IN BRIEF Scientists have developed a scar-reducing wound glue uses one special ingredient: gloop secreted from mussels. The mussel gloop is added to a piece of the skin protein called “decorin,” and a molecule that binds collagen to help skin to heal. WOUND REPAIR From combat to everyday injuries, wound care is a vital part...
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Researchers uncover potential risks of common MS treatment
In one of the most comprehensive studies to date, UBC researchers have identified potential adverse reactions of a commonly used multiple sclerosis drug. The study aimed to identify potential adverse events related to beta-interferon treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by analyzing health records of over 2,000 British Columbians with multiple sclerosis between 1995 and 2008. “Once a...
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A dual-functional GLP-1 analogue may improve insulin sensitivity and help fight diabetes
According to research published online in The FASEB Journal, scientists have discovered a dual peptide called “PGLP-1” that promotes insulin secretion and inhibits gluconeogenesis (a metabolic process that produces glucose). A related compound called GLP-1 is currently used in diabetes treatments. This new compound shows the potential to improve glycemic control for patients with type 1...
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Could painful knee replacements be a thing of the past? Scientists may have uncovered arthritis cure
Researchers have found a molecule protects against cartilage deterioration Injecting high levels of the molecule in rats prevented arthritis’ development Molecule replacement therapy could take the place of artificial joint procedures Joint replacements have a long healing process and carry risks of complications Scientists may be one step closer to finding a cure for...
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Keyhole knee surgery for arthritis pain ‘is pointless’: Warning minor procedure has been oversold as a cure for all problems
British Medical Journal report warns that benefits of surgery have been oversold Study found it was no better at treating pain than conservative management More than 150,000 Britons undergo the keyhole operation every year Keyhole knee operations on patients with a common form of arthritis should stop as they do little to help, researchers warn...
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Genome Engineering of Stem Cells for Autonomously Regulated, Closed-Loop Delivery of Biologic Drugs
Highlights Stem cells were rewired via genome engineering to combat inflammation Cells were used to engineer tissues that self-regulate biologic drug production Autoregulated therapy protected tissues from cytokines that drive chronic diseases This approach can form the basis of a cellular vaccine for inflammatory diseases Summary Chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis are characterized by...
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Researchers ID drug that blocks some blood cancers
A compound identified by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists inhibits the growth of a rare blood cancer found in people with HIV-AIDS. Their research, published May 15 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, also demonstrates that the compound deters multiple myeloma, another type of blood malignancy. Few effective treatments are available for primary effusion lymphoma(PEL), a subtype...
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Scientists develop revolutionary eye drops to treat age-related blindness
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a type of eye drop which could potentially revolutionise the treatment of one of the leading causes of blindness in the UK. The results of the collaborative research, published today in Investigative Opthamology and Visual Science, could spell the end of painful injections directly into the...
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Diabetes drug may help symptoms of autism associated condition
Metformin 500mg tablets. A widely used diabetes medication could help people with a common inherited form of autism, research shows. Scientists found that a drug called metformin improves sociability and reduces symptomatic behaviours in adult mice with a form of Fragile X syndrome. Researchers say that metformin could be repurposed as a therapy for Fragile X syndrome...
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Rodents with trouble walking reveal potential treatment approach for most common joint disease
Maintaining the supply of a molecule that helps to nourish cartilage prevented osteoarthritis in animal models of the disease, according to a report published in Nature Communications online May 11. The study is the first, say its authors, to provide evidence that adenosine, a biochemical at the heart of human cellular function, plays another crucial role—keeping on hand...