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Comparative genomics to cast new light on other spirochete microbes

Three centuries after a pioneering Dutch microbiologist first observed the spiral-shaped oral pathogen Treponema denticola, scientists have deciphered the bacterium’s entire DNA sequence and used comparative genomics to cast new light on other spirochete microbes.

29 Mar 2004

Immunomodulator induces long-term anti-tumor activity

EntreMed, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic candidates primarily for the treatment of cancer, today reported that three months following administration with ENMD 0996, preclinical animal models showed inhibition of metastases. Data presented demonstrated that ENMD 0996 specifically blocks the activity of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), a naturally-occurring protein that stimulates angiogenesis, but had no effect on other angiogenesis stimulators.

29 Mar 2004

Colorectal cancer and preventative screening legislation in the US

Even though colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, only 18 US states have enacted legislation requiring insurance providers to cover the cost of preventative screening. These findings from the 2004 Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card were released today by the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (EIF’s NCCRA) and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).

29 Mar 2004

Earlier detection of cancer with Transgenomic's WAVE(R) system

Transgenomic Inc. has announced that during the American Association of Cancer Research annual meeting currently underway in Orlando, several of its customers from major research institutions worldwide will present results in which the Company's WAVE System has played an important role.

29 Mar 2004

BHF anti-smoking adverts hit nerve with general public

An incredible 94% of smokers surveyed said they recognised at least one element of the 'Give Up Before You Clog Up' campaign, with the 'dripping fat cigarette' TV advert sticking in the memories of 90% of those surveyed. The survey was conducted by leading research agency, Hall and Partners, who say the statistics beat any other advertising campaign they have worked on.

29 Mar 2004

Three of the world’s top women chemists visit UK to inspire young scientists

Three of the world’s top women chemists are visiting the UK this week (29 March - 2 April) to tour institutions and talk about their research with the aim of inspiring young scientists to emulate their achievements. The inaugural Rosalind Franklin International Lectureship Programme has been masterminded by Professor Susan Gibson, Imperial College London, who funded the initiative with her prize money from the Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award.

29 Mar 2004

Simple blood tests which could predict the severity of osteoarthritis

Bristol researchers are hoping to develop simple blood tests which could predict the severity of osteoarthritis, a common, disabling joint condition which affects more than two million people in the UK.

29 Mar 2004

Program to help health-carers reduce hospital falls by up to 30%

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a program that could help health-carers reduce by up to 30% the number of falls incurred by patients while in hospital.

29 Mar 2004

Australia’s first large-scale study into genetic discrimination

The survey of people who have had a predictive genetic test for various inherited conditions aims to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of genetic test information on people’s lives and to examine cases of alleged discrimination.

28 Mar 2004

Obesity research targeting 3 to 5 year olds

A ground-breaking study at the University of Wollongong, Australia is targeting factors affecting the development of obesity in young pre-school children aged between three and five.

28 Mar 2004

Research shows sildenafil can have an adverse effect on the morale of men

The launch of sildenafil (Viagra) had an adverse effect on the morale of men who found it did not work, according to new research. It also reveals that men are more distressed by impotence than has generally been realised.

28 Mar 2004

Halting the development of certain pancreatic, ovarian, colon and lung cancers may be possible with new therapy

By investigating a single molecule that influences cell growth, a research group in the Purdue Cancer Center, including Brian S. Henriksen, has gained new insight into the chain of events that make some cancer cells divide uncontrollably, insight that may eventually lead to a way to break that chain, stopping cancer in its tracks. The molecule, known as Icmt, has a critical role in the development of Ras, an ordinarily beneficial protein that tells a cell to divide. The research group has determined how to inhibit Icmt's influence on Ras, without which the protein cannot develop effectively into an instigator of cell growth.

28 Mar 2004

A simple dietary supplement may also help to prevent strokes

A simple dietary supplement may not only give relief to some of the more than 400,000 New Zealanders that suffer from the pain of migraine headaches, but may also help to prevent strokes.

28 Mar 2004

Discovery of molecule that is part of the machinery that mediates the sense of hearing

A group of scientists at The Scripps Research Institute, at the University of California in San Diego, and at the Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered a key molecule that is part of the machinery that mediates the sense of hearing.

28 Mar 2004

New on-line course, pharmacy technician certification exam preparation textbook

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and LearnSomething.com, Inc. today announced the launch of the Complete Review for Pharmacy Technicians Online, an online course based on APhA's popular national pharmacy technician certification exam preparation textbook.

28 Mar 2004

$Study demonstrates pharmacists ability to identify & refer patients at-risk for fractures$

Study demonstrates pharmacists ability to identify & refer patients at-risk for fractures

Results from Project ImPACT: Osteoporosis were discussed today during the Annual Meeting of the American Pharmacists Association. Published in the March/April 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association the authors, Jean-Venable “Kelly” Goode, Kim Swiger, and Benjamin M. Bluml, suggest that when patients, pharmacists and physicians collaborate closely, using pharmacy-based testing to identify and refer patients who are at-risk for future fracture that breakthrough results are possible.

28 Mar 2004

Haemophilia Society President presents Hepatitis C (HCV) Facts to UK Government

Haemophilia Society President to challenge government for second time in Lords question on proposed Hepatitis C ex gratia payment scheme On Thursday 25 March, the first business in the House of Lords will be further questioning of Ministers by the Haemophilia Society’s President, Lord Morris of Manchester.

27 Mar 2004

£35m needed to boost M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome research

National charity Action for M.E. is asking the government for £35 million to find a cure for M.E. - also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. With government plans to boost medical research funding to £1.2bn per year M.E. research must be considered a priority area of investment.

27 Mar 2004

Groundbreaking work on the development of motor skills in infants is being expanded to include at-risk children

For the last three years, Galloway and his graduate students have been studying the early motor skills of infants and have found that the encouragement of movement very early in life can spur physical development.

27 Mar 2004

Texan child receives world's first scaled-down heart pump or child ventricular assist device

A six-year-old Texas Children's Hospital patient is the first pediatric patient in the world to receive a MicroMed/DeBakey® child ventricular assist device (VAD), recently approved by the FDA for use in children. The new, scaled-down heart pump improves blood flow for patients awaiting heart transplants.

27 Mar 2004