Colorectal Cancer :: New vaccine stimulates colorectal cancer patient’s immune systems to fight cancerous cells
British researchers have developed a vaccine that stimulates colorectal cancer patients’ immune systems to fight cancerous cells.
Immune system
Septic Shock :: New study finds on/off switch for septic shock
According to a new study, septic shock — a dangerous, often deadly runaway immune response — is controlled by a genetic on/off switch. The research also suggests how a drug might temper sepsis. This is the first time this genetic mechanism has been revealed in an experimental animal.
Immunity :: T for two – Scientists show how immune system chooses best way to fight infection
A new study has suggested a novel way of combating diseases related to the immune system, including cancer and autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes and arthritis. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, appears online in the journal Nature.
A key antibody, IgG, links cells’ capture and disposal of germs
Scientists have found a new task managed by the antibody that’s the workhorse of the human immune system: Inside cells, Immunoglobulin G (IgG) helps bring together the phagosomes that corral invading pathogens and the potent lysosomes that eventually kill off the germs.
Artificial cornea offers better results for infants, some blind patients
Infants and adults who are blind due to a cloudy or damaged cornea are seeing some remarkable results thanks to a new version of an artificial implant that takes the place of the cornea, the clear covering of the eye that serves as our window on the world.
Flu :: Flu vaccine associated with neurological disorder Guillain Barre syndrome
Influenza vaccine is associated with a small but increased risk for hospitalization with the potentially debilitating neurological disorder known as Guillain-Barr? syndrome, although the absolute risk associated with the vaccine is very low, according to a report in the Nov. 13 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Pregnancy :: Pregnant women with lupus face higher risk of complications
Women with systemic lupus who become pregnant are at significantly greater risk for death or other medical complications than are pregnant women without lupus, Duke University Medical Center researchers have found in a nationwide study of more than 18 million women.
Rheumatoid Arthritis :: ORENCIA, abatacept demonstrate continued efficacy in adults with rheumatoid arthritis
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) today announced that two-year data from three Phase III pivotal trials demonstrate the long-term efficacy of ORENCIA? (abatacept) in adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate and TNF antagonists. The data also demonstrate that ORENCIA provided clinically meaningful improvements in multiple aspects of health-related quality of life and physical function, sustained improvements in pain and had a consistent safety and tolerability profile through two years of treatment. These data will be presented at the upcoming 2006 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting.
Genome :: Decoded sea urchin genome shows surprising relationship to man
The Sea Urchin Genome Sequencing Project (SUGSP) Consortium, led by the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM-HGSC) in Houston, announced today the decoding and analysis of the genome sequence of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.
Genome :: Carnegie Mellon scientist plays key role in unveiling sea urchin genome
Carnegie Mellon University has played a key role in an international, multi-institutional collaboration to sequence the sea urchin genome. As part of the consortium, Charles Ettensohn, professor of biological sciences, led the team that cataloged the genes responsible for building the sea urchin’s embryonic skeleton. He also contributed 51,000 cDNAs — about one-third of the total genomic material critical for assembling the genome and for accurately predicting where genes lie within the DNA sequence.