May « 2013 « Science and Enterprise

Clinical Trial Underway to Test MicroRNA Cancer Therapy

By Alan, on May 13th, 2013%

(NIST.gov)

Mirna Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company in Austin, Texas, recently began a clinical trial to test its lead candidate, MRX34 that simulates the tumor-suppression action of microRNA, as a therapy for cancer. The trial is an early-stage study mainly of MRX34’s safety with patients suffering from cancer of the liver or advanced . . . → Read More: Clinical Trial Underway to Test MicroRNA Cancer Therapy

New Contrast Dyes Improve Medical Images, Reduce Prep Time

By Alan, on May 13th, 2013%

Thomas Just Sørensen (University of Copenhagen)

Chemistry researchers at University of Copenhagen in Denmark, with colleagues from two Texas universities, developed a new type of contrast dye for medical imaging that the inventors say cuts the time and labor needed for preparation. Their discoveries are described in a series of publications over the past . . . → Read More: New Contrast Dyes Improve Medical Images, Reduce Prep Time

Preclinical Test Shows Vaccine Stops Cocaine Reaching Brain

By Alan, on May 10th, 2013%

Crack cocaine (DEA.gov)

Medical researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York tested in primates a vaccine candidate against cocaine addiction, which showed the vaccine prevented cocaine from reaching the brain and inducing a dopamine high. The findings from the team led by genetic medical researcher Ronald Crystal, with colleagues from Weill . . . → Read More: Preclinical Test Shows Vaccine Stops Cocaine Reaching Brain

Algorithm Identifies HIV Antibodies For Vaccine Design

By Alan, on May 10th, 2013%

X-ray crystallography image showing antibody in green binding to vulnerable area (yellow) of HIV-1 virus (red). Courtesy: Structural Biology Section, NIAID

Biologists at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of National Institutes of Health, developed a mathematical model to highlight antibodies that neutralize viruses in people with HIV, which can . . . → Read More: Algorithm Identifies HIV Antibodies For Vaccine Design

Quality Check Technique Devised for Lithium-Ion Batteries

By Alan, on May 9th, 2013%

A Chevrolet Volt and replica of the t-shaped battery pack ((Photo by John F. Martin for General Motors))

Engineers at Purdue University in Indiana developed a method that can detect flaws in lithium-ion battery electrodes during their manufacture. The team led by mechanical engineering professor Douglas Adams and chemical engineering faculty James Caruthers . . . → Read More: Quality Check Technique Devised for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Antibiotic Resistance Biosensor Developed for Staph Bacteria

By Alan, on May 9th, 2013%

Scanning electron micrograph image of MRSA bacteria (Janice Haney Carr, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Researchers at Auburn University in Alabama and Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi developed a bio-based sensor that can discriminate between strains of staph bacteria resistant and sensitive to antibiotics. The team led by Auburn veterinary medicine . . . → Read More: Antibiotic Resistance Biosensor Developed for Staph Bacteria

Nimbus, Shire Partner on Rare Genetic Disease Drug Discovery

By Alan, on May 8th, 2013%

(James. J. Caras, National Science Foundation)

Nimbus Discovery, a biotechnology company in Cambridge, Massachusetts will discover and develop new small-molecule drug candidates to treat a set of rare genetic disorders, for the specialty pharmaceutical company Shire plc based in Ireland. Under the deal, Shire will provide Nimbus with periodic milestone payments, and while . . . → Read More: Nimbus, Shire Partner on Rare Genetic Disease Drug Discovery

Silk, Cellulose Provide Useful Scaffold to Repair Cartilage

By Alan, on May 8th, 2013%

Researchers at the universities of Bristol and Cambridge in the U.K. found natural silk and cellulose fibers effective as scaffolding to rebuild damaged cartilage with stem cells. The team led by Wa’el Kafienah in Bristol’s School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published its findings in a recent issue of the journal Biomacromolecules (paid subscription required).

Power Company, Research Center Partner on Wind Forecasts

By Alan, on May 7th, 2013%

(National Renewable Energy Lab)

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado and the electric utility Xcel Energy are collaborating on a new forecasting system to improve the company’s wind energy operations. Financial aspects of the two-year partnership, which continues an existing agreement between the organizations, were not disclosed.

NCAR is a . . . → Read More: Power Company, Research Center Partner on Wind Forecasts

Simplified Medicare Could Save Money, Improve Senior Health

By Alan, on May 7th, 2013%

Karen Davis (Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health)

Public health researchers found combining into one program Medicare’s separate hospital, doctor, and drug plans with supplemental insurance could save $180 billion over a decade while improving care for older Americans. The study, led by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health professor Karen Davis and . . . → Read More: Simplified Medicare Could Save Money, Improve Senior Health

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