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Follow the ant trail for drug design

A new simulation module developed at ETH Zurich uses an ant algorithm to predict the interaction of molecules with human proteins, identifying potential side effects and optimizing molecular design. The module can now design new active agents in minutes, suggesting necessary chemical synthesis steps.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 17, 2014

Are you big pharma's new target market?

A study from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business found that prescription drug brand personality has two distinct dimensions: competence and innovativeness. Consumers prefer overall competence, while innovativeness is associated with uniqueness and originality.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Marketing·DateFeb 4, 2014

Salk scientists crack riddle of important drug target

Researchers at the Salk Institute created a new approach to determine the structure of key cellular receptors using artificial amino acids, revealing crucial details about their binding pockets. This breakthrough could aid in designing drugs that target diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 2, 2013

Quantitative approaches provide new perspective on development of antibiotic resistance

Researchers at UC San Diego used quantitative models and microfluidic devices to study bacterial growth and evolution of drug resistance. They found that the expression of resistance genes depends on the bacterial colony's growth status and the effectiveness of the resistance mechanism. The interaction between drug and resistance is co...

Penn study shows automated prediction alert helps identify patients at risk for 30-day readmission

A Penn Medicine study found that an automated prediction tool can accurately identify patients at risk of being readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The tool, developed by researchers, uses prior hospital admissions as a key predictor, and has been shown to reduce readmissions by 31% compared to those without the flag.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013

Research paves path for hybrid nano-materials that could replace human tissue or today's pills

Researchers have made breakthrough in understanding protein polymers' interaction with other self-assembling biopolymers, paving the way for engineered bio-composites for various medical applications. The discovery has potential for biodegradable and biocompatible materials, such as drug delivery systems and tissue growth scaffolding.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateNov 21, 2013

New discovery in quest for better drugs

Researchers at Monash University have combined computer modelling with pharmacology to gain new insights into how the body interacts with novel drug treatments. The study reveals alternative drug recognition sites on G protein-coupled receptors, which play a role in virtually every biological process and most diseases.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2013

A strategy for combating drug-resistant cancers

Researchers have identified a compound, I-Lys, that disrupts the interaction between CASP7 and XIAP in drug-resistant cancer cells, leading to activation of cell death and reduction in malignancies. The study suggests a promising approach for combating drug-resistant cancers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

Doctor-patient communication about dietary supplements could use a vitamin boost

A new UCLA-led study found that primary care physicians rarely discuss the risks and benefits of dietary supplements with their patients. The study analyzed audio recordings from over 1,400 office visits and discovered that only six out of 738 supplements were discussed in detail regarding all five major topics.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateJul 1, 2013

Doctors should screen for frailty to prevent deaths

Frailty affects 5-10% of people over 70, leading to increased death rates, poor function, and hospitalizations. Screening with the FRAIL questionnaire can identify frail individuals and guide treatment with exercise, nutrition supplements, vitamin D, and reduced medications.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 5, 2013

But what does it do?

A comprehensive online database of human phosphatases and their substrates has been created to aid researchers in understanding cellular reactions. The database, DEPOD, groups phosphatases into families based on three-dimensional structure, enabling the identification of known substrates and suggestion of new ones.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 14, 2013

Mice with 'humanized' livers improve early drug testing, Stanford scientists show

Researchers characterized a drug about to enter clinical development by using mouse models with humanized livers, accurately predicting significant aspects of its behavior in humans. The findings hold huge implications for drug development, hinting that the drug could be both safe and effective in treating hepatitis C

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateOct 31, 2012

Internal relations

Researchers at Kansas State University are working on developing a flexible but standardized and secure communication network for medical devices. The team aims to enable devices to monitor and reason about patient health, reducing security problems as devices become more complex.