Scientists produce stem cell lines without harming embryos
A team of U.S. scientists created human stem cell lines without harming the embryos by removing a single cell from an eight-cell embryo and coaxing it to become a master stem cell line. Though the technique would allow for the immediate delivery of fresh stem cell lines to federal researchers, it remains to be seen if it will be eligible for federal backing. The Wall Street Journal (free content)

Study: BCL11B molecule important in body immune system
A series of laboratory experiments on mice showed that the removal of the BCL11B molecule weakened the animals' immune systems, U.S. researchers found. The work could lead to new treatments for cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. American City Business Journals/Albany

Study: Endotoxin affects fetal development
Indian scientists found that exposure of embryoid bodies, which are derived from embryonic stem cells, to a type of endotoxin led to their inability to form functional bone cells. "These findings have significant implications for birth defect research and evaluation of developmental toxicity during drug screening," one expert said. News Post India

Study identifies 400 genes related to drug addiction
Scientists in China mapped five molecular pathways that lead to drug addiction and identified about 400 genes that seem to make some people more susceptible to the disorder. The study focused on cocaine, opiate, alcohol and nicotine, and reviewed more than 1,000 medical publications that linked genes and chromosome regions to drug addiction over the past 30 years. Reuters

Magnet, iron particles work together to spur biochemical process
Researchers were able to spur the secretion of histamine, a chemical responsible for allergic responses, by dusting immune system cells with iron particles and applying a magnetic field. The technique could lead to the development of improved biosensors for detecting pathogens and new drug delivery methods. Scientific American

Scientists use gene therapy to curb alcoholism
Gene therapy successfully restrained the activity in the liver of an enzyme that plays a major role in metabolizing alcohol in rats, researchers in Chile reported. Experts hope the technique can be applied to humans as an additional option for treating alcoholism. MIT Technology Review

Fluorescent pig gives birth to glowing piglets
A pig biotechnologically engineered by Chinese scientists has transmitted its trait of fluorescence to some of its offspring -- two piglets whose mouths, trotters and tongues glow green under ultraviolet light. The event adds to evidence that the genetic changes can be inherited and shows promise in using special pigs to provide organs for human transplant in the future, a scientist said. Google/Agence France-Presse

Peptide could provide key to warding off fatigue

A peptide produced by the brain to ward off the effects of fatigue could be the key to combating sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, according to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. Noting that normal levels of orexin-A often fail to ward off the powerful influence of sleep cycles, the researchers studied the effect of giving doses of the peptide to a group of sleep-deprived monkeys. The treated monkeys were able to perform their regular activities and brain images revealed a normal pattern of brain activity, despite being kept awake for 30 to 36 hours. Orexin-A can be delivered by an IV-drip or a nasal spray, though the researchers noted that the nasal spray appeared to work better. The research may ultimately help people who routinely experience sleep deprivation.

Breakthrough in understanding mechanism of bird flu

Scientists at MIT are reporting that the shape of structures in the avian flu virus closely match sugars found in the respiratory tracts of birds. That key link has helped spread bird flu among animals, but also explains why it's so hard for the virus to spread in humans. If the viral structure does mutate to resemble sugars in the human respiratory tract, though, an outbreak among humans would swiftly follow. Their work makes it easier for drug developers to identify a therapy that could be used to counter bird flu and also allows researchers to monitor the viral mutations that are taking place so they can better alert health authorities about any sudden risk of a pandemic.

"We're like a sitting duck, waiting for an H5N1 virus that can attach to us," Richard Cummings, an Emory University biochemist, tells Wired. "This research moves us to the point where we can start anticipating what might happen."

Study: 118 genes show abnormal pattern of activation in cancer cells
About 118 out of 480 genes found to play a role in cell division either cycle continuously or not at all during cell replication and development in cancer cells, a study revealed. Scientists recommend further studies to determine if some genetic mutations are a side effect rather than a cause of certain cancers. Yahoo!/HealthDay News

CYTOKINES: TWO GENES THAT REGULATE IMMUNE SYSTEM RESPONSE IDENTIFIED
A research team at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City has identified two genes that may be crucial to the production of an immune system cytokine called interleukin-10.

Study: Two proteins team up to regulate natural disinfectant
A team of U.S. researchers was able to assess how the peroxiredoxin and sulfiredoxin proteins work together to keep the levels of hydrogen peroxide -- the human body's disinfectant -- within the normal range to prevent damage to cellular structures. Using X-ray crystallography, researchers found that Prx, which calls on other proteins if levels are too high, "embraces" Srx to create a chemical reaction that repairs and brings Prx back to its normal state. Forbes/HealthDay News

Mouth rinse test may help spot head, neck cancers
U.S. scientists are developing a mouth rinse test that could help detect head and neck cancers in people who are at high risk for the diseases, such as heavy smokers and heavy drinkers. The test works by identifying cells that might contain chemically altered genes linked to the cancers. Yahoo!/Reuters

Iran's first cloned sheep doing well, scientists say
Iranian scientists said their first cloned male sheep, which was born on Sept. 30, 2006, and named Royana, is eating well and frolicking with other sheep. The head of the Royan Research Institute in Isfahan said more experiments on genetics and stem cells using animal cells are planned. Forbes/Associated Press

Scientists identify protein mechanism behind cancer spread
A British study uncovered the molecular mechanism by which the tes protein attaches itself to the mena protein, which is responsible for the spread of cancerous tumors, to stop the spread. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs that mimic the mechanism, researchers said. The Sydney Morning Herald, BBC

Gene seen as causing stubbornness
German scientists have reportedly discovered a mutated gene responsible for stubbornness, carried by about one-third of the population. The A1 mutation causes lower numbers of D2 receptors in the brain, which are activated when dopamine levels drop. The researchers said this could cause carriers to be unsatisfied when a decision is a mistake and lead them to persevere even when faced with negative feedback. Earthtimes.org

Molecular "nose" helps predict side effects of drugs
Scientists in Scotland are developing a molecular "nose" that reportedly can identify the potential side effects of drug candidates within four days by evaluating the response of human cells to drugs and recording their signature patterns. The device, which uses 1,000 sensors, could help speed up drug development and reduce testing on animals. BBC

Scientists closer to creating lab-grown blood vessels
U.S. scientists were able to create tiny diameter tubes using a nanoscale template into which endothelial progenitor cells were placed. With these tubes, scientists hope to develop tiny artificial blood vessels that could be used to create replacement tissues and organs outside the body. BBC

Researchers look to genetics to explain suicide
U.S. researchers are collecting blood samples from suicide victims to analyze their DNA, in the hopes of identifying common denominators that could connect certain genes to impulsivity or aggression. "We're hoping [the genetic analysis] will eventually produce information that allows someone to know that their risk for suicide is increased, and with that knowledge be able to engage in whatever strategies that can help prevent or reduce that risk from being expressed," a researcher said. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)

Study: Sea cucumber helps fight malaria parasite
British researchers found that lectin, a protein produced by sea cucumbers, impeded the development of malaria parasites called ookinetes inside the stomach of biotech mosquitoes. A researcher said the finding provides a way of controlling the spread of malaria but said more work is needed. BBC

Microchip detects circulating tumor cells in blood
A team of U.S. researchers has developed a highly sensitive silicon chip that can segregate, count and analyze circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream. Researchers said the device, which traps cancer cells with the aid of antibody-coated microscopic posts, could help doctors assess the response of patients to treatment and could also improve cancer research. MSNBC/Reuters

Study: Small number of activated brain cells enough to drive actions
Three recent studies explain how only a small number of neurons in mice -- about 50 -- must be activated for the animal to feel or perceive a stimulus, a finding that deviates from the idea that animals need an immense number of brain cells to respond to a stimulus. The studies could spur further research on aging and brain disorders, a researcher said. Forbes/HealthDay News

Scientists in a race to create artificial life forms 

Several teams of scientists have been working away at creating new life forms from artificial DNA. In Maryland, for example, one group has stitched together a chromosome and expects to transplant it into a cell next year, where it can direct the cell's activity. The swift advance toward creating new life forms in the lab has raised a host of questions around the pioneering companies likely to control the patents on the process as well as determining exactly what the possibilities are in a world where a scientist will be able to write a genetic program on their computer and then convert that into DNA. This is a far cry from the kind of minor genetic alterations that have become common in biotechnology. In this world, a genetic 'platform' can be used to create custom-designed DNA to create a host of new products.

ESC 'patch' could heal heart attack damage

Scientists at London's Imperial College have developed a patch made from embryonic stem cells to repair damaged hearts. The team matured human heart cells in a lab dish and then created a patch out of biomaterials. They believe that by stitching or attaching the patch to a heart damaged during a heart attack, they can repair the heart muscle where oxygen deprived cells have died. The biomaterial is made to degrade quickly, with the patch preventing the familiar bulge of scarred tissue. "We really would like to cover the area of the infarct scar as much as possible, so it might be quite a large patch," Dr. Sian Harding said.

The team's next step will be to test the procedure on animals, with human trials underway in about five years. The scientists say they are also closely following the development of stem cells from skin tissue, which would dissolve much of the controversy that dogs embryonic stem cell work.

Researchers identify "great-grandparent" of human blood cells
Stanford University researchers have isolated in humans the multipotent progenitor cell that is the "great-grandparent" of human blood cells. The cell is the offspring of a blood-forming stem cell found in bone marrow. Researchers say the discovery could lead to treatments for leukemia and impact bone marrow transplants. U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay News

Study: Blocking cell "addiction" to growth factors may prevent cancer
Mouse cells with two activated copies of the insulin-like growth factor two gene, which in humans is associated with a higher risk of intestinal tumors, are more likely to become "addicted" to the smallest doses of growth factors compared to those with one activated copy of the gene, a U.S. study revealed. Researchers also found that a drug that blocks the cell's ability to respond to IGF-II growth factor led to fewer precancerous lesions in mice. Yahoo!

Study: Amino acid controls mechanism behind body's internal clock
A modification in a single amino acid in a protein produced by BMAL1 triggers the genetic chain of events involved with regulating the body's internal clock, according to a new study. Researchers said the discovery of the mechanism might pave the way for development of effective drugs for the treatment of sleep disorders and related diseases. BBC

Watson's new genome analysis spurs reactions
A recent analysis of the genome of DNA pioneer James D. Watson revealed that he has 16 times more genes of black origin than the average white European, deCODE Genetics' CEO said. The findings have spurred reactions from the British media about the ancestry of Watson, who figured in a recent controversy for claiming that black Africans are not as intelligent as whites. The New York Times

Nanoscale device measures electric fields in cells
A team of U.S. researchers has developed a nanoscale tool containing voltage-sensitive dyes that emit light to help scientists measure electric fields in brain cancer cells. The device can be applied in determining the distinction in electric fields between healthy and diseased cells, a National Cancer Institute director said. MIT Technology Review

Study: Receptors linked to blood vessel inflammation in diabetics
A U.S. study found that increased expression of TLR2 and TLR4, two receptors in the innate immune system that are part of the pattern-recognition receptors, in people with Type 1 diabetes raises their risk of blood vessel inflammation. Researchers said controlling diabetes might help lower risks of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Forbes/HealthDay News

Gut microbes may shed light on allergies
Gut microbes might help explain why allergy rates in developed countries are higher than those in developing nations, according to studies performed by a Swedish immunologist using fecal samples. The scientist plans to conduct further research on the samples using metagenomics to find patterns that may be linked to an increased risk for immune disorders. MIT Technology Review