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News | Archive (May 2009)
Scientists solve poppy puzzle with new gene discovery
— 31 May 2009 | BiologyScientists at the University of Birmingham have identified an elusive male gene in the field poppy that stops self - fertilisation, a mechanism that prevents inbreeding, and promotes greater genetic diversity. Plant biologists had already uncovered that poppies prevent self-fertilisation when a female gene on the stigma tells it which pollen to accept or reject, triggering several chemical signals to stop pollen tube growth. However, the corresponding 'label' on pollen that allows recognition of 'self' remained elusive…
First testicular cancer risk genes found
— 31 May 2009 | HealthResearchers have found the first inherited genetic risk factors for testicular cancer, according to research published online in Nature Genetics today…
Hearing, voice problems worsen seniors' communication skills
— 31 May 2009 | HealthHearing and vocal problems go hand-in-hand among the elderly more frequently than previously thought, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Centre. Together, they pack a devastating double punch on communication skills and overall well-being…
New treatment combination proves safe for head and neck cancer patients
— 31 May 2009 | HealthPatients undergoing treatment for advanced head and neck cancers may respond well to the addition of gefinitib to chemotherapy, according to a study sponsored by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and chaired by Ethan Argiris, M.D., associate professor of medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and co-leader of the Head and Neck Cancer Program of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI). The results were disclosed at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on 30 May in Orlando, Florida…
Vandetanib shows benefit when combined with docetaxel for lung cancer
— 31 May 2009 | HealthWhen combined with standard chemotherapy, an international Phase III trial has shown that the oral targeted therapy vandetanib improves progression-free survival for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, according to research from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Centre…
Study shows drug combination improves outcome for advanced non-small cell lung cancer
— 31 May 2009 | HealthA new, international study found that the combination of two drugs delays disease progression for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results from the Phase III 'ATLAS' trial were presented today by Dr Vincent Miller of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting…
Pitt melanoma researchers present novel findings at ASCO
— 31 May 2009 | HealthResearchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) have identified eight genes that help predict a melanoma patient's response to treatment. The new findings are being presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), 29 May to 2 June, in Orlando, Florida…
Obesity and diabetes double risk of HF
— 30 May 2009 | HealthThe twin epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes will continue to fuel an explosion in heart failure, already the world's most prevalent chronic cardiovascular disease, according to John McMurray, professor of cardiology at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, and President of the Heart Failure Association. He reported that around one-third of patients with heart failure have evidence of diabetes, and for them the outlook is very serious. For doctors, he added, effective treatment is 'very difficult'…
Recognising signs and symptoms of acute HF
— 30 May 2009 | HealthAlthough heart failure is a chronic condition, acute exacerbations are frequent and occur with serious complications; patients with heart failure and their families can help improve prognosis in acute events if they are taught to recognise the tell-tale signs of worsening condition and seek immediate medical help. 'Any delayed recognition of these signs is associated with an increased rate of hospitalisation and complications, including mortality,' says Professor Ferenc Follath from the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland…
Individualised treatment for heart failure is rarely available outside hospital
— 30 May 2009 | HealthTelemonitoring systems, by which the symptoms of heart failure can be remotely assessed, now provide a strategy for the improved personalised care of patients, according to Professor John Cleland from the University of Hull, UK. He told Heart Failure Congress 2009 that the management of heart failure is complex but most effective when tailored to the individual patients' needs and condition. 'Unfortunately,' he added, 'the resources required to offer this tailored treatment outside a hospital setting are generally not available. Current services provide, at best, only a crude attempt to deliver long-term, personalised healthcare, but telemonitoring provides a strategy which could radically change this situation'…
Stars forming just beyond black hole's grasp at galactic centre
Researchers at the Salk Institute develop novel glioblastoma mouse model