News and applications for life science research professionals
DNA Confirmation of Cervical Cancer Test Specimen
June 18, 2013 1:21 pm | Product Releases | CommentsStrand Diagnostics and Manhattan Labs announced the availability of the myPAP test. Developed to complement a Papanicolaou (Pap) test by confirming a patient’s identity and helping physicians to proceed confidently with treatment recommendations, the myPAP test compares the DNA profiles of the Pap specimen with a reference DNA sample taken via cheek swab at the time of the Pap test.
Platform for Label-free Biomolecular Assays
June 18, 2013 1:08 pm | Product Releases | CommentsSAW Instruments’ sam X platform is based on the company’s Surface Acoustic Wave technology, the biosensors measure changes in mass and viscoelasticity at the chip surface based on changes in the high frequency acoustic oscillations running across the chip surface.
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry System Combines Three Mass Analyzers
June 18, 2013 12:51 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system combines its three mass analyzers—quadrupole, Orbitrap, and linear ion trap—in a novel “Tribrid” architecture that offers depth of analysis of complex biological samples.
Alpert Foundation Recognizes Genetic Pioneers
June 18, 2013 12:19 pm | by Harvard Medical School | News | CommentsAlpert Foundation Recognizes Genetic Pioneers
Next-gen Sequencing Leads to New Virus Detection
June 18, 2013 11:37 am | News | CommentsIn new research researchers describe a technology that can detect new, previously unknown viruses. The technique uses blood serum as a biological source to categorize and discover viruses. Taking advantage of the complete deciphering of the human genome, researchers used a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach called transcriptome subtraction to identify viral genetic material in the blood.
Drawing Pad Monitors Learning-disabled Brains
June 18, 2013 10:58 am | News | CommentsFor less than $100, University of Washington researchers have designed a computer-interfaced drawing pad that helps scientists see inside the brains of children with learning disabilities while they read and write. To create the system, researchers hollowed out a ballpoint pen and inserted two optical fibers that connect to a light-tight box in an adjacent control room where the pen’s movement is recorded.
'Chase and Run' Mechanism Explains Cancer Metastasis
June 18, 2013 10:35 am | News | CommentsA mechanism that cells use to group together and move around the body– called "chase and run"- has been described for the first time by scientists. The new study focuses on the process that occurs when cancer cells interact with healthy cells in order to migrate around the body during metastasis.
Sweetener a Possible Parkinson's Therapy
June 18, 2013 10:18 am | News | CommentsMannitol, a sugar alcohol produced by fungi, bacteria, and algae and a common component of sugar-free gum and candy,is also used in the medical field. Now, researchers have found that mannitol also prevents clumps of the protein α-synuclein from forming in the brain— a process that is characteristic of Parkinson's disease.
Alzheimer's Drug Restores Lost Brain Connections
June 18, 2013 10:02 am | News | CommentsThe first experimental drug to boost brain synapses lost in Alzheimer’s disease has been developed by researchers. The drug, called NitroMemantine, combines two FDA-approved medicines to stop the destructive cascade of changes in the brain that destroys the connections between neurons, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Researchers Tackle MERS with SARS Approach
June 18, 2013 9:46 am | News | CommentsA pair of researchers who in the past created compounds to block the SARS virus are now tackling the new Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, or MERS-CoV. The team's successful work on SARS paved the way for them to swiftly work on MERS CoV, reducing parts of the process that would normally take years to a matter of month.
Royalty Pharma lets Elan takeover bid expire
June 18, 2013 9:19 am | by TOM MURPHY - AP Business Writer - Associated Press | News | CommentsRoyalty Pharma has let its latest takeover bid for Irish drugmaker Elan lapse as it decided against pressing ahead with a court challenge of a requirement that it withdraw the offer. Royalty offered earlier this month to pay $13 per share for each Elan share plus up to $2.50 per share in payments...
Report: Slowdown in health care costs to continue
June 18, 2013 5:09 am | by RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR - Associated Press - Associated Press | News | CommentsThere's good news for most companies that provide health benefits for their employees: America's slowdown in medical costs may be turning into a trend, rather than a mere pause. A report Tuesday from accounting and consulting giant PwC projects lower overall growth in medical costs for next year,...
Deadly year for encephalitis feared in India
June 18, 2013 4:16 am | by BISWAJEET BANERJEE - Associated Press - Associated Press | News | CommentsA mosquito-borne disease that preys on the young and malnourished is sweeping across poverty-riven northern India again this monsoon season, with officials worried it could be the deadliest outbreak in nearly a decade. Encephalitis has already killed at least 118 children this year, and...
Ukraine kids at risk from low vaccination rates
June 18, 2013 2:58 am | by MARIA DANILOVA - Associated Press - Associated Press | News | CommentsWhen the time came to vaccinate her 4-year-old daughter, Yelena Hlushko hesitated, spooked by widespread fears in Ukraine about vaccines and by a boil her older child developed after an immunization shot. Eventually she decided to follow the government's recommendation — only to find her local...
Singapore fumes after pollution hits 16-year high
June 18, 2013 1:35 am | by SATISH CHENEY - Associated Press - Associated Press | News | CommentsSingaporeans rolled back military training, kept cough-stricken children indoors and considered wearing protective masks to work Tuesday after a smoky haze triggered by forest fires in neighboring Indonesia caused air pollution to briefly hit its worst level in nearly 16 years. The Pollutant...
