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COPD :: NIH gives PITT $13 million grant for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease research

The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded nearly $13 million from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to increase our understanding of and improve outcomes for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a degenerative breathing disorder that is the fourth leading cause of death and the second leading cause of disability annually in the United States. The five-year grant establishes Pitt as a Specialized Center of Clinically Oriented Research.

Neurofibromatosis :: Tracing the pathways of neurofibromatosis

New research into the mechanisms of neurofibromatosis finds that flaws in the gene Nf1 can lead to a biochemical domino effect that results in tumors. The research, which appears in the January 10 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, seeks to identify the biochemical pathway responsible for tumors in people with the genetic disorder. Researchers built their case based on evidence from dozens of painstaking experiments on genetically engineered fruit flies.

Mental Health :: Mental health therapy for children traumatized by Hurricane Katrina

After a successful pilot run, the LSU School of Social Work received $100,000 from the AmeriCares Mental Health Grant Program to continue its study, “Weathering the Storm: Wellness Groups for Children and Caregivers.”

Genome :: Microbiologists crack genome of a parasite that causes a common STD

Scientists at UCLA and NYU have deciphered the genome of the parasite causing trichomoniasis, and their research may lead to new approaches to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this common sexually transmitted disease. Trichomoniasis affects an estimated 170 million people a year, with more than five million cases reported in North America.

Ear :: Treatment guidelines for ear infections

Researchers at Children?s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC have launched a major National Institutes of Health-funded study to develop definitive treatment guidelines for the most common pediatric illness ? ear infections.

Cancer :: GM hens lay cancer drug protein

UK scientists have developed genetically modified chickens that can lay eggs containing hard-to-generate proteins used to treat cancer. The flock of hens, developed at Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, could cut the cost of drug production. Roslin researchers made history in 1997 when they created Dolly, the first cloned animal.

Cancer :: Bristol scientists target cancer spread

Researchers at a medical research firm affiliated to the University of Bristol say that they have identified a new method of fighting the spread of cancer. The scientists looked at the natural life cycle of cells, one of the key biological processes linked to cancer growth. In particular they focused on a molecule known as protein kinase B (PKB) that is found in all cells.

Education :: Science degrees prove valuable in life after university

75% of science graduates use their science degree regularly or every day suggests a survey by The University of Auckland?s Faculty of Science.

Obesity :: Natural gut hormone offers hope for new obesity drug

A hormone found naturally in the gut is the basis of a new drug to tackle obesity to be developed through one of three inaugural awards under the Wellcome Trust’s Seeding Drug Discovery initiative. The drug is being developed by one of the world’s leading obesity experts, Professor Steve Bloom at Imperial College London’s Hammersmith Hospital campus.

Smoking :: Reanalysis of cigarettes confirms tobacco companies increased addictive nicotine 11 percent

A reanalysis of nicotine yield from major brand name cigarettes sold in MA from 1997 to 2005 has confirmed that manufacturers steadily increased the levels of this addictive agent. Increases in smoke nicotine yield per cigarette averaged 1.6 percent each year or about 11 percent over a seven-year period (1998-2005). Harvard School of Public Health researchers found manufacturers accomplished the increase not only by intensifying nicotine concentration but also by modifying design features to increase the number of puffs per cigarette.