Bio Product Guide

Antioxidants can decelerate loss of vision

Jim Marino — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:45:19 +0000

A new study, led by Usha Chakravarthy of Queen’s University in Belfast, has indicated that antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables may decelerate sight loss in many elderly people. The study showed that high intake of antioxidants preserved the muscular pigments, slowing down the progression from early age-related muscular regeneration (AMD) to late AMD.

Antibody that attacks cancer stem cells found

Jim Marino — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:45:08 +0000

Researchers from Canada and Australia have found that a new antibody that specifically targets cancer stem cells might be helpful in treating an aggressive type of leukemia. The therapeutic molecule created by these researchers attacks a protein, CD123, on the surface of cancer stem cells, which sustain acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This type of leukemia is difficult to treat because it does not respond well to standard chemotherapy.

Next Generation RNAi Technology Discovered by AiRNA Pharmaceuticals and Boston Biomedical

Jim Marino — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:32:15 +0000

Boston Biomedical, Inc. and AiRNA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have announced that asymmetrical interfering RNA (aiRNA), a new fundamental RNAi technology discovered by the companies, is being published in the December issue of Nature Biotechnology. The publication titled “Asymmetric RNA Duplexes Mediate RNA Interference in Mammalian Cells” highlights that the smaller 15 bp aiRNA can target a variety of genes with superior efficiency than the standard 19-21 bp siRNA. Furthermore, the new aiRNA structure can target genes more selectively with significantly less off-target effects than the standard 19-21 bp siRNA.

Research On Tamoxifen Leads To Recommendation For CYP2D6 Gene Test

Jim Marino — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:03:41 +0000

Mayo Clinic researchers have recommended CYP2D6 gene testing for postmenopausal women about to begin tamoxifen therapy. This data confirms that women with an inherited deficiency in the CYP2D6 gene, which is important for the metabolism of tamoxifen, have a nearly fourfold higher risk of early breast cancer recurrence compared to women who have not inherited the deficiency. The research findings, announced jointly by investigators from Mayo Clinic and the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG) confirmed results from a previous study conducted by Mayo Clinic.

MEDNIK: A Novel Genetic Syndrome

Jim Marino — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:25:26 +0000

Canadian researchers announce the discovery of MEDNIK, a debilitating genetic syndrome, in a study published December 5 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics. The team demonstrates that this syndrome is caused by a newly found mutation in the human AP1S1 gene. Dr. Patrick Cossette and his team discovered MEDNIK syndrome in a group of families in Quebec that share a common ancestor. The syndrome is characterized by mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia (MEDNIK).

Invitrogen Launches In Vivo RNAi Delivery Reagent - Products To Simplify And Enable Research On All Sequencing Platforms

Jim Marino — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:10:04 +0000

Invitrogen Corporation production and diagnostics has announced the introduction of its Invivofectamine™ delivery reagent which enables short interference ribonucleic acid (siRNA) experiments in vivo. The study of RNA interference (RNAi) has revolutionized biology by allowing researchers to directly observe the effects of the loss of function of specific genes in mammalian systems. Using proprietary technology, the Invivofectamine™ delivery reagent allows researchers to directly study the effects of siRNA inside a living organism for a variety of applications, including the drug discovery process.

ReGear launches new heat therapy ReBound for treating pain

Jim Marino — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:14:59 +0000

Game Ready and ReGear Life Sciences have introduced ReBound, which is a new and innovative therapeutic warming system. The system is designed by ReGear to treat pain, muscle spasms and joint contractures using radio frequency (RF) diathermy. ReBound will be distributed by Game Ready. ReBound utilizes ReGear Diathermy technology, a revolutionary form of the well-known RF diathermy modality. Diathermy can alleviate pain associated with a variety of conditions such as osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower-back pain, fibromyalgia, soft tissue injuries and others.

NCode™ Human and Mouse non-coding RNA microarray launched

Jim Marino — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:13:48 +0000

Invitrogen Corporation, has launched its NCode™ Human and Mouse non-coding RNA microarray. The product is the first high-density microarray that will be used for the purpose of profiling non-coding RNAs. The same array consists of both messenger RNA and non-coding RNA content. Designed by Invitrogen, these arrays are manufactured by Agilent Technologies Inc., with the use of its proprietary SurePrint technology.

EUFLEXXA(R) superior to IA saline for pain relief in knee OA

Jim Marino — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:15:04 +0000

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. has presented results from the FLEXX Trial of Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International 2008 World Congress in Rome, Italy. The results show that EUFLEXXA(R), a highly pure non-avian high molecular weight form of intra-articular hyaluronic acid, is superior to intra-articular saline for pain relief in knee OA at the end of six months. The double-blind study had enrolled 586 patients. EUFLEXXA is the first hyaluronic acid derived from non-avian that has been approved in the U.S. for knee OA pain.

Occupational therapy can help OA patients

Jim Marino — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:28:46 +0000

Physical activity is beneficial for osteoarthritis patients as exercise keeps the joints in good health. However, osteoarthritis makes even daily activities, challenging. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan Health System has suggested that an approach, led by occupational therapy, called activity strategy training can help such people to live a more healthy and active life. Patients are educated about proper body mechanics, environmental barriers and joint protection.