The article highlights the importance of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) in healthcare reform, advocating for universal coverage and evidence-based methods. CAM encourages a holistic view of health, promoting whole-systems approaches and multifactorial integrative therapies.
Researchers explore approaches to preserve BBB function and permit effective medicine passage. One technology involves targeting endogenous nutrient transporters, such as SLCs, to facilitate small molecule transport across the BBB.
A modeling study reveals that Katrina-flooded homes can harbor hazardous contaminants in the air, posing significant health risks to residents and first responders. The study identifies inhalation exposure routes through volatile and semi-volatile organic pollutants, highlighting the need for better preparation and safety protocols.
A new study found that animal oocytes cannot fully reprogram adult human cells, making them unsuitable substitutes for producing patient-specific stem cells. The researchers tested using oocytes from cows, rabbits, and humans, but failed to achieve the necessary gene expression changes.
Researchers have discovered that blue light can effectively destroy two common strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a laboratory setting. The study found that high-dose photo-irradiation using 470-nm blue light was able to kill up to 90.4% of the bacteria, making it a promising potential treatment for MRSA i...
Researchers explore genetic mechanisms of skin color in zebrafish, a model organism for understanding human skin color and race. The studies shed light on the evolution of skin pigmentation and its relationship to environmental factors.
Italian researchers measured particulate matter from natural gas domestic burners and found high concentrations in stove tops, emitting larger amounts of ultrafine particles. The study provides important insights into the environmental health consequences associated with common home appliances.
This Festschrift issue honors Dr. Judah Folkman's groundbreaking contributions to lymphatic research and biology. Leading scientists share their findings on the impact of his work, including increased lymphatic supply to cancerous lesions and new trends in cancer therapy.
This year marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his theory. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News is celebrating this milestone by interviewing leading researchers in evolutionary science, including experts on Darwin.
The US Air Force is integrating medical acupuncture into its military healthcare, utilizing a technique developed by Dr. Richard Niemtzow to relieve severe pain lasting several days. This approach reduces reliance on pain medications that may cause adverse reactions or addiction, offering a promising alternative for pain management in ...
A study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the potential risks associated with infant exposure to environmental chemicals like dioxins. The authors advise healthcare providers to continue encouraging breastfeeding, despite some risks.
A study published in Breastfeeding Medicine highlights the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining immune system function throughout life. Long-term vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, and cancer.
Researchers are exploring the PI3-kinase pathway's role in cancer, with studies showing its inhibition can suppress tumor growth and cell survival. The pathway is also involved in angiogenesis, differentiation, and cell growth, making it a critical target for novel therapies.
Biotech scientists are applying genomics technologies to toxicology research to better understand the effects of novel drug candidates. This trend towards predictive toxicogenomics aims to develop a new compound's mechanism of action and predict toxicity, with several companies and consortia already working on this technology.
Researchers are developing methods to model pathways, interpret data, and derive therapeutic targets from biological networks. Biological systems are governed by vast networks of interacting molecules, and scientists are investigating signaling pathways for receptor tyrosine kinases.
Molecular diagnostic products are based on cutting-edge research in genomics and proteomics, enabling early detection of cancer and optimizing drug therapy. Companies like Roche, Myriad Genetics, and Genomic Health are well-positioned for future growth with their genetic tests and companion diagnostics.
A new study published in J Palliative Medicine found that more than half of US hospitals offer palliative care services, but availability varies widely across the country. Not-for-profit hospitals and midwestern/western regions have seen significant growth in palliative care adoption.
A new study suggests that short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) may exhibit non-specific therapeutic effects related to immune stimulation. The researchers used a mouse model of influenza and demonstrated that the anti-viral activity of siRNA is mainly due to non-specific stimulation of the immune system.
NASA's Mars exploration program aims to analyze Martian samples using tools and instruments on Earth. The program provides a critical component of bringing samples back to Earth, enabling precise measurements and definitive life-detection assays.
Researchers are developing novel hit-to-lead drug discovery strategies utilizing a combination of high-throughput screening, miniaturization, and advanced data analysis. This approach enables the identification of promising compounds with increased efficiency, leading to faster and more effective disease treatments.
A collection of state-of-the-art reports highlights the benefits of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) in achieving improved glucose control. SMBG has been shown to significantly improve glucose control, complements A1C results, and guides patient self-management of diabetes at home.
The home telehealth and remote patient monitoring market is projected to grow at a rate of 70% over the next three to five years, driven by increasing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare services. The combined average annual revenue growth of consumer companies in this market is even more explosive, reaching up to 193.5%.
The premier issue of Environmental Justice explores adverse environmental burdens on marginalized populations, legal challenges, and activism. The journal aims to provide a balanced assessment of environmental inequalities locally, nationally, and globally.
Researchers have successfully treated late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) with gene therapy, slowing disease progression in children. The treatment, which replaces the faulty CLN2 gene, demonstrated significant improvements over an 18-month period.
Companies like UCB Pharma and CeeTox are using cell-based assays to assess the toxic characteristics of small molecule compounds. This early identification can improve clinical trial results and reduce the time to market.
The use of cell-based assays is increasing in early drug discovery work to test toxic effects, according to Genetic Engineering News. The technique offers a faster and lower-cost alternative, with market estimates projecting over $230 million by 2015.
Biotech companies are developing novel biomarkers to improve cancer diagnostic tests, potentially reducing treatment costs. Researchers at various institutions, including the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Wayne State University School of Medicine, are working on early detection tools for malignancies.
A study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine explores the concept of hope in ALS patients, revealing a range of coping capabilities that extend beyond physical disability. The research highlights several themes of hope, including personal fulfillment, social support, and spiritual beliefs.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood cell therapy significantly reduced amyloid-β and β-amyloid plaques in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease. The treatment modulates the immune system by suppressing CD40-CD40L activity, offering potential for targeting inflammatory responses associated with degenerative conditions.
Developing nations offer a ready supply of patients, large potential markets, and reduced competition for clinical trial sites. Companies conduct trials primarily in cities due to the presence of doctors, staff, and equipment similar to those found in Western conditions.
Researchers are studying the effects of over- or underexpression of specific miRNAs on disease development and inhibition. For instance, scientists identified miR-373 and miR-520c, which promote tumor metastasis.
RNA interference represents an innovative strategy for silencing specific genes associated with disease processes, and a series of review articles will focus on its potential therapeutic applications. The technology has been approved for at least six clinical trials and is considered to be here to stay.
A series of commentaries in Human Gene Therapy explores key controversies surrounding patient recruitment and trial management in gene therapy trials. The authors discuss the challenges of patients comprehending lengthy and technical study descriptions and consent forms, and propose innovative strategies for improving informed consent.
Genetic Alliance has named Genetic Testing as its official journal, a peer-reviewed publication reporting on genetic testing aspects. The alliance aims to advance healthcare through informed decision-making and partnership among stakeholders.
Researchers have developed four unique human parthenogenetic stem cell lines that are HLA-homozygous, reducing the risk of provoking an immune reaction. These lines can serve as a renewable source of transplantable cells for treating genetic and degenerative diseases.
The study outlines strategic directions in tissue engineering, focusing on angiogenic control, stem cell science, and molecular/systems biology to provide engineered tissues with adequate blood supply and integrate knowledge at the cellular and molecular level.
A National Academy report attributes gender inequality in academia to unconscious biases and archaic university structures. The editorial advocates for educating the academic community about unconscious bias and reforming the tenure system to promote women's career growth.
AIDS Patient Care and STDs has been selected as one of seven papers presented orally at the NIH Launch of the Council of Science Editors' Global Theme Issue on Poverty and Human Development. The paper explores the importance of human resources for treating HIV/AIDS, highlighting gaps in needs assessment and capacity building.
The Council of Science Editors has organized a Global Theme Issue on Poverty and Human Development, with contributions from Mary Ann Liebert journals. Research papers discuss HIV/AIDS treatment, breastfeeding as a solution to poverty, and the social responsibility of naturopathic physicians in addressing human development.