ALSO NOTED: Australia lifts cloning ban; New nanotech sensor developed; Research into tissue regeneration;

More Research

Lawmakers in Australia have lifted a four-year ban on cloning embryonic stem cells for research purposes. Report

Roche and the National Center of Competence in Research at the new Swiss Nanoscience Institute have unveiled new research into a nanotech sensor that can be used to monitor a person's biomedical processes, improving diagnosis for personalized therapies. Report

Scientists have identified master cardiac stem cells that go into the creation of heart cells that construct the heart. Their work helps point the way to new methods to regenerate heart muscle and coronary artery tissue. Report

The UK's ReNeuron has asked for FDA permission to begin a small human trial to use stem cells to regenerate brain cells damaged by a stroke. Report

A team of researchers say they've identified genetic variations that can affect how a person responds to antidepressants. Report

Researchers have been studying how the HIV virus can be used as a carrier--or vector--for new gene therapies. The virus is first made benign before it is used in gene therapy, which has concentrated an enormous amount of work on identifying safe vectors to use. Report

Scientists at UC San Diego say that they can turn off proteins that cause loops in DNA by stretching the DNA slightly. Release

Dr. P. Trey Sunderland III, a scientist at the NIH, has been charged with a conflict of interest related to taking fees from drug companies involved in his work. He is the first official in 14 years to be charged at the NIH and is expected to plead guilty to the one charge tomorrow. Report

Scientists in the UK have found that certain breast cancer victims have a high concentration of T cells which prevent their immune system from mounting an assault on cancer cells. The discovery can help identify patients unlikely to respond to therapies and in need of additional monitoring. Report

UPI reviewed a lineup of experimental epilepsy drugs now in the pipeline. Report

A new study of 146 polycystic ovary syndrome patients has found that the "diabetes gene" (calpain-10 (CAPN10)) is an interesting candidate for explaining the syndrome. Release

A study in the UK has identified the chemistry by which small cell lung cancer blocks the effects of chemotherapy. Understanding that process can lead to new therapies that overcome the chemical response. Report

A German research team has used siRNAs to halt the production of proteins associated with mad cow disease. Report

Low doses of the drug mifepristone shrink uterine fibroid tumors and greatly improve the quality of life in women who suffer from pain and heavy bleeding, according to a University of Rochester study published in the December Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal. Release

Deals & Dollars

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has received a $9.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to study influenza epidemics. Report

The Epilepsy Research Foundation announced recipients of translational research funds totaling over $400,000 to advance three promising new epilepsy therapies. Release

Tools & Technology

BioIdent Technologies has unveiled the industry's first lab-on-chip prototype with fully integrated opto-electronic readout system. Release