Archive for the 'Biotechnology' Category
April 22nd, 2011 by admin
Research by Swiss and British scientists has shown that targeted photodynamic therapy has the potential to completely eradicate some models of cancer. The team – consisting of researchers from the University of Hull and ETH Zurich – combined light-sensitive molecules with antibodies that specifically target tumor blood vessels. When irradiated with light, the molecules produce particles known as reactive oxygen species, which in high numbers cause irreparable damage to cells.
Continue reading ‘Targeted Photodynamic Therapy for Treating Skin Cancer’
April 22nd, 2011 by admin
If you thought that you are a person who craves coffee more than others, then now is the time to explore your genetics, as scientist have proven that caffeine addiction is part of our DNA. According to a report, there are differences in two genes which cause people to consume more or less caffeine. Individuals who have a “high-consumption” variation of either gene appear to drink more coffee, as compared to those who have a “low-consumption” variant.
Continue reading ‘Coffee Addiction Linked to Genetics’
April 21st, 2011 by admin
The standard fecal coliform test that is used for monitoring the quality of water is being questioned by a latest research study that has identified sources of Escherichia coli bacteria that may not indicate an environmental hazard.
Continue reading ‘New Classification for E. Coli Bacteria’
April 21st, 2011 by admin
New research has shown that nasal vaccines are much more effective in providing protection against the flu. In fact the research also proved that nasal vaccines will soon protect not only against the flu and pneumonia, but also against bioterrorism agents such as Yersinia pestis that causes the plague. The research, presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s Spring Conference in Harrogate, presented Professor Dennis Metzger who described how including a natural immune chemical with standard vaccines has the potential to increase their protective impact when delivered through the nose.
Continue reading ‘Nasal Spray Vaccines More Effective against Flu’
April 20th, 2011 by admin
A research team from the Harvard University has harnessed the ability of fast-replicating bacterial viruses, also known as phages, to accelerate the evolution of biomolecules in the laboratory. This latest research has the potential to ultimately allow the tailoring of custom pharmaceuticals and research tools from lab-grown proteins, nucleic acids, and other such compounds.
Continue reading ‘New Generation of Medicines with Evolution of Biomolecules’
April 19th, 2011 by admin
Researchers from Johns Hopkins have produced a simplified, cheaper, all-purpose produces they say can be utilized by scientists around the world to more safely turn blood cells into heart cells. The procedure developed by them is virus-free and produces heart cells that beat with nearly 100 percent efficiency.
Continue reading ‘Turning Blood Cells into ‘Beating’ Heart Cells’
April 19th, 2011 by admin
A new research study on the sequenced bacterial genome conducted by a team from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has the possibility of revealing clues as to how microorganisms produce a highly toxic form of mercury.
Continue reading ‘Production of Mercury by Microorganisms to be Researched’
April 18th, 2011 by admin
After many days of openly denying the “existence and public health importance” of the NDM-1 gene, India has finally agreed to search for the presence of superbugs in the Capital and its water supply lines.Quietly yielding under pressure, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has agreed to lead a study to detect the “prevalence of Carbapenem resistance in Delhi’s ICUs and environment”. Carbapenems are the most powerful generation of antibiotics.
Continue reading ‘India Agrees to Check for Superbug’
April 18th, 2011 by admin
Even one minute alteration one of the thousands of DNA codes that constitute each gene in the human genome can lead to severe diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy or Huntington’s Disease. A similarly miniscule alteration in the DNA of a virus or bacteria can lead to drug resistant strains that are difficult for doctors to treat with generalized drug therapies. For these reasons, scientists have been searching for methods for studying the impact genetic mutations can have on an organism but have been restricted in these efforts by an inability to easily and efficiently produce and analyze the thousands of potential changes possible in even one small gene.
Continue reading ‘Diagnosing Genetic Mutations with the Help of New Technology’
April 14th, 2011 by admin
In research conducted by the University at Buffalo, it has been proven that a low dosage of insulin has the ability to restrict the expression in the blood of four precursor proteins involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Research done by endocrinologists at the University at Buffalo indicates that insulin might have a powerful and new role to play in combating Alzheimer’s disease.
Continue reading ‘Insulin Might be Potential Cure for Alzheimer’s’
