A major step in the development of the vertebrate embryo – the establishment of a back that morphs into a brain, spinal cord and muscles – turns out to be so important that the body uses at least three signals to make sure it happens properly.

The discovery, reported this month in the journal Developmental Cell by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, finally explains an 80-year-old observation that revolutionized the way biologists think about embryonic and fe

A team from the chemistry and biology departments of New York University, in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), has uncovered a conformational switch–a change in shape in a carcinogen-damaged DNA site–in tumor suppressor genes altered by a known cancer-causing chemical found in cigarette smoke. This finding may open new horizons for understanding the initiation of chemically induced cancers.

The findings appear as the cover story in the latest iss

UCLA biochemists have determined the three-dimensional structure of a major domain of telomerase, the enzyme that helps maintain telomeres – small pieces of DNA on the ends of chromosomes that act as protective caps — allowing DNA ends to be copied completely when cells are replicated.

This is the first major piece of telomerase for which the structure is known. Telomerase plays a key role in most cancers, and this work ultimately may lead to targets for drug intervention, the

Genetically engineered mice closely mimic what happens to people who have dry form of age-related macular degeneration

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed genetically engineered mice that closely mimic what happens to humans who suffer from the juvenile, or dry, form of age-related macular degeneration. The findings are reported in the March 4, 2005 Early Online Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The mice express a mutant ELOV4 gene t

Results Provide End-to-End Experimental Demonstration of Future DNA Sequencing Technology, Lay Groundwork for Human Re-sequencing

Solexa today announced the completion of its first genome sequence, that of the virus Phi-X 174. The company announced genome coverage of 100%, accuracy of at least 99.93% and the detection of at least three mutations subsequently confirmed by conventional DNA sequencing techniques. This accuracy was achieved despite a number of sub-sequences, which are

Within a year a group of Spanish researchers are planning to market a remote cardiac monitoring system that has the potential to revolutionise healthcare for people with heart problems, granting them greater independence, peace of mind and quality of life.

The system, developed over two years by the IST programme project CardioSmart, will allow patients to “have a doctor by their side 24 hours a day” whether they are at home, in the street or even in another country, according to

A project to study new and innovative ways of diagnosing and treating cancer is underway thanks to a grant of 10.4 million euros from the ’Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health’ thematic area of the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

CANCERDEGRADOME brings together the expertise of 41 scientists from 13 countries who, looking mainly on four of the most prolific types of cancer (breast, prostate, colorectal and skin), will focus on the complement of gen

Could cut use of angiograms and bypass surgery, as well as patient costs

Using positron emission tomography (PET) scanning rather than other types of imaging as the first tool to diagnose heart-vessel blockages is more accurate, less invasive and saves dollars, a study by University at Buffalo researchers has shown. The research findings were presented today (March 8, 2005) at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in Orlando, Fla.

Resul

Dental medicine is on the brink of profound change due, in large measure, to unprecedented advances in science and technology. Advances in stem cell biology will improve our understanding of degenerative diseases and assist in developing therapies for replacing damaged or diseased parts/tissues.

During the 83rd General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, convening today at the Baltimore Convention Center, several research groups are reporting on dramatic progress

Two papers published in tandem in the New England Journal of Medicine

A large international study conducted by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute of Canada(NCIC) Clinical Trials Group demonstrated that the addition of a novel chemotherapy agent, Temozolomide (brand name: Temodal®) to radiation therapy increases survival in patients suffering from glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of a brain tu

A Northwestern University researcher has developed the first truly reliable measure of neurobehavioral functioning during coma from severe brain injury that predicts recovery of consciousness up to one year after injury, with up to 86 percent certainty. Theresa Louise-Bender Pape, assistant research professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and her colleagues described the measure, called Disorders of Consciousness Scale© (DOCS) in

About a year before her surgery, the symptoms of stress incontinence started to control Ellen Jay’s life (not her real name). She was constantly worrying that her bladder might empty again without warning and wore pads all the time to avoid embarrassment.

She tried special exercises to strengthen her pelvic muscles and several medications but nothing seemed to help. Then, Jay’s gynecologist referred her to the Center for Women’s Continence and Pelvic Health at Cedars-Sinai M

Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), in Montreal, have identified a new gene to combat cancer. In a new study, published in the on-line edition of the journal Clinical Cancer Research this week, the researchers document a reduction in the growth of both colon and lung cancer tumors with inhibition of the gene.

The new target gene is called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, or MTHFR. Researchers were able to inhibit the function of the gene by creating a

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are not inevitable with aging.

In recent years, researchers have identified many factors that may slow or prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The March issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter outlines some.

* Control diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and obesity. There’s increasing evidence that these major risk factors for heart disease and stroke may also predispose people to dementia

Important information that could optimise the diagnosis and management of chest pain patients is often lacking on referral between primary and secondary care, according to an influential multidisciplinary working group of the Angina Forum. In a bid to tackle the situation, the group has developed a template for use by both general practices and rapid access chest pain clinics (RACPCs).

The move follows a meeting of the Forum’s expert working group, which highlighted the major prob

Findings presented at ACC Scientific Sessions show improving serum sodium levels may improve outcomes

Research presented on Monday at the American College of Cardiology’s Scientific Sessions in Orlando pinpoints a major marker of a poor prognosis for heart failure, hyponatremia, or a lower than normal concentration of serum or blood sodium. Researchers found that hyponatremia, which is found in almost a quarter of patients with severe heart failure, doubled death rates withi