Laboratory | Page 105 of 116

Pregnancy :: Hair samples show babies exposure to ‘crystal meth’ – a Canada study

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse is a serious health problem of epidemic proportions. Exposure to this drug, particularly during pregnancy, is difficult to ascertain. Sparse information on gestational exposure is available. Crystal meth boosts alertness and promotes a sense of wellbeing, euphoria, and exhilaration. It also curbs appetite and enhances sexual arousal. But long term abuse damages nerves in the brain and can lead to psychotic behaviour and aggression.

Ageing :: Calorie restriction – a prescription that extend life

The approach, called calorie restriction, involves eating about 30 percent fewer calories than normal while still getting adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Aside from direct genetic manipulation, calorie restriction is the only strategy known to extend life consistently in a variety of animal species, a report of study in a laboratory at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, highlighted by Michael Mason in the New York Times.

Education :: Media studies courses ‘need less work than science and medicine’

It has sparked fierce debate on university campuses for decades: which degree subjects require the most work? But now researchers have conclusively proved what many have suspected for years – students of media studies, business and social studies do much less work than other undergraduates, reported by Sarah Cassidy in the Independent.

Biofuel :: Broin and Novozymes to collaborate on development of ethanol from cellulosic biomass

Two leading players within the growing biofuels industry, Broin and Novozymes, announced a collaboration to take the next steps needed to bring cost-effective ethanol derived from corn stover to market. The collaboration is an extension of the close partnership between the two companies and is a great opportunity for Novozymes to put its unique biotechnology platform at work and for Broin to aim at a fast commercialization.

Alzheimer’s Disease :: Diagnosis before onset of Alzheimer’s disease

Proteins found in the blood can indicate an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to groundbreaking new research published today (30 October) in the journal Brain. It is the first time markers for the development of Alzheimer’s have been identified in blood. The findings take researchers a step closer to knowing whether a blood test can be used to diagnose and measure progression of the Alzheimer’s disease.

Asthma :: Asthma symptoms linked to soot particles from diesel trucks in South Bronx

Soot particles spewing from the exhaust of diesel trucks constitute a major contributor to the alarmingly high rates of asthma symptoms among school-aged children in the South Bronx, according to the results of a five-year study by researchers at New York University?s School of Medicine and Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Allergy :: Key enzyme involved in allergic disease identified

A research team has identified a key enzyme responsible for triggering a chain of events that results in allergic reaction, according to new study findings published this week in Nature Immunology. The work by researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University, the Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical College in New York sets the stage for development of new strategies and target therapies that control allergic disease – the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States.

Breast Implants :: Stem cells from fat for breast reconstruction

Breast cancer survivors might one day avoid the prospect of invasive breast reconstruction surgery, opting instead for an approach that would involve using stem cells derived from their own fat, suggest University of Pittsburgh researchers who are studying the potential these cells may have for regenerating new breast tissue.

Hepatitis :: PEG-INTRON, peginterferon and REBETOL, ribavirin in Hepatitis C — Schering-Plough

Schering-Plough reported data from EPIC3, a large ongoing clinical study, showing that retreatment with PEG-INTRON(R) (peginterferon alfa-2b) and REBETOL(R) (ribavirin, USP) combination therapy can result in sustained virologic response(1) (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C who failed previous treatment with any alpha interferon-based combination therapy, including peginterferon regimens. In this study, 56 percent of patients who had undetectable virus (HCV-RNA) after 12 weeks went on to achieve SVR with a 48-week course of therapy. Of the first 1,354 patients retreated, approximately 38 percent had undetectable virus at week 12. Importantly, patients who did not have undetectable virus at 12 weeks had little chance of achieving SVR. Overall, 23 percent of patients achieved SVR.

Alzheimer’s Disease :: Curcumin helps in better performance for elderly in dementia, eat turmeric curry

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, could slow mental decline in elderly people by 49 per cent, suggests a study of non-demented Asian people.