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Plasticell wins £1.3m funding for cord blood stem cell manufacturing project
Innovate UK has awarded a grant of £1.3m to a research consortium led by Plasticell for a project to expand cord blood stem cell production using the company's technology. 10 Feb 2015
Biomedical engineer Dr Robert Langer wins Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering
Dr Robert Langer, a David H. Koch Institute Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT, has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. 3 Feb 2015
Inflammatory bowel disease associated with viruses in gut
Inflammatory bowel diseases are associated with greater variety of viruses in the gut, according to a study led by Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, USA. 3 Feb 2015
First map of all known proteins in human body is goldmine for drug discovery
The Human Protein Atlas is an open source interactive map showing all the known proteins in the human body and how they are distributed in tissues and organs. 28 Jan 2015
Bone repair technology reconstructs Irish racehorse jaw
An Irish racehorse successfully returned to racing after jaw reconstruction using a new bone repair material made from collagen and hydroxyapatite developed by the Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER) in Dublin. 23 Jan 2015
Optical sensor measures blood glucose through skin
Swiss research institute Empa and University Hospital Zurich have developed an optical sensor that measures blood sugar levels through the skin, without taking any blood. 23 Jan 2015
European research initiative to test novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease
The EPAD project has announced the start of a novel collaboration between 35 academic and private sector partners from Europe and the US to test innovative treatments for the prevention of Alzheimer's dementia. 22 Jan 2015
Gecko Biomedical receives €1.3m from Bpifrance to develop surgical adhesives
Paris-based Gecko Biomedical has announced it has received a €1.3 million loan from Bpifrance to advance development of its biodegradable surgical glues and patches for wound closure. 21 Jan 2015
New light microscope gives faster 3D images of living organisms
A new type of light microscope can image living things at the cellular level in 3D at very high speeds and can capture both cellular structure and function and behaviour. 20 Jan 2015
Lifespan extended by 50% by activating gene that kills unhealthy cells
Research at the University of Bern has has found a way to considerably prolong lifespan, but only in fruit flies so far, by activating a gene which destroys unhealthy cells. 19 Jan 2015
Small intestine tissue grown from human stem cells
Small intestine tissue grown from human cells by researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles shows key aspects of a functioning human intestine. 16 Jan 2015
Eleven NHS genomics medicine centres chosen for 100,000 genomes project
NHS England has chosen the first eleven Genomic Medicine Centres across the country to lead the way in delivering the 100,000 Genomes Project. 16 Jan 2015
Rare disease genes of 1000 children analysed in UK project
Genes of the first 1000 children have been analysed for rare disorders by the Deciphering Developmental Disorders programme and diagnoses found for a third. 16 Jan 2015
France Biotech report highlights lack of support for French life sciences industry
France Biotech, an association of entrepreneurs in the life sciences industry has published its annual survey, Panorama of the Life Sciences, which outlines the industry's major trends for 2013 and 2014 in France and worldwide. 16 Jan 2015
New nicotine vaccine gives more effective immune response
A team at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has designed a nicotine vaccine that elicits an effective immune response by using the 'left-handed' version of a molecule of a nicotine derivative. 14 Jan 2015
Genetic analysis finds Ugandan whipworm parasite has three distinct groups
A gastrointestinal worm that infects primates and humans in Western Uganda and thought to be one species has been found to be three distinct genetic groups. 14 Jan 2015
Oxford University starts trial of new Ebola vaccine
Oxford University has started a clinical trial of an experimental preventative Ebola vaccine regimen. The Oxford Vaccine Group, part of the University of Oxford Department of Paediatrics, aims to have vaccinated 72 healthy adult volunteers by the end of January. 7 Jan 2015
Screening of existing drugs finds 53 that may prevent Ebola virus infection
A study led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found 53 drugs approved for other uses that may keep the Ebola virus from entering human cells, a key step in the process of infection. 6 Jan 2015
Bone therapeutics wins €1 million funding to develop bone cell matrix product
Belgian company Bone Therapeutics has received €1 million funding from the government of the Walloon Region to finance a new research project to investigate novel combined osteoblastic cell-matrix products for the treatment of large bone defects. 6 Jan 2015
Experimental drug helped cure doctor who contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone
A doctor who caught Ebola while in charge of a treatment unit in Lakka, Sierra Leone was treated with an experimental drug called FX06 along with other intensive care and recovered. 5 Jan 2015
'Deep-learning' computer system predicts genetic causes of diseases
University of Toronto researchers have developed the first method for ranking genetic mutations based on how living cells read DNA, calculating how likely a mutation is to cause disease. 5 Jan 2015
ZoBio and Domainex partner to support FORMA Therapeutics' drug discovery programs
Dutch company ZoBio and Cambridge-based Domainex Ltd have announced a collaboration with US company FORMA Therapeutics to provide NMR-based structural biology services for a substantial panel of FORMA drug targets. 15 Dec 2014
Swedish life sciences cluster visits Life Sciences Hub Wales
Medicon Village, a Swedish cluster for life sciences, visited Wales' new centre for life sciences earlier this month. The visit builds on a relationship which began 18 months ago when Life Sciences Hub Wales was chosen as Medicon Village's first partnering 'twin'. 15 Dec 2014
Portable blood analyser detects Ebola virus in 75 minutes
STMicroelectronics and Clonit, in collaboration with Italy's National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, have developed in a few weeks a prototype portable analyzer able to identify the presence of the Ebola virus in less than 75 minutes. 12 Dec 2014
Magnetic nanoparticles stimulate stem cells to regenerate bone
Magnetic nanoparticles coated with targeting proteins can stimulate stem cells to regenerate bone, according to research by Keele University and Nottingham University. 3 Dec 2014
World's first artificial enzymes created using synthetic DNA-like molecules
Scientists at the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) have created the world's first enzymes made from artificial genes. Their synthetic enzymes, which do not occur anywhere in nature, are capable of triggering chemical reactions in the lab. 2 Dec 2014
New strain of Ebola found in the Congo
An outbreak of haemorrhagic fever in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in August has been verified as Ebola but a different strain from that in the more well known outbreaks in west African countries, according to an international study. 18 Nov 2014
Technologies for advanced liver disease monitoring allow patients to stay at home
The EC-funded D-Liver project has developed a remote support system for patients with advanced liver disease to monitor their condition at home and save regular trips to hospital for tests and appointments with consultants. 17 Nov 2014
VascuBone project develops toolbox for personalised bone regeneration
The EU-funded VascuBone project has developed a "toolbox" that doctors can select from to regenerate bone for three types of bone defects. The tool box includes a variety of biocompatible biomaterials and cell types, FDA-approved growth factors, material modification technologies, simulation and analytical tools such as molecular-imaging-based in vivo diagnostics. (includes video) 17 Nov 2014
Auspherix secures AU$1m funding to advance novel antibiotics pipeline
Sydney-based Auspherix Pty Ltd has secured a further AU$1 million in a series A financing from Australia's Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF). 4 Nov 2014
FIND and QuantuMDx partner to develop rapid genome-based diagnostics for tuberculosis
Swiss NGO FIND is joining forces with UK diagnostics developer QuantuMDx Group to develop a combined solution for the rapid detection of tuberculosis and determination of drug resistance.
High intensity ultrasound creates cellular scaffold for regenerating diseased tissue
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered that ultrasound can both destroy cells and leave behind a cellular scaffolding for tissue engineering, a unique approach that could advance regenerative medicine. 30 Oct 2014
New method for creating biological sensors on silicon chips
Scientists from Chile and Germany have developed a novel process to layer two readily available chemicals on a silicon substrate to mimic a cell membrane and give the ability to link biological processes to electronics. 30 Oct 2014
Diverse gut bacteria linked to reduced risk of breast cancer
Postmenopausal women with diverse gut bacteria have a reduced risk of breast cancer through having a more favourable ratio of oestrogen metabolites, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). 30 Oct 2014
Orgenesis receives patent for potential cure for type 1 diabetes
Orgenesis Inc. has announced that it has received a patent for its technology for converting liver cells to pancreas cells as a potential cure for Type 1 Diabetes. 29 Oct 2014
Plant flavanols reverse age-related memory decline
Dietary flavanols, a range of compounds found in certain plants such as cocoa seeds, can reverse age-related memory decline in healthy older adults, according to a study led by Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). 27 Oct 2014
Drug discovery system for cancer is failing patients, says leading expert
The development of new drugs and treatments for cancer has failed to keep up with advances in knowledge because the system is broken, according to Professor Paul Workman, Interim Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research. 28 Oct 2014
EU project to test if blood from Ebola survivors can provide antibodies for treatment
An international research consortium led by the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (ITM) will assess whether treatment with antibodies from the blood of Ebola survivors could help infected patients to fight off the disease. 24 Oct 2014
UK invests £230m in stratified medicine, genomics and dementia research
The UK government has announced that a partnership led by the Medical Research Council (MRC) will invest over £230 million in 23 medical research centres around the UK to develop new technology for identifying the causes of diseases. 24 Oct 2014
Scripps scientists create cholesterol-like molecule that reduces artherosclerosis
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in the US have synthesised a molecule that mimics high-density cholesterol and shown it can reduce plaque build-up in arteries even when taken orally. 15 Oct 2014
Auspherix and Domainex collaborate to combat drug-resistant bacteria
Cambridge-based Domainex Ltd and University of Technology Sydney spinout Auspherix Pty Ltd have announced a collaboration that will develop Auspherix's novel anti-infective drug discovery programme towards the nomination of a clinical candidate. 15 Oct 2014
LoneStar receives CE mark for hydrogel implant for heart-failure treatment
California-based LoneStar Heart, Inc. has announced that it has received the CE Mark for its Algisyl-LVR hydrogel implant, the company's lead product for the treatment of advanced heart failure. 14 Oct 2014
New Oncology and Gustave Roussy collaborate on genetic testing of tumours
Cologne-based cancer diagnostics developer New Oncology has announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, a research institute based in Paris. 14 Oct 2014
Replikins Global Surveillance System claims current Ebola outbreak could have been predicted two years ago by monitoring genomic changes in the virus 9 Oct 2014
Novartis announces collaboration to evaluate Bristol-Myers Squibb's novel immunotherapy drug
The collaboration will evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of three molecularly targeted compounds in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb's investigational PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, Opdivo. 9 Oct 2014
Adaptimmune secures a further US$104m investment for product development
Oxford-based therapeutics company Adaptimmune Limited, has announced the completion of a US$104m series A financing round to advance its programmes for multiple cancer indications into the clinic. 9 Oct 2014
Paris Public Hospitals Group and Magnisense partner to develop tests for cardiovascular diseases
French hospital group AP-HP, (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris), and diagnostics technology developer Magnisense have signed a partnership agreement to develop rapid portable diagnostic tests for cardiovascular diseases. 9 Oct 2014
Nobel prize for chemistry awarded to inventors of nanoscale optical microscope
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2014 has been awarded jointly to Eric Betzig, of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA; Stefan W. Hell of the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and the German Cancer Research Center; and William E. Moerner of Stanford University, USA.
Scientists at UCL and NTNU awarded Nobel Prize for discovering brain's positioning system
The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Professor John O'Keefe of University College London and husband-and-wife team Professors May-Britt Moser and Edvard Moser of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. 6 Oct 2014
Massively parallel approach to stem cell culture will accelerate research
Plasticell has announced the publication of research on the company's high throughput 'Combinatorial Cell Culture' (CombiCult) technology that allows a single scientist to carry out 10,000 stem cell experiments in parallel. 6 Oct 2014
UCL awarded £15m to train bioscience PhDs
The UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)has awarded University College London (UCL) £15m to support thirty PhD studentships annually for the next five years in ... . 6 Oct 2014
Specific molecular structure indicates if a drug is likely to be safe for clinical use
A test developed at the University of Manchester helps determine which drugs are unlikely to work because of their molecular structure. This is likely to greatly speed up the time it takes to make safe and effective medicines available and reduce costs of drug discovery. 6 Oct 2014
Stem cells discovered in layer behind cornea could treat blindness
Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered that a region at the front of the eye harbours special stem cells that could treat degenerative retinal diseases. 2 Oct 2014
AstraZeneca and Cancer Research UK establish Cambridge lab to develop cancer drugs
MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca and Cancer Research UK, with its commercial arm, Cancer Research Technology (CRT), are establishing a joint laboratory in Cambridge, UK to study novel biologic cancer treatments. 26 Sept 2014
University of Pittsburgh awarded $5.8m to develop 3D microfluidic model of the liver
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has won $5.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further develop a microfluidic 3D model system that mimics the structure and function of the liver. 26 Sept 2014
QuantuMDx announces prototype handheld lab for rapid DNA diagnostics
Newcastle-based medical device developers QuantuMDx Group has announced the successful production of their first fully-integrated sample-to-result working prototype of Q-POC, a handheld lab that delivers DNA-based medical diagnosis in minutes. 11 Sep 2014
Sugar in diet depletes good cholesterol
Scientists at the University of Warwick have discovered that the 'good' form of cholesterol, HDL, is degraded by a sugar-derived substance in the body. 8 Sept 2014
Nose cartilage cells can repair knee cartilage damage
Cells taken from the nasal septum are able to adapt to the environment of the knee joint and can thus repair articular cartilage defects, according to researchers at the University and the University Hospital of Basel. 29 Aug 2014
Primerdesign announces lowest cost DNA analytics device for health, veterinary, food and biothreat testing
Southampton University spinoff Primerdesign Ltd has announced the launch of what it claims is the world's most affordable device for DNA diagnostics. The genesig q16 uses real-time PCR analysis to test DNA using a range of over 400 testing kits
Genetically modified bacteria safely kill cancer cells when injected directly
A modified version of the soil bacterium Clostridium novyi can produce a strong and precisely targeted anti-tumour response in rats, dogs and humans when injected directly, according to a new report from Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in the US. 26 Aug 2014
Type-1 and type-2 diabetes are caused by the same hormone malfunction
New evidence from research at at the Universities of Manchester and Auckland shows that juvenile-onset or type-1 diabetes and type-2 diabetes are both caused by the formation of toxic clumps of a hormone called amylin. 22 Aug 2014
Genetic analysis of Candida glabrata shows new genetic sources of drug tolerance
The Max F. Perutz Laboratories in Vienna has coordinated a genetic study of Candida glabrata that has discovered 28 new genes that are partly responsible for the yeast's tolerance of common drugs. 20 Aug 2014
Old drug restores hair in alopecia areata patients
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) have tested a drug that has eliminated the immune cells attacking hair follicles and restored hair growth in a small number of patients. 20 Aug 2014
Roche and Garvan Institute of Medical Research partner to develop epigenomics technology
Roche and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Australia are collaborating to develop new technologies to accurately analyze regions of the epigenome using DNA sequencing. 19 Aug 2014
Scripps labs studying the structure of antibodies to Ebola virus
Laboratories at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) are investigating antibodies to fight Ebola virus, including the three experimental antibodies recently used to treat two American health care workers infected with the virus. 13 Aug 2014
Leishmaniasis parasite protects the fly that transmits it to humans
The Leishmania parasite, which causes the human disease leishmaniasis, acts as a probiotic in the insect that transmits it to humans, protecting them from infection by bacteria. 13 Aug 2014
Genetic material of caries bacterium obtained from ancient teeth
Spanish and Mexican researchers sequencing genes of tooth bacterium going back to the Bronze Age have found increased genetic change in recent times, coinciding with dietary change linked to the expansion of humanity. 13 Aug 2014
Inova chooses Avere storage system for managing the world's largest genome sequence database
Avere Systems has announced that the Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI) has chosen Avere's hybrid cloud storage systems for the world's largest, centralised repository of whole genome sequence data. 12 Aug 2014
Bacteriophages could be new tool to fight C. diff infections in hospitals
A class of viruses called bacteriophages can infect and destroy the bacterium Clostridium difficile, according to research at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Hamburg, Germany, and published in PLOS Pathogens. 4 Aug 2014
Gut bacteria give accurate diagnosis of liver cirrhosis
Scientists from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in collaboration with a Chinese team found that the gut microbiota of individuals with liver cirrhosis differ notably from healthy individuals and have a high proportion bacteria common in the mouth. 4 Aug 2014
Wales gets world class life sciences business development centre
The Life Sciences Hub Wales was officially opened by Welsh Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart on 17 July. The aim of the Hub, which is located in the Cardiff Bay area, is to create a vibrant life sciences ecosystem. 22 Jul 2014
Symbiosis between gut bacteria and immune system is key to health
The link between gut flora and immunity to diseases is more complex than the general view, according to research at the RIKEN Center. The immune system itself plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy gut flora, not just the other way round. 22 July 2014
New technique tests heart drugs on live beating heart tissue samples
A researcher at Coventry University has developed a new way to test the effect of drugs on the heart by using samples of heart tissue stimulated to beat by electrical impulses. 21 Jul 2014
Miniature kidney dialysis machine can properly treat newborns for the first time
Italian scientists have developed a miniaturised kidney dialysis machine capable of treating the smallest babies, and have for the first time used it to safely treat a newborn baby with multiple organ failure. 14 Jul 2014
Decoding of tsetse fly genome opens way to new controls
An international research team from 78 research institutes in 18 countries, has published the DNA sequence of the tsetse fly, the carrier of the sleeping sickness parasite, following a 10-year project. 14 Jul 2014
Plasmonic biosensors make highly sensitive diagnostic devices
A new type of highly-sensitive and low-cost sensor, called a plasmonic biosensor, could detect a range of biomarkers that diagnose diseases at an early stage. 8 Jul 2014
Synthetic Biologics and Enterome Bioscience to study impact of beta-lactam antibiotics on intestinal bacteria
Antibiotics developer Synthetic Biologics and gut microbiome specialist Enterome Bioscience SA will collaborate in genomic research on the effects of beta-lactam antibiotics on the gastrointestinal microflora of human patients. 11 Jun 2014
Exercise boosts diversity of gut bacteria
Exercise boosts the diversity of the bacteria found in the gut, according to a study of professional rugby players published online in the journal Gut. 11 Jun 2014
Clearbridge BioMedics launches device that isolates circulating tumour cells from blood
Clearbridge BioMedics has launched a new cancer diagnostic device, the ClearCell FX System, which is able to isolate and capture circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from a blood sample.
Adaptimmune announces partnership with GSK for cell-based cancer therapies
Adaptimmune Limited has announced a multi-million dollar strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for the development and commercialisation of its lead clinical cancer programme. 5 Jun 2014
microRNAs play critical role in healing intestinal wounds caused by chronic bowel diseases
A microRNA cluster believed to be important for suppressing colon cancer, plays a critical role in wound healing in the intestine, according to research at UT Southwestern Medical Center in the US. 28 May 2014
Mayo Clinic launches 50-gene cancer panel test for more targeted chemotherapy
The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, US, has launched CANCP, a new gene panel cancer test to help tailor chemotherapy to the individual patient based on the unique genomic signature of the patient's tumour. 21 May 2014
Jellagen wins £550,000 investment to produce medical grade collagen
Jellagen Pty Ltd has announced a £550,000 equity investment led by Finance Wales with co-investment by six members of xénos, the Wales Business Angel Network and SWAIN. 21 May 2014
Enterome raises further €10 million funding for genotyping technology
Enterome Bioscience SA has raised €10m in the first tranche of a Series B fund raising to develop disease management solutions based on the gut microbiome. 2 May 2014
New vulnerability found in HIV virus gives potential for new vaccine
A new vulnerable site on the HIV virus that doesn't mutate or vary between strains has been identified by a team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) working with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). 24 Apr 2014
New method to keep leukaemia stem cells in culture will help drug discovery
Two new chemical compounds that can keep alive cultures of leukemic stem cells have been discovered by a team from Université de Montréal and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Quebec, Canada. 15 April 2014
Nottingham University develops hydrogel for growing heart tissue from stem cells
A multidisciplinary team at Nottingham University has developed a new hydrogel that could simplify the production of stem cells and their differentiation into specific tissues for use in regenerative medicine. 15 April 2014
Nerve protein in blood shows extent of brain damage following concussion
Elevated blood levels of tau, a nerve cell protein, indicates the extent of brain damage from concussion, according to research at Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden. 1 April 2014
Adaptimmune awarded £2.1m for T cell cancer therapy development
Adaptimmune has been awarded a grant of £2.1 million from the UK Biomedical Catalyst Fund for the development of its second engineered T cell therapy programme into the clinic in triple negative breast cancer. 28 Mar 2014
Novel technique identifies breast cancer tissue using non-coding RNA markers
The presence of small non-coding sections of the nucleic acid RNA in breast tissue can be used to predict if individuals have breast cancer, according to new findings by the Cancer Genome Atlas project. 6 Mar 2014
Newly discovered hormone released after exercise could indicate biological age
Scientists from Aston University (UK) have discovered a potential molecular link between Irisin, a recently identified hormone released from muscle after exercise, and the ageing process. 6 Mar 2014
Novartis calls for more research into rare diseases
In recognition of Rare Disease Day Novartis has called for a global exchange of ideas to improve the understanding of rare diseases and help address a significant unmet medical need. 28 Feb 2014
Genetic analysis of plaque on 1000-year-old teeth gives clues to ancient diet and disease
An international team of researchers has painstakingly pieced together genetic fragments preserved in the dental plaque of skeletons around 1,000 years old, indicating the bacteria present and food eaten by the person. 24 Feb 2014
Genetic analysis of 1500-year-old teeth gives clues to origins of the plague
Two of the world's most devastating plagues – the plague of Justinian in the sixth century and the Black Death — were caused by distinct strains of the same pathogen, according to a study of teeth from a Bavarian burial site. 24 Feb 2014
Roche HIV-1 dual genetic test given EU approval
Roche has announced that its dual-target HIV-1 qualitative test, v2.0 has received the CE Mark certifications, allowing it to be sold for clinical use in the EU. 24 Feb 2014
Alere launches 15-minute genetic test for influenza A and B in Europe
Point-of-care diagnostics company Alere Inc. has launched in Europe the Alere i Influenza A & B test, a molecular test that detects and differentiate influenza A and B virus in less than 15 minutes. 20 Feb 2014
ValiRx granted European patent for genetic-based cancer test
ValiRx Plc has been awarded patent approval by the European Patent Office for its cancer screening test NAV3, which uses a gene biomarker to detect specific cancers. 20 Feb 2014
DDT exposure linked to Alzheimer's
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center has found that exposure to DDT may lead to Alzheimer's disease later in life. 19 Feb 2014
IMI launches new €22.7m project targeting systemic autoimmune diseases
The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) has launched an new research project, called PRECISESADS, to use innovative diagnostic technology to relate systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) to detectable changes in individual molecular signatures. 18 Feb 2014
Health hazards from nanoparticles in common consumer products
Nanoparticles composed of titanium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper and zinc compounds that are used in many consumer products are toxic to human cells. 14 Feb 2014
Ability to digest fibre dependent on species of gut bacteria
Sweden's KTH Royal Institute of Technology has recently discovered how our ability to benefit from fibre is dependent on a group of bacteria called Bacteroidetes to digest the complex carbohydrates in the fibre. 11 Feb 2014
Bone Therapeutics awarded €3.8 million research grant
Bone Therapeutics has been awarded a share of a Marie Curie grant totalling €3.8 million to develop bio-mimetic and bio-active materials. 6 Feb 2014
Synthelis raises €610,000 to develop manufacturing services for membrane proteins
Synthelis, a company specializing in the production and characterization of therapeutic targets and antigens, has secured initial backing of €610,000 from a group of French investors. 6 Feb 2014
Stem cells grown on scaffold of carbon nanotubes
Scientists from the University of Surrey and the University of California have developed a developed a technique to grow human stem cells on a scaffold of carbon nanotubes. 6 Feb 2014
Bubble trapped in graphene enables unprecedented imaging of hydrated protein molecules
A tiny water bubble trapped between two layers of graphene provides the key to taking nanoscale images of liquid samples in an electron microscope. 5 Feb 2014
Beating heart muscle created from embryonic stem cells
An international team led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the US has generated cardiac muscle tissue from human embryonic stem cells with remarkable similarities to native heart muscle, including the ability to beat. 5 Feb 2014
Fruit flies can smell cancers
Researchers from the Universities of Konstanz and La Sapienza have recorded the antennae of fruit flies detecting odours given off by cancer cells and distinguishing different types of cancer. 3 Feb 2014
Mass spectrometry imaging can transform tissue pathology analysis
A team from Imperial College London has developed a method to analyse mass spectrometry data from a tissue sample to create a detailed map of its chemical composition. 3 Feb 2014
Pre-clinical study shows prebiotics affect brain chemistry
Prebiotic manufacturer Clasado and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford have announced the results of pre-clinical research that demonstrates prebiotics affect the relationship between the gut and the brain. 28 Jan 2014
Behaviour and function of enteroviruses monitored using gold nanoparticles
Researchers at the Nanoscience Center (NSC) of University of Jyväskylä in Finland have developed a novel method to study enterovirus structures and their functions by attaching gold nanoparticles to the surface of viruses so they show up in imaging.
Dietary fibres protect the lungs from asthma
Researchers at Lausanne University Hospital have shown that fermentable fibres present in fruit and vegetables start a chain reaction that enables the body to protect the lungs from the inflammatory response in asthma. 10 Jan 2014
Low diversity of gut bacteria in infants linked to higher risk of asthma
A study of seven-year old children by Linköping University in Sweden has found that those children with low diversity of gut flora when infants are more likely to suffer from asthma at school age. 10 Jan 2014
Self assembling nanofibres made from waste plastic make new antifungal agents
Researchers from IBM and the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in Singapore have converted common plastic materials like PET bottles into non-toxic and biocompatible materials to treat hard-to-cure fungal infections. 2 Jan 2014
Lack of sleep causes brain damage
A new study from Uppsala University, Sweden, shows that one night of sleep deprivation increases morning blood concentrations of chemicals derived from brain tissue. 1 Jan 2014
Binge drinking may cause damage to DNA
A preliminary study carried out on university students in Mexico has found that weekend alcohol consumption causes oxidative damage to cell membranes and also produces signs of DNA damage in blood lymphocytic cells. 1 Jan 2014
Spanish researchers design molecule that stops AIDS virus replicating
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from Spanish universities and research centres has designed small synthetic molecules capable of attaching to the genetic material of the AIDS virus and blocking its replication. 23 Dec 2013
Hunt for RNA biomarkers for prostate cancer and other diseases
The RIBOLUTION project in Germany is developing a platform for the identification and validation of RNA biomarkers for prostate cancer and selected diseases based on genome-spanning screening. 19 Dec 2013
Proteins in circulating tumour cells can predict response to chemotherapy
Scientists from the University of Granada have demonstrated, for the first time, that the presence of specific proteins occurring in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in blood can predict with great precision a patient's response to chemotherapy. 19 Dec 2013
New link between gut bacteria, fibre and a fatty acid could be key to treating IBD
Gut bacteria that digest dietary fibre produce a fatty acid that boosts the immune system in the gut and prevents inflammation, according to research at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Japan. 4 Dec 2013
Genetic test helps optimise cancer treatment
Testing a tumour for certain genes could help decide whether the patient would benefit from receiving additional drugs with a radiotherapy programme, according to a study by the Manchester Cancer Research Centre. 4 Dec 2013
Taking vitamin E, C and other antioxidants can do more harm than good
Research at the University of Oslo shows that taking antioxidant supplements, including vitamins C and E, can upset the body's inbuilt mechanism to handle stress and prevent damage to DNA. They have also found a key to quadrupling lifespan, at least in nematodes. 4 Dec 2013
Why does lack of sleep increase risk of diabetes, heart disease and asthma?
University of Helsinki researchers have discovered new biological links between sleep loss and the immune system. The results help explain why sleep deprivation increases the risk of inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and asthma. 11 Nov 2013
New hope for blood test to catch pancreatic cancer early
A simple blood test to detect gene fragments unique to pancreatic cancer cells could be on the horizon following promising results in a small preliminary study at Johns Hopkins Medicine in the US. 11 Nov 2013
Rheumatoid arthritis linked to specific bacteria in intestine
For the first time in humans, a species of intestinal bacteria, Prevotella copri, has been linked to the chronic inflammatory joint disease rheumatoid arthritis. 8 Nov 2013
European project to develop vaccine for Clostridium difficile
A three-year project involving four European countries aims to develop an oral vaccine against the common hospital infection C difficile. 8 Nov 2013
Laser treatment could cure Alzheimer's
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and the Polish Wroclaw University of Technology, have discovered a technique to distinguish disease-causing proteins in the brain from normal proteins using lasers. 8 Nov 2013
Immunocore achieves research milestone in GlaxoSmithKline collaboration
Oxford-based Immunocore has announced the achievement of the first cancer drug development milestone in its research and licensing agreement with GSK, triggering a first payment. 7 Nov 2013
East Midlands pharma sector regenerating following AstraZeneca research lab closure
The pharmaceutical industry in the UK's East Midlands is seeing growth in new businesses following AstraZeneca's closure of its Charnwood research labs, according to industry association Medilink East Midlands. 31 Oct 2013
IBM develops microfluidic probe to diagnose cancer in tissue samples
IBM scientists are collaborating with pathologists at the University Hospital Zürich to test a prototype device called a microfluidic probe for accurately diagnosing different types of cancer. 28 Oct 2013
Advance in printing human organs using inkjet printers
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB) in Stuttgart have developed components of human tissue that can be used as inks for inkjet printing of human organs. 28 Oct 2013
Poor sleep linked to higher levels of
Alzheimer's biomarker β-amyloid
Poor sleep quality in older adults could affect the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 28 Oct 2013
Nanodiamonds monitor molecular processes from inside cancer cells
The EU-funded project Dinamo aims to develop a sensing platform for real-time monitoring of biomolecular processes in living cancer cells using fluorescent diamond particles. 28 Oct 2013
High hormone levels could be cause of breast cancer in BRCA gene carriers
Abnormal levels of female hormones in the blood could be the trigger causing women with the faulty genes BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 to develop breast cancer instead of other cancers. 24 Oct 2013
Enterovirus associated with type 1 diabetes identified — gives hope for vaccine
For the first time, researchers have identified the types of enterovirus associated with type 1 diabetes. Two collaborating teams have published the findings of their separate studies. 24 Oct 2013
Cold plasmas have multipronged attack to destroy bacteria
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität (RUB)in Germany have discovered how cold plasmas destroy bacteria at both the cellular and molecular level, making them efficient disinfectants. 18 Oct 2013
Breakthrough in developing new antibiotic and vaccine for TB
A French-British team has discovered that the tuberculosis bacterium can be prevented from growing by blocking a protein that transports the amino acid aspartate into the bacteria cell. 18 Oct 2013
Aberdeen University looks for breast cancer drug in shark blood
AICR, the Scottish cancer research charity, has awarded biologists from the University of Aberdeen £200,000 to test if an antibody found in shark blood can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. 11 Oct 2013
Ibuprofen inhibits growth of some cancers
Long-term use of Ibuprofen could give protection against prostate cancer, some colon cancers and several other cancers, according to research at the University of Bath. 2 October 2013
Interactions between genome and skin bacteria influence inflammatory skin diseases
A German research group has found that low numbers of some species of skin bacteria are associated with certain inflammatory disorders and that the bacteria are in turn affected by the genetic makeup of the host. 30 Sept 2013
Body's own T cells identified as potential source of universal flu vaccine
A virus-killing immune cell, called CD8 T, is more numerous in the body of people who avoid more serious bouts of flu, according to research at Imperial College London, and could be the source of a new type of vaccine. 23 Sept 2013
Skuldtech secures €1m to develop blood biomarker test for Alzheimer's disease
French biotechnology company Skuldtech has secured €1m in funding from Bpifrance (French public financing structure) to develop a blood biomarker test for Alzheimer's disease. 11 Sept 2013
Colour-changing dots detect blood-borne bacteria
A team at the University of Illinois has developed a cheap disposable device containing a chemical sensing array (CSA) that can rapidly identify bacteria from the signature chemicals that they give off. 10 Sept 2013
Spermidine prevents dementia in fruit flies
Feeding fruit flies with the natural cell component spermidine prevents memory impairment, according to research conducted by Freie Universität Berlin and the University of Graz. 1 Sept 2013
World's largest collection of engineered human cell lines available for research
Austrian biotechnology company Haplogen and the Center for Molecular Medicine have announced that they are making available their large collection of human cell lines that are deficient for single genes. 30 Aug 2013
Space and life sciences centre established in Edinburgh Bioquarter
A new Centre of Excellence for Space and Life Sciences to be based at the Edinburgh BioQuarter will create a physical environment for innovation in the crossover between health and space technologies. 30 Aug 2013
ValiRx wins €1.6m grant to develop genetics-based cancer treatment
ValiRx plc and consortium member Pharmatest Services have been awarded a €1.6 million Eurostars grant to progress the pre-clinical studies of its novel product VAL101. 29 Aug 2013
Labelled gold nanoparticles hold key to targeted stem cell therapy
Researchers at Southampton and Cambridge Universities have developed a technique using gold nanoprobes to identify different types of cells, so that they can target the right ones in stem cell therapies. 28 Aug 2013
Call for action on antimicrobial resistance
International leaders from the pharmaceutical industry, academia, SMEs and the healthcare sector met in May to look at why we are no closer to defusing the antibiotic resistance "ticking-time bomb" than we were a decade ago. 21 Aug 2013
Abnormal ageing gene linked to blood cancer
A variant of a gene that helps control ageing in humans by acting as a cell's internal clock has been linked to blood cancer in a major new study by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London. 19 Aug 2013
New molecular probe for real-time PCR monitoring and genetic testing
Eprobe is a fluorescent probe for PCR DNA amplification techniques and DNA analysis developed by researchers from RIKEN and Japanese firm K.K.DNAForm. 13 Aug 2013
RNA test could detect Alzheimer's disease
A new RNA-based blood test can distinguish between people with Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls. This type of test could be used to help diagnose the disease and other degenerative disorders. 31 July 2013
Virus populations that attack human gut bacteria change rapidly
The viral population that preys on bacteria in the human gut can undergo rapid change over short time periods, according to a new genetic study by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine. 31 July 2013
Tuberculosis DNA recovered from 215-year old mummy
Tuberculosis DNA has been extracted from the lung tissue of a 215-year old Hungarian mummy by a team from the UK, Hungary and Israel. 29 July 2013
Cancer cells can be destroyed by blocking single protein
Research at Southampton University has discovered a protein that is not necessary in normal cells but is important to the survival of cancerous cells. 29 July 2013
Electrosurgical knife instantly detects cancer during surgery
The iKnife is a surgical knife that cuts flesh using electrical current and analyses the vapour to detect characteristic chemicals of specific cancers using a mass spectrometer. 18 July 2013
Link found between Crohn's disease and RNA enterovirus
A study of a small group of children in Sweden has found a new link between Crohn's disease and an RNA virus that is known to infect the mucosal lining of the intestine. 17 July 2013
Immunocore in deal with Genentech to develop cell-specific cancer drugs
Immunocore has entered into a research collaboration and licensing agreement with Genentech for the discovery and development of multiple novel cancer targets using Immunocore's ImmTAC technology. 2 Jul 2013
New breast cancer test is better at diagnosing need for chemotherapy
A new genetic test can better determine the likelihood of recurrence of a common form of breast cancer and help decide on the need for chemotherapy. 2 July 2013
Antibiotic stimulates production of itself across bacteria population
An antibiotic has been found to stimulate its own production of itself in a soil bacterium when nutrients become limited in a study at the John Innes Centre. 18 Jun 2013
Blood test for pregnant women diagnoses Down's Syndrome in foetus
A non-invasive test that analyzes foetal DNA in a pregnant woman's blood can accurately detect Down's syndrome and other genetic foetal abnormalities in the first trimester. 7 June 2013
Vitamin A plays protective role in inflammatory bowel disease
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that Vitamin A can reduce the damaging immune responses that lead to inflammatory bowel disease. 7 June 2013
Strathclyde-based chemical manufacturing research centre receives £34.2m boost
The EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC) in Strathclyde has received an £11.4 million cash injection from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), supported with £22.8 million industry and charity contributions. 6 June 2013
HistoIndex chooses London BioScience Innovation Centre as European base
Singapore-based medical imaging company HistoIndex has become the 50th life science company in the London BioScience Innovation Centre (LBIC). 6 June 2013
IMI NEWMEDS project to find new treatments for schizophrenia and depression
The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) NEWMEDS project brings together seven academic research institutions, nine major pharmaceutical companies and three SMEs to speed the quest for schizophrenia and depression treatments. 6 June 2013
Junk DNA plays active role in cancer
A human gene sequence until recently considered 'junk' could promote cancer progression, according to research at the University of Nottingham. 4 June 2013
Oral vaccine for diarrhoea passes first trial
A novel vaccine against four strains of E. coli has passed a phase I clinical trial, according to the University of Gothenburg Vaccine Research Institute (GUVAX). 29 May 2013
Genome analysis poses ethical dilemmas, says European Society of Human Genetics
The provision of services that give patients cheap whole-genome analysis can pose ethical problems if used incorrectly, says The European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG). 22 May 2013
Aesica partners with the University of Nottingham to develop novel amide chemical synthesis techniques
Aesica has announced a partnership to develop alternative methods of amide bond synthesis for pharmaceutical manufacturing. 21 May 2013
BioCity to develop BioHub at AstraZeneca's Alderley Park site
BioCity Nottingham Ltd, the UK's leading provider of life sciences business incubation services, has been appointed by AstraZeneca to establish a new centre for bioscience companies at Alderley Park in Cheshire. 21 May 2013
Low cost tuberculosis diagnosis will help developing countries
A combination of simple clinical, radiological and laboratory tools can diagnose smear-negative tuberculosis (SN-TB) better than current systems of diagnosis. 14 May 2013
Antifungal therapy could help 5 million asthmatics
A new estimate of the global numbers suffering from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) shows an estimated 4.8 million asthmatics could benefit substantially from antifungal treatment. 14 May 2013
Gamma ray imaging visualizes bio-metals and molecules simultaneously
Researchers from the RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies in Japan have developed a new molecular imaging technology that can visualize bio-metals and bio-molecules simultaneously in a live mouse. 10 May 2013
Cell-free skin graft heals chronic leg ulcers
A new type of skin graft produced by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Tissue Services has healed the chronic leg ulcers of more than half of patients involved in the first trial. 10 May 2013
New type of fat cell discovered
Humans have two kinds of brown fat cells according to research at Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden. The researchers call the new type of brown fat tissue "classical brown fat". 8 May 2013
Personalising PSA test using genetic tests could improve prostate cancer diagnosis
Testing for genetic variants that can increase serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentrations could avoid unnecessary biopsies for some men and eliminate false complacency for others. 25 Apr 2013
New insight on brain cell metabolism during onset of Alzheimer's
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have shown, for the first time, how important parts of the nerve cell that are involved in the cell's energy metabolism operate in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. 23 April 2013
Common antihistamine could be treatment for prion diseases
Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in Florida have identified a pair of drugs already approved for human use that show anti-prion activity. 23 Apr 2013
NovAliX and Inventiva form strategic alliance for nuclear receptor drug targets
Inventiva and NovAliX announced that they have entered into a strategic alliance dedicated to the discovery of clinical candidates, targeting nuclear receptors. 22 Apr 2013
AstraZeneca outlines major restructuring of R&D and strategy to return to growth
AstraZeneca has announced plans for to establish a new global R&D centre and corporate headquarters in Cambridge in the UK by 2016. The move is part of the company's proposals to create strategic global R&D centres in the UK, US and Sweden to improve pipeline productivity and to establish it as a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. 4 Apr 2013
InteRNA Technologies secures additional equity financing for melanoma treatment
Utrecht-based InteRNA Technologies B.V. has closed an equity financing round, with new investors including the 'Innovation & Investment Fund Gelderland', managed by PPM Oost and several business angels. 4 Apr 2013
Gene sequences associated with breast and ovarian cancer identified
Three studies reported in Plos Genetics and Nature Genetics have found new DNA sequences associated with breast cancer and ovarian cancer. 28 Mar 2013
Horse DNA test for meat products
Life Technologies has developed the RapidFinder Equine ID Kit in conjunction with the Instituto de Medicina Genomica (IMEGEN) that detects the presence of equine DNA extracted from meat samples. 8 Mar 2013
Bone cells generated from stem cells by manipulating growth surface structure
A new method to generate bone cells could lead to revolutionary bone repair therapies for people with bone fractures or those who need hip replacement surgery due to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. 8 March 2013
Breath analysis could measure stress
A study by Loughborough University and Imperial College London, has identified six chemical markers in the breath that could be candidates for use as indicators of stress. 6 Mar 2013
European Spallation Source granted patent for neutron detection technology
The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, has been granted its first patent in collaboration with researchers at Linköping University for new technology that will improve the efficiency of its neutron detectors.
MRSA more virulent in space
Research on board the International Space Station (ISS) has found that spaceflight culture increases the disease-causing potential (virulence) of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella. 25 Feb 2013
Oxford Nanopore announces further collaborations for nanopore sensing technology
The company has completed agreements with the University of Illinois, Brown University, Stanford University, Boston University, University of Cambridge and the University of Southampton. 13 Feb 2013
Curie-Cancer and GenoSplice Technology in genomics informatics partnership
Curie-Cancer, part of Institut Curie, and GenoSplice Technology have formed a partnership to combine their expertise in genomics to develop new cancer treatments. 13 Feb 2013
Bolton University in €1.3m project to produce artificial tendons
The University of Bolton has joined an international consortium of universities that has secured €1.5 million of funding for research into developing biomaterials for tendon regeneration. 13 Feb 2013
Plastic compound provides foundation for bone regeneration
Edinburgh and Southampton Universities have developed a plastic compound with sponge-like pores that can replace damaged bone and allows the patient's own cells to grow into and take over the material to form new bone. 8 Feb 2013
Provence Technologies launches €1.3m programme to develop ultra-pure compounds
Provence Technologies has launched Screening 1000, a research programme with the goal of discovering a new ultra-pure molecule for the healthcare market. 8 Feb 2013
Sygnature Discovery selected as partner in European drug discovery project
Nottingham-based Sygnature Discovery has been selected to be an SME partner in the €196m European Lead Factory project, which was launched today by an international consortium of 30 partners. 7 Feb 2013
BioCity Scotland to be UK hub for €196m European drug discovery project
A major new pharmaceutical drug discovery initiative, the European Lead Factory, is to be centred at BioCity Scotland in Lanarkshire, in partnership with the University of Dundee. The project will bring at least €19 million (£16.3 million) of research funding to Scotland. 7 Feb 2013
Eczema in infants linked to composition of gut bacteria
Infants with eczema have a more diverse set of bacteria in their guts and the types of bacteria present are also more typical of adult gut microbes than for those without eczema. 7 Feb 2013
Nurses at the forefront of genomics in healthcare
A special Genomics Issue of the Journal of Nursing Scholarship addresses genetic applications that are essential to advancing nursing knowledge and patient care. 5 Feb 2013
Personalised medicine using genomics shows patients can stop taking drug
Genetic analysis of two children with an adrenal disease has shown that they did not need to take one of the drugs they had been taking for many years, saving costs and reducing potential side effects. 4 Feb 2013
ESMO calls for caution over current expectations of personalised medicine
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has issued a statement to dispel the myth that personalised medicine is already a reality for all cancer types and all cancer patients. 4 Feb 2012
Antimicrobial hydrogel breaks through MRSA film barrier and destroys cells
An antimicrobial hydrogel that can break through microbial biofilms and completely eradicate drug-resistant bacteria upon contact has been unveiled by IBM and the Singapore-based Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. 25 Jan 2013
New alliance of academic research centres to accelerate drug development
Six of the world's top translational health research centres have formed the Global Alliance of Leading Drug Discovery and Development Centres. 23 Jan 2013
DMU and Ithaka in partnership to market new technology for transporting CYP proteins
De Montfort University is establishing a new company with Ithaka Life Sciences, to market new technology designed for the transport of a range of compounds important in drug discovery. 23 Jan 2013
Stem cells differ in ability to differentiate
Isolated stem cells vary in their characteristics for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Only a specific group are useful for therapeutic purposes. 16 Jan 2013
Microscopic filter captures cancer cells circulating in blood stream
The filter could enable detection of tumour cells circulating in blood well before they subsequently colonize organs and form tumours. 17 Dec 2012
LifeMap Sciences launches database of human cellular life for regenerative medicine
The platform integrates embryonic development and stem cell biology with molecular, cellular, anatomical, and disease-related information, and provides data-mining capabilities and bioinformatics applications. 14 Dec 2012
Genetics shows Crohn's, colitis and other inflammatory diseases share common biological pathways
Genetics shows IBD may result from the body's immune response over-reacting, the result of a long-term evolutionary balancing act between defence against bacterial infection and harmful excessive inflammation. 13 Dec 2012
New biomaterials can promote regeneration of brain tissue after injury and disease damage
This allows the generation, within these structures, of new neurons and glia, capable of repairing injured brain tissue caused by trauma, stroke or neurodegenerative disease, among other causes. 3 Dec 2012
Genetically engineered bacteria can commit suicide for good of population
Scientists at EMBO in Heidelberg have engineered bacteria that are capable of sacrificing themselves in certain conditions where it benefits the bacterial population. 26 Nov 2012
Q-Cancer awarded £1.4m to develop QuantuMDx benchtop tumour profiler
The Q-CANCER project will integrate QuantuMDx Group's rapid on-chip lab processes and develop the first sub-20 minute tumour profiler. 23 Nov 2012
Tuberculosis bacteria's defence mechanism discovered — opens way for new treatment
A team of Flemish biologists have discovered that the tuberculosis bacterium has an ingenious defence mechanism against oxidation, the system used by the body to attack invading bacteria. 22 Nov 2012
Handheld device can detect diseases from tiny samples in minutes
The card-sized device, which needs no power, lays the groundwork for early-stage point-of-care diagnosis of diseases such as cancers and Alzheimer's. 22 Nov 2012
Breakthrough in understanding cell processes could lead to new medical treatments
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a means of controlling biological processes that could help treatments for immune disease, neurological disorders and cancer. 22 Nov 2012
Blackpool hospitals use genetic testing to reduce MRSA
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has introduced rapid screening for the superbug MRSA of all emergency admissions patients, and both MRSA and MSSA for surgical patients admitted through A&E. 22 Nov 2012
Royal Marsden and ICR open groundbreaking Centre for Molecular Pathology
Scientists will be able to monitor whether new-generation cancer drugs are successful to an unprecedented degree of detail following the opening of a new world-class research facility. 21 Nov 2012
SpinChip microfluidics device analyses blood at the point of care
Norwegian company SpinChip has developed a microfluidics-based chip contained in a portable device that analyses blood samples at the point of care and provides immediate results. 14 Nov 2012
Abnormal gene found to be cause of rare childhood leukemia
An international team has identified a fusion gene responsible for almost 30% of a rare subtype of childhood leukemia with an extremely poor survival rate. 14 Nov 2012
Novel treatment for epilepsy based on viral vectors and cell transplants
The EU-funded EPIXCHANGE project aims to develop treatments for epilepsy by using viruses to infect brain cells and by transplanting cells into the brain. 14 Nov 2012
DNA sequencing tracks source of MRSA in hospital infection
A Cambridge-based team has used advanced DNA sequencing technologies to confirm the presence of an ongoing outbreak of MRSA at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, in real time. 14 Nov 2012
Novasep to build world's largest chromatography plant for pharmaceutical industry
Novasep is to invest €30 million to build in Europe the world's largest chromatography plant used for the production of a large volume commercial active pharmaceutical ingredients. 18 Oct 2012
Non-coding antisense RNA can be used to stimulate cellular protein production
While studying Parkinson's disease, a research group has discovered that the protein synthesis activity of coding genes can be enhanced by the activity of the non-coding one called antisense. 18 October 2012
Functional thyroid tissue generated from stem cells in mice
The discovery could allow the treatment of patients who suffer from thyroid hormone deficiency due to defective function, or abnormal development of the thyroid gland. 16 Oct 2012
New chemistry technique to synthesize complex natural terpenes
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have shown how to synthesize in the laboratory an important set of natural compounds known as terpenes, the largest class of chemicals made by living organisms and including compounds such as the cancer drug Taxol and the antimalarial drug artemisinin.
Clinical trial of weight loss using genetics-determined diet and lifestyle
Pathway Genomics has announced a clinical trial with the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System that will investigate if weight loss can be improved by using genetic analysis to determine the most suitable individual diet and exercise regime. 3 Oct 2012
Diabetes linked to composition of intestinal flora
A study of the genetics of intestinal flora in diabetics has found a characteristic mix of bacteria that could be used for classifying type 2 diabetes. 27 Sept 2012
Biophytis awarded €1.5m to combat sarcopenic obesity
Biophytis will use the funds for its SARCOB project to develop nutritional products for preventing and treating sarcopenic obesity. 26 Sept 2012
Cardiac cells generated from stem cells using carbon nanotubes
The electrical stimulation of carbon nanotubes can direct stem cells to form cardiac cells. The technique could give the ability to repair damaged heart muscle, which has little natural repair capacity. 19 Sept 2012
DNA tracking of TB outbreaks could identify origin
Whole-genome sequencing of killer diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) could reconstruct the spread from person to person and quickly identify the origin and movement of pathogens. 18 Sept 2012
Old antibiotic is new hope in fight against tuberculosis
Researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne have discovered that the natural antibiotic pyridomycin, first reported in the 1950s, can kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis by inhibiting a vital enzyme. See video of the drug in action. 18 Sept 2012
UK-developed growth hormone test is new tool for sports anti-doping agencies
Scientists from three UK universities have developed a new test to detect blood proteins that show that an athlete has used growth hormone. 17 Sept 2012
Chemicals from Sea Squirt could make smaller, greener computer chips
Scientists from the Universities of Aberdeen and St Andrews have developed a method to make components of a new type of computer chip using organic chemicals from a sea squirt. 13 Sept 2012
Human genome could have twice as many genes as first thought, says GENCODE
The GENCODE Consortium, part of the ENCODE Project, made the conclusion following a review of available data on gene activity. 13 Sept 2012
Life Technologies takes benchtop genome sequencer on tour of UK in a Mini
The company is taking a fully functional benchtop Personal Genome Machine (PGM) DNA sequencer nestled in the boot of a Mini on a tour of UK universities. 13 Sept 2012
No such think as 'junk' DNA in human genome, ENCODE project discovers
An international project studying the human genome has found that much of what has been called 'junk DNA' in the human genome in fact plays an essential role in gene activity. 10 Sept 2012
Bacteria in skin mites targeted as cause of rosacea
The common dermatological condition called rosacea could be triggered by bacteria in tiny mites that live in the skin, according to research by the National University of Ireland. 10 Sept 2012
Nanoparticle form of tea polyphenols reverses antioxidant properties
When used in bulk form, these polyphenols showed antioxidant responses, but the nanoform at higher concentrations exhibited pro-oxidant effects. 10 Sept 2012
Artificial cell tissue grown with embedded wiring opens way for 'cyborg' organisms
This is the first time that electronics and artificial tissue have been truly merged in 3D, allowing direct sensing and potentially stimulation of the tissue. 10 Sept 2012
Liverpool University pioneers use of nanomedicines to treat HIV/AIDS
The University is leading a £1.65 million project to test the drugs made from nanoscale particles, which could allow smaller doses. 5 Sep 2012
Novel mRNA blood test can show which heart failure patients will benefit from ICD
A novel blood test for changes in messenger RNA that predict sudden death risk in heart failure patients is set to help physicians decide which patients would benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). 28 Aug 2012
University of Leicester receives £7m donation for new biomarker facility
The donation from the John and Lucille van Geest Foundation will help pave the way for a new era of 'personalised medicine' enabling the University to create a facility that is unique in the UK and that can compete globally. 21 Aug 2012
Effectiveness of artificial tissue depends on cell shape and type of scaffold
The finding could allow the development of even more effective implants and also target many other diseases, including cancer. 14 Aug 2012
Cambridge University awarded £8m to build stem cell research institute
The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute will advance understanding of stem cells and their potential to treat a range of life-threatening conditions that currently have no effective cures. 14 Aug 2012
Amino acid balance in the gut plays critical role in intestinal inflammation
The ACE2 enzyme controls the amino acid balance in the gut, which in turn plays a key role in the increased susceptibility to intestinal inflammation in malnutrition. 8 Aug 2012
Structure of critical enzyme in flu virus replication determined
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Grenoble, France, has determined the detailed 3-dimensional structure of part of the flu virus' RNA polymerase, an enzyme that is crucial for replication. 8 Aug 2012
Skin has internal clock for repair and regeneration
Human skin has an internal clock responsible for the time-based steering of its repair and regeneration, among other things, according to research published in the Proceedings of the Academy of Science. 26 July 2012
Critical molecule for fighting E. coli infection identified
A new role has been discovered for a molecule present in cells lining the surface of the lung and intestine in protecting the body from E. coli and Pneumococcus. 26 July 2012
MedMira wins $4.2m US army contract to commercialize rapid test for HIV and hepatitis
MedMira will advance and commercialize a multiple rapid test that will simultaneously detect HIV-1/2, Hepatitis B and C antibodies within three minutes using just a small drop of blood. 23 July 2012
Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation funds research on genetic link to inflammatory bowel disease
The Foundation has given substantial support to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America to continue its Genetic Initiative to find a cure for the diseases. 23 July 2012
Cellular Systems awarded TSB/ DEFRA research grants
Nottingham BioCity-based Cellular Systems has been awarded grants for a poultry disease detection system and egg shell waste product development. 18 July 2012
Calixar and Synthelis partner to provide membrane protein services
Two French companies specialising in membrane proteins, Calixar and Synthelis, have entered into an alliance for the production and isolation of all types of target membrane proteins. 17 July 2012
DNA methylation involved in development of rheumatoid arthritis
Epigenetic changes due to methylation of DNA are involved in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. 18 July 2012
Lysosomes play key role in development of inflammatory diseases
A 'constant cloud' of potent inflammatory molecules, controlled by lysosomes, surround the cells responsible for diseases such as thickening of the arteries and rheumatoid arthritis. 18 July 2012
Dual drug therapy offers new hope for deadly childhood cancer
A new drug combination that boosts the effectiveness of a gene-targeting treatment could offer hope to children with neuroblastoma. 12 July 2012
Zinc finger nuclease proteins provide simple, safe alternative to gene therapy
Zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) proteins have a surprising ability to easily enter cells and disrupt specific genes within cells, according to research The Scripps Research Institute in the US. 11 July 2012
Chronic inflammation in the brain is precursor to Alzheimer's
Chronic inflammation from infection can predispose the brain to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life, according to Swiss researchers. 11 July 2012
European collaboration to create biomimetic bioartificial liver
The aim of Re-Liver is to reconstitute a standardized and reproducible bioartificial liver organoid (BLO) using healthy human liver as an architectural and biomaterial template. 3 July 2012
Medilink East Midlands named UK partner in European biomaterials network
Medilink East Midlands has been named as the UK partner for the Biomat-IN biomaterials innovation network, which involves the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands. 25 June 2012
Gut bacteria regulate immune system and imbalance triggers rheumatoid arthritis
Genome sequencing has been used to show that the balance of bacteria in the human gut play a significant role in rheumatoid arthritis. 19 June 2012
Calixar secures €875K funding round to develop membrane protein services
The funds will enable Lyons-based Calixar to develop its international operations for membrane protein services and move its research programs forward. 18 June 2012
Stem cells from fat tissue can grow bone for grafts
Bone grafts grown from purified stem cells originating from a patient's own fat tissue could lead to a more efficient way to regenerate bone and end the painful operations needed to collect a patient's own bone for grafting. 15 June 2012
16th-century Korean mummy reveals unique hepatitis B genetic code
The discovery of a mummified Korean child has enabled the reconstruction of an ancient hepatitis B virus genetic code. It is also the oldest full viral genome described in the scientific literature to date. 12 June 2012
TSB awards £1m funding to develop small molecule drug platform
Three companies, Isogenica, Biolauncher, and Cresset Group, have been awarded £1m funding from the UK Technology Strategy Board to develop a highly-scalable approach to small molecule drug discovery. 7 June 2012
Secretion processes in human cells controlled by 15% of proteins encoded by human genome
An international collaboration between University College Dublin and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) has revealed for the first time that 15% of the proteins encoded by the human genome contribute to the process of secretion in cells. 4 June 2012
Patients' skin cells turned into heart muscle cells to repair damaged hearts
The research opens up the prospect of treating heart failure patients with their own, human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to repair their damaged hearts. 25 May 2012
Definiens Tissue Studio supports detection of spot-like signals from in situ hybridization assays
Definiens Tissue Studio 3.5 now supports the automated analysis of in situ hybridization assays, including SISH, CISH, FISH and dual-ISH.
Sygnature Discovery and Pneumolabs partner in drug development services
The companies have entered into a strategic alliance to provide a fully-integrated drug discovery service to accelerate clients' drug discovery programmes into development. 17 May 2012
Nanoparticles revive failed cancer drug
A University of North Carolina (UNC) team has developed nanoparticle drug carriers that have successfully delivered therapeutic doses of a cancer drug that had previously failed clinical development due to pharmacological challenges. 14 May 2012
Report on the St Petersburg International Forum on Pharmacy
The event was mainly focused on elaboration of effective solutions for rapid development of Russian pharmacy and medicine, creation, production and introduction of innovative, high quality medications into clinical practice. 16 May 2012
Peratech creates electronic nose using quantum tunnelling composite technology
The new sensor technology detects the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) very rapidly and can recover in seconds. 14 May 2012
Conference on funding innovation in biotech and medtech
This event, on 13 June 2012, will help identify the best routes to accessing funding programmes that match project needs. 14 May 2012
Transplanting photoreceptor cells into eyes restores sight in mice
Transplanting photoreceptors from the eye could form the basis of a new treatment to restore sight in people with degenerative eye diseases such as diabetes related blindness. 8 May 2012
New type of stem cell found in the brain
Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have discovered a new stem cell in the adult brain. These cells can proliferate and form several different cell types including new brain cells. 30 April 2012
DiaGenic and GE Healthcare to develop blood-based test for early Alzheimer's
The blood-based test will use DiaGenic's peripheral gene expression profiling in patients with mild cognitive impairment, a disorder associated with risk for Alzheimer's Disease. 30 Apr 2012
Celtic Therapeutics invests $50M in developing antibody drug conjugates
A new company will be based in Switzerland to develop, ADCs (developed in London!) which are fast becoming the most exciting new class of oncology drugs as they combine the specificity of antibodies with the cytotoxic power of novel "warhead" chemistries. 30 Apr 2012.
Newly discovered viral genome could rewrite history of virus evolution
A virus found in a high temperature acidic volcanic lake belongs to a previously undetected group of viruses. More importantly, it has a new type of viral genome that could have huge implications for theories of viral emergence and evolution. 20 April 2012
Phthalates in cosmetics and plastics could double risk of diabetes
Research at Uppsala University has found even a modest increase in phthalate levels in the blood doubles the risk. 15 April 2012
Antimicrobial coating for catheters could reduce costs of infections
An antimicrobial coating made from positively charged compounds is being developed at Manchester University to reduce infections from catheters.
Whole genome sequencing does not inform of risk of common diseases
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has found that genome sequencing fails to provide informative guidance to most people about their risk for most common diseases, and warns against complacency born of negative genome test results. 10 April 2012
DNA sequencing of tumour enables ultimate personalised cancer treatment
DNA sequencing technology has been used to not only identify mutations at the root of a patient's tumour but to map the genetic evolution of disease and monitor response to treatment at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. 10 April 2012
BioCity Scotland offers £10,000 Dragon's Den prize for entrepreneur boot campers
The Boot Camp is a three-day intensive business development programme designed to prepare scientists to be their own boss. 3 Apr 2012
Promethera Biosciences raises €23.6m series-B financing
Among the new investors are the venture arms of pharmaceutical industry leaders Boehringer Ingelheim and Shire, Japanese investment fund Mitsui Global Investment, US company ATMI and Belgian venture capital fund Sambrinvest. 28 Mar 2012
Enterome raises €5m series A funding
This funding follows a previous seed round that raised €1.5 million from Seventure Partners (Natixis) and INRA Transfert. It will allow further development of biomarkers for abnormal flora of the human intestine. 28 Mar 2012
Printing technique can form 3D shapes from gel sheets
A new method for manufacturing three-dimensional shapes from gel sheets easily and cheaply, has applications in biomedicine, robotics and tunable micro-optics. 26 Mar 2012
Stevenage BioScience Catalyst and Kurma Life Sciences Partners collaborate to boost investment in UK bioscience
The parties will work together and independently on sourcing investments based on innovative science, from both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. 26 Mar 2012
Linoleic acid is novel therapy for Crohn's disease
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring compound found in meat and dairy products, can improve symptoms of Crohn's disease when given as a supplement, according to a new study. 23 Mar 2012
Self-healing gel could seal wounds and deliver drugs
A self-healing gel that binds in seconds, as easily as Velcro, and forms a bond strong enough to withstand repeated stretching, has been developed by bioengineers at the University of California, San Diego. 22 Mar 2012
Domain Therapeutics wins €933,000 grant for schizophrenia drug project
Domain Therapeutics has announced that the ATHOS project has been selected for French government funding. 22 Mar 2012
New gel could repair damaged heart after heart attack
An injectable gel containing freeze-dried powdered heart cells could be an effective and safe treatment to repair heart tissue damage caused by heart attacks. 18 Mar 2012
First image of two atoms bonding to form a molecule
The world's first image of two atoms bonding together to form a molecule has been captured by a team at Ohio University using ultrafast laser pulses to knock electrons out of orbit as the atoms bonded. 15 Mar 2012
111 organisations call for more controls over use of synthetic biology
The coalition has released a report, The Principles for the Oversight of Synthetic Biology, to highlight the risks to public health and the environment from synthetic biology. 14 Mar 2012
Cell mechanism causing inflammatory disease unlocked
The discovery could lead to advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Type 2 diabetes and numerous other chronic diseases that affect tens of millions of people. 14 Mar 2012
Aberdeen University to host natural products drug discovery symposium
Groundbreaking research into the development of new medicines from the earth's natural resources will be the focus of a symposium on 21 March 2012. 13 Mar 2012
Mobius Life Sciences Fund invests in XenoGesis Limited
XenoGesis Limited is a contract research organisation (CRO) set up by ex-AstraZeneca researchers. The financing is part of a £135,000 investment round. 12 Mar 2012
BioCity Nottingham appoints life sciences industry leader Dr John Brown to board
Dr Brown's arrival closely follows the launch of BioCity Scotland, and marks another step-change in the growth ambitions of the company.
New drug testing method could reduce need for animal testing
Scientists from the University of Southampton are to develop a laboratory-based system to accurately predict immune responses to drugs based on bio-active proteins. 12 Mar 2012
Helios BioSciences becomes 27th company to move into Biocitech technology park
Biocitech, the Paris life sciences technology park, has announced the arrival of Helios BioSciences, a provider of bioinformatics services in support of the drug discovery process. 9 Mar 2012
Bill Gates visit Zaragoza TB vaccine development team
The University of Zaragoza team working on the development of MTBVAC, a new vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) was visited by Bill Gates and his wife on 21 February. 8 Mar 2012
Revolutionary DNA sequencing technique improves diagnosis of muscular dystrophy
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have used massively parallel DNA sequencing to correctly identify muscle-wasting diseases. 7 Mar 2012
Integromics partners with FPGMX to develop low-cost methods for clinical genomics
Integromics has entered into a partnership with the Galician Foundation of Genomic Medicine for the development of inexpensive solutions for clinical genomics. 29 Feb 2012
Southampton and Oxford chemists to develop cheaper DNA building system
The scientists hope that their research could enable the production of useful DNA and RNA molecular structures more efficiently and on a larger scale than is possible using current enzyme-based technologies. 23 Feb 2012
The ATCC Standards Development Organization, has published its second voluntary consensus standard, ASN-0002: Authentication of Human Cell Lines: Standardization of STR Profiling. 23 Feb 2012
UCB and Cyclofluidic announce success for new drug discovery platform
Scientists at Cyclofluidic are currently developing a technology platform called the Cyclofluidic Integrated Discovery Platform (CIDP) and have used this proprietary technology to design, make and screen potential drug molecules against selected targets. 22 Feb 2012
Liverpool universities and hospitals to build 2 million sq ft BioInnovation Centre
The Liverpool BioInnovation Centre is a 2 million square foot project that aims to create up to 5000 high tech jobs and make Liverpool a world class centre of innovation in the life sciences. 2 Feb 2012
New Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University
The Centre will conduct research that could pave the way for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment to prevent the hereditary transmission of devastating mitochondrial diseases. 27 Jan 2012
Plant flavonoid inhibits growth of colon cancer cells
the plant flavonoid luteolin is able to inhibit the activity of the cell signalling pathways (IGF and PI3K) which promote growth of colon cancer cells. 23 Jan 2012
Abnormally short telomeres in knee tissue linked to osteoarthritis
Cells from osteoarthritic knees have abnormally shortened telomeres. In addition, the percentage of cells with ultra short telomeres increases the closer to the damaged region within the knee joint. 23 Jan 2012
Plasticell wins £750k TSB funding for £1.5m stem cell manufacturing project
Plasticell has announced that the Technology Strategy Board has invested in the Company's CombiCult, the high throughput technology for stem cell research and development. 13 Jan 2012
Cord blood stem cell therapy reverses diabetes
Stem cells from cord blood have been used to re-educate a diabetic's own T cells and consequently restart the pancreatic function needed to produce insulin and reduce the need for insulin injections. 10 Jan 2012
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Life Technologies introduces $1000 human genome sequencing in a day
The company is taking orders for its new sequencer, priced at $149,000. that is based on proprietary semiconductor gene sequencing technology. 10 Jan 2012
One Nucleus signs agreement with SEHTA for members' access to preferred suppliers
One Nucleus has signed an agreement with SEHTA (South East Health Technologies Alliance) that gives SEHTA members access to One Nucleus Preferred Suppliers through the One Nucleus Purchasing Consortium Scheme. 5 Jan 2012
Fifty years of ibuprofen celebrated at BioCity Nottingham
Ibuprofen, the family pain medicine which is now one of the world's best known medicines, was discovered fifty years ago a team of Nottingham-based scientists. 21 Dec 2011
AstraZeneca gives 22 drug compounds for research at UK universities
Astra Zeneca and the UK Medical Research Council have reached a landmark agreement that gives UK universities free access to 22 of the company's compounds with pharmaceutical potential. 5 Dec 2011
TSB announces £8.5m grants to fourteen projects to boost regenerative medicine
The UK Technology Strategy Board has announced that fourteen commercially-focused research and development projects that will lead to innovation in regenerative medicines are to benefit from nearly £8.5 million of UK government funding. 5 December 2011
UK government announces £90m new funds for life sciences commercialisation
Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a package of support for the UK's leading life science companies and academia to enable them to move more quickly from discovery to commercialisation. 5 December 2011
BioCity Nottingham attracts ex AstraZeneca and Pfizer entrepreneurs
Six new companies started by former AstraZeneca Charnwood employees will create 15 jobs within BioCity Nottingham by the end of November, 22 November 2011
Cresset announces design-a-molecule competition winners
The competition challenged chemists to design the most biologically similar molecule to a reference compound that was provided. 14 Nov 2011
Sony DADC wins Löhn Award for advancing microfluidics manufacturing
The Award is for the for the transfer of highly dynamic variothermal technology to Sony DADC in Austria. 14 Nov 2011
UCLB becomes first leading academic institution Partner of One Nucleus
UCLB and University College London will be able to access networking, training opportunities and the One Nucleus group purchasing scheme. 14 Nov 2011
Cobra Biologics acquires Unitech Pharma Group
The facility in Matfors will bring over 20 years of bio-production experience to Cobra, with their offering complimenting Cobra's existing expertise and capacity.
Sygnature Discovery and Saretius strategic alliance for drug discovery
The companies will collaborate to provide a fully-integrated drug discovery service to accelerate clients' drug discovery programmes into development. 11 Nov 2011
ProTip receives European award for biomaterial research program
ProTip SA has won the ESB Translational Research prize for developing a trachea implant made from a biodegradable microporous polymer and macroporous titanium. 24 Oct 2011
NCI awards tumour diagnostics development contract to BioMarker Strategies
The US National Cancer Institute (NCI) has granted $200,000 funding to develop its SnapPath live tumor cell testing system.
Almac invests £1m in mass spectrometry facilities for analytics services
Almac's new £1m facility at its northern Ireland headquarters houses state-of-the-art mass spectrometers and underlines Almac's commitment to providing the best analytical facilities for its customers. 23 Oct 2011
Single chromosome gives women stronger immune system than men
New research on the role of microRNAs encoded on the X chromosome seems to explain why women have stronger immune systems to men and are less likely to develop cancer. 23 October 2011
Injecting patient's own neural stem cells into pancreas could treat diabetes
Researchers at the AIST Institute in Tsukuba have discovered how neural stem cells could be used as an alternative source of the beta cells needed for a regenerative treatment for diabetes. 11 Oct 2011
International project to describe functions of all mouse genes
The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium will be compiling one of the largest Encyclopaedias of Life to describe the functions of the entire mouse genome. 11 Oct 2011
Cerebrospinal fluid is key to early diagnosis of different types of dementia
Different forms of dementia leave different biochemical fingerprints in the cerebrospinal fluid before any clinical symptoms emerge, researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden have discovered. 11 Oct 2011
New genetic variants linked to diabetes in South Asian populations discovered
Six new genetic variants related to type 2 diabetes in South Asian populations have been discovered by an international team led by Imperial College London. 10 Oct 2011
New method to 'disarm' HIV gives hope for development of vaccine
Removing cholesterol from the HIV membrane prevents it from damaging the immune system, according to research by Imperial College London and Johns Hopkins University. 27 Sept 2011
Feature: Our genes say the best diet is one third each of protein, fat and carbohydrate
What should we eat? The developed world is suffering from an obesity crisis even though supermarkets have an abundance of products that are supposed to reduce weight and the media is awash with advice on dieting. But what if you could answer this question at a molecular level? What if you could find out how our genes respond to the foods we eat, and what this does to the cellular processes that make us healthy, or unhealthy? 27 Sept 2011
Stucture of AIDS-like virus enzyme solved in three weeks by online gamers
The gamers achieved their discovery by playing Foldit, an online game developed by the University of Washington that allows players to collaborate and compete in predicting the structure of protein molecules. 23 Sept 2011
Aging of adult stem cells can be reversed
The aging process for human adult stem cells can be reversed by adjusting areas of DNA thought to be 'junk'. 21 Sept 2011
New aptamer based sensors will lead to cheap ultra-portable blood testing
The University of Toledo in Ohio has developed a low-cost, portable technique that is able to quickly and reliably detect specific proteins in a sample of human blood. 20 September 2011
Bruker introduces PRIME multidimensional solution for unravelling the proteome
PRIME leads to integrated approaches for modern proteomics and harnesses the strengths of MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry technologies. 20 Sept 2011
NuGEN and Advanced Liquid Logic to co-develop digital microfluidic cartridge technology
Advanced Liquid Logic will provide instrumentation, software and digital microfluidic cartridge technology to NuGEN for commercialization. 20 Sept 2011
New cancer treatment could destroy all types of solid tumour
The new cancer treatment being developed at the University of Bradford has so far been tested on breast, colon, lung, sarcoma and prostate cancers. 15 Sept 2011
Diabetes drug combined with glycolysis inhibitor effective in killing cancer cells
Blocking a key controller of energy production in cancer cells and treating them with the diabetes drug metformin effectively starves cancer cells. 13 Sept 2011
Genetic analysis confirms Black Death caused by plague bacterium
Genetic analysis of medieval skeletons of victims of the Black Death has proven the presence of the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis. 13 Sept 2011
Harmless soil bacteria used to deliver drugs direct to tumour cells
A genetically altered soil bacteria that specifically targets tumours could soon be used as a vehicle to deliver drugs to destroy cancer cells. 8 Sept 2011
Sequenom and Lifecodexx partner to develop non-invasive test for trisomy 21
The companies have agreed to collaborate in the development and launch of a trisomy 21 laboratory developed test and other aneuploidies testing in German speaking countries in Europe. 31 August 2011
Genome sequencing traces cholera pandemic back 40 years to Bay of Bengal
Advanced genome sequencing has shown that the latest cholera pandemic can be traced back to an ancestor that first appeared 40 years ago in the Bay of Bengal. 24 August 2011
Cloud computing with TRIAD speeds up biomedical data analysis
The Translational Research Informatics and Data management grid (TRIAD) is a cloud computing platform for analysing biomedical data at an unprecedented rate. 22 August 2011
SuppreMol employs Protagen biomarkers in SLE study
SuppreMol and Protagen have announced a collaboration to identify therapy-related biomarkers in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. 13 August 2011
apceth granted German licence to produce somatic cell therapeutics
Munich-based apceth has become on of the first companies in Germany to be granted a manufacturer's licence for the production of somatic cell therapeutics pursuant to Section 13, German Medicines Act. 13 August 2011
Plasticell delivers stem cell differentiation protocols to Stemnion
Plasticell used its flagship technology CombiCult to discover multiple novel, serum-free protocols that direct the differentiation of Stemnion's human placenta-derived stem cells into hard-to-obtain lineages. 11 August 20101
Aberdeen University spinout to commercialise antibodies
Vertebrate Antibodies (VAb) Limited is a new biotech company spun out of the University of Aberdeen to provide new tools to help researchers trying to understand the biology and process of diseases that affect humans and animals. 10 August 2011
Cell culture provides alternative to animal testing of products
Laboratory-grown cells can be used as an alternative to animal testing to indicate sensitivity to chemicals and allergic responses for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. 8 August 2011
New multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella spread by poultry production
A new study has identified the recent emergence of a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella that has high resistance to ciprofloxacin, a common treatment for severe Salmonella infections. 3 August 2011
Vaccine to protect from heroin high created
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute in the US have developed a highly successful vaccine against a heroin high and have proven its therapeutic potential in animal models. 29 July 2011
Blu-ray disc technology leads to breakthrough in stem cell culture
Scientists from the universities of Southampton and Glasgow have uncovered a new method for culturing adult stem cells using injection-moulded plastic with microscopic pits. 29 July 2011
SAS offers new clinical trials programming certification
SAS has expanded its Global Certification Programme offerings with the introduction of a new credential — SAS Certified Clinical Trials Programmer using SAS9. 27 July 2011
Metanomics Health launches energy metabolite platform
The Energy Metabolite Platform maps key metabolites affecting the energy status of a biological system. 21 July 2011
Coriell Institute maintains genetic bank with IBM monitoring system
The New Jersey-based Coriell Institute for Medical Research, the largest biobank of living human cells, is using IBM technology to advance its research of human genetic disease and to more efficiently maintain its massive collection of biological resources. 21 July 2011
UK government to invest £7.5m in research on sepsis
The UK Technology Strategy Board and the Department of Health are to invest up to £7.5 million to improve the future diagnosis, detection and management of sepsis. 14 July 2011
CRIP and biobank-suisse combine online access to biobanks
The German Central Research Infrastructure for molecular Pathology (CRIP) and biobank-suisse have linked their metabiobanks to enable access with a single sign-on for registered users. 14 July 2011
First drug to treat basic defect in cystic fibrosis sufferers
An international research team led by Queen's University, Belfast, has developed a ground breaking treatment for cystic fibrosis. The new drug will benefit the 70,000 sufferers of the disease worldwide. 12 July 2011
Eating fresh strawberries boosts red blood cells
Eating strawberries for two weeks can improve the antioxidant capacity of blood and the ability of the body to protect itself from a range of diseases and physiological stresses. 12 July 2011
TSB awards £6m for R&D into tumour profiling for personalised medicine
Six projects are to receive nearly £6 million from the UK Technology Strategy Board to research tumour profiling and data capture. 21 June 2011
Avacta and Pall Life Sciences in analytical services collaboration
Pall will utilise the services of Avacta and market joint services with a focus in North America, and in certain other regions globally. 21 June 2011
QMB Innovation Centre signs up iGene
Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre has signed up iGene London, a digital autopsy developer. 21 June 2011
Wipro Technologies launches cloud-based portal for clinical trials collaboration
The Wipro Clinical Collaboration Portal is aimed at helping its customer base improve collaboration capabilities for multi-region clinical trials. 21 June 2011
Biomedical iNet to showcase new technologies in South West England
The South West Biomedical Innovation Network (iNet) is hosting a conference on 23 June 2011 in Bridgewater, Somerset. 18 June 2011
BioVigilant introduces next-generation instant biologic detection system
BioVigilant's IMD-A 300 and IMD-A 350 systems can detect immediately the presence of bacteria in the drug manufacturing process. 14 June 2011
Revolutionary technique for proteomics mass spectrometry
Scientists at ETH Zurich and AB SCIEX, a global leader in life science analytical technologies, are working together to deliver a new mass spectrometry-based technique for quantitation for the first time ever on every peptide in a single proteomics sample analysis. 14 June 2011
European consortium applies semantic technology to drug discovery
The Open PHACTS consortium is applying semantic web technology to accelerate drug discovery by providing a single view across data sources. 3 June 2011
Drug may reduce bad memories
Recalling painful memories while under the influence of the drug metyrapone reduces the brain's ability to re-record the negative emotions associated with them. 31 May 2011
Gut mucus component helps protect from parasitic worms
A component of gut mucus present in some people plays a crucial role in expelling parasitic intestinal worms. It could be the reason why some people can recover from infection better. 26 May 2011
New link between diet and lifespan
A new role for a biological pathway that not only signals the body's metabolic response to nutritional changes, but also affects lifespan, has been identified. 25 May 2011
Theralpha and Flamel Technologies partner to develop long-acting analgesic peptide
French drug development company Theralpha SAS has entered into a joint development program with US drug delivery Flamel Technologies for a Medusa-enabled, long-acting formulation of Theralpha's THA-902. 18 May 2011
Almac introduces selectAZyme biocatalyst range
Almac's selectAZyme brand of biocatalysts adds to its large range of enzymes and provide an alternative solution for solving complex chemistry problems due to their rapid implementation, economic benefits and 'green' reputation. 17 May 2011
Humans have just three types of gut bacteria populations
Every person's intestinal system falls into one of three clearly distinguishable types of gut microbiota, comparable to blood types. These types are not related to race, native country or diet, according to a new study on human microbe genetics published in Nature. 4 May 2011
Antibody injection could limit inflammation damage from heart attacks and strokes
A simple injection of an antibody could limit the devastating inflammatory response following restoration of blood supply after heart attacks and strokes. 3 May 2011
Clear strategies and recommendations needed for biomaterials banks for research
Two German Senate Commissions have concluded that: biomaterial banks are an indispensable resource for biomedical research; they are of great importance to the quality and competitiveness of German research; and it is important that clear strategies and recommendations exist for Germany. 3 May 2011
New compound halts progression of multiple sclerosis
A new class of highly selective compounds that effectively suppresses the severity of multiple sclerosis in animal models has been developed by the Scripps Research Institute in Florida. 3 May 2011
European partners to develop nanocarriers to treat inflammatory bowel diseases
The Delivering Nano-pharmaceuticals through Biological Barriers project (BIBA) involves eight partners in France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. 20 April 2011
New method for detecting and monitoring virus infections in cells
Scientists at the US Naval Research Laboratory have developed a technique that attaches a fluorescent dye to virus RNA and uses standard flow cytometry techniques to monitor the virus activity. 20 April 2011
Cells cultured on 3-D scaffolds
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed three-dimensional structures on which they can culture cells. The scaffold includes anchors to which cells can adhere and enables the parameters of the cell culture to be controlled. 14 April 2011
Amniochip detects 150 genetic syndromes from amniotic fluid
Genetadi Biotech has developed a prenatal diagnostic device that has a diagnostic resolution 100 times greater than common cytogenetic techniques. 14 April 2011
Novel therapeutic approach to fighting inflammation
A new approach to certain inflammatory reactions uses guidance molecules to reduce the body's own immune system to the required level and prevent excessive and damaging inflammation.
Protagen to use UNIarray platform to discover MS biomarkers for Biogen
Protagen AG has announced that it will be using the UNIarray Platform to help discover biomarkers in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis for Biogen Idec. 14 April 2011
Simple method turns blood cells into virus-free beating heart cells
A simplified, cheaper, all-purpose method that can safely turn blood cells into heart cells has been developed at Johns Hopkins University in the US. The method is virus-free and produces heart cells that beat with nearly 100% efficiency. 12 April 2011
Lab-on-chip analyses single molecules of DNA
The Micro- and Nano- engineering Unit at CIC microGUNE in Spain has developed a lab-on-chip device that can analyse the sequence of single strands of DNA. It could greatly simplify gene sequencing. 12 April 2011. En Español
Plasmids help antibiotic resistance to travel between bacteria species
The part of bacterial DNA that often carries antibiotic resistance can move between different types of bacteria and adapt to widely differing bacterial species. 12 April 2011
Selvita to provide computational chemistry services for US Institutes for Pharmaceutical Discovery
Krakow-based Selvita has signed an agreement with US drug discovery company the Institutes for Pharmaceutical Discovery (IPD) to provide computational chemistry services related to a novel protein target. 11 April 2011
Trial results for MycAssay Pneumocystis kit published
UK medical diagnostics company Myconostica, has announced the publication of a multicentre prospective trial of its CE marked kit, MycAssay Pneumocystis. 11 April 2011
QUB and Almac discover natural protein with anti-angiogenic activity
Scientists from Queen's University Belfast and Almac have announced the first publication describing a potential new anti-angiogenic therapy based on a natural protein first discovered at QUB. 11 April 2011
CIT launches LeadScreen services for drug candidate selection
French contract research organization CIT has announced a new range of services for companies developing new drugs. 11 April 2011
Oncodesign offers patient-derived colorectal tumour models for drug development
Dijon-based Oncodesign is offering what it claims is the world's most comprehensive collection of human colorectal cancer models directly developed from patient's tumours. 11 April 2011
RainDance Technologies and Ambry Genetics collaborate to develop ADME genetic screening panel
RainDance Technologies, Inc. and Ambry Genetics have announced a new collaboration for the development of a drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) genetic screening panel for use on next-generation sequencing (NGS) systems. 19 March 2011
Chemotherapy drugs kill malaria parasite
A class of chemotherapy drugs originally designed to inhibit key signaling pathways in cancer cells also kills the parasite that causes malaria. 15 March 2011
Cell-like structures created in microfluidic circuit assembly line
The Scripps Research Institute in Florida has built a microscopic assembly line that mass produces synthetic cell-like compartments, customizable over a range of cell sizes, and efficient in terms of cargo encapsulation. 15 March 2011
Genetic test could predict adverse reaction from bone cancer treatment
Genetic tests could predict whether bone marrow cancer treatments including thalidomide are likely to give patients a debilitating side-effect. 2 March 2011
Genetically modified fungus is new weapon in fight against malaria
A genetically modified fungus that kills the human malaria parasite in mosquitoes has been developed by the Antibody Technology Group (ATG) in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster, London. 2 March 2011
LGC's genotyping technology used to study genetic basis for anticoagulation therapy
Researchers from six European countries will ake part in in the two-year trial, which aims to demonstrate that a patient's genotype plays an important role in the effective prescribing of anticoagulation (anti-blood-clotting) drugs such as Warfarin. 28 Feb 2011
Partek and Ion Torrent in partnership to distribute genomics software
Bioinformatics developer Partek Incorporated has signed a distribution agreement with Ion Torrent Systems, to make the Partek Genomics Suite available directly through Ion Torrent's online store. 21 Feb 2011
Rapid advances in gene sequencing using Ion Torrent PGM sequencer
Life Technologies has announced that just six weeks following the launch of its sequencer, independent researchers have presented data generated with the system. 21 Feb 2011
CLC Workbench v4.5 supports paired-end data for RNA-sequencing
CLC bio has upgraded its software for genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics analysis to support the use of paired-end data for RNA-seq. 21 Feb 2011
DRC Computer Corp sets world record for analysing gene sequences
DRC has achieved a world record of 9.4 trillion cell updates per second and also drastically reduced the cost of gene sequence analysis using its microprocessors and Microsoft Windows HPC Server. 16 Feb 2011
Akonni Biosystems launches TruSentry for rapid genetic screening of diseases
TruSentry brings together Tecan's Freedom EVO 200 liquid handling system with Akonni's TruTip technology for ultra-rapid sample extraction and TruArray microarray platform for low-cost, highly-multiplexed screening. 16 Feb 2011
First patient trials of DNA vaccine for leukaemia
A new DNA vaccine to treat leukaemia that has been developed by scientists from the University of Southampton is being trialled on patients for the first time in the UK. 16 Feb 2011
Skin cells converted directly into beating heart cells
The Scripps Research Institute has converted adult skin cells directly into beating heart cells efficiently without having to first go through the laborious, time consuming and highly inefficient process of generating embryonic-like stem cells. 16 Feb 2011
Biotage announces new methods for extraction of key compounds
Biotage has introduced a new series of application notes utilizing the industry-standard RapidTrace SPE Workstation. 14 Feb 2011
Structure of HIV outer shell determined
The structure of the protein package that delivers the genetic material of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to human cells has been mapped by the The Scripps Research Institute and the University of Virginia. 31 Jan 2011
InhibOx launches Scopius-5 100m compound drug screening database
InhibOx Ltd has launched Scopius-5, a drug-discovery screening database that can store details of 100 million compounds, including 3D models. 24 Jan
Conference on nanotechnology for drug formulation
The conference, which will be held on 27 January at The School of Pharmacy, London, will provide a forum for industry professionals to discuss and highlight best practise and to encourage collaborative working. 21 Jan 2011
BD and Bruker collaborate to transform bacterial and fungal diagnostics
The companies have formed a co-development and co-marketing collaboration that will promote an emerging, integrated approach to bacterial and fungal identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. 21 Jan 2011
New research clusters improve UK drug development capability
Two UK initiatives are linking the pharmaceutical industry, government-funded research and academia with the aim of reviving the country's reputation as a centre for drug research. 19 Jan 2011
Artificial pancreas gives hope for injection-free diabetes
An artificial pancreas being developed at De Montfort University could revolutionise the treatment of diabetes and put a stop to daily injections. 19 Jan 2011
New technique for more efficient drug development
A tiny polypeptide that can bind to virtually any target-seeking organic molecule used for drug development could considerably shorten the time taken to determine the suitability of a target molecule as a useful drug. 19 Jan 2011
New metabolic profiling lab brings personalised medicine to operating theatre
The newly opened Surgical Metabonomics Laboratory in St Mary's Hospital, London, could transform the way surgeons make decisions in the operating theatre by using metabolic profiling of tissue samples. 17 Jan 2011
18th century Irish giant helps find genetic cause of acromegaly
An Anglo-German research team has analysed the genes of the Irish Giant skeleton held in the Hunterian Museum in London to help identify the genetic mutation responsible for acromegaly. 7 Jan 2011
Genetically modified algae starch shows promise as malaria vaccine carrier
Two French laboratories have successfully vaccinated and protected mice by feeding them starch derived from green algae and genetically modified to carry vaccine proteins. 6 Jan 2011
Engineered probiotic bacteria could reduce obesity
Specially designed probiotics can modulate the physiology of host fat cells. The findings could result in the use of specialised probiotics to prevent or treat of conditions such as obesity. 6 Jan 2011
Drug screening finds new compounds that prevent growth of prostate cancer
Finnish researchers have discovered that several drugs and compounds already in the market can prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells. 6 Jan 2011
Haitian cholera genome decoded and identified as South Asian strain
Scientists from Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. and Harvard Medical School have produced the first whole genome sequence analysis and most detailed genetic profile to date of the pathogen responsible for the Haitian cholera outbreak. 21 Dec 2010
Celulas Genetica to patent breakthrough stem cell treatment for liver disease
Emerging Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (EHSI) has announced that its newly acquired biotechnology division Celulas Genetica will submit an international patent application for the Rutherford Procedure, a revolutionary new stem-cell treatment for liver disease. 21 Dec 2010
ChipDX discovers genetic signature for early-stage colon cancer
ChipDX LLC has discovered and validated a genetic signature for early-stage colon cancer and is developing an online screening application to enable clinicians to more accurately identify risk of recurrence. 21 Dec 2010
Antibiotic resistant genes should be recognised as environmental pollution
Drug development cannot keep up with the spread of antibiotic resistance, therefore it is important to take effective measures to restrict the leakage of antibiotics into the environment. 21 Dec 2010
iSOFT moves into life sciences market
iSOFT Group Limited has moved into the life sciences market with software that extracts and de-identifies clinical data from electronic medical records for clinical research and other secondary uses. 16 Dec 2010
Future Science Group launches Clinical Investigation journal
Coverage spans all therapeutic areas and relates to conventional small-molecule drugs as well as biotech-derived therapeutic entities, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, antisense, cell and gene therapies and recombinant proteins. 16 Dec 2010
Plasticell and Sigma-Aldrich collaborate to develop novel stem cell differentiation protocols
Plasticell will own resulting protocols for high efficiency, directed differentiation of stem cells, with Sigma-Aldrich marketing the reporter stem cell lines. 10 Dec 2010
Swedish project maps half of all human proteins
Once complete, the Human Protein Atlas will provide scientists with data that will help detect and treat some of the world's most serious health problems. 10 Dec 2010
Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris selects Bruker's mass spectrometry biotyper
The Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP) has selected Bruker's IVD MALDI Biotyper as their MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry-based microbial identification tool. 10 Dec 2010
Universal flu vaccine to be tested in Indonesia
Australia and Indonesia are collaborating to produce and trial a universal flu vaccine. The new vaccine, GammaFlu, provides cross-protection against current influenza viruses as well as any other unknown strains that may arise in the future. 10 Dec
DARPA awards Georgia Tech $4.3m to develop biochemical sensors
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded the Georgia Institute of Technology $4.3m to develop a new class of sensors able to detect multiple biological and chemical threats simultaneously. 10 Dec 2010
NewGene certified to provide NimbleGen sequence capture services in UK
Roche NimbleGen has announced that Newcastle-based genomic services provider NewGene Ltd has officially become a Certified Service Provider (CSP) for NimbleGen Sequence Capture. 3 Dec 2010
New nanochemistry analytical tool based on quartz crystal
A new chemical analysis technique developed by a research group at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) uses the shifting ultrasonic pitch of a small quartz crystal to test the purity of only a few micrograms of material. 3 Dec 2010
Personalised medicine requires new strategies for cancer drug development
To make the most of this coming transformation, governments, pharmaceutical companies and doctors urgently need to adapt the way drugs are developed. 1 Dec 2010
Discovery of new immune response gives hope for new meningitis vaccine
The discovery of a previously unknown immune response by scientists at the Universities of Leicester and Dublin has given a much needed breakthrough in the fight against pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia. 12 Nov 2010
Chemical Computing releases new version of PSILO protein structure database
Chemical Computing Group (CCG) has released version 2010.09 of PSILO, a protein structure database system that allows for an integrated repository of proprietary and non-proprietary structural data. 9 Nov 2010
Life Technologies launches SOLiD 5500 next-generation gene sequencer
The 5500xl SOLiD Sequencer, developed with Hitachi High-Technologies, is designed to deliver fast and accurate genomic data for cancer biology and genetic disease research. 9 Nov 2010
NuGEN enables next-generation sequencing of DNA and RNA from FFPE samples
NuGEN Technologies is making available the first commercial products using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to analyze nucleic acids extracted from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues. 3 Nov 2010
NanoString system detects hundreds of genetic copy variants in single multiplexed reaction
NanoString Technologies Inc has launched a novel solution for detecting genetic copy number variations (CNVs) associated with disease susceptibility, drug response and cancer progression. 3 Nov 2010
Phytoceuticals plant-based wound dressing gains CE Mark
Phytoceuticals has received the CE mark for its novel primary wound dressing, called "1", which is formulated from a proprietary combination of two plant-derived oils, Neem oil and St John's Wort oil. 3 Nov 2010
1000 Genomes Project reaches new frontiers in human genetics
The 1000 Genomes Project, a major international collaboration to build a more detailed map of human genetic variation and genetic association with diseases, has completed its pilot phase. 27 Oct 2010
Plasticell launches second generation Combicult cell culture screening platform
Plasticell has launched its second generation screening platform, the Combicult 10,000-plex screen. It is capable of rapidly screening up to ten thousand cell culture media combinations. 26 Oct 2010
Malaria mosquitoes rapidly evolving into new species
Genetic analysis of the two strains of mosquito responsible for the majority of malaria transmission in Africa has found that they have evolved such substantial genetic differences that they are becoming different species. 22 Oct 2010
Aberdeen biotechnology students develop concept to reduce osteoporosis
A revolutionary concept, which could help alleviate diseases including osteoporosis, has been dreamt up by a group of Aberdeen University postgraduate students for the Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) competition. 22 Oct 2010
Almac invests $4m in biocatalysis business
Almac is continuing to both advance the biocatalysis business and to broaden application of its biocatalysis expertise with a further US$4m R&D investment. 22 Oct 2010
Nuevolution in collaboration to develop drugs for epigenetic disorders
Copenhagen-based Nuevolution is collaborating with EpiTherapeutics, ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies and the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, to identify and develop novel small molecule drugs against epigenetic factors. 21 Oct 2010
DNA and protein analysis confirms Black Death caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria
Anthropologists at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) have proven that the bacteria Yersinia pestis was the causative agent behind the "Black Death" that raged across Europe in the Middle Ages. 21 Oct 2010
UK government announces £50m funding for personalised medicine
The Stratified Medicines Innovation Platform is a new government initiative providing over £50 million of funding for research and development in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals for personalised medicine. 15 Oct 2010
Bedouin gene disorder highlights power of exome gene sequencing
The study of a rare genetic disorder in a Bedouin tribe in Qatar has shown the value of exome sequencing, a new genetic analysis technique. 15 Oct 2010
GATC Biotech first in Europe to use PacBio RS gene sequencer
German gene sequencing service provider GATC Biotech has announced that it has agreed to purchase the PacBio RS platform, a single molecule, real-time (SMRT) gene sequencing technology. 11 Oct 2010
Kinaxo and Daiichi Sankyo in cancer drug development collaboration
German biotechnology company Kinaxo Biotechnologies GmbH has signed a long-term partnership agreement with Japanese company Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited to develop cancer drugs. 1 Oct 2010
Recipharm acquires Abbott's Spanish biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Swedish company Recipharm AB has acquired Abbott's manufacturing site near Barcelona, Spain for an undisclosed sum.
The site, which will now be called Recipharm Parets SL. 1 Oct 2010
Microelectronic sensors could replace multi-welled microplate in research labs
The multi-welled microplate, long a standard tool in biomedical research and diagnostic laboratories, could be replaced by new electronic biosensing technology on a chip. 23 Sept 2010
New genetic variant increasing risk of bowel cancer identified
A single variant in a person's DNA can promote bowel cancer development, according to an international study led by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). 23 Sept 2010
Bacteria undergo rapid genetic evolution during infection
During the course of a single infection bacteria change genetically so fast that it is difficult for the immune system to eradicate them, according to a landmark US study. 23 Sept 2010
US patent issued to Metabolon for methods to determine human metabolic age
The US patent for chemical markers and methods to determine the metabolic age of humans is the twelfth issued to the company in the field of metabolomics. 20 Sept 2010
Aberdeen University opens Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics
The University of Aberdeen is opening the new Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics on 16 Sept. The Centre is a cross-college virtual organisation providing support to researchers to develop research results into marketable products. 15 Sept 2010
MorphoSys starts novel drug development program for MRSA infections
MorphoSys AG has started a new proprietary development program against novel infectious disease targets. It is also collaborating with Sheffield-based Absynth Biologics to access novel target molecules related to MRSA. 15 Sept 2010
NAG releases Fortran Builder 5.2 for computational research
This release of the checking compiler features a virtually complete implementation of the latest Fortran 2003 standard and an integrated development environment. 15 Sept 2010
PharmaDiagnostics launches SoPRano assay kit for in-house assay development
PharmaDiagnostics NV has launched the SoPRano CA1 assay kit. The new kit allows users to couple their own proteins to SoPRano gold nanoparticles and build and run their own assays. 15 Sept 2010
iBio and Fraunhofer partner GE to develop biotechnology manufacturing systems
iBio, the Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology, and GE Healthcare have entered an agreement to jointly develop and globally market manufacturing systems for biopharmaceuticals and vaccines based upon their respective proprietary technologies. 9 Sept 2010
Synthetic cornea regenerates damaged eye
Artificial corneas made from laboratory grown collagen have regenerated and repaired damaged eye tissue and improved vision in patients with corneal blindness. 26 August 2010
Spartan Bioscience announces first point-of-care DNA testing system for personalized medicine
The Spartan RX, a complete sample-to-result, point-of-care DNA testing system for personalized medicine. The non-invasive system provides automated results in one hour. 18 August 2010
Scancell licences human antibody from Cancer Research Technology
Cancer Research Technology has licensed Nottingham University spinout Scancell Holdings to use a human antibody known as 105AD7. 18 August 2010
Cegedim Dendrite and Capgemini partner to offer services to life science companies
Capgemini will provide broad-based consulting and implementation services associated with Cegedim Dendrite's AggregateSpend360 and Nucleus 360 solutions to pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies. 18 August 2010
Akonni Biosystems' ultra-rapid nucleic acid extraction technology gains US patent
The patent protects the company's use of its pioneering nucleic acid binding matrix when inserted into a pipette tip, tubing or cartridge for nucleic acid purification. 18 August 2010
Seracare develops new control products for molecular diagnostic tests for STDs
SeraCare Life Sciences, Inc. has developed a new series of controls in its Accurun portfolio to monitor and validate molecular diagnostic test performance for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 18 August 2010
Tissue Studio 2.0 supports tumour profiling, multiplexing and biomarker translational research
The new version includes a full range of functionality for the analysis of immunofluorescence tissue stains and more accurate nucleus detection. 13 August 2010
Cytori gains EU approval for stem-cell-based tissue reconstruction after breast cancer
Cytori Therapeutics has received expanded European approval (CE Mark) for its Celution System, a medical device that extracts and separates stem and regenerative cells from a patient's own fat tissue, and applications for soft tissue repair. 12 August 2010
MabCure's blood test for ovarian cancer gets positive results
Cancer diagnostics developer MabCure, Inc. has announced that a confirmatory study demonstrated the company's proprietary monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) successfully identified ovarian cancer in blood (94% accuracy) and with no false positives or cross-reactions with benign ovarian tumours or healthy blood. 12 August 2010
Golden Helix upgrades high-performance genetic data analysis software
Golden Helix's SNP & Variation Suite (SVS) 7 software is an integrated collection of high-performance analytic tools for rich, multi-dimensional approaches to uncovering genetic causes of disease and other phenotypes. 12 August 2010
Gold Standard Diagnostics introduces ThunderBolt automated diagnostics platform
The ThunderBolt platform will provide laboratory customers with a single hardware solution that can utilize multiple diagnostics technologies such as EIA, chemiluminescence and multiplexing. 12 August 2010
Illumina launches compact real-time PCR system
Illumina, Inc. has launched the Eco Real-Time PCR System that offers high performance at the breakthrough price of $13,900. 12 August 2010
PharmaVigilant enhances clinical trial management system
PharmaVigilant has launched I-Vault 2.5, the enhanced version of its electronic Trial Master File (TMF) system. It improves usability, administration and notification capabilities for seamless site startup, site closeout and IRB submissions.
Clontech Laboratories and TET Systems extend gene expression systems license agreement
Under the expanded license agreement, Clontech obtains rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize novel Tet Systems products such as the Tet-On 3G Inducible Expression System. 11 August 2010
Illumina launches TruSeq SBS sequencing kit for genome analyzer
The kit is the first in a new series that will advance data quality, ease of use and economical sequencing on the company's sequencing platforms. 10 August 2010
CIT offers dried blood spot (DBS) technique for bioanalytical services
CIT expects the new service to bring ethical, scientific and cost benefits for clients conducting toxicology, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics studies. 2 August 2010
Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre and InhibOx partner to offer drug development services
The combined service offers pharmaceutical, biotech and governmental research organizations access to new capabilities to accelerate drug discovery and improve productivity. 2 Aug 2010
Prostate cancer seed cells discovered
New treatments for prostate cancer could result from the discovery that basal cells found in benign prostate tissue can turn into cancer cells. 30 July 2010
Laser blasted carbon nanoparticles open cell walls for drug delivery
Carbon nanoparticles blasted by bursts of laser light can open holes in cell membranes just long enough to admit therapeutic agents contained in the surrounding fluid. 30 July 2010
Common blood protein combined with nanoparticles kills cancer cells
A normally benign protein abundant in human blood appears to be able to zero in on and kill certain cancer cells when paired with nanoparticles, without having to also load the particles with chemotherapy drugs. 30 July 2010
Larch tree extract used to deliver drugs inside cancer cells
A cancer drug to a polymer from the larch tree, researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed a 'Trojan Horse' molecule that releases cancer-fighting drugs inside cancer cells, protecting healthy tissue. 30 July 2010
Stem cells made by reprogramming adult cells remember tissue of originStem cells made by reprogramming adult cells remember tissue of origin
This could limit the ability of induced pluripotent stem cells to function as a less controversial alternative to embryonic stem cells for basic research and cell replacement therapies. 26 July 2010
Missing link in cell division discovered
Researchers from The George Washington University Medical Center have identified a protein that plays a crucial role in cell division and is over-expressed in breast cancer. 26 July 2010
Target Health joins forces with LifeOnKey to offer clinical trials platform
Target Health and LifeOnKey are partnering to offering a platform for the bio-pharmaceutical and medical device industries to optimize clinical trials help researchers capture, analyze and assess trial data more efficiently. 26 July 2010
Medical Device Consultants in partnership with Clinical Development & Support Services
US contract research organization (CRO) Medical Device Consultants, Inc. (MDCI) has announced a strategic partnership with Clinical Development & Support Services Ltd (CDSS), a clinical services and CRO based in Cheshire, UK. 26 July 2010
New rapid technique to map DNA by melting base pairs
A new method for rapidly mapping the base pairs of a DNA molecule has been developed by researchers in Sweden and Denmark. The technique could be used to find out more easily whether someone is carrying a genetic predisposition to certain diseases. 26 July 2010
BRAIN takes share in Enzymicals
German biotechnology company BRAIN AG has acquired a minority share in chemical and biocatalyst specialist Enzymicals AG. The move enhances the activities of both companies in the biocatalysis sector. 15 July 2010
New generation of biological scaffolds for tissue transplants
The scaffolds, derived from natural human or animal tissues such as vascular patches will not be rejected by a patient's immune system and can be repaired and renewed like normal tissue. 15 July 2010
Roche Applied Science Industrial Business relaunched as Roche Custom Biotech
The relaunch is to increase brand recognition in the life science, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic industry. 14 July 2010
Sequencing of body louse genome will lead to new insect disease control methods
A global research team led by scientists from the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) have sequenced and analysed the body louse genome. 14 July 2010
Protein on surface of MRSA plays key role in infecting human cells
An international research team has found that Fibronectin Binding Protein plays a key roll in enabling MRSA to infect human cells. 14 July 2010
FDA approves test for early diagnosis of AIDS from HIV antigen
The US FDA has approved an innovative new diagnostic tool from Abbott that can detect the AIDS antigen and give a diagnosis of AIDS earlier than ever before. 14 July 2010
Networking platform for users of antibodies in biomedical research
BioHub-Online.org is a web-based platform that lists over 100,000 antibody products for biomedical research and facilitates global networking and collaboration among research scientists. 12 July 2010
Bee venom toxin leads to new treatment for dementia
Apamin, a toxin found in bee venom that blocks a type of ion channel in the human nervous system, has potential for developing new treatments for neural conditions such as muscular dystrophy, depression and dementia. 12 July 2010
World's largest online directory of tissue banks
SpecimenCentral.com has launched the free directory for biomedical researchers, which lists over 230 human tissue banks spanning four continents. 12 July 2010
UK10K project to sequence genomes of 10,000 people in UK
The Wellcome Trust has launched a multi-million pound project to decode the genomes of 10,000 people in the UK over the next three years. This will be one of the largest genome-sequencing programmes ever undertaken. 30 June 2010
JMP Clinical software streamlines clinical trials safety reviews
New from SAS, the software can help shorten the drug development process. It lets users see and explore safety data from every angle, and then easily share findings with others. 30 June 2010
Project to develop bilayer lipid membranes to evaluate effectiveness of drugs
An array of artificial cell membranes that will enable more efficient testing of potential new drugs is being developed by scientists at the University of Southampton and Birkbeck College, University of London in a £1.2m project. 29 June 2010
LCD television waste turned into antibacterial
Chemists at the University of York have discovered a way to convert a key component of LCD screens into and anti-microbial substance. 23 June 2010
Gut microbiology scientists gather in Aberdeen
Over 200 scientists are gathering in Aberdeen this week for a major international conference on the impact of gut bacteria on the health of humans and animals (23-25 June). 23 June 2010
Pharmimage adds members and extends research platform
Pharmimage, a French group specialized in the use of imaging to measure the efficacy of new therapies for the pharmaceutical industry, has acquired four new members and plans two major additions to its research resources. 23 June 2010
Centocor Ortho Biotech acquires lung disease portfolio in takeover of Respivert
Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has acquired RespiVert Ltd., a privately held drug discovery company focused on developing small-molecule, inhaled therapies for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. 23 June 2010
Genetic mutation in KRAS gene can trigger melanoma
A genetic mutation found in some malignant melanomas can initiate development of this most deadly form of skin cancer, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Research. 23 June 2010
BD Max system for molecular diagnostics launched in Europe
BD Diagnostics has launched the BD MAX Automated Molecular Diagnostic System and the BD MAX GBS Assay in Europe, the first in a planned broad menu of infectious disease assays. 23 June 2010
Cytoo technology increases sensitivity and speed in cell analysis
Rigorous quantification of cell-wide internal organization could be obtained using adhesive micropatterns and it can also decipher a protein re-distribution upon a drug treatment that was previously undetectable in conventional cell culture conditions. 23 June 2010
Simple urine test could diagnose autism
Children with autism have a different chemical fingerprint in their urine than non-autistic children. The finding could ultimately lead to a simple urine test to determine whether a child has autism. 18 June 2010
Life Technologies partners with German Cancer Research Centre to create genome sequencing centre
Life Technologies Corporation and the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum are collaborating to create the National High-Throughput Sequencing Center, the first national sequencing center in Europe dedicated to systems biology. 18 June 2010
Link found between obesity, gut bacteria and genes
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found a link between obesity, a variant of the FTO gene and the presence of certain bacterial groups in the digestive tract. 18 June 2010
Surrey Clinical Research Centre achieves MHRA accreditation
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has awarded the Surrey Clinical Research Centre (Surrey CRC) at the University of Surrey standard accreditation for conducting clinical pharmacology Phase I trials. 17 June 2010
Euro-regional meetings in biotechnology and healthcare
The meetings will be held on 1st and 2nd July 2010 in Montpellier, France. Biomeridies and Eurobiomed in collaboration with Sud de France Export are organising these meetings for exchanging ideas, forming partnerships and meeting future partners. 17 June 2010
European IMIDIA project to develop better tools to fight diabetes
The Innovative Medicines Initiative for Diabetes (IMIDIA), a public–private consortium funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), has launched a project focusing on pancreatic islet cell function and survival. 15 June 2010
Ambry Genetics introduces test to identify carriers of newborn genetic disorders
Ambry Genetics has launched AmbryScreen, a genetic screening test used to identify carriers of some of the most severe and common childhood diseases affecting pan-ethnic populations. 14 June 2010
Polyplus-transfection licenses mammalian transient transfection technology to Kempbio 14 June 2010
Intercell acquires monoclonal antibody technology from Cytos Biotechnology
Cytos' technology is based on expression cloning of monoclonal antibodies from human B-cells and enables the identification of anti-infective antibodies to prevent and treat infectious diseases. 8 June 2010
Breakthrough tuberculosis vaccine to start clinical trials
Archivel Farma's treatment uses the company's unique combination of its novel therapeutic vaccine called RUTI in conjunction with an antibiotic. 8 June 2010
Monoclonal antibody treatment gives new hope for cure for rheumatoid arthritis
Portuguese scientists have discovered a revolutionary new approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using monoclonal antibodies. It could also change the way we treat a range of autoimmune diseases. 3 June 2010
Evotec wins grant to take H3 receptor antagonist drug into clinical trials
Hamburg-based Evotec AG has won funding of up to €1.5 million from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to advance its H3 receptor antagonist drug programme into clinical trials. 3 June 2010
Almac launch XCEL array platform for biomarker discovery
Almac has launched the XCEL array, a biomarker discovery platform that enables the identification of biomarkers within multiple disease areas. 3 June 2010
Applied BioCode gains EU approval for barcoded magnetic beads multiplex testing system. 2 June
High content screening automation for Leica confocal microscopes
Leica Microsystems has released the the Leica HCS A, a high-content screening automation package for confocal research microscopes.
It is a flexible tool for automated imaging in multi dimensions. 1 June 2010
BD Biosciences launches BD LSRFortessa 18-colour cell analyzer
BD has launched an off-the-shelf BD LSRFortessa System, which uses up to four lasers that enable the detection of up to 18 colours simultaneously. 31 May 2010
First replicating bacterial cell with synthetic DNA
Scientists at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in the US, have created the the first self-replicating bacterial cell with synthetic DNA.
It involved mapping the genome of the bacteria Mycoplasma mycoides, designing a new genome in a computer, chemically synthesizing the 1.08 million base pair chromosome of this genome, and transplanting this into modified cells of another bacteria. 20 May 2010
New protein found that controls longevity — in roundworms
The lifespan of the roundworm C. elegans is controlled by the level of a single protein, according to a study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University. 14 May 2010
New genetic candidates show serotonin link with irritable bowel syndrome
A research team at the Mayo Clinic in the US has identified a number of genetic variants in serotonin genes that impact irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. 14 May 2010
Promega LEV blood DNA kit increases DNA extraction rate in less time
Promega's Maxwell 16 LEV Blood DNA Kit eliminates the need for a buffy coat step while providing exponentially higher concentration in less time with parallel purity. 14 May 2010
Five new genes found that increase risk of breast cancer
The genes increase the risk of cancer by between six and 16 per cent and take the total number of common 'low risk' genetic sites associated with breast cancer to 18. 10 May 2010
Trial of new atherosclerosis vaccine gives promising results
Researchers at the Swedish Karolinska Institutet have shown that inflammation of blood vessels in atherosclerosis is caused by the immune defence's T-cells attacking LDL cholesterol and a vaccine against T-cell receptors has reduced atherosclerosis. 10 May 2010
Australian seaweed extract inhibits H1N1 flu virus
Australian biotechnology company Marinova has isolated a natural extract from seaweed which has been shown to inhibit the H1N1 virus. 10 May 2010
Novel rapid point-of-care test kits bring low cost diagnostics for HIV and AIDS
Low-cost test kits that measure CD4 T-cells in blood samples, markers of the immune system, will give HIV/AIDS patients access to antiretroviral drugs faster. 10 May 2010
New mechanism for malaria parasite resistance to artemisinin found
Researchers from CNRS, INSERM and Toulouse University Hospital have demonstrated how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is able to circumvent the action of artemisinin and its derivatives, the first-line drugs used to treat this disease. 10 May 2010
NMR spectrometry to unlock secrets of artemisinin malaria drug
A new project at Reading University aims to unlock the biosynthetic pathway by which the Chinese Wormwood plant produces artemisinin, a drug effective against malaria. The aim is to find a cheaper way to produce the drug. 4 May 2010
NextBio improves integration and mining of array and gene sequencing data
NextBio has launched a new version of its life science research platform, adding new capabilities for the integration and mining of high-throughput array and next-generation sequencing data. 4 May 2010
NanoString Technologies introduces new assay kit for profiling human microRNA
NanoString Technologies has launched a new product for miRNA analysis that includes a multiplexed assay for profiling the human miRNA transcriptome in a single tube. 4 May 2010
Cultivating uncultivable bacteria opens door for new generation of antibiotics
Scientists at Northeastern University in the US have taken a major step towards being able to grow previously uncultivable bacteria in the lab, the potential key to developing a new generation of highly effective antibiotics. 21 April 2010
Growth factor from endothelial cells enables mass production of adult stem cells
Research has found that endothelial cells, components of blood vessels, produce growth factors that can grow copious amounts of adult stem cells. Until now, adult stem cell cultures would die within four or five days despite best efforts to grow them. 21 April 2010
Supercomputer maps evolution of H1N1 flu mutations giving resistance to Tamiflu
If the behaviour of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. 21 April 2010
Better biomarkers needed for liver cancer detection
Widely used biomarkers are not optimal in early detection of liver cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, according to a study published in Gastroenterology. 21 April 2010
Drug screening strategy finds two prototype cancer drugs
A comprehensive drug development strategy that starts with extensive screening of potential targeting agents and then narrows down to a small-molecule prototype has yielded two potential drugs that block cancer-promoting pathways in novel ways. 21 April 2010
New antivirus effective against H5N1 flu
A single intranasal dose of CS-8958 given to mice two hours after infection with H5N1 influenza virus resulted in a higher survival rate and lower virus levels than a standard five-day course of oseltamivir (Tamiflu). 21 April 2010
Illumina introduces VeraCode ADME core panel for studying drug response and adverse events
The ADME Core Panel offers the most complete representation of the key biomarkers associated with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. 16 April 2010
Domainex collaboration with ICR advances breast cancer drug research
Scientists have discovered drug-like compounds that inhibit an enzyme from the PARP superfamily, whose expression leads to the survival of breast cancer cells. These will be screened to find potential drug candidates for further development. 14 April 2010
Almac launches web-based label approval process for clinical trials
Almac Clinical Services has launched a new web-based clinical Label Approval System, a workflow-based label approval management system. 14 April 2010
PolyTherics receives £100k grant to develop novel fusion proteins
PolyTherics Limited, London-based innovators in precision engineering of proteins, has started work on a project to produce fusion proteins using its chemical linker technologies. 14 April 2010
ChromoTek launches RFP-Trap and GFP-Booster bioimaging reagents
RFP-Trap is used to identify and pull down interaction partners of proteins tagged with RFP (red fluorescent protein) and GFP-Booster restores or increases the GFP (green fluorescent protein) signal in super-resolution microscopy. 2 April 2010
Symposium on deuterium depletion: a new concept in anticancer drug development
The First International Symposium on Deuterium Depletion will be held on 13-14 May 2010 in Budapest, Hungary to give researchers and medical practitioners a unique opportunity to get acquainted with a novel tool for submolecular medicine. 2 April 2010
Phico Therapeutics raises further £1.8m to develop new class of superbug antibiotics
Cambridge based Phico Therapeutics, has raised £1.8 million from their recent funding round of institutional investors and business angels to develop new treatments for drug-resistant 'superbugs'. 2 April 2010
Evotec in deal with Hypha Discovery to enhance drug discovery platform
The deal gives Evotec's screening clients access to Hypha's MycoDiverse natural product collection for use as part of its hit-and-lead services to identify medicinal compounds. 2 April 2010
New clues to achieving eternal life
Researchers at Umeå University in Sweden have shown that cells that grow forever get this capacity through gradual changes in the expression of genes that govern the repair of DNA damage and regulate growth and cell death. 1 April 2010
Eden Biodesign and Millipore in partnership to offer pharmaceutical manufacturing and gene expression technology
The partnership that will provide biopharmaceutical companies with access to a combination of Eden's cGMP manufacturing and Millipore's Ubiquitous Chromatin Opening Elements expression technology. 1 April 2010
New tuberculosis inhibitor discovered (includes video)
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have screened 175,000 small chemical compounds and identified one that blocks the growth of the tuberculosis bacteria. 1 April 2010
Aging of human stem cells reversed
A team of academic and industry researchers from Canada and the US have demonstrated the successful reversal of the developmental aging of normal human cells. 26 March 2010
Genetic engineering could turn the mosquito from an infector to a vaccinator
Japanese researchers have shown that a transgenic mosquito can induce an immune response from a bite. It could provide a new strategy for biological control over the disease. 26 March 2010
First UK conference on hyperspectral imaging
Strathclyde University is holding the UK's first Hyperspectral Imaging Conference at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th April 2010. 26 March 2010
Evotec signs agreement with Active Biotech for high throughput molecular screening
Evotec AG has entered into a collaboration with Active Biotech AB to identify small molecule modulators of a priority biological target, selected by Active Biotech, involved in immune disorders and cancer. 26 March 2010
Entry open for European Biotechnica Award 2010
Upcoming European companies from the biotechnology sector and the life sciences have until 30 April 2010 to submit entries for the European Biotechnica Award. 26 March 2010
£10m new funding to promote drug development in UK
The UK Bioprocessing Research Industry Club (BRIC) is offering £10m for research to find ways of delivering new medicines from biological materials more quickly and effectively. 26 March 2010
Cresset establishes new division to provide computation chemistry tools
Cresset has launched Versaphor, a new desktop applications division aimed at supplying high quality computational tools based on its molecular fields technology to a range of markets, including: medicinal chemists. 25 March 2010
World's first windpipe transplant and regeneration in a child
British and Italian doctors have achieved a world first in transplanting a donated "stripped down" trachea into a boy and using his own stem cells to rebuild the cellular structure in his body. 19 March 2010
Bienenwolf schützt sich mit Antibiotika.
Grabwespen der Gattung Philanthus, die so genannten Bienenwölfe, beherbergen nützliche Bakterien auf ihrem Kokon, die einen Schutz gegen schädliche Mikroorganismen garantieren. 16 März 2010. Translate the article with Google translate (copy and paste text). English summary: Beewolves protected by antibiotics: Beewolves are solitary wasps that prey on bees. They have beneficial bacteria in their cocoon that give protection against harmful microorganisms. 16 March 2010
Bruker introduces novel Fourier 300 NMR spectrometer
Bruker BioSpin has launched the Fourier 300, an easy-to-use 300 MHz high-resolution spectrometer with a price tag that brings Fourier transform (FT) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy within every chemist's reach. 12 March 2010
WuXi PharmaTech's Shanghai analytical testing facilities gain GMP certification
The company has received European GMP compliance certification for its c-GMP drug product manufacturing and analytical testing facilities. 9 Mar 2010
Sigma-Aldrich focuses on biology with launch of life science brand platform
Sigma-Aldrich has unveiled its new Sigma Life Science brand and website platform, designed to elevate the Company's current focus on biology and provide a single destination where researchers can access deep biological knowledge and market-leading products and technologies. 5 Mar 2010
InVitria optimizes hybridoma cell culture with Zap-Hybridoma
Zap-Hybridoma was created to improve monoclonal antibody productivity and deliver easier purification of the target product. 5 Mar 2010
Evotec extends research agreement with Cubist Pharmaceuticals
Under the contract extension, Evotec will provide additional fragment-based drug discovery expertise using its proprietary platform, EVOlution. 5 Mar 2010
Heart researchers create high-speed video from single high-resolution image
A new way of capturing a high-resolution still image alongside very high-speed video using off-the-shelf technology gives a new low-cost tool for scientific imaging. 24 Feb 2010
Biodegradable polymers from plants used in tissue regeneration and drug delivery
A new type of biodegradable polymer made from non-food plant material has applications as diverse as food packaging to tissue regeneration, medical stitches and drug delivery. 24 Feb 2010
Lilly, Merck, and Pfizer co-operate to accelerate cancer research in Asia
The three companies have formed the Asian Cancer Research Group, to accelerate research and ultimately improve treatment for patients affected with the most commonly-diagnosed cancers in Asia. 23 Feb 2010
Chemical Computing Group announces new version of Protein Silo database
PSILO is a database system that provides an easily accessible, consolidated repository for proprietary and non-proprietary macromolecular and protein-ligand structural information. 23 Feb 2010
NHS delays causing clinical research expertise to exit UK
Delays and variability in the approvals process in the NHS for clinical research could be causing pharmaceutical companies to look outside the UK and risks the country losing some of its most experienced researchers. 23 Feb 2010
Celtic Pharma Holdings and PolyTherics announce investment to develop novel biopharmaceuticals
The research programme will be undertaken jointly by PolyTherics and Cantab BioPharmaceuticals Limited, a subsidiary of CP2 based in Cambridge, UK, and the investment will be by Leverton Licence Holdings Limited (LLH), another subsidiary of CP2. 22 Feb 2010
Taconic establishes rodent breeding unit in Edinburgh
Taconic has announced the establishment of a specialized breeding facility in Edinburgh for the production of genetically modified rodents specially designed for drug testing. 22 February 2010
Quanticate appoints head of new pharmacovigilance services team
The new pharmacovigilance service offers clinical trial and post-marketing pharmacovigilance in order to provide comprehensive surveillance throughout the product lifecycle. 16 Feb 2010
Femtomedicine — the new frontier of biomedical sciences
Femto-neutrons or 'femtons' are fast neutrons of femtometer wavelength — a million times smaller than nano scale — that can be used for a completely new rapid method of cancer diagnostics. 15 Feb 2010
Pall Corporation introduces PallSep biotechnology filtration system
The new system utilizes vibrating membrane filtration (VMF) technology and encapsulated hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane filter modules. 15 Feb 2010
600 million year old cancer gene discovered
Biochemists and biologists at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, have retraced the function of an important human cancer gene 600 million years back in time by studying a freshwater protozoan that has changed little in that time. 15 February 2010
Domainex and Pharmidex form drug discovery services alliance
Domainex Ltd and Pharmidex have formed a strategic alliance, combining their expertise and innovative technologies to provide the market with an integrated, high-quality drug discovery services platform. 11 Feb 2010
Ambry Genetics launches StemArray for high resolution characterization of human stem cells
The Ambry StemArray offers a higher resolution approach to standard karyotyping for stem cells at comparable costs. 11 Feb 2010
Health Decisions builds network of international CROs to improve clinical trials research
Health Decisions, a full-service clinical research organization (CRO) specializing in adaptive solutions, is raising the standard of efficiency in global trials through its new, international CRO community built on the company's Agile Clinical Development methodology. 9 Feb 2010
QIAGEN Unit and Pfizer in agreement to develop diagnostic kit for brain tumours
The companies will develop a companion diagnostic test kit for PF-04948568 (CDX-110), an immunotherapy vaccine in development for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). 9 Feb 2010
ISCO opens new facility for stem cell products
International Stem Cell Corporation has opened its new production facility in California that will enable development and manufacturing of clinical-grade products using its human parthenogenic stem cell technology. 9 Feb 2010
Mapping genome of malaria parasite almost complete
The research at Nanyang Technological University could lead to the development of more potent drugs or a vaccine for malaria. 9 Feb 2010
Human genetic code linked to biological ageing identified for first time
An Anglo Dutch team of scientists has identified for the first time definitive genetic code associated with biological ageing in humans.
The 'variants' are located near a gene called TERC. 7 Feb 2010
20-year breakthrough in HIV research
Researchers at Imperial College and Harvard University have made a breakthrough in HIV research that had eluded scientists for over 20 years, potentially leading to better treatments for HIV. 5 Feb 2010
Automation Partnership and Loughborough University in five-year collaboration to develop regenerative medicine. 5 Feb 2010
March of Dimes awards $250,000 prize for discovery of how to reprogram adult cells into stem cells
Shinya Yamanaka, the scientist who reprogrammed adult cells into embryonic-like stem cells has been chosen to receive the 2010 March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology. 5 Feb 2010
caprotec bioanalytics launches new kits for proteomics and drug development
Berlin-based caprotec bioanalytics has launched three new caproKits, for the discovery, identification and characterization of proteins belonging to the groups of metallo-proteases, histon-deacetylases and GDP/GTP binding proteins. 5 Feb 2010
Revolutionary strategy for control and prevention of hospital superbugs
For the first time, researchers have shown how transmission of MRSA and other superbugs from one person to another can be precisely tracked in a hospital setting. Using high-throughput DNA sequencing researchers were able to spot single-letter changes in the genetic code and identify differences between closely related MRSA isolates. 1 Feb 2010
The latest biotechnology industry reports — January 2010
DNA sequencing, nanobiotechnology, proteomics, RNAi, regenerative medicine, etc. Buy online
NASA to develop microfluidics technology for space-based research with Raydiance
Raydiance Corporation, developer of an ultrafast laser, is partnering with NASA Ames Research Center to develop advanced microfluidics devices for space-based biological experiments. 28 Jan 2010
Los Alamos lab licences unique pathogen detector to Biomagnetics Diagnostics
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has licensed Biomagnetics Diagnostics Corporation (BMGP) to further develop a pathogen biosensor. 21 Jan 2010
Eye disease successfully treated with stem cell therapy
The North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) has reported the first successful treatment of eight patients with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) using the patients' own stem cells without the need of suppressing their immunity. 21 January 2010
Cambridge molecule database archives 500,000th structure
The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) archived the 500,000th small molecule crystal structure to the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) in December. The structure is the drug Lamotrigine. 19 Jan 2010
'Junk DNA' could help diagnose breast and bowel cancer
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have found that a group of genetic rogue elements, produced by DNA sequences commonly known as 'junk DNA', could help diagnose breast and bowel cancer. 14 Jan 2010
FDA grants emergency use authorization for TessArae H1N1 influenza A virus assay
The US FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to TessArae for its TessArray resequencing influenza A microarray detection panel for the detection of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. 14 Jan 2010
Bacterial cellulose could make artificial blood vessels
The cellulose produced by bacteria could be used for artificial blood vessels as it carries a lower risk of blood clots than the synthetic materials currently used for bypass operations. 13 Jan 2010
Breakthrough in development of therapeutic vaccines
The lack of compounds that stimulate the immune system has hindered the development of therapeutic vaccines. These vaccines have the potential to create both cheap and effective drugs for diseases like cancer and allergies. However, there has now been a major breakthrough in this area. 13 Jan 2010
Sigma-Aldrich launches 'What's Your Favorite Gene?' application On Facebook
The application provides a platform that can enable scientists and researchers to network with each other and facilitate discussion based on their favourite genes, identifiable via gene functionality and biological pathways. 17 Dec 2009
Lung cancer and melanoma genomes decoded
Research teams led by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have achieved the first comprehensive analyses of these two cancer genomes.. 16 Dec 2009
Faster flu vaccine production process based on insect cells
A researcher at Wageningen University has developed an alternative process for producing large quantities of safe and effective vaccines at over twice the usual speed based on using insect cells in bioreactors instead of fertilised chicken's eggs. 15 Dec 2009
Sagentia helps reduce cost of pharmaceutical production in UK
Sagentia, part of a consortium led by GlaxoSmithKline, is delivering a step change improvement in advanced secondary pharmaceutical manufacturing in the UK. 15 Dec 2009
Sigma Aldrich in licensing agreement to market novel ZNA oligonucleotides
Sigma-Aldrich has announced a worldwide licensing agreement with Strasbourg-based company Polyplus-transfection to manufacture and commercialize Zip Nucleic Acid (ZNA) oligonucleotides, a new technology that provides solutions for increased affinity for nucleic acids. 3 Dec 2009
Cambridge University and Life Technologies collaborate to set up high throughput sequencing hub
The University of Cambridge and Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE), are collaborating to make next-generation sequencing technology available to the European research and clinical communities. 2 Dec 2009
PPD to Acquire Excel PharmaStudies
Global contract research organization PPD, Inc. is to acquire Chinese company Excel PharmaStudies, Inc. a market leader and one of the largest contract research organizations in China. 12 Nov 2009
French biotech clusters join forces to develop stem cell engineering
The consortium of three biotech clusters has received significant French government funding for a three-year research and development project focussing on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells. 3 Nov 2009
Eurogentec to acquire proteomics developer AnaSpec
Belgian biotechnology lab products supplier Eurogentec S.A. has announced it has entered a final agreement for the acquisition of california protemics developer AnaSpec, Inc. 30 Oct 2009
Sinovac obtains third H1N1 vaccine order from Chinese Government
Sinovac Biotech Ltd., a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in China, has received its third purchase order for its H1N1 vaccine, PANFLU.1, from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for the national stockpiling plan. 29 Oct 2009
eBioscience acquires Bender MedSystems' immunoassay technology
eBioscience Corporation has acquired privately held Austrian immunoassay technology pioneer Bender MedSystems GmbH in an all cash transaction. 29 Oct 2009
Smiths Detection wins $3.2m in grants to develop tests for sepsis pathogens and flu
Smiths Detection has won two grants from the US National Institutes of Health for the development of tests using its Clinical Bio-Seeq instrument. 29 Oct 2009
Patient's own stem cells used to grow facial bone
In a first-of-its kind procedure, stem cells taken from the fat tissue of a 14-year-old boy were combined with growth protein and donor tissue to grow viable cheek bones in the boy. 29 Oct 2009
Antibody treatment for ulcerative colitis reduces need for colon surgery
Ulcerative colitis patients had a 41% reduction in removal of their colon (colectomy) after a year when treated with the artificial antibody infliximab, according to a study led by Mayo Clinic. 29 Oct 2009
Med tech programme at Genesis 2009 biotechnology conference
Genesis 2009, the UK's leading biotechnology networking conference (10-11 December 2009) will have a significant focus on the development and commercial aspects of medical technology. 27 October 2009
Institute of Biomedical Engineering wins prize for outstanding contribution to innovation and technology
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, has been honoured with a top prize for innovation at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2009. 27 Oct 2009
Cepheid wins grant to develop ten-colour real-time PCR detection technology
Cepheid has received a notice of grant award from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop new ten-colour detection technology for use in its GeneXpert System. 27 Oct2009
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for BMS in the prescription pharmaceutical sector. The profile encompasses global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and assessment of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for key drugs. Oct 2009
AstraZeneca plc: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for AstraZeneca in the Rx pharmaceutical sector. The profile encompasses global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and assessment of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for key drugs. Oct 2009
Abbott Laboratories: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for Abbott in the prescription pharmaceutical sector. The profile encompasses global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and assessment of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for key drugs. Oct 2009
Kinaxo and Bayer Vital collaborate in cancer biomarker identification
Kinaxo will apply its quantitative phosphoproteomics technology PhosphoScout for the identification of novel biomarkers in a clinical trial conducted by Bayer Vital. 21 Oct 2009
IBM building microchip to read human DNA and advance personalised medicine
IBM scientists are designing a microchip with nano-sized holes that could thread single strands of DNA and read the genetic code as the strand passes through.
Affymetrix launches platform for next-generation genotyping
The Axiom Genotyping Solution is a high-throughput, automated platform that enables researchers to find novel genetic variations associated with complex disease. 20 Oct 2009
World Courier triples clinical trial storage capacity worldwide
World Courier has opened two purpose-driven investigational drug storage facilities in Melbourne and Johannesburg, bringing its network of GMP-compliant clinical trial depots to 11 worldwide. 20 Oct 2009
Medifacts wins $2.7m contract for cardiac monitoring in clinical trial
Medifacts International Inc, has been awarded the contract to provide comprehensive cardiac safety and efficacy services for a large late-stage clinical trial. 20 Oct 2009
Stemcell Technologies releases defined, animal-protein free maintenance medium for hESCs and hiPSCs. 20 Oct 2009
DNA Precision offers tools for healthcare research, gene discovery and analysis services
DNA Precision is offering services for genetic and healthcare research. These include gene discovery, Agilent microarray processing and bioinformatics. 20 Oct 2009
Linguamatics announces I2E 3.1 text mining tool for pharmaceutical companies
I2E is a high performance natural language processing (NLP)-based text mining platform that streamlines knowledge discovery from text. 20 Oct 2009
Mathematical tool links 11 genetic variations to diabetes
Mathematicians at Michigan Technological University have developed powerful new tools for winnowing out the genes behind some of humanity's most intractable diseases. With one they have isolated 11 variations within genes associated with type 2 diabetes.
Wellcome Trust and Merck launch joint venture to develop affordable vaccines for low-income countries
The Wellcome Trust and Merck have created the MSD Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratories, a first of its kind research and development joint venture with a not-for-profit mission to focus on developing affordable vaccines to prevent diseases that commonly affect low-income countries. 9 Oct 2009
Biochemical pathways that could reverse aging of human muscle discovered
By manipulating the pathways, researchers were able to turn back the clock on old human muscle, restoring its ability to repair and rebuild itself. 5 October 2009
InVivo licenses CEVEC pharmaceuticals' human CAP-T technology for production of recombinant proteins
This license enables InVivo to offer its customers the production of their diagnostic and preclinical grade material very fast and in highest quality, including authentic human glycosylation patterns. 2 Oct 2009
Thailand HIV vaccine trial first to show preventive effect
The world's largest clinical trial of an investigational vaccine regimen has shown that it is well-tolerated and has a modest effect in preventing HIV infection in strains present in Thailand. 25 Sept 2009
Revolutionary antibody technology gives hope for vaccine against genetically diverse HIV
For the first time an antigen has been created that induces protective antibodies capable of blocking infection of human cells by genetically-diverse strains of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 25 Sept 2009
InVitria launches Optiferrin for mammalian cell culture
Optiferrin is a cell culture supplement which supports cell growth by regulating the amount of iron transported to the cell. 23 Sept 2009
Phico Therapeutics reaches first human clinical trials with novel MRSA-beating antibacterial technology
The new technology is based on the antibiotic protein SASP which is delivered into the target bacterial cells by bacteriophages. 23 September 2009
HIV vaccine a step closer with discovery of new potent antibodies
Two powerful new antibodies to HIV that reveal what may be an Achilles heel on the virus have been found. Researchers will now try to exploit the newfound vulnerability on the virus to craft novel approaches to designing an AIDS vaccine. 22 Sept
Cepheid accelerates development of rapid flu A panel test
Cepheid has announced the accelerated development of a Flu A Panel test for use on the GeneXpert System. The test will be designed to provide 45-minute identification of flu A infection, with specific presumptive identification of seasonal H1, seasonal H3, and H1N1 novel strain types. 22 Sept 2009
New role discovered for vitamin C in protecting the skin
Researchers at the University of Leicester and the Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal have discovered new protective properties of vitamin C in cells from the human skin, which could lead to development of better skin-regeneration products. 19 Sept 2009
PROdesign launches 96-well plate cell-feeding station for live cell imaging
PROdesign GmbH has launched the PROcellcare cell-feeding station based on a 96-well plate. It supplies live cells (in vitro) under the microscope with biological nutrient and working solutions thus allowing the scientist/developer to execute efficient and automatic dispensing and controlling processes of the equipment. 18 Sept 2009. Deutsch
Illumina delivers first individual's genome sequence through new service
Illumina, Inc. has delivered the genome sequence for the first customer of its new gene sequencing service. It points to a future where genome sequencing will become a routine practice that will enable physicians to make better healthcare decisions for the individual. 5 September 2009
Bruker announces availability of world's first 18 Tesla FTMS magnet
This will open up new capabilities in mass spectrometry in a variety of research areas, including protein identification, petroleomics, metabolomics, small molecule tissue molecular imaging, and environmental sample analysis. 5 September 2009
Diagnostic Hybrids releases Thyretain for specific detection of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin
Thyretain is the first FDA-cleared test that specifically detects TSI and is to be used as an aid in the differential diagnosis of Graves' disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder.1 September 2009
Space Shuttle carries vaccine processing platform to International Space Station
The Space Shuttle Discovery carried a scientific payload for the International Space Station from Austin-based Astrogenetix that will help develop vaccine candidates for MRSA and Salmonella. 1 September 2009
MicroPhage opens clinical trial on bacteriophage-based platform to identify MRSA
The MicroPhage platform is based on bacteriophage amplification to rapidly identify bacterial infections and determine antibiotic susceptibility. 1 September 2009
The US NIH awards Advaxis $210,000 for the development of dual antigen vaccine
Advaxis has been awarded the grant from the US National Institutes of Health to develop a single bioengineered Listeria monocytogenes vaccine to deliver two different antigen-adjuvant proteins. 1 September 2009
Genetically engineered bacteria deliver protein therapy for colitis
For the first time, scientists have used a genetically engineered bacterium to deliver a therapy. In studies of animals with colitis, the bacterium Bacteroides ovatus activated a human growth factor protein when exposed to a specific type of sugar, xylan. 28 August 2009
Leica launches integrated platform to study dynamics of cellular processes
Leica Microsystems has released the first single-molecule detection (SMD) system that offers an integrated platform for the most common single molecule techniques, such as FLIM and FCS. 28 August 2009 Deutsch
Stanford University professor sequences own genome with 'low-cost' technology
A Stanford University professor has sequenced his entire genome for less than $50,000 and with a team of just two other people, compared to the early efforts costing millions of dollars and using teams of hundreds. 26 August 2009
Universal flu vaccines to be developed under Inovio and US Vaccine Research Center collaboration
The VRC and Inovio will pool technologies to develop the vaccines as well as rapidly advance development of vaccine candidates targeting the emerging pandemic 2009 H1N1 swine flu strains. 20 August 2009
Omnio Healer selects Eden Biodesign for production of wound healing and anti-infection products
Eden Biodesign will provide process development and production services for Omnio Healer's wound healing and anti-infection products for supplying the products for clinical trials. 20 August 2009
Baxter completes production of first commercial batches of A(H1N1) flu vaccine
Baxter International Inc. completed production of its first commercial batches of Celvapan A(H1N1) flu vaccine using its proprietary Vero cell culture technology in late July and is discussing plans for distribution with national health authorities, subject to obtaining appropriate authorizations. 20 August 2009
Ichor awarded US$3.3m grant to develop DNA-based Alzheimer's disease vaccine
Ichor Medical Systems of San Diego has been awarded the grant from the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for development of the vaccine and studies required to support eventual initiation of human clinical testing. 20 August 2009
Bacterial evolution shows how to fine-tune novel anti-cancer drug
Biochemists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen and Nereus Pharmaceuticals have illuminated a reaction pathway that shows how the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells can be thwarted by blocking the action of proteasomes. 20 August 2009
Alzheimer's risk shown by cerebrospinal fluid proteins
A combination of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid can reliably identify which patients with early symptoms of dementia will subsequently develop full-blown Alzheimer's disease, according to an international study. 20 August 2009
ImmunoVaccine Technologies partners with Scancell to advance DNA vaccine delivery
Canadian company IVT has signed an agreement with UK-based Scancell Ltd to explore the potential of using IVT's DepoVax delivery system for Scancell's novel ImmunoBody DNA vaccines. 17 August 2009
Novavax achieves milestone in novel H1N1 influenza vaccine production technology
Novavax has announced that it has manufactured a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidate in 11 weeks after receiving the gene sequence for the H1N1 strain using novel production technology which is not dependent on growing influenza virus in eggs. 17 August 2009
Sigma-Aldrich offers customisable synthetic extracellular matrix for stem cell research
Under an agreement with Glycosan BioSystems, Sigma-Aldrich can offer the HyStem platform for stem cell research. This consists of hydrogel cell culture scaffolds that provide a complex, three-dimensional environment in which cells are able to proliferate. 17 August 2009
Dutch Center for Translational Molecular Medicine completes €265 million funding
The funding, which was completed with the approval of a prostate cancer research project, makes CTTM one of the largest public-private partnerships in the world. 17 August 2009
Origin of malaria discovered
An international group of researchers has traced the source of malaria to chimpanzees and showed that malaria jumped from animals to humans, much the way that HIV, SARS and swine flu originated. The findings could provide key insights for drug development. 17 August 2009
Simple blood test may help predict risk of Alzheimer's
Scientists at UCLA have discovered a way to measure the amount of amyloid beta that is being absorbed by immune cells in the blood. If the immune system isn't adequately clearing amyloid beta, it may indicate Alzheimer's risk. A diagnostic blood test is now being developed for public use. 9 August 2009
Wellcome Trust continues funds for Edinburgh's SPRINT high-performance gene-analysis tool
SPRINT is a prototype framework developed at Edinburgh University that allows biostatisticians to more easily exploit high-performance computing systems for analysing the large amount of data generated from microarray analysis. 7 August 2009
Injection of growth factor reverses heart-attack damage
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have shown that injection of a growth factor, called neuregulin1 (NRG1), can spur heart-muscle growth and recovery of cardiac function when injected systemically into animals after a heart attack. 31 July 2009
Mechanism of bacteria's internal time bomb discovered
Researchers at VIB, the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology in Belgium, have determined the structure and operating mechanism of the proteins involved in the 'internal time bomb' of bacteria. 31 July 2009
Dutch researchers discover way to give complete protection against malaria
Researchers from the Medical Centre of the Radboud University of Nijmegen have successfully induced complete protection against malaria in a group of volunteers, opening the way for the development of a vaccine. 29 July 2009
UK life sciences sector applauds government's Life Sciences Blueprint
The associations say that it provides an excellent basis for firmly securing the future of the life sciences sector and re-establishing the UK's global competitive position. 16 July 2009
UK government launches strategy to put innovative technology into health services
The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) Blueprint sets out to transform the UK environment for life sciences companies and ensure faster patient access to cutting-edge medicines and technologies. 16 July 2009
Creato Flu develops salmonella-based broad spectrum oral flu vaccine
Using a technique applied to veterinary vaccines, a vaccination strain based on living salmonella is modified by genetic engineering so that the bacterial cells express highly conserved antigens of various influenza subtypes. 15 July 2009
Invitrogen launches microarray system to simplify immunogenetic testing
The new Prodigy system is an advanced DNA and protein analysis tool that simplifies and accelerates histocompatibility research, vaccine and drug development, and disease association studies. 15 July 2009
First human receives cardiac stem cells to repair damage caused by heart attacks
Doctors have completed the first procedure in which a patient's own heart tissue was used to grow specialized heart stem cells that were then injected back into the patient's heart in an effort to repair and re-grow healthy muscle in a heart that had been injured by a heart attack. 15 July 2009
Key gene giving embryonic stem cells ability to differentiate into any cell identified
The gene, discovered by an international team of researchers from the US, Portugal and Israel, and seems to act by maintaining the genetic material open and poised to express any gene.	14 July 2009
How obesity increases the risk of diabetes
Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified the missing link between obesity and insulin resistance Their findings, explain how obesity sets the stage for diabetes and why thin people can become insulin-resistant. 8 July 2009
New detector promises earlier detection of viral infections
A new respiratory virus detector developed at Vanderbilt University is sensitive enough to detect an infection at an early stage, takes only a few minutes to return a result and is simple enough to be performed in a doctor's office. 8 July 2009
New fluorescent nanoparticles could track uptake of drugs
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a method to create fluorescent silicon nanoparticles that could be used to track biologically sensitive materials in the body. 8 July 2009
Chemical nose could provide more accurate indication of cancer than biomarkers
Using a 'chemical nose' array of nanoparticles and polymers, researchers have developed a new, more effective way to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells and also between metastatic and non-metastatic cancer cells. 8 July 2009
New discovery shows how cancer spreads
A Finnish-led research group has discovered a mechanism that lung cancer cells use when spreading around the body to form metastases. 6 July 2009
Rubicon Genomics introduces PicoPlex single cell whole genome amplification kit. 2 July 2009
BioSante Pharmaceuticals and Cell Genesys sign merger agreement. 2 July 2009
GE Healthcare and Geron in global agreement to commercialize stem cell drug discovery technologies. 2 July 2009
GlaxoSmithKline signs contract for Phase Forward clinical trials software. 2 July 2009
Mechanism for fine regulation of RNA synthesis discovered
German and US researchers have discovered a new piece in the puzzle of epigenetics — they have shown that the enzyme TFIIH kinase is involved in epigenetic regulation. 29 June 2009
Cell reprogramming project gets go-ahead in Andalusia
A favourable report for the development of the first cell reprogramming project ever in Andalusia has been made by The Spanish commission for the monitoring and control of the donation and use of human cells and tissues. 29 June 2009
Prostate cancer translational research in Europe: the search for biomarkers continues
Collaboration in prostate cancer translational research in Europe is not only vital to sustain the progress achieved in recent years but also to streamline current efforts between researchers and clinicians and avoid duplication or overlaps. 29 June 2009
Molecular automatons could detect and treat disease in the body
Researchers from the Artificial Intelligence Group (LIA) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid's School of Computing have designed a biomolecular automaton and several genetic circuits with potential future applications in the field of vanguard medicine. 29 June 2009
Drug against winter vomiting virus a step closer
A new finding on how winter vomiting virus invades cells could be an important step in the development of a drug against the regular hospital-based epidemics caused by the virus. 29 June 2009
Enzyme replacement therapy gives significant benefits for women with Fabry disease
Shire Human Genetic Therapies (HGT), has announced that results from an observational study demonstrate that enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with REPLAGAL 0.2mg/kg is effective in treating some of the signs and symptoms of Fabry disease in women. 18 June 2009
Unexpected discovery of tuberculosis spores opens door for new treatment
This is a sensational finding because researchers have long been convinced that these kinds of bacteria — mycobacteria — were incapable of forming spores. 17 June 2009
Genomic data shows swine flu infectivity will increase but lethality will remain low
Boston-based biotech firm Replikins Ltd has analyzed the most recent peptide genomic sequence data available and determined that the infectivity of the H1N1 virus will increase markedly, while its lethality will remain relatively low for the immediate future. 16 June 2009
Siemens develops RAPID2 system for fast discovery of pathogen signatures
Siemens Corporate Research has developed the RAPID2 system to speed the biomarker discovery process for the development of rapid diagnostic tests. This system marries the power of information technology with genomic sequencing to quickly identify genomic signatures unique to tested organisms. 16 June 2009
Roche NimbleGen introduces the MS 200 Microarray Scanner
The scanner acquires two-colour fluorescent array image data down to 2 micron pixel resolution and generates high-quality image files for data analysis. 15 June 2009
CLC bio expands next-generation sequencing solutions with ChIP-sequencing
CLC bio has released new versions of their premier solutions for analyzing and visualizing next generation sequencing data, the desktop application CLC Genomics Workbench, version 3.5 and the award-winning enterprise platform CLC Genomics Server, version 1.5. 15 June 2009
European experts launch think tank for chronic fatigue syndrome
Ten leading scientists in Europe have formed a Think Tank for ME and will hold their first meeting on the 13th of June. They want to initiate an effective research effort to find the secret behind the mystery disease that cripples an increasing number of lives. 10 June 2009
New peptide indicates Alzheimer's disease before brain is damaged
Researchers at Osaka University in Japan have discovered a peptide in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that can show whether a person is developing Alzheimer's disease. Measuring the level of this peptide could show that the disease process has started, long before any serious damage is done to the brain and allow early treatment. 10 June 2009
Bruker's new solariX mass spectrometer gives ten-fold increase in sensitivity
The solariX is the culmination of a number of key technology developments that deliver unique capabilities and unparalleled ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry performance and versatility. 5 June 2009
Satoris launches blood tests for Alzheimer's research and drug development
Satoris has launched of three research-use tests — two panels of plasma biomarkers shown to be significant in the neurodegenerative disease process, and a dementia discrimination panel. 5 June 2009
El IRB Barcelona lidera un consorcio europeo para hallar pre-fármacos contra diabetes y obesidad. 28 Mayo 2009
(Article is in Spanish: IRB Barcelona co-ordinates a European consortium to find pre-drugs against diabetes and obesity. You can copy the article text and paste into an online Translation service)
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to develop field kit to detect insecticide resistance in mosquitoes
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has been awarded a £1.1m grant by the US National Institutes of Health to lead a five-year project to develop a Field Applicable Screening Tool (FAST) kit to detect resistance to public health insecticides in mosquitoes. 28 May 2009
Roche launches detection kit for influenza A(H1N1)
Roche Applied Science has launched a new detection kit for the Influenza A(H1N1) virus for use in life science research. Roche is filing to get approval of the local health authorities worldwide for use of the kit in emergency situations. 28 May 2009
Sartorius Stedim Biotech introduces innovative single-use bioreactors
Sartorius Stedim Biotech has introduced two prototypes of innovative single-use bioreactors that operate based on novel mixing technologies. 27 May 2009
Bruker introduces next-generation ultra-sensitive ion trap
Bruker Daltonics amaZon series ion trap has 10-times improved MS/MS sensitivity over current platforms, novel technology for accelerated data acquisition, significantly enhanced mass resolution, and second-generation fast and sensitive ETD/PTR capabilities. 27 May 2009
Antibody fragment production breakthrough with 2nd generation EBA
Richter-Helm BioLogics GmbH & Co. KG has announced a technological breakthrough in the purification of antibody fragments from an E. coli expression system. 27 May 2009
Generic pharmaceuticals saved US healthcare $734 billion over last decade
The use of generic pharmaceuticals saved the American healthcare system more than $734 billion from1999-2008, with approximately $121 billion in savings in 2008 alone, according to a report published by the Generic Pharmaceutical Association. 19 May 2009
Biotech business model unsustainable in current economic crisis
The global biotechnology industry delivered a solid financial performance in 2008 despite worldwide economic turmoil, according to Ernst & Young's 23rd annual report on the biotech industry. 19 May 2009
UK company produces first DNA test kit for Mexican swine flu
PrimerDesign Ltd based in Southampton says it has won the race to produce the first DNA test kit for the Mexican swine flu A (H1N1). The rapid test gives results in only two hours compared to two days for current diagnostic tests. 11 May 2009
Chemical compound that may stop brain tumours identified
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have identified a compound that could be modified to treat one of the most deadly types of cancer, and discovered how a particular gene mutation contributes to tumour growth. 8 May 2009
Autism genes discovery suggests biological reasons for altered neural development
A research team has connected more of the intricate pieces of the autism puzzle, with two studies that identify genes with important contributions to the disorder. 8 May 2009
New rodent virus implicated in human sudden infant death syndrome
Ljungan virus which was only discovered in the 1990s in rodents, has been found in 11 of 12 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by investigators from Sweden and the USA. 8 May 2009
Custom-designed nanoparticles key to new generation of highly effective vaccines
Liquidia Technologies has developed a method to custom design and produce nanoparticles for carrying vaccines that can enhance immune response up to 10-fold. 7 May 2009
Modified antibiotics could treat genetic diseases
By modifying the properties of the common antibiotic gentamicin, researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed what could become an effective treatment for many human genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Usher Syndrome and numerous cancers. 7 May 2009
Common human virus kills cancer stem cells
Reovirus, a common virus in humans that does not cause disease, has been found to effectively target and kill cancer stem cells in breast cancer tissue. The finding could lead to new ways of treating cancer. 7 May 2009
Phase Forward signs agreement with Novo Nordisk for use of InForm for clinical trial data capture
The multi-million dollar agreement allows Danish company Novo Nordisk to use Phase Forward's InForm electronic data capture product across all clinical trial phases, from Phases I through IV. 7 May 2009
Axela introduces assay kits for validating tumour markers
Axela Inc. has launched nine plate based tumour marker assays designed for stand alone use or to simplify the transition to automated dotLab assays. They can significantly transform the speed with which putative biomarkers can be validated. 24 April 2009
Applied Biosystems/MDS Analytical Technologies launch new mass spectrometer for proteomics research
Applied Biosystems and partner MDS Analytical Technologies have introduced the AB SCIEX TOF/TOF 5800 System, a high-speed sensitive MALDI-based mass spectrometer. 24 April 2009
Bionanotechnology: a revolution at single molecule level
Progress in bionanotechnology is essential for our understanding of cells and for the development of new therapeutics, which nowadays increasingly function at the molecular level, according to Prof Nynke Dekker of the Delft University of Technology. 24 April 2009
Nanobiotix reports 'proof of concept' for nanoparticles in treating brain cancer
Nanobiotix has announced that an independent preclinical study has validated the applicability of using its nanoparticles — nanoPDT — to treat glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most prevalent brain tumours. 23 April 2009
Agilent introduces human copy number variation microarrays for study of diseases
Agilent Technologies has introduced the Human CNV Association 2x105K microarray for studying associations between genomic copy number variations (CNV) and disease. The array is based on a design by the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium. 23 April 2009
Helicos BioSciences releases transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) datasets on open access website
Helicos BioSciences has released transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) datasets on the HeliSphere Technology Center, the company's open access website for sharing Helicos datasets and bioinformatics software tools. 23 April 2009
Breakthrough in preclinical model for human cancer may lead to new drug development
Aveo Pharmaceuticals has announced findings from its novel human-in-mouse (HIM) cancer model system, in which it successfully created invasive human tumours from primary human breast tissue that develop over time in mice and mimic human tumour behaviours and response. 23 April 2009
Rigel Pharmaceuticals and Proteros extend research collaboration
The collaboration gives Rigel access to Proteros' Gallery Structures enabling Rigel to rapidly deliver high quality protein-ligand structural information. 23 April 2009
Discovery of tuberculosis bacterium enzyme paves way for new drugs
A team of University of Maryland scientists has paved the way for the development of new drug therapies to combat active and asymptomatic (latent) tuberculosis infections by characterizing the unique structure and mechanism of an enzyme in M. tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes the disease. 22 April 2009
Dutch Consortium builds registry for care of rare diseases
The Dutch Orphan Disease Registry Consortium is building a disease registry framework to collect information on rare diseases, encourage drug development and optimize patient care. The consortium focuses on inborn errors of metabolism as a target group of diseases. 22 April 2009
Roche completes xCELLigence family of cell analyser products
The new RTCA DP Instrument is applicable for flexible low-throughput research assays and uses up to three 16-well plates for simultaneous experiments. 9 April 2009
Parabon NanoLabs to use power of grid computing to design novel macromolecules based on synthetic DNA
Parabon Computation has spun off Parabon NanoLabs to develop nano-scale products based on designer DNA technology. It will initially focus on developing nano-scale sensors for therapeutics, diagnostics and other molecular detection systems. 9 April 2009
Fluidigm quantification system allows genetic sequencing of picogram samples
The new system allows researchers to sequence rare genetic samples, lower costs, improve data quality and speed up time-to-results for next-generation DNA sequencing. 9 April 2009
BioImagene launches new Ki-67 algorithm for prostate image analysis
The algorithm is used to detect and provide quantitative measurement of the protein biomarker Ki-67. 9 April 2009
BioAdvance Greenhouse invests $550,000 in Novira Therapeutics' antiviral drug technology
Novira is focused on the development of novel small-molecule drugs against medically-important viral targets. 8 April 2009
Affymetrix launches microarray-based analysis system for cytogenetics
The new system, which includes arrays, reagents, and software, enables fast and reliable detection of known and novel chromosome aberrations. 8 April 2009
Genedata strengthens TcLand Expression's research informatics infrastructure for personalized medicine. 8 April 2009
AVEO and Biogen Idec in partnership to develop ErbB3-targeted antibodies. 8 April 2009
Aphios collaborates with VivaCell Biotechnology España to develop combination therapy for HIV latency. 8 April 2009
Gene Bridges licenses recombineering technology to Daiichi Sankyo
Heidelberg-based Gene Bridges GmbH, has licenced its Red/ET recombination technology to Japanese company Daiichi Sankyo. 7 April 2009
Smart Cells establishes base in Italy
London-based Smart Cells International, the UK's longest-established cord blood stem cell processing and storage organisation, has established a base in Milan, Italy, with a joint venture with Laborest, one of Italy's leading pharmaceutical businesses. 25 March 2009
Report: Bioinformatics Markets: Strategies, Business Models and Trends for the Future
This study is arranged to provide an overview of bioinformatics market segments and offer evidence that these segments are poised for significant future growth. Each segment is accompanied by analysis and forecasts by product type and application. March 2009.
Report: Top 10 Biotech Companies. Market Outlook, 2008-2023
The global biotech drug market was worth over $75bn in 2007, with double-figure growth noticeably higher that that of the overall pharmaceutical market. This report will help you to understand those developments and their significance. That report provides valuable commercial information on this exciting industry that no healthcare company should ignore. read more ...
Domainex in collaboration to develop novel breast cancer drug targets
Domainex has announced a collaboration on drug-discovery programmes with the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre and The UK Institute of Cancer Research to identify and develop inhibitors of two recently validated breast cancer targets, tankyrase and IKK-epsilon. 23 March
Cranfield's first health conference to focus on translational and regenerative medicine
Professor Lord Robert Winston is to head a world-class line-up of science professionals and academic speakers at Cranfield Health's first conference for biomedical scientists and health professionals in June this year. 23 March 2009
febit's next-generation DNA sequencing paves the way for personalised medicine
febit has launched its new DNA sequence-capture technology HybSelect. Biomedical studies have demonstrated superb enrichment factors and deep sequencing coverage for a broad range of human genes and genomic regions. 23 March 2009
Proof-of-concept for breast cancer diagnostics shown for ExonHit's RNA splicing platform
Paris-based ExonHit Therapeutics has reported the publication in Lancet Oncology of a study conducted by Institut Gustave Roussy, which describes the identification of a deregulated cell function in breast cancer through the analysis of alternative RNA splicing. 23 March 2009
Généthon produces first batch of HIV-derived vectors in Europe for gene therapy trial
French laboratory Genethon has produced a batch of lentiviral vectors derived from the human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus for a gene therapy trial in humans with the rare immune deficiency Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. 19 March 2009 Francais Deutsch Italiano
StemCells to acquire drug discovery technology of Stem Cell Sciences
StemCells, Inc. is to acquire the operating subsidiaries and certain related assets of Stem Cell Sciences (SCS), a Cambridge, UK-based company focused on commercializing applications of stem cell technologies for drug discovery and regenerative medicine research. 10 March 2009
Lab21 acquires Biotec Laboratories
Lab21 Ltd of Cambridge, UK, has announced that it has purchased the majority shareholding of another UK company Biotec Laboratories Ltd, a clinical diagnostic company with particular emphasis on infectious diseases. 10 March 2009
High-throughput screening finds chloroquine effective against lethal viruses
Two highly lethal viruses that have emerged in recent outbreaks have been found using high-throughput screening techniques to be susceptible to chloroquine. Chloroquine is a long-established drug used to prevent and treat malaria. 6 March 2009
Common weak point in flu virus strains could lead to universal flu vaccine
Two recent studies have discovered a common Achilles' heel in a wide range of seasonal and pandemic influenza A virus strains. Two teams of researchers have found a common attachment site for human antibodies that provides a constant region of the flu virus for scientists to target in an effort to develop a so-called universal flu vaccine. 6 March 2009
Gene therapy shows promise as HIV treatment
Researchers at the UCLA AIDS Institute has found that cell-delivered gene transfer has the potential to be a once-only treatment that reduces viral load, preserves the immune system and avoids lifelong antiretroviral therapy. 5 March 2009
Biotech sector needs to embrace economic reality, says Amgen
The biopharmaceutical industry must embrace the challenges posed by the current financial downturn and transform its way of conducting business in order to survive, says Dr Ran Zheng, Plant Manager of Clinical Operations at Amgen. 4 March 2009
Study on role of hormone oxytocin in causing autism
A research team at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in the US will test whether impaired social behaviours in autism are linked to levels of the hormone. Preliminary research has hinted that autism may be associated with oxytocin deficits 2 March 2009
New antibiotics produced from marine bacteria found in Norwegian fjords
Norwegian scientists have produced completely new antibiotics from bacteria found in the sea around Norway. Eleven species of bacteria that create substances that kill cancerous cells and three other bacteria that produce new antibiotics were discovered. 27 February 2009
Kinaxo contributes quantitative phosphoproteomics platform to find a drug to treat pancreatic cancer
German company Kinaxo Biotechnologies GmbH has been awarded a grant to expand applications for its quantitative phosphoproteomics platform to contribute to a drug efficacy study to find a treatment for pancreatic cancer. 27 February 2009
Rats dying from type 1 diabetes restored to health without insulin
Terminally ill rodents with type 1 diabetes have been restored to full health with a single injection of a substance other than insulin. The rats were given a single injection of the hormone leptin. 23 February 2009
Lab robot uses innovative information technology to find new drugs
A robot scientist that can make informed guesses about how effective different chemical compounds will be at fighting different diseases could revolutionise the pharmaceutical industry by developing more effective treatments more cheaply and quickly than current methods. 23 February 2009
Oxford Nanopore moves closer to label-free, single molecule DNA sequencing
Oxford Nanopore Technologies has announced the publication of new research in Nature Nanotechnology, demonstrating accurate and continuous identification of DNA bases using nanopores. 23 February 2009
APR acquires new drug delivery nanotechnology for innovative treatment of critical diseases
Swiss company Applied Pharma Research s.a. (APR) has acquired a nanocoating process for the preparation of new products for the treatment of several critical diseases. APR is already developing specific applications in ophthalmology and dermatology. 22 February 2009
Datamining finds new target for diabetes treatment
A team of researchers from Oxford and Southampton Universities have identified a new molecular player in insulin secretion process by mining a free database of 5 million drug compounds. This finding could spark a completely new class of drugs to treat type 2 diabetes. 22 February 2009
Agilent Technologies removes major bottleneck for DNA sequencing
Agilent Technologies, Inc. has introduced the Agilent SureSelect Target Enrichment System, a unique tool for greatly streamlining DNA-sequencing research by enabling scientists to sequence only genomic areas of interest with next-generation sequencing instrumentation. 16 February 2009
Applied Biosystems' new platform enables human genome sequencing for $10,000
Applied Biosystems, has begun shipment of a new, genomic analysis platform, the SOLiD 3 System. The company says the new system delivers a roadmap that will ultimately enable scientists to sequence a human genome for less than $10,000 dollars in 2009. 16 February 2009
Symphogen secures €33m financing to support clinical development of antibody products
Copenhagen-based Symphogen A/S has announced the closing of €33 million (approximately US $44 million) financing. The financing will be used to mature the company's product pipeline of antibody therapeutics, particularly within the field of oncology. 16 February 2009
Cloned human embryos successfully reprogrammed using human eggs
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. and its collaborators have reported that human oocytes (or 'eggs') have the capacity to extensively reprogram adult human cells. 16 February 2009
Cambridge University research group employs Fluidigm's EP1 system for cancer studies. 16 February 2009
Mirna Therapeutics and UCSF to explore therapeutic potential of microRNAs
Mirna Therapeutics and the University of California, San Francisco have entered into a collaboration agreement to evaluate the capacity of specific microRNAs to reduce or eliminate tumours in mouse models of cancer. 16 February 2009
Expression Analysis in partnership with Complement Genomics to offer genomic services in UK. 16 February 2009
Response Genetics closes UK facility
Response Genetics has announced that it is closing its Edinburgh, UK facility and increasing the capacity of its genetic testing laboratory in Los Angeles, USA. 16 February 2009
deCODE genetics offers cut-price genetic test for heart risks during February
deCODE genetics is offering its deCODEme Cardio Scan, a unique new tool that enables individuals to better understand their inherited risk of heart problems such as heart attack, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, for $100. 12 February 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation begins pre-clinical trials on human corneal epithelial cells
The trials aimed at improving photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a form of corrective laser eye surgery. 11 February 2009
TwistDx's rapid test for MRSA winner in NHS Smart Solutions Programme
TwistDx, a DNA diagnostics company based in Cambridge, UK, has been selected as a winner in a National Health Service competition to find new ways to help combat healthcare associated infections. 10 February 2009
Roche exome sequencing a giant step towards personalized medicine
A key milestone for personalized medicine has been achieved by two Roche Applied Science companies, Roche NimbleGen and 454 Life Sciences, in developing revolutionary technologies to resequence all human exons from individual genomes. 9 February 2009
FORMA to collaborate with Cubist to develop novel antibacterial drugs
FORMA Therapeutics has signed a collaboration agreement with Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to leverage FORMA's transformative chemistry platform to discover novel antibacterial compounds for development by Cubist. 9 February 2009
IAVI and Algonomics to collaborate on HIV protein design project
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and Belgian company Algonomics have announced a collaboration to develop novel vaccine candidates capable of controlling HIV infection. 9 February 2009
Graffinity and Elan in fragment-based drug-discovery collaboration
Under the terms of the agreement, Graffinity will receive technology access fees and success payments for the generation of novel small molecule hits against a number of drug targets. 4 February 2009
BioGenes designated partner in EU-funded dementia project
BioGenes GmbH has been chosen as a new partner of cNEUPRO. an EU-funded research project to analyse neurodegenerative diseases and discover novel biomarkers. 4 February 2009
University of Nottingham leads European study into lethal 'super' strains of C. difficile
The British Midlands Development Corporation has announced that scientists at The University of Nottingham are leading a major European study to unravel the genetic code of one of the most lethal strains of hospital acquired infections. 31 January 2009
Sigma-Aldrich launches bioscience web portal
Sigma-Aldrich and Ingenuity Systems have launched Your Favorite Gene powered by Ingenuity, a web-based biological search portal for exploring dynamic gene-based content. 31 January 2009
Genetic markers associated with psoriasis identified
Scientists at the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology, the U-M School of Public Health and their collaborators have found DNA 'hotspots' that may reveal how genetic differences among individuals result in psoriasis, an autoimmune disease of the skin. 31 January 2009
Johnson & Johnson joins Enlight Biosciences in US$52 million in novel drug discovery initiative
As a partner, Johnson & Johnson will have the opportunity to invest in the development of strategic technologies that have the potential to fundamentally transform drug discovery. 31 January 2009
Cell Biosciences introduces kits for oncoprotein analysis
Cell Biosciences, Inc., has launched its first kits for the analysis of specific oncoproteins on the Firefly 3000 Protein Analysis System. The new kits are optimized for characterization of proteins in the MEK and ERK families, which play critical roles in cancer cell survival and proliferation. 31 January 2009
Richter-Helm and Athera Biotechnologies in partnership to develop recombinant protein for cardiovascular disease
The partnership will develop and manufacture Athera's novel product for prevention of plaque rupture and athero-thrombosis through binding of the protein, Annexin A5, to endothelium. 31 January 2009
European project to unravel C difficile genome
Scientists in Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia and the UK have joined the EU-funded HYPERDIFF project as part of an effort to control the spread of the highly virulent, multi-drug-resistant bacteria. 31 January 2009
Iris BioTechnologies launches Health Passport for personalized and targeted medicine
BioWindows is a HIPAA compliant, web based, medical information storage system that allows participants to grant selective or full sharing capabilities of their confidential medical and lifestyle information to physicians or family members anywhere in the world. 28 January 2009
e-Therapeutics enters drug discovery partnership with Cresset BioMolecular Discovery
e-Therapeutics plc (AIM: ETX) has entered into an agreement with UK-based Cresset BioMolecular Discovery Ltd, a specialist in molecular field technology. The initial focus of the collaboration will combine e-Therapeutics' computational platform with Cresset's advanced technology in chemical comparison. 27 January 2009
PerkinElmer launches new MicroBeta2 microplate counter platform
The platform enables improved radiometric and luminescent detection in drug discovery and basic life science research. 25 January 2009
Worm gene gives hope for restoring injured nerves
University of Utah scientists have identified a worm gene that is essential for damaged nerve cells to regenerate, and have shown that they could speed nerve regeneration by over-activating the gene. This could be a step toward new treatments for nerves injured by trauma or disease. 25 January 2009
Tyrian Diagnostics and Becton, Dickinson and Company complete feasibility study for tuberculosis diagnostic
Tyrian Diagnostics Limited has completed Milestone 4 of a feasibility study in collaboration with Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) to determine the suitability of Tyrian's proprietary tuberculosis (TB) protein markers for the development of rapid diagnostic tests to detect active TB disease. 22 January 2009
Genetic analysis reveals diversity of America's first waves of humans
America's earliest ice age people included diverse genetic groups traveling widely separated migratory paths during the same time period, according to an international team of scientists. 22 January 2009
MicroPhage successfully completes beta trial for rapid MRSA test
MicroPhage has announced that its new bacterial identification test that rapidly identifies MRSA infections has concluded its first multicenter clinical trial. The company also reported the trial results have surpassed its early-stage performance expectations. 21 January 2009
Genetic snapshot of Icelandic population 1000 years ago published
deCODE genetics has presented the results of the largest study of ancient DNA from a single population ever undertaken. The study provides the most detailed look to date at how a contemporary population differs from that of its ancestors. 21 January 2009
UK must maintain leadership in stem cell technology
Excalibur, an international investment house specialising in medical sciences, says that the UK must 'maintain its momentum' to deliver pioneering stem cell treatments if it is to remain at the forefront of medical technology. 21 January 2009
Sigma-Aldrich acquires Seppro depletion technology from GenWay Biotech
Sigma-Aldrich has expanded its proteomics offerings with the acquisition of Seppro affinity depletion technology and a library of 700 avian-derived antibodies from GenWay Biotech, Inc. Seppro depletion products enable scientists to measure more precisely the expression of protein biomarkers from a range of mammalian and plant biological samples. 16 January 2009
Clarient launches gene expression test for prostate cancer
Clarient, Inc. has announced the commercial launch of its new gene expression test for prostate cancer. This new test will be available through Clarient's virtual reporting tool and accessible to the company's entire pathology network. 15 January 2009
Two common biomarkers improve prediction of stroke risk
Two common biomarkers associated with inflammation, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) have been shown to improve the ability to predict who will suffer from a stroke. 15 January 2009
Genes that made 1918 flu lethal isolated
Researchers have identified a set of three genes that helped underpin the extraordinary virulence of the 1918 virus. The genes gave the virus the capacity to reproduce in lung tissue. 15 January 2009
Alfred P Sloan Foundation funds studies on societal issues of synthetic biology
The Alfred P Sloan Foundation has launched a new initiative to study the societal issues associated with synthetic biology — a rapidly developing scientific field where researchers are constructing novel organisms from the building blocks of DNA. 12 January 2009
PerkinElmer launches Operetta high content screening system
PerkinElmer, Inc., has launched its Operetta system, a benchtop instrument that provides high content screening (HCS) and high content analysis (HCA) capabilities to drug discovery and cellular science research laboratories.
Abbott acquires Ibis Biosciences
Abbott has exercised its option to purchase the remaining equity ownership in Ibis Biosciences, Inc., an Isis subsidiary, for a closing purchase price of $175 million. 12 January 2009
Discovery of new link between inflammation and Alzheimer's disease opens way for new treatments
Researchers at the Roskamp Institute in the US have uncovered a new link between inflammation and Alzheimer's disease and have identified a potential target for developing novel therapeutics for intervention in this disease. 12 January 2009
Roche licenses Fujirebio's ovarian cancer test
Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. has granted Roche Diagnostics a worldwide license and supply agreement for its HE4 ovarian cancer test. Roche will develop an assay kit using the test on its automated immunoassay analyzers. 9 January 2009
Cambridge team discovers novel pathway involved in therapy-resistant cancers
Scientists at The Babraham Institute at Cambridge University have identified a novel target that may help to combat the growing problem of therapy-resistant cancers and pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches. 8 January 2009
Immune-related diseases have a strong genetic overlap
A limited number of genes appear to be involved in the development of eleven immune-related diseases such as type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. 8 January 2009
Belfast and Dublin join in £1.5m cancer research project
New treatment options for cancers with low survival rates are to be developed as the result of a new £1.5 million project between Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin. 8 January 2009
Pigs and dogs can bridge gap in research into drugs and regenerative medicine
Human and veterinary medicine could receive a big boost through the use of larger animals, especially pigs and dogs, in research, says the European Science Foundation. 8 January 2009
Invitrogen launches solutions to simplify DNA and RNA sequencing workflows
The solutions provide basic and clinical researchers with an innovative workflow that greatly reduces the time, cost, and experimental variability associated with next-generation sequencing library preparation. 8 January 2009