Genetherapy

Archive for the ‘Human Biology’ Category

Story Summary: A research project in the Academy of Finlands Research Program on Nutrition, Food and Health (ELVIRA) has brought new knowledge on the hereditary nature of gluten intolerance and identified genes that carry a higher risk of developing the condition. Research has shown that the genes in question are closely linked with the human immune system and the occurrence of inflammations, rather than being connected with the actual breakdown of gluten in the digestive tract. This is essential, because the condition is often relatively symptom-free, yet it can have serious complications unless treated. The research will be published in a forthcoming issue of Nature Genetics. Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune reaction in the small intestine. The gluten that occurs naturally in grains such as wheat, barley and rye causes damage to the intestinal villi, problems with nutrient absorption and potentially other problems too. Gluten intolerance is an inherited predisposition, and nearly all sufferers carry the genes that play a key part in the onset of the condition. The only known effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Journal Reference:Dubois et al. Multiple common variants for celiac disease influencing immune gene expression….Read the Full Story

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1. University Of The Basque Country Researcher Studies Genes Associated With Celiac Disease
2. Scientists to trial world first coeliac vaccine – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
3. New Risk Factor for Second-Most-Common Form of Early-Onset Dementia

Story Summary: People with EoE frequently have difficulty eating or may be allergic to one or more foods. This study further suggests that a suspected so-called master allergy gene may play a role in the development of this rare but debilitating disorder. Little is known about what causes EoE, but the disease runs in families suggesting that specific genes may be involved. This type of study detects markers of genetic variation across the entire human genome and allows researchers to zero in on a region of a chromosome to identify genes that influence health and the development of disease. In this study, the investigators identified changes in genes within a region on chromosome 5 that were highly associated with EoE. One of the genes in this region encodes a protein called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). TSLP is made by epithelial cells, which line internal and external surfaces of the body. It has already been described as a master switch that may turn on other allergic diseases, such as asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Future research is needed to determine if these findings might lead to a genetic test for TSLP and whether drugs that block the production or function of TSLP might be useful in treating EoE. ARTICLE: ME Rothenberg et al. Common variants at 5q22 associate with pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis. The Institutes research interests include: diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutrition, and obesity; and kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases. gov. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)The Nations Medical Research Agencyincludes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www….Read the Full Story

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1. NIAID media availability: New strategy proposed for designing antibody-based HIV vaccine
2. Gene Site Found for a Childrens Food Allergy
3. UCLA scientists identify gene linked to deadly disorder in newborns

Story Summary: Only recently recognized as a distinct condition, EoE, like other allergies, has been increasing over the past 20 years, and its reported incidence of one in 10,000 people may be an underestimate. The hallmark of EoE is swelling and inflammation in the esophagus, accompanied by high levels of immune cells called eosinophils. It can affect people of any age, but is more common among young men who have a history of other allergic diseases such as asthma and eczema. They then replicated the initial findings with additional DNA samples from EoE patients and controls at CHOP. TLSP holds the genetic code to produce a cytokine, a specific signaling protein that regulates inflammatory responses occurring in allergic diseases. Physicians then perform tests to determine which foods a child can or cannot eat. Eosinophilic esophagitis is a highly allergic disease, and one that is rapidly expanding, said allergist Jonathan M. Spergel, M. D. , a co-first author of the study, who sees large numbers of patients with EoE as director of the Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic Disorders at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country, ranking second in National Institutes of Health funding. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 441-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. Keywords:Contact InformationAvailable for logged-in reporters onlyDescriptionPediatrics researchers have identified the first major gene location responsible for a severe, often painful type of food allergy called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Keywords:Contact InformationAvailable for logged-in reporters onlyDescriptionPediatrics researchers have identified the first major gene location responsible for a severe, often painful type of food allergy called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)….Read the Full Story

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1. NIAID media availability: Food allergy-related disorder linked to master allergy gene
2. Immunologist at Childrens Hospital Receives Daland Prize for Patient-Oriented Research
3. Do Women Need Such Big Flu Shots?

Story Summary: It will allow researchers to measure strand-specific expression across the entire samples transcriptome. D. , Mayo Clinic genomics researcher and corresponding author of the study. This provides us with much more information about alterations during cancer development that could reveal important therapeutic targets. We can more completely understand the relationship between an individuals genome and the alterations to that which result in disease. The urgency of this condition points to the need for more efficient technologies and methods. Head and neck cancers are the sixth most prevalent carcinomas in the world. Information provided by these and continued studies will help to better characterize the molecular basis of cancer development. Others involved in the research include co-first author Rebecca Laborde, Ph. D. ; Yongming Sun, Ph. D. ; all of Life Technologies, Foster City, Calif. The research was supported by Mayo Clinic and Life Technologies. D. ; all of Life Technologies, Foster City, Calif. The research was supported by Mayo Clinic and Life Technologies. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, analysis or publishing. Some authors are or have been employed by Life Technologies, which makes technology and materials used in the study….Read the Full Story

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1. Michael J. Fox Foundation awards Mayo Clinic researcher grant to advance Parkinsons research
2. Study shows how normal cells influence tumor growth
3. Mayo Clinic Identifies Two Genes As Potential Therapeutic Targets For Multiple Sclerosis

Story Summary: Park is pushing the frontiers of nanotechnology by developing devices capable of probing and manipulating individual neurons. org/Spitzer-Boahen-ParkSource: James CohenThe Kavli Foundation Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Improving Health CareImprovements are necessary to make sure Americans get the best quality health care and that money for this care is being spent as effectively as possible. Listen as experts — both in government and in the private sector — describe some of the steps taken to improve the health care system. Meningitis OverviewEach year you hear about small outbreaks of meningitis. Meningitis OverviewEach year you hear about small outbreaks of meningitis. It is highly contagious and sometimes fatal. Learn why the classic symptoms of a high fever and stiff neck shouldnt be ignored. Learn why the classic symptoms of a high fever and stiff neck shouldnt be ignored….Read the Full Story

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1. Identification Of Brain Protein For Synapse Development
2. 1.6 Million Euro Grant Awarded To Prof. Kobi Rosenblum For Brain And Memory Research
3. Shedding New Light On Walking

Story Summary: The Vilcek Prizes epitomize the mission of the Vilcek Foundation, which was formed by Jan and Marica Vilcek to honor the contributions of foreign-born individuals in the United States. He sees battles raging within a cells nucleus as genes jockey for evolutionary dominance. These clashes can have a long-term impact on organisms, as they sometimes alter the function of essential genes. His lab showed that host proteins can evolve to defeat viral mimicry, providing yet another nuance to a never-ending arms race between hosts and viruses. His lab hypothesized and is testing the model that such a genetic conflict may recurrently drive the onset of reproductive barriers between recently diverged species. He completed his doctoral work in molecular evolutionary biology at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N. Y. , where, under the mentorship of Tom Eickbush, Ph. D. , he first became intrigued by the study of genetic conflict. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: Curry Powder Ingredient Kills Cancer Cells28 Oct 2009Researchers from Ireland and Poland found that curcumin, a compound found in the popular Indian spice turmeric that gives curry powder its distinct yellow colour, killed oesophageal cancer cells in the lab via an. Drinking water, distracting yourself, or substituting healthy food for the food craved can help you get through a craving. Drinking water, distracting yourself, or substituting healthy food for the food craved can help you get through a craving….Read the Full Story

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1. Protein study shows evolutionary link between plants, humans
2. Hopeful Monsters: Nothing in Evolution Makes Sense Except in the Light of E. coli (and Shigella) : Mike the Mad Biologist
3. And the Evolutionary Beat Goes On…

Story Summary: The challenge is how to do this quickly when you are dealing with millions of genes. The process involves taking lots and lots of short strips of DNA, assembling them into larger sections, and then comparing them to known sequences stored in reference databases and ruling out those known to belong to the human genome. For this study the researchers used fecal samples from 124 Europeans. The study has also revealed a number of clues about how bacteria manage to survive in the rather unhospitable environment of the human gut. The only way to thrive here is to evolve, and this study has unveiled some interesting clues about how they did this. The researchers found that while individual participants of the study had only about 160 of the 1,000 possible species, about 40 per cent of any one one participants gut flora species was also present in around 50 per cent of the other participants. A human gut microbial gene catalogue established by metagenomic sequencing. Junjie Qin, Ruiqiang Li, Jeroen Raes, Manimozhiyan Arumugam, Kristoffer Solvsten Burgdorf, Chaysavanh Manichanh, Trine Nielsen, Nicolas Pons, Florence Levenez, Takuji Yamada, et al. Nature, 464, 59- 65 (4 March 2010)DOI:10. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: Do Genes Play A Role In PTSD? Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: Do Genes Play A Role In PTSD? Study Of Rwanda Genocide Survivors Suggests Yes26 Feb 2010A study of Rwandan Genocide survivors, some with and some without post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, suggests that genetic factors influence the relationship between a persons traumatic load, or the number of. Study Of Rwanda Genocide Survivors Suggests Yes26 Feb 2010A study of Rwandan Genocide survivors, some with and some without post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, suggests that genetic factors influence the relationship between a persons traumatic load, or the number of. If the bleeding cannot be controlled, seek emergency medical care….Read the Full Story

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1. DYRK1A Gene May Be One Of Most Influential Factors In Downs Syndrome
2. Vulnerability to post-traumatic stress disorder runs in families, study shows
3. Gut bacteria gene complement dwarfs human genome

Story Summary: Meanwhile, ahead of the WHO panel meeting Tuesday that could begin the process of declaring an official end to the pandemic, TIMEexamines the potential long-term threat from influenza. Though H5N1 has not yet mutated into a more contagious form, despite having had plenty of chances to mix with human flu viruses . . . Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Coping with Cravings While Losing WeightKnowing how to cope with cravings is an important part of losing weight and maintaining weight loss. Drinking water, distracting yourself, or substituting healthy food for the food craved can help you get through a craving. Other strategies that can help you lose weight are keeping a food diary and avoiding processed foods….Read the Full Story

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1. Rice, UT-Austin Team Wins Stimulus Funds To Study Influenza A
2. Illumina Announces Delivery Of The First Genome Through Its Individual Genome Sequencing Service
3. Developing Countries Reassess Need For Donated H1N1 Vaccine

Story Summary: In contrast, induction of cytotoxic T cells, the other effector arm of the adaptive immune system is highly inefficient. To achieve this aim, the consortium will build on in-house technologies developed by the partners. Sanquin has a track record in bringing therapeutic proteins, and in vitro diagnostic and research products to the market and is successfully distributing a substantial product portfolio covering these fields on the international market. Since its foundation in 1913, its primary objective has been to combat cancerby combining patient care, research and education. About the Netherlands Vaccine InstituteThe Netherlands Vaccine Institute (NVI) in Bilthoven reflects more than 100 years of extensive knowledge and experience gained through research and production of vaccines. The NVI is an agency responsible to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: Seasonal Vaccine Offers Some Protection Against Swine Flu08 Oct 2009The 2008-2009 seasonal flu vaccine1 provides some protection against swine flu, particularly the most severe forms of the disease, according to preliminary research published today on BMJ. Listen to an infection control expert discuss the new cough etiquette. Flu PreventionOur parents told us to cover our mouths when we cough. Flu PreventionOur parents told us to cover our mouths when we cough. But that might not be the best strategy for flu prevention. But that might not be the best strategy for flu prevention….Read the Full Story

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1. FDA Approves Vaccine For Seasonal Influenza
2. FDA Approves Vaccine For Seasonal Influenza
3. NOVARTIS INVESTIGATIONAL ADJUVANTED MF59 PRE-PANDEMIC AVIAN INFLUENZA VACCINE AFLUNOV SHOWS LONG LASTING, BROADLY CROSS-PROTECTIVE IMMUNE RESPONSE :: UNTERNEHMENSNACHRICHTEN

Story Summary: Nickolas Papadopoulos of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, cautions that excluding someone on the basis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone might be a mistake. It doesnt mean that you cant use mtDNA, it just means that you have to be careful about who you exclude, says Papadopoulos. Other evidence, like shoes found with the body, suggests that the child was indeed Goodwin. In most cases we werent getting anything but mtDNA, but this technique means we can use more of the bone and as a result pull out more DNA. That should come as welcome news to the thousands of families still waiting to find out about loved ones following conflicts like the Vietnam and second world wars. If you would like to reuse any contentfrom New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndicationdepartment first for permission. adding EDTA and proteinase K to prep a sample for DNA isolation is pretty standard isnt it? We should ask why the rest dont, say Lois Leeand Stephen Bullivant15:30 05 March 2010An inner frame that allows components to slide up and down rails could allow the device to harvest power from its users motion13:56 05 March 2010Several journals will no longer publish research supported by the tobacco industry. Ginny Barbour, the chief editor of one of them, explains why13:36 05 March 2010Far from being silent loners, bacteria are little chatterboxes – when theyre not snooping on us….Read the Full Story

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1. Ten days to save hearing after deafening sound
2. Research Calls Forensic DNA Technique Into Question
3. PR-USA.net – Bio-Synthesis, Inc. Unveils Its Latest Step Into the Future of Forensic Science

Story Summary: Some variants mediate universal functions, such as chromosome segregation and DNA repair, and others specialize in organism-specific tasks. Focus on: Genome instabilityThe integrity of the genome is crucial for tumour suppression and the propagation of genomic information to subsequent generations. It was produced by and is freely available thanks to support from Boston Biochem. This special Focuson endocytosis reflects the diversity and complexity of endocytic trafficking processes and their associated machineries. Post-transcriptional control seriesThe regulation of gene expression beyond the level of transcription is much more intricate than previously thought, and involves diverse mechanisms that regulate the processing, stability and localization of RNA species. In this new article series, we assess the basic mechanisms of post-transcriptional control and the interplay between them. This special Focusreflects our current understanding of mechanotransduction — from how cells sense mechanical forces in different tissues to how these mechanical forces are transduced into biochemical signals — in development and disease. Poster on Pluripotent cell isolation for regenerative medicinePluripotent cells offer great promise for regenerative medicine. In this Poster, Christopher Lengner and Rudolf Jaenisch compare and contrast the properties of pluripotent embryonic stem cells with those of laboratory-generated pluripotent cells. Web Focus CollectionPlease visit our archive of selected articles from the Nature Publishing Group on key current topics. 2008 Journal Citation Report(Thomson Reuters, 2009)TopExtra navigationNature Publishing Group New York, New York University of Cincinnati Department of Cancer and Cell Biology Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521 Paterson Institute for Cancer Research Manchester United Kingdom Ulm University Hospital 89075 Ulm, Germany The Babraham Institute Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK The Seeker is looking for novel approaches to increase chemical stability and delivery of small RNA . . ….Read the Full Story

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1. News: Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology: Focus on endocytosis
2. Stem cell research: From molecular physiology to therapeutic applications
3. Reviews Of Microbial Gene Language Published In Special Issue Of Trends In Microbiology

Story Summary: Professor Brown said the next step of the research, which was recently published in Nature Genetics,was to identify more of the genes associated with the disease. He said the work had also led them to identify similarities between the genes that cause AS and those involved in inflammatory bowel diseases and psoriasis. In combination these conditions affect about three percent of Australians. SourceUniversity of QueenslandAny medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: Higher Risk Of Knee Arthritis Linked To Too Much Exercise30 Nov 2009A new study by radiologists found that middle-aged men and women who do lots of exercise, and particularly high impact activities like running and jumping, may be unknowingly causing damage to their knees and putting. Treating Cuts the Right WayOne of the most important things to know about first aid for cuts is when to get help. But many minor cuts can be treated at home. Its important to clean the wound, apply pressure to stop the bleeding, and cover the wound to prevent infection….Read the Full Story

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1. One step closer to turning off cancer genes with gene-silencing – UQ News Online – The University of Queensland
2. Britains First Swine-flu Trials Under Way
3. University Of The Basque Country Researcher Studies Genes Associated With Celiac Disease

Story Summary: Endosomes are organised in a complex transport network that ensures a correct transport of a wide variety of substances towards their proper intracellular destination. They discovered in their images, for example, that a failure of certain genes cause the arrest of vesicles in the cell periphery rather than being transported to the centre of the cell. Furthermore, different substances such as nutrients and growth factors are apparently guided to their destination by different set of genes and endocytosis is controlled by various signalling pathways. Impaired endocytosis can cause disease The enormous number of genes involved also reflects the significance of endocytosis for the cell and the entire organism. Immune cells, for their part, swallow pathogens and digest them inside endosomes. Even diseases like Alzheimers and Huntingtons are associated with a damaged transport system in the cells, as this prevents survival signals for nerve cells. Consequently, if the role of the different genes in endocytosis were known, it would in future be easier to develop potential treatments for these diseases. As a result, we were able to compile a quantitative profile of each gene – giving each gene an individual fingerprint, so to speak. This provides us with a more comprehensive understanding of how the various processes in the cell are integrated. Were well on the way to creating a virtual cell by understanding all of the processes and different interactions, explains Marino Zerial. The Dresden-based scientists blocked each of the approximately 23,000 expressed human genes one by one with the help of small interfering RNA molecules (siRNAs) that silence the respective gene. Next they used fluorescent dyes to mark two proteins which the cells under investigation took up in their endosomes – this made them visible to automated high-resolution microscopy and image-analysis software. Instead of analysing the microscopic images subjectively and on the basis of qualitative criteria, the scientists determined 62 different parameters for the cells and all visible endosomes in the images (multi-parametric image analysis). They were therefore able to observe under the microscope how substance uptake in the cells changed if one of the human genes was inactivated. A computer would have taken more than four million hours just to analyse the images to produce statistically reliable data….Read the Full Story

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1. Active Genes Found In The Developing Mammal Brain
2. News: Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology: Focus on endocytosis
3. Finding the ZIP-code for gene therapy: Scientists imitate viruses to deliver therapeutic genes

Story Summary: Researchers at Kansas State University recently published an academic journal article discussing the potential for nutrigenomics, a field that studies the effects of food on gene expression. The researchers discussed the possibility of using food to prevent an individuals genes from expressing disease. Getz, now a student at the School of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University, wrote the article while at K-State. These studies not only answer whether the concerned nutrients prevent a disease, but also how they exert their health benefits, Medeiros said. Current health recommendations for people in the United States are general for the overall population. However, with nutrigenomics research, health recommendations could be better modified to individuals. With a better understanding of how nutrients alter gene expression, there is a potential that food could be used instead of medication to combat problems like high cholesterol. At K-State, Adhikari and Mark Haub, associate professor of human nutrition, are leading a study of the genotypes of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals to determine if there is a link between the risk for type-2 diabetes and bitter-taste sensitivity. Nutrigenomics would require a collaborative effort from people in genetics and the industries of public health, food science and culinary. Adhikari said more options should be available so that consumers can make the healthiest choice. The challenge is how to take the fat out and create healthful but also good-tasting food. Consumer education also will be an important factor for the future of nutrigenomics and public health. Consumer education also will be an important factor for the future of nutrigenomics and public health….Read the Full Story

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1. Thinking outside the block in disease gene studies
2. Enhanced muscarinic M1 receptor gene expression in the corpus striatum of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats – 7thSpace Interactive
3. Cancers Distinctive Pattern Of Gene Expression Could Aid Early Screening and Prevention

Story Summary: This one-celled organism hunts and eats bacteria as an amoeba, swims around looking for a better environment as a flagellate, and then hunkers down and waits for good times as a cyst, Prochnik said. He and his colleagues report that this amoeboflagellate contains 15,727 genes coding for proteins, while humans have 23,000 protein-coding genes. Naegleria has a lot of genes because it has a complicated lifestyle; most single-celled organisms – in particular, parasites – have a simpler lifestyle, and therefore have fewer genes, Prochnik said. Now that our analysis focuses on data from free-living organisms, including Naegleria, that havent lost all these genes and functions, we can make a broader comparison, and we find a lot more proteins were probably present in the eukaryotic ancestor than we previously thought, Fritz-Laylin said. Naegleria is part of a diverse group that includes a cousin, Naegleria fowleri, that can fatally infect swimmers. Among other things, Naeglerias genes shed light on how cells move, how they signal one another and how they metabolize nutrients. As an amoeba, Naegleria pushes out little feet, called pseudopods, that propel it in its hunt for food. Because Naegleria has both types of movement, the organism can help scientists understand the origins of these parallel systems during the evolution of eukaryotes. Scientists can starve populations of Naegleria in its amoeba form and have seen it switch quickly and simultaneously to its flagellar form. The sequence helped us identify the genes associated with each type of motility, she said. The genome also reveals versatility in how Naegleria produces energy. The organism can use oxygen to burn nutrients – glucose, amino acids or fatty acids – for energy or, in the absence of oxygen, utilize other nutrients and possibly produce hydrogen as a byproduct. Like the recently sequenced, free-living alga Chlamydomonas, Naegleria likely uses its metabolic flexibility to survive the intermittent hypoxia common to muddy environments, the researchers concluded. Fritz-Laylin noted that, while the genome will be a boon to the small number of biologists who study the organism, it also will help in understanding the evolution of more complicated organisms. If the bleeding cannot be controlled, seek emergency medical care….Read the Full Story

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1. Genome sequencing complete on plodding amoeba that flips into free-swimming flagellate
2. Genome analysis of marine microbe reveals a metabolic minimalist
3. Research sheds light on cause of Down syndrome and other genetic disorders

Story Summary: The study authors, from the University of Connecticut, say that any attempt to expand the use of HIV treatment for prevention purposes will need to address beliefs about infectiousness and aggressively control sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexually transmitted infections increase the risk of transmission from a person with HIV in a number of ways (although it is important to note that viral load increases have not been detected in all patients diagnosed with STIs when genital fluids are studied in people taking antiretroviral drugs): Seth Kalichman and colleagues at the University of Connecticut designed a study to look at the incidence of STIs in people with HIV and their relationship to knowledge of viral load and beliefs about viral load and infectivity. At two interviews three months apart participants were asked whether they had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection in the previous three months, a period selected because previous research had found that recall of sexual activity was more reliable within this time-frame. Twenty-two per cent of people diagnosed with STIs had an undetectable viral load, compared to 47% of those not diagnosed with STIs, while roughly equal proportions reported a detectable viral load (33% vs 36%). Multivariate analysis showed that the following factors were significant predictors of having a new sexually transmitted infection: Infectiousness beliefs (adjusted OR 1. However, there was no difference in the frequency of reported serodiscordant unprotected intercourse according to STI diagnosis, which is the critical measure when assessing the potential for onward transmission related to STIs. Indeed, condom use with serodiscordant partners was most frequent among those who had been diagnosed with an STI and knew themselves to have a detectable viral load. This finding suggests that people living with HIV take their viral load into account when making sexual decisions, the authors say. Although the authors note that their inability to conduct confirmatory testing for STIs was a limitation of their study, they also note that they were unable to test for asymptomatic STIs. These findings confirm previous research indicating that infectiousness beliefs play a central role in continued transmission risks for some people living with HIV. ReferenceKalichman SC et al. Sexually transmitted infections and infectiousness beliefs among people living with HIV/AIDS: implications for HIV treatment as prevention….Read the Full Story

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1. Higher viral load during early pregnancy, poor adherence, associated with increased risk of HIV infection for infants
2. Anal warts and anal gonorrhoea associated with HIV infection in gay men
3. How much does viral load need to fall to halve HIV transmission risk?

Story Summary: One day, we may even be able to treat certain health problems simply by eating a yoghurt with the right bacteria in it. They were the first to employ a high-throughput method called Illumina sequencing to metagenomics, dispelling previous doubts over the feasibility of using this method for such studies. From a bacteriums point of view, the human gut is not the best place to set up home, with low pH and little oxygen or light. Thus, bacteria have had to evolve means of surviving in this challenging environment, which this study now begins to unveil. The research was conducted within the European project MetaHIT, coordinated by Dusko Ehrlich at the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, in France, with genetic sequencing carried out by Jun Wangs team at the Beijing Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, China….Read the Full Story

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1. Gut bacteria gene complement dwarfs human genome
2. Nanotechnology Now – Press Release: Bacteria with a built-in thermometer: Researchers at the Helmholtz Center demonstrate how bacteria measure temperature and thereby control infection
3. Antibiotic multiresistance: why bacteria are so effective

Story Summary: When the researchers injected the animals with a Math1-loaded virus in one ear, hearing recovered almost completely. The hair cells also expressed a green protein, showing they had taken up the gene. Although the gene is only temporarily expressed, this is enough to make proteins that repair the cells for life, he says. However, cells could only be saved if they were treated within 10 days of being damaged. I hope they continue to receive the funding this deserves to develop practical treatments for hearing degradation. Why destroy the hearing of members of one species to improve the hearing of members of another?Exactly. Why eat one species so that another may continue living. If you think a particular comment breaks these rules then please use the Report link in that comment to report it to us. 13:56 05 March 2010Several journals will no longer publish research supported by the tobacco industry. Perhaps we should brush up our conversational skills11:09 04 March 2010The protein could drag hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, if cash can be found for human trials 18:00 03 March 2010A new technique for determining pain intensity has reignited debate over whether it can be measured objectively15:30 05 March 2010An inner frame that allows components to slide up and down rails could allow the device to harvest power from its users motion13:56 05 March 2010Several journals will no longer publish research supported by the tobacco industry….Read the Full Story

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1. New DNA technique gives names to the unknown dead
2. Genetic Cause For Type Of Deafness Identified; Discovery Could Lead To New Therapies For Progressive Hearing Loss
3. Researchers link microRNA gene to hearing loss | Wellcome Trust

Story Summary: With this work, weve gone from a place where we could only imagine how Ube3A might work, to being able to think about possibilities for therapeutic intervention in a disorder where until very recently there was little that could be done, says Greenberg, Nathan Marsh Pusey professor of neurobiology at HMS. The new work suggests that Ube3A is a key regulator in this process, and ties the loss of Ube3A to a specific change in synaptic function. Under normal conditions, the Ube3A enzyme tags cellular proteins for destruction. In Fragile X syndrome, a major form of inherited mental retardation, neurons also have an over-abundance of Arc protein. That means new treatments now under study for Fragile X may someday be useful for Angelman Syndrome, Greenberg says. As part of the study, the researchers identified several proteins regulated by Ube3A in addition to Arc, some of which might be involved in creating the complex features of AS. It could be that affecting Arc levels may be useful for some of the symptoms of AS, while modulating other targets will be useful for others, Greer says….Read the Full Story

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1. Gene may be among most influential factors in Down syndrome
2. Enzyme on white blood cell surface reduces tissue damage in stroke | University of Michigan Health System
3. International Rett Syndrome Foundation awards $2M for cutting-edge Rett syndrome research

Story Summary: With the proprietary ActA and LLO families of fusion proteins and the multiple strains of engineered Listeriasuitable for vaccine use, we can create immunotherapies for a wide variety indications in cancer and infectious disease. Advaxis is developing attenuated live Listeriavaccines that deliver engineered tumor antigens, which stimulate multiple simultaneous immunological mechanisms to fight cancer. In a recent Advaxis Phase I clinical trial, a live Lm vaccine directed against the tumor-associated antigen HPV-16-E7 was safely administered to fifteen (15) women with recurrent, advanced, metastatic cancer of the cervix. Although this first trial of an Listeriavaccine in humans was not designed or powered to prove efficacy, Advaxis believes an efficacy signal was observed that will be further explored in three (3) planned Phase II trials, to be conducted in the US and India in cervical cancer and its predecessor condition, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Forward-looking statements deal with the Companys current plans, intentions, beliefs and expectations and statements of future economic performance. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission….Read the Full Story

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1. Advaxis Live Listeria Vaccine Induces Epitope Spreading
2. Advaxis Granted New Compositions and Methods Patent
3. Advaxis Receives US Patent and Trademark Office Approval on Act-A Protein Patent-Pending Rights

Story Summary: Women are more likely than men to get the disease and it is the most common neurologically disabling disease in young adults. In the U. S. , upwards of 95% of adults are infected with the virus, but free of symptoms. This is the first study based on the longitudinal follow-up of several thousand individuals who were not infected with EBV at the time of recruitment. The study population was made up of active-duty US Army, Navy, and Marines personnel who have at least one blood sample in the Department of Defense Serum Repository. The researchers selected 305 individuals diagnosed with MS and who had blood specimens collected before the date of their diagnosis. The study found that MS risk is extremely low among individuals not infected with EBV, but it increases sharply in the same individuals following EBV infection. The observation that MS occurred only after EBV is a big step forward, said Alberto Ascherio….Read the Full Story

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1. Epstein-Barr Virus Linked to MS
2. Drugs May Shut Down Several Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Diseases
3. Key Mechanism For The Proliferation Of Epstein Barr Virus Discovered

Story Summary: Ms. Jones comes to VGXI from Beckman-Coulter, Inc. where she was the Quality Assurance Engineering Supervisor and Calibration Manager. Mr. Colvin joins VGXI from Merck & Co. , where he was responsible for selling cardiovascular and diabetic medications to cardiologists, endocrinologists and primary care physicians. Prior to joining Merck in 2006, he was the co-founder of SYNTHEGEN, LLC, a biotechnology company that marketed reagents for genomics research. The recently announced research and pre-clinical production services extend the range of high-quality, research grade materials utilizing the same efficient service. Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results- Materials in this Web site contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as anticipate, estimate, expect, project, intend, plan, believe, and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of potential future events, circumstances or future operating or financial performance. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and forward-looking statements may be adversely affected by factors, including general market conditions, competitive product development, product availability, current and future branded and generic competition, federal and state regulations and legislation, manufacturing issues, timing of the elimination of trade buying, patent positions, litigations and investigations. Our actual results may vary materially, and there are no guarantees about the performance or valuation of VGX stock. We undertake no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise….Read the Full Story

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Story Summary: Increasingly, people are becoming infected with strains that are resistant to every antibiotic. They then collaborated with University of Washington human geneticists Jay Vary, Thomas Hawn and Mary-Claire King and others in Vietnam and Nepal to validate their findings in human populations. A second study in the same issue of Cell approached the question in another way. Kanury Rao and his colleagues at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in India used a genome-wide analysis to produce what now becomes a resource for TB researchers everywhere. Interestingly, they showed that the shape of that interaction varies depending on which isolated strain of TB one considers, suggesting that the different strains rely on somewhat different tactics for successful infection. We identify a core set of molecules which can be targeted through drug development efforts to treat both drug sensitive and multiple drug resistant forms of TB infection. The discovery of LTA4H as a TB susceptibility gene may have clinical implications too, even if it doesnt offer a direct path to a better vaccine, Ramakrishnan says. For one thing, the finding that medium activity of the immune enzyme is best when it comes to TB might help to explain something that has been known but not well understood in clinical circles: people with hard-to-treat TB sometimes improve when they are given anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive therapies along with more standard drug treatments alone….Read the Full Story

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Story Summary: In this recent experiment, after an ischemic stroke, neurological function in the rat models was significantly improved, apparently by remyelination of neuronal axons induced by Tb4. The research was presented by Dr. Morris, representing the Departments of Neurology and Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, at the International Stroke Conference, San Antonio, TX, February 23-26, 2010. The research was performed under a Material Transfer Agreement between RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Henry Ford Health System. It is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for dermal and ophthalmic wound healing and has now completed a Phase 1 clinical trial supporting delivery of RGN-352 for acute cardiovascular and other indications requiring systemic administration. It is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for dermal and ophthalmic wound healing and has now completed a Phase 1 clinical trial supporting delivery of RGN-352 for acute cardiovascular and other indications requiring systemic administration. Tb4 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide present in virtually all human cells. It is a first-in-class, multi-faceted molecule that promotes endothelial cell differentiation, angiogenesis in dermal tissues, keratinocyte migration, and collagen deposition, while down-regulating inflammation. Any statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made under the provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Further, the research described herein regarding Tb4s effect in stoke models may not prove to be beneficial or may not result in any commercial or profitable products. Any forward-looking statements in this press release represent the Companys views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date….Read the Full Story

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Story Summary: Its another test being peddled without enough research to show it really works, they say. Gene testing originally was aimed at finding risk for things like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimers disease. Lately, genes have been linked to things you might not suspect, such as stuttering or compulsive leg-jiggling. The company, Waltham, Mass. -based Interleukin Genetics Inc. , looked at studies on hundreds of genes and chose three genes that show a pattern for metabolizing fats and carbohydrates, said its chief scientific officer, Ken Korman. The company then hired Stanford researchers to do a validation study of its $149 test, using people who took part in diet research that was published in 2007. About one-third of the original participants, 138 women, sent cheek swabs with their DNA to Interleukin, which tagged them as low-carb appropriate or low-fat appropriate. Sticking with a diet is more important than what diet you choose, as is not regaining weight, Eckel said. I now know why I gained it back, she said – the gene test showed she does not metabolize carbohydrates well. More recently, she has been on a high-protein diet and weighs 180. When I eat a lot of carbohydrates, I tend to put on weight….Read the Full Story

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