Tah - Tah Box
Scientists to create 'frozen zoo' of mutant mice
11.08.05
LONDON - British scientists are heading a European project to create a vast "frozen zoo" which can supply on demand mutant mice for use in medical experiments.
Up to 20,000 embryos deliberately mutated to eliminate certain genes will be stored in the genetic library.
Scientists say laboratories will be able to select specific mutants to view the effects of different gene mixtures in studies aimed at alleviating human suffering and disease.
Allowing mutant embryos to develop normally allows scientists to compare the effect of a defective gene on health and subsequent development.
"Mice are pivotal for looking at relationships between genes and disease," said Professor Steve Brown of the Medical Research Council's Mammalian Genetics Unit.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340213
Trace Genetics purchased in all-stock deal
Trace Genetics Inc. of Richmond has a new owner.
The firm agreed this week to be acquired by DNAPrint Genomics Inc., a Sarasota, Fla. partner, in an all-stock transaction. Trace shareholders exchanged all of the outstanding shares of the company for 25 million shares of DNAPrint common stock (OTC BB: DNAP) and options to purchase 5 million additional shares at 2 cents a share.
http://eastbay.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2005/06/20/daily24.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Protein Design, Genentech in deal
JUN. 22 9:35 A.M. ET Protein Design Labs Inc. said Wednesday that biotech leader Genentech Inc. is sub-licensing a potential prostate cancer treatment that the smaller drug maker originally licensed from Seattle Genetics Inc.
"Given (Protein Design's) existing resources and our desire to bring focus to our clinical development programs, out-licensing this program is the most efficient way to continue its development," Chief Executive Mark McDade said in a statement.
The company did not provide financial details of the deal in a news release, but said it will receive an upfront fee, along with additional payments as development milestones are reached and royalties on any sales. In return, South San Francisco-based Genentech will receive rights to develop and commercialize a group of experimental therapies designed to target and kill cells that appear to be involved in prostate cancer.
Protein Design received the rights to develop the therapies against a number of antigen targets as part of a collaboration with Bothell, Wash.-based Seattle Genetics.
The experimental treatments are "antibody-drug conjugates" that link the targeting function of an antibody -- these proteins bind to specific antigens in the body -- along with a cell-killing drug. Protein Design said this type of joined treatment means that the drug is only released within the cancer cells, making it possible to leave more healthy cell intact. Currently, prostate cancer is treated by surgery and chemotherapy drugs, or radiation.
Seattle Genetics said the Genentech deal will expand an ongoing collaboration with Genentech on antibody-drug conjugates.
Protein Design shares rose 31 cents, or 1.6 percent, in premarket trading, while Seattle Genetics shares added 12 cents, or 2.5 percent, to $4.79.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8ASMI0G1.htm?campaign_id=apn_home_down
Genetically Modified Cells Migrate to Brain and Treat Neurodegeneration in St. Jude Model
Wednesday June 22, 11:49 am ET
Immune system cells find damaged neural cells by following a trail of protein signals released as part of inflammatory response to lysosomal storage disease process, according to St. Jude researchers
MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Physicians might one day be able to treat a disease that destroys brain cells in children using genetically modified cells to transport a "drug" to the site of the dying neural cells (cells that transmit impulses). This discovery occurred based on results of a laboratory study of the technique published by investigators at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A report on this work appears in the prepublication online issue of Blood.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050622/clw041.html?.v=9
Promise of new techniques putting stem cell legislation at risk
By Ceci Connolly and Rick Weiss, Washington Post July 10, 2005
WASHINGTON -- Promising but still unproven new approaches to creating human embryonic stem cells have suddenly jeopardized what once seemed to be certain Senate passage of a bill to loosen President Bush's four-year-old restrictions on human embryo research.
The techniques are enticing to many conservative activists and scientists because they could yield medically valuable human embryonic stem cells without the creation or destruction of embryos.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/07/10/promise_of_new_techniques_putting_stem_cell_legislation_at_risk/
Gender may play role in Alzheimer's disease
23 Jul 2005
Researchers from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center found that plaques and tangles in the brain, the changes seen in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD), are more likely to be expressed as dementia in women than in men.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=27877
Morning Briefing Genetics tell only a part of the Armstrong story
IN THE BLEACHERS
Lance Armstrong is expected to pedal into Paris on Sunday and win his unprecedented seventh consecutive Tour de France title before he retires to his home in Austin, Texas.
But does his physiological makeup - Armstrong has a heart proportional to the size of someone 6 feet 6, although he stands 5-10 - give him an unfair advantage?
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/sports/12204788.htm
Lorenzo's Oil shows much promise in its first long-term study
Supplement put together by couple with ailing child appears to delay rare, deadly illness
By ALEX RAKSIN
Los Angeles Times
Lorenzo's Oil — a dietary supplement concocted by Virginia parents in a last-ditch effort to save their son's life — appears to delay the effects of a rare genetic disease in boys if taken early and in concert with a low-fat diet, according to the first long-term study of the treatment.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/health/3278781
Genetically engineered stem cells heal rat spines
27.07.05 12.20pm
WASHINGTON - Genetically engineered stem cells can help rats' severed spinal cords grow back together, according to a study published today.
Rats given the treatment, using stem cells taken from rat embryos, could move their legs again after their spines were severed in the lab, said the researchers' report in the Journal of Neuroscience.
The scientists hope the approach, which generated a new fatty cover for the spinal cord cells called the myelin sheath, also could be shown to work in people.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10337814
Myriad Genetics Phase 3 Trial in Alzheimer's Disease is Proceeding on Schedule
Tuesday August 2, 11:19 am ET
SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MYGN - News), announced today that enrollment in its Phase 3 trial of Flurizan in patients with mild stages of Alzheimer's disease is proceeding on schedule. The Company's amended protocol was reviewed by the FDA without any changes or request for modification and the central Investigational Review Board covering a majority of the investigational sites has given its approval of the modified protocol. More than 120 sites across the United States have been enlisted and most are now screening and enrolling patients into the study. Myriad anticipates completing enrollment for the 12-month study during the first half of 2006 and reporting the results of the Phase 3 trial in the third calendar quarter of 2007.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050802/latu086.html?.v=19
Corautus Genetics Inc. to Host Conference Call on August 11, 2005
Tuesday August 2, 8:00 am ET
ATLANTA, August 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Corautus Genetics Inc. (Nasdaq: VEGF - News), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative gene transfer therapy products for the treatment of cardiovascular (severe angina) and peripheral vascular disease, will release its second quarter 2005 financial results on Thursday, August 11, 2005. The Company will also webcast a conference call to discuss the results and progress of its therapeutic development program at 11:00 A.M. Eastern time on August 11. Richard Otto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corautus, will host the call.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050802/cltu508.html?.v=6
Targeted Genetics Strengthens Intellectual Property for AAV Vector Manufacturing
Tuesday August 2, 7:30 am ET
SEATTLE, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Targeted Genetics Corporation (Nasdaq: TGEN - News) today announced the issuance of a patent covering additional approaches to manufacturing AAV (adeno-associated virus) vectors. The patent, U.S. No. 6,924,128, is titled "Methods and Cell Line Useful for Production of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viruses" and covers the production of AAV vectors using cell lines that have necessary AAV functions turned on during the manufacturing process.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050802/sftu024.html?.v=21
Relative Genetics Introduces Leading Edge DNA Testing Method for Genealogy to Singapore; New Approach to Genealogical Research Helps Shepherdson Families in Singapore Confirm Centuries-Old Genetic Relationship
SALT LAKE CITY & SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2005--Relative Genetics today announced that it will introduce to Singapore its global-standard method for using DNA analysis to support and verify genealogical research. The company will present its genealogical approach to Singaporeans at an exhibition titled "Who Am I? The Joy of Discovering Your Family History," the first-ever family history exhibition in Singapore. The event, which is co-organized by the Singapore National Library Board and Singapore's Shepherdson family, will be held from Aug. 2-28 at the new National Library premises.
"We are honored to participate in this great exhibition and feel privileged to introduce our revolutionary methods of using DNA and genetics to assist Singaporeans in their family history work," said Relative Genetics Chief Scientific Officer Lars Mouritsen, who will represent the company at the Family History Exhibition's Aug. 2 opening. Relative Genetics provides the industry's most comprehensive DNA testing, genetic interpretation and genealogical analysis to establish family connections.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20050802005199&newsLang=en
Study links diet and genetics
02/08/2005 - A study of how genes vary between individuals could help determine how to adjust the nutritional content of foods to suit individual diets, according to UK scientists.
While we all share the same genetic code, how those genes express themselves at an individual level presents a challenge for scientists in developing medicines and dietary advice.
Now scientists at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) have completed what they say is one of the first studies to define how unique we are on the genetic level. The initial study on 18 individuals found that the way our genes function varies significantly, particularly in some key areas including the immune system.
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news-ng.asp?n=61672-study-links-diet
Scientists will create mutant mice to examine genetics and disease
British scientists will spearhead a European project to create a vast store of mutant mice that could help to alleviate human suffering from incurable diseases.
The mice will be kept as frozen embryos and will be created from embryonic stem cells that have been deliberately mutated to eliminate disease genes that scientists want to study.
Removing certain genes from a mouse embryo and allowing it to develop normally allows scientists to study the effects of having a defective gene on health and subsequent development.
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article304908.ece
Study Yields Insights Into Pathogenic Fungi—and Beer
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Science News
Keywords
PATHOGENIC FUNGI, DRUG RESISTENT PATHOGENIC FUNGI, IMMUNE SYSTEM
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Description
Chemotherapy and organ transplantation can compromise the immune system and leave patients vulnerable to infections from pathogenic fungi. Researchers have discovered one possible reason why these fungal microbes are such a scourge.
Newswise — Chemotherapy and organ transplantation not only take a huge toll on patients, but they can compromise the immune system and leave patients vulnerable to infections from microbes such as pathogenic fungi—the fastest-growing cause of hospital-acquired infections. Now researchers from Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have discovered one possible reason why these fungal microbes are such a scourge.
According to the research appearing in the August 7 online edition of the journal Nature Genetics, fungal microbes can quickly alter the appearance of their cell surfaces, their “skin,” disguising themselves in order to slip past the immune system’s vigilant defenses. And, for all the world’s brewers, the study also helps explain why certain beers are cloudy and others are clear.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/513583/
Study links brain's genetic 'off switches' to autism
Related news from the Web
By Sandy Kleffman
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Providing one more clue for solving the autism mystery, researchers have discovered that the brain mechanism that stops or slows nerve impulses contributes to the disorder.
A team at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., found that genes that serve as "off switches" in the brain's neurons play a role.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050807/NEWS06/508070408/1012
Drug maker targets county Iceland's deCode has reputation for cutting-edge use of genetics
By Jim Totten
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS
Why would an Icelandic company blazing a path in drug research with its cutting-edge use of genetics open a small office in Brighton?
With headquarters in Iceland and facilities in Boston, Chicago and Seattle, deCode Genetics picked Brighton for one important reason - exceptional talent.
The company recently hired three of the top people from pharmaceutical-giant Pfizer and plans to open a small office in an industrial_commercial park owned by Corrigan Construction.
http://hometownlife.com/Hartland/News.asp?pageType=Story&StoryID=119442&Section=Page%201&OnlineSection=Page%201&SectionPubDate=Sunday,%20August%207,%202005&RefDate=8/7/2005
The New Zealand Herald
Women join workforce in record numbers
11.08.05 4.00pm
By Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh
A fall in the unemployment rate, bringing it close to a 20-year low, has seen more women join the labour force than ever before, latest Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) figures released today show.
The figures show 60.9 per cent of women of working age are employed in some way, the highest proportion ever recorded.
This compares with 74.8 per cent of men.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said when opening Parliament in February that raising the participation rate by getting more women in work was a Government goal as part of the effort to lift living standards.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10340312
New Zealander pleads guilty to fraud in US court
11.08.05 11.00am
A New Zealand man accused of scamming 30 investors out of more than US$16 million ($24 million) pleaded guilty yesterday in a United State federal court to three counts of fraud.
In the US federal court at Central Islip, New York, he admitted the charges in a plea bargain in which he forfeited five properties in the Bahamas valued between US$12 million ($17.5 million) and US$13 million ($19 million). Including this money, he will have to pay more than US$16 million ($23 million) in restitution.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10340286
Women's dog and cats kidnapped and tortured in extortion bid
11.08.05
Pets belonging to two Hutt Valley women have been kidnapped and tortured in a macabre extortion racket.
Police have investigated but, despite having "grave suspicions and concerns" about the behaviour of a man living in the community while on bail, say they do not have enough evidence to secure a conviction.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10340246
Family Court changes to help reduce delays
11.08.05
By Rebecca Walsh
A shake-up of the Family Court would see a counselling and mediation service established to handle disputes, freeing up judges for the most high-risk and complex cases.
Chief Family Court Judge Peter Boshier outlined the proposals in a speech to the Auckland Family Courts Association last night, saying the changes would help to reduce delays in the system.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10340248
Children with skin infections get free care after hours
11.08.05
By Rebecca Walsh
Children with skin infections in east Auckland are getting free after-hours care after doctors discovered that many were ending up in hospital.
The free visits stem from a joint venture between White Cross clinics and the Maori-led Tamaki primary health organisation (PHO), which found cellulitis was the most common problem among its Maori patients.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10340239
UN aid distribution in Niger begins at last
11.08.05 1.00pm
By Kim Sengupta
GUIDAMONJI, Niger - What little food they had ran out a long time ago and, if they were "looking well fed", as their president has said, it was on leaves and plants.
But yesterday the dispossessed of Guidamonji were the first to benefit from the start of the long-awaited UN aid distribution in Niger.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340300
African Union appoints mediator in Zimbabwe crisis
11.08.05 1.00pm
By Basildon Peta
JOHANNESBURG - The African Union has appointed former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano to mediate in the Zimbabwe crisis, to try to nudge President Robert Mugabe into negotiating with his political foes.
Mr Chissano, who performed a rarity in Africa by voluntarily retiring from office early this year, is a close friend of Mr Mugabe and was best man at the Zimbabwean leader's 1996 wedding to his second wife, Grace.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340299
UN watchdog to urge Iran to resume nuclear freeze
11.08.05 12.30pm
VIENNA - Top nations of the UN nuclear watchdog will call on Iran to halt sensitive nuclear work it resumed this week but will stop short of calling on the UN Security Council to take action, diplomats said.
Iran has broken UN seals at a uranium processing plant, escalating a confrontation with Western nations which fear it may develop nuclear weapons.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340296
Cuban spy convictions overturned on appeal
11.08.05
MIAMI - A United States appeals court has overturned the convictions of five accused Cuban spies and said pervasive prejudice against the Government of President Fidel Castro had prevented them from getting a fair trial in Miami.
The US 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ordered new trials for the "Cuban five", convicted in 2001 on conspiracy and espionage charges.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340214
Bird flu drug race
11.08.05
Negotiations are under way to stockpile bird flu-fighting drugs for Southeast Asia to help guard against a potential global flu pandemic, the United Nations health agency said.
The World Health Organisation hopes to initially acquire one million doses of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu - the only drug known to be effective for humans.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340217
Retrovirus jumps from primate to man
11.08.05
A little-known retrovirus has jumped from primates to humans in Asia, scientists on Bali have warned.
Simian foamy virus has not been known to cause disease, but a recent study triggers questions about its potential to do so in the future.
Some scientists believe the HIV virus evolved decades after it jumped species to humans.
Lead researcher Lisa Jones-Engel of the University of Washington sampled 82 people near the Sangeh temple "monkey temple" north of Denpasar on Bali. One farmer, bitten and scratched by macaques, tested positive for SFV, becoming Asia's first known case.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340216
Blondes 'less likely to feel pain'
11.08.05
Blondes may have more fun but redheads are less likely to feel pain, according to a British study.
For reasons that have yet to be understood, women with red hair appear to be more resistant to pain compared with other women.
The Medical Research Council's Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh will probe the preliminary findings.
One of the aims is to see if there is mechanism at work in redheads that can be adapted to help in developing new pain-killers and anaesthetics, said Professor Ian Jackson.
Studies on "redhead" mice which have blond fur but carry a similar gene to the one that causes red hair in humans is helping the scientists target the pain-reducing mechanism.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340219
Oil scam's surcharge
11.08.05
Half the 4500 firms that took part in the United Nations oil-for-food programme in Iraq allegedly paid kickbacks or illegal surcharges.
Investigators said an October report would outline "the management and corruption" of the programme and its "shortfalls and the benefits".
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10340218
concluding ...
