New technique developed by UAlberta researchers vastly improves the precision of gene-editing technology IMAGE: A UALBERTA STUDY LED BY BASIL HUBBARD IS BRINGING GENE-EDITING TECHNOLOGY CLOSER TO THERAPEUTIC REALITY BY MAKING IT MORE PRECISE. Imagine a future where a guided biomachine put into your body seeks out defective gene sequences in each cell and edits in...
Post
The Future of Medicine From a Leader in Biosensors
Eric J. Topol, MD: Hello. I’m Eric Topol, editor-in-chief of Medscape. It’s a real delight to welcome John Rogers from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. John is probably the world leader in developing creative sensors that interact with the human body. Welcome, John. John A. Rogers, Ph.D.: It is a pleasure to be here. Dr. Topol: You...
Post
Canadian pharmacy to be fined millions for illegal imports
In this Nov. 12, 2003, file photo, CanadaDrugs.com Director of Pharmacy Robert Fraser, left, takes Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, second left, on a tour of the Internet pharmacy CanadaDrugs.com in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada. An online pharmacy that bills itself as Canada’s largest is expected to be fined $34 million Friday for importing counterfeit cancer...
Post
Why do we get muscle cramps?
Image: Some people experience cramps frequently after vigorous, high-intensity exercise. Many of us know the feeling of a cramp – whether you’ve been struck down on the sports field or woken with a start in excruciating pain in the middle of the night. A cramp is the involuntary contraction of our skeletal muscle, and it hurts. Some...
Post
Regenerative wound dressings foster healing
Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory wound dressings stimulate tissue regeneration and can be especially efficient in treating deep wounds that are difficult to heal. Group of researchers at Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania, are developing next-generation, sponge-like wound dressings with hyaluronic acid. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory wound dressings stimulate tissue regeneration and can be especially efficient in treating...
Post
New mutation behind heart failure identified
An international research team involving Karolinska Institutet has identified a new mutation in South Asians that, in combination with a known mutation in the same gene, increases the risk of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The finding, published in the scientific journal JAMA Cardiology, can lead to improved treatment options for a large number of patients. Four...
Post
Cancer protein could point to new targets for treatment
Using x-ray crystallography, researchers have uncovered an unexpected mode of action for a protein commonly mutated in cancer cells. Credit: Shokat Lab/HHMI/UCSF A new view of a protein frequently mutated in pituitary tumors is overturning conventional wisdom and could point to novel targets for cancer drugs. The protein, a “G protein” called Gαs, initiates messages...
Post
Smart egg cartons to transport cells to cure diabetes
Isolated pancreas cells stained bright green is shown sitting in the wells of the transport “egg carton”. Credit: Aurelien Forget, Author provided We have developed “smart egg carton” packages for transporting live human pancreas cells for transplantation to diabetic patients. The egg cartons provide oxygen and allow physical separation to prevent damage and death to...
Post
Engineering innate immunity for therapy
The immune system defends our body against pathogens and cancerous cells, but excessive immunity can, in turn, lead to tissue damages and diseases. For example, scratching the surface of the eye ignites an immune response that aims at preventing infection but can also lead to edema, angiogenesis and eventually loss of sight. By regulating the...
Post
How Big Pharma deceives you about drug safety
The recent decision of a Saskatchewan judge to reject the proposed settlement between the provinces and Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, should raise serious questions. Purdue introduced the prescription drug oxycontin in 1996 and marketed it as safer and less addictive than other opioids. This is now seen by many as the beginning of the opioid crisis...