Research on discovering and developing new drugs. Covers structure-revealing tools, eye-disease mechanisms, protein screening, and once-daily oral medicines.
A Bayer BP team introduced six decision points to help determine whether to continue developing a new drug for dissolving blood clots. The process has improved forecasting technical and market risks, allowing for more informed decisions.
Researchers are working towards individualized treatments using DNA chip technology to analyze gene expression and detect host genetic polymorphisms. This approach aims to optimize drug selection and doses at a molecular level, reducing toxicity and improving patient outcomes for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
A study found that HIV patients with cognitive impairment who took medications three times a day had lower adherence rates than those on simpler schedules. Researchers suggest giving simpler dosing to help patients stick to their medication schedules.
Graham Dukes argues that the pharmaceutical industry prioritizes shareholder interests over global public health. He criticizes the industry's practices, including excessive pricing and promotional activities, which do not account for societal needs.
Studying genetically engineered mice that lack specific PDE4 subtypes, researchers found that inhibition of PDE4D mediates much of the emetic response. The study aims to develop subtype-specific inhibitors effective in airways without affecting other tissues.
A new study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists can increase heart rate and blood pressure in animals, suggesting potential risks for diabetes treatment. The findings may impact the use of these agents in humans with Type II diabetes.
In a large clinical trial, patients with impaired glucose tolerance who took acarbose were 25% less likely to develop type-2 diabetes than those taking placebo. Acarbose also helped reversion of impaired glucose tolerance to normal glucose tolerance. The main side effects were flatulence and diarrhea.
Researchers created mice with human alpha-synuclein gene to study MSA pathology. Healthy cells do not produce this protein, while affected cells form insoluble inclusion bodies.
Researchers describe atomic structure of rotavirus protein NSP2, which drives viral genome replication and packaging. Identifying this protein as a potential target for anti-viral drugs could help combat rotavirus infections.
Researchers developed method for biodegradable polymer microspheres with precise size and shell thickness, enabling controlled-release drug delivery and single-shot vaccinations. The technology can generate constant rate of release over time, improving patient comfort and compliance.
The UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry will provide annual conferences, consultation services, and education campaigns to support SACPA's goal of reducing crime and improving health outcomes for non-violent offenders. The partnership aims to address the root causes of addiction as a public health issue.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a marine compound, pateamine A, with immunosuppressive properties. The study could lead to the development of new immunosuppressive drugs, and pharmaceutical companies are already inquiring about licensing the compound.
Murray Goodman, a bioorganic chemist at the University of California, San Diego, has developed new strategies to create more effective and selective drugs. His research aims to mimic the action of peptides, which help direct processes in the body, and improve upon their natural opioids.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that can be infected with the hepatitis C virus, allowing them to test new therapies and study viral replication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 175 million people worldwide.
A study assessing guideline quality found 64.6% needed modification, while drug company sponsorship negatively impacted quality. Efforts to promote well-developed guidelines in Ontario are underway.
A public-private partnership has been launched to combat osteoarthritis, a chronic disease affecting millions of Americans. The Osteoarthritis Initiative will provide critical funding and resources for clinical research centers to establish natural history databases and biospecimen repositories.
A UC Berkeley scientist proposes that chromosome reassortment, rather than genetic mutations, is the cause of cancer's tendency to develop drug resistance. This theory suggests aneuploid cells, with abnormal numbers of chromosomes, are more prone to producing drug-resistant cancer cells.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have discovered a genetic mutation in the MAD2 protein that makes cancer cells genetically unstable and resistant to chemotherapy drugs. This finding may lead to new treatments and diagnostic markers for aggressive tumors.
Researchers used 'gene chips' to analyze the effects of two antibiotics on bacteria, revealing distinct gene signatures that can aid in developing novel antibiotics. This technology helps classify and combat increasingly resistant bacterial strains.
A study found that pneumatic compression and extended anticoagulant drug therapy lower the risk of developing symptomatic blood clots after hip replacement surgery, with overweight patients most at risk. Pneumatic compression was effective in normal-weight patients, while warfarin therapy benefited all patients.
Scientists have nearly eliminated pre-cancerous colon polyps in mice susceptible to colon tumors by combining an aspirin-like compound with a drug that inhibits epidermal growth factor activity. The combination therapy successfully blocked the development of pre-cancerous polyps and reduced cancerous tumor formation by over 95%.
Researchers at Purdue University have devised a way to stabilize nanoparticles made of metal by wrapping them in a molecular coating. This process prevents the nanoparticles from fusing together and allows for easy manipulation, opening doors to new nano-structured materials.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a procedure that virtually eliminates tissue growth and subsequent blockages after angioplasty, reducing the risk by 90%. The ceramide-coated balloon catheters inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell growth, preventing arterial obstruction.
Virginia Tech dairy scientist R. Michael Akers has greatly advanced understanding of mammary gland development, growth factors, and transgenic technology worldwide. His research discovered new information about growth hormone regulation and produced transgenic mice that synthesize IGF-I in their mammary tissue.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded $15 million in grants to 45 scientists worldwide to develop new approaches for treating various infectious and parasitic diseases. The selected researchers will focus on specific diseases or study underlying biological processes to control or cure these conditions.
Dr. Paul Janssen received the CINP-Pfizer Pioneers in Psychopharmacology Award for his work revolutionizing treatment of psychosis and introducing risperidone, a first-choice antipsychotic worldwide.
Over 5,000 experts worldwide support the Durban Declaration, stating that HIV is the cause of AIDS and urging governments to focus on prevention efforts. The declaration aims to eliminate misinformation and mobilize the world to combat the devastating consequences of AIDS.
Scientists discovered that a specific protein controls the developmental destiny of white blood cells. Increasing or decreasing this protein's levels can direct the cells' fate, raising hopes for new therapies.
A recent study suggests that aspirin-like drugs could be useful in treating cancer by reducing tumor growth and angiogenesis. The researchers found that eliminating the gene for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) or using COX-2 inhibitors significantly slowed down lung tumor growth in animal models.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine confirms Requip's efficacy in managing early Parkinson's disease symptoms with a low risk of developing dyskinesias. Patients taking Requip alone were seven times more likely to remain dyskinesia-free than those on levodopa alone.
A study published in JAMA found that nurse home visits to pregnant women and their families significantly improved health outcomes for years to come. The program reduced time on welfare, increased stability in family structure, and promoted economic self-sufficiency among mothers.
Researchers are developing a bioartificial liver that can filter blood toxins and provide temporary support for patients with severe liver failure. The device is being upgraded with freshly isolated pig liver cells and a pulsating bioreactor to improve performance, and the first human clinical trials are scheduled to begin soon.
A new diode laser technique developed by MGH dermatologist Eliot Battle successfully removes excessive hair from individuals with darker ethnic skin. The longer-wavelength laser light and slower pulse delivery reduce damage to the surrounding skin, enabling patients with darker skin tones to tolerate higher energy dosages.
A new rapid and reliable method for detecting tuberculosis has been developed, using the microscopic observation broth-drug susceptibility assay (MODS). The test is inexpensive and sensitive enough to be used in the field by health officers in developing countries.
The University of Illinois at Chicago's bioengineering department has received a $990,000 grant to strengthen its programs in interfacial molecular bioengineering. With the funding, UIC plans to develop new curriculum and prepare graduates with skills to understand both biology and science in emerging technologies.
A study found that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is critical to embryonic development, increasing the risk of prenatal and postnatal death. The deficiency also increases the incidence of birth defects in fetuses exposed to oxidative stress.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered a biological mechanism in mice that prolongs morphine's painkilling effects by eliminating a protein switch called beta-arrestin 2. This finding may lead to the development of new drugs that enhance morphine's action and reduce side effects.
Research suggests that poverty has a greater impact on the mental development of children exposed to cocaine before birth, even when controlling for IQ scores and preschool attendance. Children who had been exposed to cocaine performed no worse than low-income children without cocaine exposure in problem-solving tests.
A new pediatric cancer program in El Salvador has shown remarkable success, achieving remission and cure rates of over 80% for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This model program, developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, aims to improve survival rates for children with cancer worldwide.
World leaders discuss economic, ethical and human rights issues underlying healthcare resource allocation for HIV/AIDS. The meeting highlights the need for better balance of resources between prevention and treatment, as well as access to essential drugs and treatments.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new target for drugs that inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists show promise in blocking endothelial cell migration and preventing blood vessel formation associated with tumors.
A new report from Dr. Anthony-Samuel LaMantia suggests a possible neuro-developmental theory of schizophrenia linked to altered brain development during the first three months of pregnancy. Abnormalities in retinoic acid signaling pathways may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
A study of 12,330 men and women aged 45-64 found that those with high levels of white blood cells, albumin, or fibrinogen were at higher risk of developing diabetes. The research suggests that inflammation may play a central role in the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a critical molecular link between endothelial cells and the development of new blood vessels. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for heart disease and cancer with fewer side effects.
A new drug has been developed to target E.coli infections, reducing the risk of kidney damage by half in trials. The drug, developed by Synsorb Biotech, works by mimicking the receptors on gut cells to which the bacterium's deadly 'shiga' toxin binds, allowing it to mop up the toxin undigested.
A study at Brown University found that 'bad' brain experiences can lead to stronger connections and improved brain function during infancy. Researchers tested the effect of eyelid closure versus blocking electrical activity in one eye on neural connections, finding that eyelid closure caused more severe weakening.
Researchers found that DES exposure suppresses a gene crucial for normal reproductive tract development in mice, leading to changes similar to those seen in women exposed to DES before birth. These changes can result in infertility and an increased risk of developing clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix at a young age.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awards Wake Forest University School of Medicine a $1.9 million grant to develop a national technical assistance program for adult day centers, building on successful programs from 1987 and 1992.
Researchers are studying the genetic mechanisms of Nostoc commune, a microorganism that can survive in dry conditions for hundreds or thousands of years. The goal is to understand how it protects itself from heat, desiccation, and UV radiation, with potential applications for stabilizing other living cells.
Dr. Brundtland highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as education and poverty reduction, to build healthy populations in healthy communities. She stresses the need for multi-sectoral action and collaboration with other agencies to tackle pressing public health needs.
A study found that women with longstanding hypertension are more likely to develop preeclampsia if they have a history of high blood pressure and protein in the urine early in pregnancy. Women who developed preeclampsia were also more likely to experience complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Dr. David Noever's project aims to classify tiny life forms on Earth and in Mars samples using shape analysis, leveraging AI and neural networks. The 'D'Arcy Machine', a network of volunteer computers, will help process the massive dataset.
Researchers found that blocking beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (BARK) can prevent heart failure in mice genetically engineered to develop the disease. The study suggests a fundamental abnormality in the beta-adrenergic receptor system is at the root of causing heart failure.
Researchers found that women with the p53Arg gene variation are seven times more likely to develop cervical cancer due to HPV infection. The study suggests that this genetic variation may confer a strong susceptibility to skin cancers linked to HPV and ultra-violet radiation exposure.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has selected seven top care centers to participate in an innovative Therapeutics Development Center network. This model will enable researchers to quickly translate laboratory discoveries into new therapies, with the goal of developing life-saving treatments for cystic fibrosis.
Researchers have developed new 'green' materials derived from chlorophyll, which can be used to overcome limitations of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating bulky solid tumors. These materials can kill cancer cells in tissue culture and mice while minimizing side effects.
Harvard Medical School researchers have isolated a gene, Crx, that plays a key role in photoreceptor development. The findings suggest that Crx could help prevent blindness in people with retinal disease by regulating the expression of genes unique to photoreceptors.
The Sandia-developed explosives-detection portal uses chemical preconcentrator technology to identify passengers with recent exposure to explosive chemicals. The portal has been tested on over 2,000 passengers to gauge acceptance and performance.
A recent study led by Professor Susan Fisher of the University of California at San Francisco found that low oxygen levels regulate cell proliferation in early pregnancy, controlling placental development. The team also discovered a process similar to cancerous growth occurs when cells invade healthy tissue under low-oxygen conditions.
A recent study suggests that many people have unrealistic views of the power of hypnosis, with 28% of warned subjects and 44% of non-warned subjects developing false memories. Researchers warn that warnings are only partially effective in preventing pseudomemories.