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Modified silicon-based surfaces provide good home to proteins

Silicon, whether in its elemental form as silicon wafers or in its oxidized form, known as silicon dioxide or silica, is proving to be a valuable material for biomedical nanotechnology, in large part because of the biocompatibility and chemical inertness of these substances.

13 Nov 2006

Polymer coating improves tumor-targeting nanoparticles

Adding a thin coating of the biocompatible polymer poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to the surface of sulfur-modified, or thiolated, nanoparticles designed to fall apart inside tumors, prolongs the time that the resulting nanoparticles remain in tumors.

13 Nov 2006

A single dose of doxorubicin-functionalized bow-tie dendrimer cures mice bearing C-26 colon carcinomas

In a dramatic demonstration of the power of nanotechnology, a team of investigators has designed a nanoscale, polymeric drug delivery vehicle that when loaded with a widely used anticancer agent cures colon cancer in mice with a single dose.

13 Nov 2006

Scientists shed light on the roll of junk DNA

University of Iowa scientists have made a discovery that broadens understanding of a rapidly developing area of biology known as functional genomics and sheds more light on the mysterious, so-called "junk DNA" that makes up the majority of the human genome.

13 Nov 2006

Thiazolidinediones may reduce cardiovascular risks

A drug commonly used to increase the body's sensitivity to insulin may slow the progression of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine.

13 Nov 2006

Study shows Diovan reduced urinary protein excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure

In patients with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, the blood pressure-lowering medication Diovan (valsartan) significantly reduced urinary protein excretion, with high doses providing the greatest sustained reduction , according to data presented at the Amer ican Heart Association's (AHA) Annual Scientific Sessions.

13 Nov 2006

LaVeist named inaugural William C. and Nancy F. Richardson Professor in health policy

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has named Thomas A. LaVeist, PhD, the inaugural William C. and Nancy F. Richardson Professor in Health Policy. LaVeist, a leader in the study of minority health and the elimination of health disparities, was officially installed during a ceremony at the Bloomberg School of Public Health on November 10.

13 Nov 2006

Bird flu death toll in Indonesia now 56 with one more sick

The death of a 2-year-old boy from bird flu has taken the death toll in Indonesia to 56.

13 Nov 2006

Diabetes, type 2, at epidemic proportions in Asia

According to a study by South Korean researchers, the most common form diabetes, type 2, has reached epidemic proportions in Asia.

13 Nov 2006

Brits "out on the pull" urged to carry condoms by government campaign

As part of a major government sexual health campaign, young Brits will be encouraged to carry condoms when they are out "on the pull".

13 Nov 2006

Waltzing is the way to mend a broken heart!

Italian researchers have found that in patients recovering from heart attacks dancing the waltz was as effective as routine training programs for improving heart health.

13 Nov 2006

Latest food scare - Salmonella in Hershey chocolate bars

In the latest food scare to hit North America confectionary and biscuits by Hershey Canada have been recalled because they may be tainted with salmonella.

13 Nov 2006

Millions of bottles of a common pain killer recalled

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. has alerted consumers that a drug company in Michigan has recalled millions of bottles of a commonly used painkiller because the pills may contain pieces of metal.

13 Nov 2006

Older women also susceptible to eating disorders

According to a new study, even women in their 60s, are unhappy with their weight and body shape, and a small percentage suffer from full-blown eating disorders.

13 Nov 2006

Children being set up for heart disease later on in life

A new study by Canadian researchers says that clogged arteries show up in children, and fatty diets and a lack of exercise are setting children up for heart problems later on in life.

13 Nov 2006

Dr. Google the latest tool to help doctors diagnose unusual cases

In a really interesting study a team of Australian doctors went to the Internet to test the effectiveness and accuracy of the search engine Google when it was presented with a number of symptoms.

13 Nov 2006

New cancer treatments use body's own immune system to kill melanoma tumours

Scientists are claiming that the body's own immune system could be used to fight the most serious form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.

13 Nov 2006

IVF success compromised by heavy smoking

Fertility experts say the women who are heavy smokers are less likely to become pregnant through IVF treatment, even when donated eggs are used.

13 Nov 2006

Why we all carry on with those bad habits

If you have ever wondered why so many people continue to ignore public warnings and advertisements about the dangers of smoking, drinking alcohol and other habits that we know to be bad for us, a Canadian researcher may have the answer.

13 Nov 2006