New research described details of how a diabetes-related gene functions on a biological pathway that affects the release of insulin. The study authors say that finding drugs that act on that pathway may eventually lead to a new treatment for type…
“Alter-the-Backbone” Approach Promising in Osteoporosis & Diabetes
By swapping replacement parts into the backbone of a synthetic hormone, UW-Madison graduate student Ross Cheloha and his mentor Sam Gellman, along with collaborators at Harvard Medical School, have built a version of a parathyroid hormone that resists degradation in laboratory…
Insulin Pump Outperformed by ‘Bionic Pancreas’
From right, researcher Dr. Steven Russell of Massachusetts General Hospital stands with Frank Spesia and Colby Clarizia, two participants in a type 1 diabetes trial testing an electronic device called a bionic pancreas – the cellphone-sized device shown – which replaces…
Researchers Discover Way to Develop Fast-Acting Antidepressants
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have generated fresh insights that could aid in the development of rapid-acting antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression. The researchers found that by blocking NMDA receptors with the drug ketamine, they could elicit rapid antidepressant effects in patients…
Drug Discovery May be Revolutionized by Scientists’ Findings
Proteins are chains of amino acids that, when folded into certain structural patterns and also when unfolded, exert functions within cells. Proteins receive signals that are transmitted from one to the next and that are essential for life. However, within a…
Study: Red Meat may be related to Breast Cancer
Women who often indulge their cravings for all types of processed meats containing foods like hamburgers, steaks and other red meat may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer due to carcinogens discovered in it, a new study suggests. Doctors have…
Orexigen Diet Pill to wait more for FDA’s Decision
Shares of Orexigen Therapeutics tumbled more than 16% in morning trading Wednesday after regulators extended by three months a review of its experimental weight loss drug treatment. The Food and Drug Administration is now expected to make a decision on Contrave,…
Allergens Exposure in Children May Result in Lower Allergy, Asthma Risk
Infants exposed to rodent and pet dander, roach allergens and a wide variety of household bacteria in the first year of life appear less likely to suffer from allergies, wheezing and asthma, according to results of a study conducted by scientists…
Researchers Discover New Breast Cancer Targets
Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found new targets for potential intervention in breast cancer. These hormone cancer studies new targets could eventually increase effectiveness and reduce the undesirable side effects associated with current treatments….
NIDA review summarizes research on marijuana ’s negative health effects
Comprehensive review published in the New England Journal of Medicine also discusses why marijuana health risks are greatest for teen users. The current state of science on the adverse health effects of marijuana use links the drug to several significant adverse…