September 11, 2007
Researchers at Hewlett Packard Labs (HP Labs) have engineered a drug patch that painlessly delivers medications through the skin via tiny micro-needles. The technology is modeled after HP’s inkjet-printer technology. (Technology Review)
September 11, 2007
Tendon, the cord-like tissue that connects muscle to bone, contains a small subset of previously unknown adult stem cells, scientists at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) part of the National Institutes of Health, and their colleagues … Read More
September 11, 2007
Ovarian hyper-stimulation isn’t exactly a hot topic at the dining table. However, the Queensland Parliament Cafeteria may be abuzz soon with talk of such things, as our parliamentarians discuss the human cloning legislation soon to be before them. (The Courier-Mail)
September 11, 2007
BREAST cancer runs in my family,†one woman says. She is followed in quick succession by other young and middle-aged women, who say in turn: “My mother.†“My grandmother.†“My dad’s sisters.†(New York Times)
September 11, 2007
British scientists could be breeding designer pigs in just two years that would offer hope to transplant patients. (This is London)
September 11, 2007
Tens of thousands of children with rare genetic disorders could be diagnosed earlier and more cheaply following pioneering research that uses computers to analyse images of people’s faces. (The Guardian)
September 11, 2007
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose sweeping healthcare reform proposal has floundered, said on Monday he was calling a special legislative session devoted to the issue. (Reuters)
September 11, 2007
University of California, Los Angeles, is set to receive a $20-million donation to fund stem cell research from billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad. (Mercury News)
September 10, 2007
In May of this year, China published an extensive set of rules regulating human organ donation. According to a China Daily article (“Rules banning human organs trade go into effect“), “The regulations stipulate that human organ transplants should respect the … Read More
September 10, 2007
After losing much of August to a budget impasse, state lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have been unable to reach agreement on a proposal to extend health coverage to all uninsured Californians, raising the possibility of a special session of … Read More
September 10, 2007
There are disparities in the treatment and outcome between older black and white patients who have renal cell cancer, with blacks having significantly lower survival rates, according to a new study. (Reuters)
September 10, 2007
When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved implanting microchips in humans, the manufacturer said it would save lives, letting doctors scan the tiny transponders to access patients’ medical records almost instantly. The FDA found “reasonable assurance” the device was … Read More
September 10, 2007
A Toronto-led team of researchers has found a way to use stem cells derived from skin to treat spinal cord injuries in rats. (The Star)
September 10, 2007
With the world on the precipice of a genetics revolution, the Holocaust Museum Houston is about to shine a spotlight on one of the lesser-known architects of Nazi Germany’s attempt to create a master race: doctors. (Houston Chronicle)
September 10, 2007
Big Savings Have More Overseas Travelers Mixing Surgery With Sightseeing. (Washington Post)
September 9, 2007
Biodegradable polymers replace viruses to deliver genes. In work that could lead to safe and effective techniques for gene therapy, MIT researchers have found a way to fine-tune the ability of biodegradable polymers to deliver genes. Gene therapy, which involves … Read More
September 9, 2007
A few mornings ago I harvested a ripe red tomato — off my neighbors’ vine. It was on our side of the fence, beckoning me. I did not presume consent, however; my neighbors had told us a few days ago … Read More
September 7, 2007
Thin sheets of polymer coated with living muscle could be used to test new drugs, repair damaged body parts, or even create life-like bio-machines, researchers say. The Harvard University team created the “muscular thin films” by attaching muscle cells to … Read More
September 7, 2007
Elsevier announced today that it is launching a new journal, Stem Cell Research, in September 2007. The journal will be published 6 times a year and will focus on high quality research in all aspects of stem cell science and … Read More
September 7, 2007
Rice University biomedical engineers have developed a new technique for growing cartilage from human embryonic stem cells, a method that could be used to grow replacement cartilage for the surgical repair of knee, jaw, hip, and other joints. (ScienceDaily)
September 7, 2007
A leukemia patient became the first test case at the University of Minnesota for researchers hoping to treat a broad range of diseases with a cell that prevents the body from being destroyed by its own immune system. (TwinCities)
September 7, 2007
Some technologists believe that rapid advancement in computer hardware and software could at some point lead to a hazy future for humans. (CNET)
September 7, 2007
New evidence suggests that a bit of theatrics can help doctors become better caregivers. The finding is based on the experience of a small group of internal medicine residents who went through six hours of theater workshops and lectures led … Read More
September 7, 2007
Congressional Democrats are trying to expand government health insurance to children who don’t need public assistance, while their party’s presidential hopefuls are concocting even grander schemes to achieve “universal coverage.” (TCS Daily)
September 6, 2007
Two British fertility clinics reckon they’ve come up with a better idea. Women who don’t want to place their jobs on hold can put their future children on ice instead. At a cool £2,500 per cycle, plus storage. (The Mail … Read More
