Stem Cell Research

Medistem Laboratories says they've found a new adult stem cell in menstrual blood that may prove an effective replacement for human embryonic stem cells. Report [1]

Scientists involved in stem cell research work say they expect to see a major change in the way the government views the field, and provides grants to researchers, after this November's presidential election. Story [2]

An Australian company is using unwanted or discarded embryos to manufacture made-to-order stem cells for research purposes. Report [3]

Scientists at the Bio-Communications Research Institute received an award for a scientific article about its recent stem cell discovery. Release [4]

The International Society for Stem Cell Research is working on new guidelines intended to protect people from a raft of unproven stem cell therapies now available in a range of countries including China and Costa Rica. Report [5]

Genetics

The Washington Post looks at the rapid proliferation of genetic tests that are pushing developers to a revolution in the way that disease is identified and treated. Article [6]

Charles Rotimi heads a new research center that will explore genetics, lifestyle and disease in minority groups. Story [7]

In a Genes & Development paper published online ahead of its April 1 print publication date, Dr. William Kaelin (Dana Farber Cancer Institute) and colleagues identify a potential new neuronal tumor suppressor. Release [8]

Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Gene variants could be used to identify which patients would benefit the most from cholesterol drugs. Report [9]

UK scientists have found that common versions of two genes--FGFR2 and TNRC9--known to increase breast cancer risk in the general population--also increase the risk in women carrying damaged versions of the BRCA2 gene. Release [10]

South African researchers say that a variant of an immunity gene slows HIV progression and may make it weaker when transmitted to another person. Report [11]

In a paper published in the journal Nature, a team of deCODE scientists detail a major mechanism through which genetic factors contribute to major public health problems. Release [12]

Cancer Research

In an effort to understand the link between gene therapy and leukemia, Hans-Peter Kiem and colleagues at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have learned that early precursors of immune cells that had the gene HOXB4 delivered into them by a gammaretroviral vector became leukemic in two of two  dogs and one of two macaques. Release [13]

Lifeline Hospitals and Cellworks Research India, the research and development wing of California-based Cellworks Group, have announced a year's collaboration for cancer research. Release [14]

A video produced by Lawson Health Research Institute scientist John Lewis shows how an antibody blocks the CD151 protein, preventing metastasis. Report [15]

More Research

UC San Diego is blueprinting plans for a $118 million to $135 million biomedical research building. Story [16]

The University of Hawaii has garnered an additional $10 million for a new biosafety lab. Report [17]