Late breaking news

July 4th, 2009

Double Success For Instituto Gulbenkian De Ciencia Scientists Working On Chromosome Segregation

Lars Jansen’s work on the formation of the centromere, a key cellular structure in powering and controlling chromosome segregation and accurate cell division, has just earned him a paper in Nature Cell Biology and a prestigious EMBO installation grant, of 50,000 euro per year, for a maximum of five years.

The Very First All Spanish "Surgery Robot" Is Now Operating In Malaga

The routine use of this first commercial robot assistant culminates the process of investigation, development, technology transfer and the marketing of this robot. Four years ago the Spanish company SENER became interested in the ongoing research by the Medical Robotics Group of the University of Malaga.

Working Towards An Optical Integrated Circuit

ETH Zurich researchers have successfully created an optical transistor from a single molecule. This has brought them one step closer to an optical computer. Internet connections and computers need to be ever faster and more powerful nowadays. However, conventional central processing units (CPUs) limit the performance of computers, for example because they produce an enormous amount of heat.

Homeopathy At Risk Of Being Lost In Translation

Homeopathy risks being subsumed by modern medicine, argues a historian of science. Not only does this means that homeopathy’s heroes have become mere footnotes in history, but it could limit homeopathy’s potential to contribute to the treatment of today’s pressing medical problems, she says.

Rampant Helper Syndrome Methane-producing Molecule Can Also Repair DNA

Catalysts assist in chemical reactions without undergoing any alteration of their own. In the cells of living organisms, proteins perform this important function. They carry out the metabolism fundamental to all living processes. Proteins are instrumental in cellular respiration, they for instance reduce oxygen to water and oxidize food into carbon dioxide.

Loneliness Among Older People, Study

Professor Bo Malmberg and Professor Gerdt Sundstrm at the School of Health Sciences in Jnkping, Sweden have studied loneliness among older people. A common stereotype about older people is that loneliness is typical for older women, rather than for older men.

Late breaking news

July 4th, 2009

Double Success For Instituto Gulbenkian De Ciencia Scientists Working On Chromosome Segregation

Lars Jansen’s work on the formation of the centromere, a key cellular structure in powering and controlling chromosome segregation and accurate cell division, has just earned him a paper in Nature Cell Biology and a prestigious EMBO installation grant, of 50,000 euro per year, for a maximum of five years.

The Very First All Spanish "Surgery Robot" Is Now Operating In Malaga

The routine use of this first commercial robot assistant culminates the process of investigation, development, technology transfer and the marketing of this robot. Four years ago the Spanish company SENER became interested in the ongoing research by the Medical Robotics Group of the University of Malaga.

Working Towards An Optical Integrated Circuit

ETH Zurich researchers have successfully created an optical transistor from a single molecule. This has brought them one step closer to an optical computer. Internet connections and computers need to be ever faster and more powerful nowadays. However, conventional central processing units (CPUs) limit the performance of computers, for example because they produce an enormous amount of heat.

Homeopathy At Risk Of Being Lost In Translation

Homeopathy risks being subsumed by modern medicine, argues a historian of science. Not only does this means that homeopathy’s heroes have become mere footnotes in history, but it could limit homeopathy’s potential to contribute to the treatment of today’s pressing medical problems, she says.

July 4th, 2009

Novel AIDS Vaccine Strategy Partnered By Japan’s DNAVEC And IAVI
Novel AIDS Vaccine Strategy Partnered By Japan’s DNAVEC And IAVI
The New York-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and DNAVEC Corporation have announced a collaboration to jointly develop an AIDS vaccine using DNAVEC’s Sendai virus (SeV) vector technology. The candidate will be designed to be administered intra-nasally to stimulate immune responses in both the blood and mucosal tissues, the initial point of entry for HIV. [click link for full article]

Late breaking news

July 3rd, 2009

Successful Initial Safety Tests For Genetically-modified Rice That Fights Allergy - Journal Of Agricultural And Food Chemistry

In a first-of-its-kind advance toward the next generation of genetically modified foods - intended to improve consumers’ health - researchers in Japan are reporting that a new transgenic rice designed to fight a common pollen allergy appears safe in animal studies. Their report is in the current issue of ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.

Pharmacy Allergy Screening Service At Hampton Court Flower Show

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and Allergy UK are offering the community pharmacy allergy screening service to members of the public attending the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show from 7 July to 12 July. Representatives from the NPA and Allergy UK will be at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show answering people’s questions on allergy and arranging appointments for allergy screening with a pharmacist.

Landmark Data Presented At The British Society For Allergy And Clinical Immunology Shows Hay Fever Vaccine Could Be A Reality

New data presented at the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) annual meeting demonstrate that Grazax is the first tablet treatment to provide sustained disease control in patients with grass pollen rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever) after the treatment period ended. This is the first time disease modification by sublingual allergy immunotherapy tablets has been achieved; effectively re-setting the immune system to reduce future allergic reactions to grass pollen.

July 2nd, 2009

Hispanic Women Benefit From High Blood Pressure Medication Strategy
Hispanic Women Benefit From High Blood Pressure Medication Strategy
Hispanic women with hypertension and coronary artery disease respond better to drug regimens aimed at controlling high blood pressure than non-Hispanic white women, University of Florida researchers report. [click link for full article]

July 1st, 2009

Exposure To Cats A Bigger Problem Than People Realize
Exposure To Cats A Bigger Problem Than People Realize
If you suffer from an allergy, not necessarily a cat allergy, the presence of cats could exacerbate your existing allergy, say researchers from Imperial College London. You do not need to have cats in your house for this to happen, they could live nearby, say the researchers. You can read about this study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. [click link for full article]

Late breaking news

July 1st, 2009

News From The American Chemical Society, June 24, 2009

Potential new drugs: 970 million and still counting Like astronomers counting stars in the familiar universe of outer space, chemists in Switzerland are reporting the latest results of a survey of chemical space - the so-called chemical universe where tomorrow’s miracle drugs may reside. The scientists conclude, based on this phase of the ongoing count, that there are 970 million chemicals suitable for study as new drugs.

Scientists Receive 4.3 Million For Pioneering Asthma And Allergy-Prevention Research, London

Researchers at St George’s, University of London have been awarded 4.3 million by the Wellcome Trust for the development of a unique new class of drugs to target the root cause of asthma and allergies. The new Allergen Delivery Inhibitors may be superior to existing medicines, which mainly relieve symptoms. The research team, led by Professor Clive Robinson, has identified novel, drug-like chemical compounds that combat asthma and allergic diseases of the nose, eyes and skin.

Top Food Scientist To Target Hidden Fish Allergens, Pork, With New Tests

The odds of contracting mad cow disease from banned or adulterated bovine protein lurking in raw or processed food for humans or meat-bone meal for livestock have declined over the past decade. So have the risks of purchasing fishy imposters billed as red snapper, ground beef that isn’t all cow, or spoiled meat that doesn’t look or smell bad yet.

Virtual Patient To Improve Treatment For Allergy Sufferers

Keele University has developed a new programme to be used with its innovative Virtual Patient system to help pharmacists train in dispensing medication and providing advice on the treatment of hay fever and allergies. With the summer fast approaching and pollen counts set to rise, the number of people seeking help for allergies will be on the increase.

American Lung Association Teams With The AAAAI To Award Research Grants To Study Allergic Respiratory Disease

The American Lung Association and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology are partnering to further clinical research to benefit the estimated 40 to 50 million of Americans living with allergic diseases such as asthma. Through the Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award, the American Lung Association and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology will award up to three, two-year research grants valued at $50,000 annually to outstanding investigators.

Early Infection And Protection Against Allergies?

When infected, the body has two types of immune defence to deploy innate immunity and acquired immunity. In her dissertation, Shanie Saghafian Hedengren studies monocytes, a type of white blood corpuscles that are part of the innate immune system. “Innate immunity plays a crucial role at the beginning of life as protection against bacteria and other microbes, since the acquired immune system is not fully developed at that stage.

Knocking The Wind Out Of Asthmatics: Help From Hippocrates

Last week the FDA knocked the wind out of asthmatics by requesting the manufacturers of Singulair, a popular leukotriene blocking asthma and allergy drug, to upgrade their warning against psychotic side effects. Further respiratory distress was imposed on Zicam users when the FDA also last week announced warnings that the drug may cause a loss of smell.

Urologist And Allergist Explore Link Between Allergies And Interstitial Cystitis

Allergy testing and treatment may offer a new therapeutic option for many patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is a severely painful bladder condition affecting as many as 8 million women and 1.5 million men in the United States. Patients and the providers who treat them have long noticed a correlation between allergies and IC.

New All-Natural Capsaicin-Based, Zinc-Free Nasal Spray Is Effective In Relieving Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis

Researchers from Strategic BioSciences, together with investigators from the Institute for Asthma and Allergy (Wheaton, MD) reported that the new all-natural product is safe and effective in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis. MucoAd is a mucoadhesive molecule (hypromellose) that prolongs contact with the nasal surface so that the nasal spray is well tolerated, lasts longer, and repeat dosing is needed less frequently.

Moisture And Humidity Tips From DampRid May Aid Allergy Suffers

With one in five, or 60 million, Americans suffering from some kind of allergy, spring and summer can be a difficult time of year as pollen, moisture and humidity increase. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are considered the fifth leading chronic disease and are a major cause of work absenteeism, resulting in nearly four million missed or lost workdays each year.

Late breaking news

June 30th, 2009

Discovery Of New Trigger For Chronic Inflammation In Rheumatoid Arthritis

A signal molecule made by the human body that triggers the immune system into action may be important in rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research published in Nature Medicine. The authors of the study, from Imperial College London, say that if scientists could block this signal, it may be possible to develop more effective arthritis treatments. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease, affecting around 1 in 100 people.

Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Had Poor Response To Other Drugs Could Have Better Results With Golimumab

An article published Online First and in this week’s edition of reports information about Golimumab, a new tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) inhibitor. It reduces the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have previously received any other TNF- inhibitor. This drug might be a good alternative for patients who have inadequate responses to one or two other TNF- inhibitors. Over three million people in Europe and about 1.

Arthritis Drug Shows Promise In Clinical Trial

A clinical trial of masitinib, a drug in development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has shown it to be well tolerated and effective. Researchers writing in BioMed Central’s open access journal Arthritis Research and Therapy have shown that treatment with masitinib significantly reduced the severity of active arthritis.

Total Knee Replacements Increase Mobility And Motor Skills In Older Patients

According to a new study from researchers at Duke University, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures performed in older patients with osteoarthritis of the knee result in long-term, significant improvement of physical functioning and motor skills when compared to patients who do not receive TKA.

Cimzia(R), The Only PEGylated Anti-TNF, Recommended For Approval In The EU For Rheumatoid Arthritis

UCB announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has issued a positive opinion recommending that the European Commission grants a marketing authorisation for Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), in combination with methotrexate (MTX), for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when the response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including MTX, has been inadequate.

June 29th, 2009

Option To License Pexiganan, Topical Anti-Infective For Treatment Of Diabetic Foot Infection,
Option To License Pexiganan, Topical Anti-Infective For Treatment Of Diabetic Foot Infection,
MacroChem Corporation (OTCBB: MACM - News) has announced that it has signed an exclusive option to acquire exclusive worldwide license rights for drug uses of pexiganan, a novel, small peptide anti-infective for topical treatment of patients with mild diabetic foot infection (DFI), from Genaera Corporation (Genaera). [click link for full article]

Late breaking news

June 29th, 2009

What Is Osteoporosis? What Causes Osteoporosis?

The bones of people with osteoporosis become thin and weak. The word “osteo” comes from the Greek osteon meaning “bone”, while “porosis” comes from the Greek poros meaning “hole, passage”.

Eight Miami-Area Residents Charged In $22 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Home Health Care Agencies

Eight Miami-Dade County, Fla., residents have been indicted in connection with an alleged $22 million Medicare fraud scheme operated out of Miami businesses purporting to specialize in home health care services, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman of the Southern District of Florida, and Daniel R.

HearAtLast To Launch Exclusive Groundbreaking Neuro-CompensatorTM Technology Hearing Aids From VitaSound

HearAtLast Holdings, Inc.

NMC Statement Re Gosport War Memorial Hospital

The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) is extremely concerned about the length of time that it is taking to resolve the issues for the families of former patients at Gosport War Memorial Hospital. There have been two police investigations, which concluded in 2007, followed by an inquest conducted by the local coroner and continuing proceedings before the General Medical Council (GMC).

NMC Announces New Director Of Standards And Registrations

The NMC announced the appointment of Roger Thompson as its new Director of Standards and Registration. Roger has been Interim Director of Standards and Registration since the appointment of Kathy George as NMC Chief Executive & Registrar in March 2009. Roger will start his new role with immediate effect.

Swine Flu UK Media Bulletin Issued At: 11am Thursday 25 June 2009

– 9 confirmed cases in Wales, including one new case: - A 22 year old male in Powys. He has been offered antivirals and is recovering. Close contacts have been identified. The NPHS is investigating the source of the infection. — 163 people have been under investigation in Wales.

New Rapid 4th Generation Point Of Care HIV Test Identifies Acute Infection Earlier Than Antibody Only Tests

The new 4th generation rapid HIV diagnostic test - Determine HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab Combo - from Inverness Medical is capable of detecting HIV infection several days earlier than HIV antibody only tests and is ideal to help diagnose and screen for early HIV infection.

1st Anticancer Drug For Animals Offers Human Treatment Possibilities

AB Science, a young Paris-based biotech company, announces the pan-European commercial launch of its Masivet veterinary anticancer drug in June 2009. Masivet was approved in November 2008 by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for the treatment of dogs with non-resectable grade 2 or 3 mast cell tumours. Masivet’s active pharmaceutical ingredient is masitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.