News for September 2012

News Archive

New way of fighting high cholesterol upends assumptions New way of fighting high cholesterol upends assumptions

Atherosclerosis – the hardening of arteries that is a primary cause of cardiovascular disease and death – has long been presumed to be the fateful consequence of complicated interactions between overabundant cholesterol and resulting inflammation in the heart and blood vessels. However, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, with colleagues at institutions across the country, say the relationship is not exactly what it appears, and that a precursor to cholesterol actually suppresses inflammatory response genes. This precursor molecule could provide a new target for drugs designed to treat atherosclerosis, which kills tens of thousands of Americans annually.

Newly discovered molecule could deliver drugs to treat diseases Newly discovered molecule could deliver drugs to treat diseases

Kansas State University researchers have discovered a molecule that may be capable of delivering drugs inside the body to treat diseases.

Drug Discovery Today: September Issue Drug Discovery Today: September Issue

The latest issue of Drug Discovery Today is packed full of industry focused research articles, new developments in drug discovery, and expert comment and opinion.

ELRIG Drug Discovery show 2012 ELRIG Drug Discovery show 2012

Back in Manchester for another Drug Discovery show. Delegates attending the 6th annual ELRIG Drug Discovery event, on 5 & 6th September 2012 were treated to a vibrant Exhibition, packed auditoria, ELRIG’s answer to Dragons Den, 80 Scientific Posters, lunchtime workshops and lots more action packed fun.

Discovery of reprogramming signature may help overcome barriers to stem cell-based regenerative medicine Discovery of reprogramming signature may help overcome barriers to stem cell-based regenerative medicine

Salk scientists have identified a unique molecular signature in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), "reprogrammed" cells that show great promise in regenerative medicine thanks to their ability to generate a range of body tissues

Cell culture in the third dimension Cell culture in the third dimension

Sustaining life outside the body through the use of cell culture for research and discovery purposes has always been challenging. However, despite these challenges, cell culture has resulted in the discovery of most of today’s knowledge about disease processes and their cures. There has always been the desire to increase the relevance of cell culture by reproducing the 3D context of the body and thus the rate of peer reviewed publications employing 3D cell culture has increased dramatically over the past several years [1]. Furthermore, many new 3D cell culture products are emerging in the bioscience market that are focused on making the process simpler and more affordable.

Drug combination against NRAS-mutant melanoma discovered Drug combination against NRAS-mutant melanoma discovered

A new study published online in Nature Medicine, led by scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, describes the discovery of a novel drug combination aimed at a subset of melanoma patients who currently have no effective therapeutic options.

Boehringer Ingelheim launches beta social game Syrum to promote science and innovation Boehringer Ingelheim launches beta social game Syrum to promote science and innovation

Boehringer Ingelheim has today announced the beta launch of its first social game on Facebook, called Syrum. Syrum will be a new and evolving platform for the research-driven pharmaceutical company to inspire and educate in a changing digital world.

Human stem cells restore hearing Human stem cells restore hearing

A cure for deafness is a step closer after University of Sheffield scientists used human embryonic stem cells to restore hearing in a common form of deafness.

Improved nanoparticles deliver drugs into brain Improved nanoparticles deliver drugs into brain

The brain is a notoriously difficult organ to treat, but Johns Hopkins researchers report they are one step closer to having a drug-delivery system flexible enough to overcome some key challenges posed by brain cancer and perhaps other maladies affecting that organ.

Oliver Wight provides perfect remedy for Pfizer Havant Oliver Wight provides perfect remedy for Pfizer Havant

With the help of its Oliver Wight improvement programme, global pharmaceutical company, Pfizer has made momentous progress at its Havant site, doubling production levels and generating savings of over £1.5 million in the first year. The site has been awarded two Oliver Wight Class A milestone awards.

Strategy developed to improve delivery of medicines to the brain Strategy developed to improve delivery of medicines to the brain

New research offers a possible strategy for treating central nervous system diseases, such as brain and spinal cord injury, brain cancer, epilepsy, and neurological complications of HIV.

Ikerbasque Research Professor Call 2012 for senior researchers Ikerbasque Research Professor Call 2012 for senior researchers

Ikerbasque offers 20 permanent contract positions for experienced researchers within any of the Basque Research Institution (Universities, BERC - Basque Excellence Research Centres, CRC/CIC – Cooperative Research Centres, Biomedical institutions and Technology Corporations, among others).

Harnessing anticancer drugs for the future fight against influenza Harnessing anticancer drugs for the future fight against influenza

Medical Systems Virology group at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) at the University of Helsinki, together with its national and international collaborators, developed a new cell screening method that can be used to identify potential anti-influenza drugs.

New study shows promise in using RNA nanotechnology to treat cancers and viral infections New study shows promise in using RNA nanotechnology to treat cancers and viral infections

A new study by University of Kentucky researchers shows promise for developing ultrastable RNA nanoparticles that may help treat cancer and viral infections by regulating cell function and binding to cancers without harming surrounding tissue.

Can't smell anything? This discovery may give you hope Can't smell anything? This discovery may give you hope

Scientists have restored the sense of smell in mice through gene therapy for the first time -- a hopeful sign for people who can't smell anything from birth or lose it due to disease.