Stem Cell Research

A certain set of adult stem cells in mice can be coaxed to turn into myelin-making cells by changing a single gene, say researchers. And that could repair the damage to myelin which occurs in multiple sclerosis. Report [1]

Disgraced Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk has been barred from resuming work involving embryonic stem cells. The researcher faces possible jail time for misusing funds that were used in faked ESC studies. Story [2]

Some scientists say the time has come to start paying women for human eggs in order to overcome a shortage of the eggs needed in research programs. Report [3]

Research Money

Researchers in Liverpool have won £5 million to establish a new biomedical research facility. Story [4]

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences provided a $9.2 million grant to researchers at the University of Georgia to support their work determining how embryonic stem cells differentiate. Report [5]

The University of Wisconsin gained almost $9 million from the NIGMS. Story [6]

Genetics

Researchers have identified a gene that lessens the risk of migraine with aura in women, but also note that when the gene is present in women with that condition it elevates the risk of a stroke. Report [7]

Structural changes in DNA apparently increase the risk of schizophrenia. Story [8]

The FDA has approved a new test that can identify the type of cancer cells present in a tumor. Report [9]

Cancer Research

A genetic mutation linked to an elevated risk of cancer could be the key to a new test that could be used for early tumor detection. Report [10]