

A potential new way to fight obesity-related illness has been uncovered, thanks to serendipitous research led by investigators at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

24 Apr 2013

Therapy originally conceived for cancer could hold promise for weight loss, say researchers

Researchers have long known that cancerous tumors grow collections of abnormal blood cells, the fuel that feeds this disease and keeps it growing. Now, new evidence in an animal model suggests that blood vessels in the fat tissue of obese individuals could provide the same purpose-and could provide the key to a new way for people to lose weight.

24 Apr 2013

Consuming grapes may protect against organ damage associated with metabolic syndrome

Consuming grapes may help protect against organ damage associated with the progression of metabolic syndrome, according to research presented Monday at the Experimental Biology conference in Boston. Natural components found in grapes, known as polyphenols, are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects.

23 Apr 2013

Study: About 42% of screened veterans with blast injuries have irregular hormone levels

Up to 20 percent of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have experienced at least one blast concussion. New research suggests that nearly half these veterans may have a problem so under-recognized that even military physicians may fail to look for it.

23 Apr 2013

Sleep deprivation affects vascular function and impairs breathing control

With work and entertainment operating around the clock in our modern society, sleep is often a casualty. A bevy of research has shown a link between sleep deprivation and cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and obesity.

23 Apr 2013

Two studies examine safety of nitrous oxide for surgical anesthesia

Giving nitrous oxide as part of general anesthesia for noncardiac surgery doesn't increase the rate of complications and death—and might even decrease the risk of such events, according to a pair of studies in the May issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society.

23 Apr 2013