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Tumors feel the deadly sting of nanobees

When bees sting, they pump poison into their victims. Now the toxin in bee venom has been harnessed to kill tumor cells by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The researchers attached the major component of bee venom to nano-sized spheres that they call nanobees.

Mutations in gene linked to ciliopathies

An international team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, have discovered a connection between mutations in the INPP5E gene and ciliopathies. Their findings, which may lead to new therapies for these diseases, will appear in the online edition of Nature Genetics on August 9.

Researchers identify itch-specific neurons in mice, hope for better treatments

Historically, many scientists have regarded itching as just a less intense version of pain. They have spent decades searching for itch-specific nerve cells to explain how the brain perceives itch differently from pain, but none have been found.

Decoding leukemia patient genome leads scientists to mutations in other patients

Decoding the complete DNA of cancer patients is giving scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis a clearer picture of the complexity of the disease and allowing them to see intriguing and unexpected genetic relationships among patients.

Preschool depression may continue into childhood

Depression among preschoolers appears to be a continuous, chronic condition rather than a transient developmental stage, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Dementia induced and blocked in Parkinson's fly model

St. Louis, July 31, 2009 -- Parkinson's disease is well-known for impairing movement and causing tremors, but many patients also develop other serious problems, including sleep disturbances and significant losses in cognitive function known as dementia.

Food additive may one day help control blood lipids and reduce disease risk

St. Louis, July 30, 2009 -- Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a substance in the liver that helps process fat and glucose.

Early detection and quick response are key to defense against anthrax attack

NEW YORK (July 24, 2009) -- A large attack on a major metropolitan area with airborne anthrax could affect more than a million people, necessitating their treatment with powerful antibiotics. A new study finds that in order for a response to be effective, quick detection and treatment are essential, and any delay beyond three days would overwhelm hospitals with critically ill people.

Are we what our mothers ate?

PITTSBURGH, July 21 -- Mothers' health in the days and weeks prior to becoming pregnant may determine the health of offspring much later in life, according to results of studies reported at the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, which takes place July 18 to 22 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

New information about DNA repair mechanism could lead to better cancer drugs

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shed new light on a process that fixes breaks in the genetic material of the body's cells. Their findings could lead to ways of enhancing chemotherapy drugs that destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA.

ACL reconstruction doesn't harm NFL career length, study suggests

KEYSTONE, CO (Saturday, July 11, 2009) -- Knee injuries are a common problem in collegiate and professional football, often hindering an individual's career length and future.

4 out of 106 heart replacement valves from pig hearts failed

Pig heart valves used to replace defective aortic valves in human patients failed much earlier and more often than expected, says a report from cardiac surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. This is the first report to demonstrate this potential problem, the researchers say.

New gene discovery links obesity to the brain

June 26, 2009 - (BRONX, NY) - A variation in a gene that is active in the central nervous system is associated with increased risk for obesity, according to an international study in which Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University played a major role. The research adds to evidence that genes influence appetite and that the brain plays a key role in obesity.

Cancer researchers link DICER1 gene mutation to rare childhood cancer

WASHINGTON, DC -- Research published today in Science Express from the journal Science demonstrates the first definitive link between mutations in the gene DICER1 and cancer.



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