Experimental Biology is a ‘superconference’ of sorts, sponsored by six societies representing different aspects of biological science: American Association of Anatomists (AAA), American Physiological Society (APS), American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP), American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). EachContinueContinue reading “Experimental Biology 2013”
Author Archives: monicascicom
Prairie voles pair up
Prairie voles are hamster-sized rodents with small ears and eyes and a short tail. Their coarse fur is grayish brown on the back but yellowish on the belly. The scientific name is derived from Greek and is quite descriptive, with the genus name translating roughly to ‘small ear’ and the species epithet to ‘yellow belly.’ContinueContinue reading “Prairie voles pair up”
Migraine linked to gene mutation
Migraine is a disabling disorder characterized by severe headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. Although it is relatively common and believed to have a genetic component, little is known about its underlying causes. Current migraine treatments may offer relief to some patients, but according to Louis J. Ptáček (University of California SanContinueContinue reading “Migraine linked to gene mutation”
Bioengineered kidneys at work in rats
Kidney failure affects nearly 1 million people in the US. Without treatment, it results in the retention of excess water and waste products in the body. Renal failure can be reversed by transplanting kidneys from matched donors, but the supply of donated kidneys is insufficient to meet demand, and ~20% of transplants undergo organ rejectionContinueContinue reading “Bioengineered kidneys at work in rats”
Blocking inflammation to treat influenza
Influenza virus continually evolves, giving rise to both seasonal outbreaks and catastrophic pandemics. Current management strategies involve annual vaccines for prevention and compounds that block the viral surface protein neuraminidase for treatment. But annual vaccines are unlikely to be useful in the event of a pandemic infectious outbreak, and neuraminidase blockers must be taken veryContinueContinue reading “Blocking inflammation to treat influenza”
Thousands rally for medical research
On 8 April 2013, the Rally for Medical Research (http://www.rallyformedicalresearch.org/) united almost 200 organizations and millions of people across the US in support of biomedical research. They joined together to advocate sustained government investment in the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) to “spur more progress, inspire more hope and save more lives.” Lab Anim.ContinueContinue reading “Thousands rally for medical research”
AACR Annual Meeting 2013
The 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) centered on the theme “Personalizing Cancer Care Through Discovery Science.” The conference brought together basic, translational and clinical approaches to studying cancer, driven by next-generation techniques. In vitro experiments, animal models and randomized trials all emphasized the goal of improving individualized care andContinueContinue reading “AACR Annual Meeting 2013”
In vitro alternative for skin sensitization tests
The sensitizing potential of chemicals is currently assessed using animal tests. This testing is not only costly but also fraught with ethical concerns and legislative challenges, particularly in Europe. Hence, the development and validation of alternative methods for evaluating skin sensitization potential is an active area of research. Lab Anim. (NY) 42, 154 (2013). viewContinueContinue reading “In vitro alternative for skin sensitization tests”
For lupus treatment, drug delivery may be key
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system becomes dysregulated, attacking the body’s own cells and tissues and causing inflammation and subsequent damage. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and serious form of lupus. There is no cure; treatments instead focus on suppressing the immune response in order to minimize organContinueContinue reading “For lupus treatment, drug delivery may be key”
Reducing ribonucleotides, boosting heart function
A study from researchers at the University of Washington (Seattle) has shown that long-term improvements in heart function—faster, stronger heart muscle contraction—can be gained by increasing levels of deoxy-adenosine-5′-triphosphate (dATP) in genetically engineered mice. Lab Anim. (NY) 42, 154 (2013). view full text (login required)
Fluent in Science 