News and applications for life science research professionals
Device Extracts DNA in Minutes
May 6, 2013 3:51 pm | News | CommentsTake a swab of saliva from your mouth and within minutes your DNA could be ready for analysis and genome sequencing with the help of a new device. Engineers and NanoFacture, a Bellevue, Wash., company, have created a device that can extract human DNA from fluid samples in a simpler, more efficient and environmentally friendly way than conventional methods.
Endogenous Antibiotic Exists in the Brain
May 6, 2013 3:39 pm | News | CommentsScientists have discovered that immune cells in the brain can produce a substance that prevents bacterial growth: Namely, itaconic acid. Until now, biologists had assumed that only certain fungi produced itaconic acid. A team has now shown that even so-called microglial cells in mammals are also capable of producing this acid.
Elevated Blood Sugar, Alzheimer's Possibly Linked
May 6, 2013 3:27 pm | News | CommentsA new study suggests a possible link between elevated blood sugar levels and risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. About 5 percent of men and women, ages 65 to 74, have Alzheimer's disease, and it is estimated that nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease.
UV Viewing Cabinets
May 6, 2013 1:36 pm | Product Releases | CommentsSpectroline CX-20 and CX-21 high-intensity UV viewing cabinets combine separate long-wave and short-wave 8-watt UV light sources with uniquely designed specular aluminum reflectors to provide intensity and fluorescent contrast.
Laser Diode Modules
May 6, 2013 1:19 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe Optoelectronics Company introduced its own range of laser diode modules designed for OEMs, end-users and systems integrators. The new range of laser diode modules from the Optoelectronics Company combines a high performance Opnext (OCLARO) laser diode with externally adjustable optics, a Panasonic aspherical glass lens, sophisticated electronics, and rugged modular anodized aluminium housing.
Decoding Cancer Metastasis
May 6, 2013 12:25 pm | by Christina Smith | Articles | CommentsCombining two biological approaches, a research team from University of Michigan broke down the molecular signaling that leads to metastasis in prostate and breast cancer tumors. In the laboratory of Dr. Russell Taichman, one half of the lab looks at how very small embryonic-like cells (v-cells) help with tissue regeneration and wound healing, while the other half looks at how tumors metastasize to bone marrow.
Seamless Fiberglass Fume Hoods
May 6, 2013 12:13 pm | Product Releases | CommentsLabconco Protector Premier Fiberglass Fume Hoods from ColeParmer have a molded one-piece liner of specially formulated, fiberglass-reinforced polyester which offers corrosion and fire resistance and easy cleanup.
Animal Origin Free Collagenase/Neutral Protease Blends
May 6, 2013 11:41 am | Product Releases | CommentsWorthington's new Animal Origin Free (AOF) STEMzyme Collagenase/Neutral Protease (Dispase) Blends 1 and 2 are now available for primary and stem cell isolation, regenerative medicine, biopharma, and cell bioprocessing applications.
NuVasive buys spine implant manufacturer ANC
May 6, 2013 11:12 am | by The Associated Press | News | CommentsMedical device maker NuVasive Inc. said Monday it acquired ANC LLC, one of the key suppliers of its spinal implants, for $4.5 million. NuVasive said the companies have worked together since May 2010. NuVasive wants to handle more of its own manufacturing so it can improve its profitability. It...
Study Evaluates Nanomaterial Toxicity
May 6, 2013 9:52 am | News | CommentsFor the first time, researchers from institutions around the country have conducted an identical series of toxicology tests evaluating lung-related health impacts associated with widely used engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). The study provides comparable health risk data from multiple labs, which should help regulators develop policies to protect workers and consumers who come into contact with ENMs.
Lone Star Virus Identified Using Super-fast Sequencing
May 6, 2013 9:43 am | News | CommentsThe tick-borne Lone Star virus has been conclusively identified as part of a family of other tick-borne viruses called bunyaviruses, which often cause fever, respiratory problems and bleeding, according to new research. What made the work especially promising was the speed at which the virus was definitively identified.
Heart, Blood, Skeletal Muscle Can Share Genetic Origin
May 6, 2013 9:37 am | News | CommentsNew research out of the Lillehei Heart Institute at the University of Minnesota shows that by turning on just a single gene, Mesp1, different cell types including the heart, blood and muscle can be created from stem cells. Stem cell researchers have been trying to generate different cell types for regenerative medicine for years. The gene Mesp1 was particularly interesting to cardiac researchers.
Bashful? Buy the little blue pill online
May 6, 2013 3:20 am | by LINDA A. JOHNSON - AP Business Writer - Associated Press | News | CommentsMen who are bashful about needing help in the bedroom no longer have to go to the drugstore to buy that little blue pill. In a first for the drug industry, Pfizer Inc. told The Associated Press that the drugmaker will begin selling its popular erectile dysfunction pill Viagra directly to patients...
Preventing Chemotherapy-induced Anemia
May 5, 2013 3:12 pm | by Einstein | News | CommentsCancer chemotherapy can cause peripheral neuropathy—nerve damage often resulting in pain and muscle weakness in the arms and legs. Now, researchers have discovered that chemo also induces an insidious type of nerve damage inside bone marrow that can cause delays in recovery after bone marrow transplantation.
Feds: Hepatitis B no barrier to health practice
May 5, 2013 10:43 am | by MICHAEL RUBINKAM - Associated Press - Associated Press | News | CommentsPeter Nguyen was a promising medical student when his school learned that he had tested positive for the hepatitis B virus. He said he was blackballed by school administrators and forced to halt his studies. "I knew the stigma" that came with a hepatitis diagnosis, Nguyen said. But he thought...
