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February 2009

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Kinaxo contributes quantitative phosphoproteomics platform to find a drug to treat pancreatic cancer
German company Kinaxo Biotechnologies GmbH has been awarded a grant to expand applications for its quantitative phosphoproteomics platform to contribute to a drug efficacy study to find a treatment for pancreatic cancer. 27 February 2009

 

Culture of Norwegian marine bacteriaNew antibiotics produced from marine bacteria found in Norwegian fjords
Norwegian scientists have produced completely new antibiotics from bacteria found in the sea around Norway. Eleven species of bacteria that create substances that kill cancerous cells and three other bacteria that produce new antibiotics were discovered. 27 February 2009

Innovative therapies needed to deal with rapid spread of cancer in Europe
Cancer may well surpass cardiovascular diseases as the primary case of death in Europe by 2012. To prevent this from happening, cancer therapeutics will have to shift in focus from the treatment of symptoms to offering a total cure, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan. 27 February 2009

Sciemetric wins major quality control contract in medical device sector
Sciemetric Instruments, a supplier of manufacturing quality systems has been named a preferred supplier to one of the world’s largest medical device manufacturers, cementing its position in a key growth market for the company. 27 February 2009

Philips announces first 3D cardiovascular images from magnetic particle imaging
The technology, which uses the magnetic properties of iron-oxide nanoparticles injected into the bloodstream, has been used in a pre-clinical study to generate unprecedented real-time images of arterial blood flow and volumetric heart motion. 27 February 2009

EU project to study impact of nanomedicine on healthcare
The EU-funded NANOMED project aims to look at all aspects of nanomedicine and provide an objective answer to claims that this rapidly evolving field will change the face of healthcare forever. 25 February 2009

Rats dying from type 1 diabetes restored to health without insulin
Terminally ill rodents with type 1 diabetes have been restored to full health with a single injection of a substance other than insulin. The rats were given a single injection of the hormone leptin. 23 February 2009

Diabetes in UK increases 74% over six years
The numbers of new cases of diabetes in the UK rose 74% between 1997 and 2003. The rate of increase is now higher than in the US. 24 February 2009

Lab robot uses innovative information technology to find new drugs
A robot scientist that can make informed guesses about how effective different chemical compounds will be at fighting different diseases could revolutionise the pharmaceutical industry by developing more effective treatments more cheaply and quickly than current methods.  23 February 2009

PSA test may be unnecessary for older men
Certain men age 75 to 80 are unlikely to benefit from routine prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, according to a study by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 23 February 2009

Oxford Nanopore moves closer to label-free, single molecule DNA sequencing
Oxford Nanopore Technologies has announced the publication of new research in Nature Nanotechnology, demonstrating accurate and continuous identification of DNA bases using nanopores. 23 February 2009

APR acquires new drug delivery nanotechnology for innovative treatment of critical diseases
Swiss company Applied Pharma Research s.a. (APR) has acquired a nanocoating process for the preparation of new products for the treatment of several critical diseases. APR is already developing specific applications in ophthalmology and dermatology. 22 February 2009

Datamining finds new target for diabetes treatment
A team of researchers from Oxford and Southampton Universities have identified a new molecular player in insulin secretion process by mining a free database of 5 million drug compounds. This finding could spark a completely new class of drugs to treat type 2 diabetes. 22 February 2009

GE installs first series of breakthrough molecular imaging scanners
GE Healthcare has announced the installation of the new Discovery PET/CT 600-series scanners in hospitals in France, the USA and Australia. They provide earlier diagnosis, more accurate tumour location and better assessment of how a patient is responding to cancer treatment. 22 February 2009

NHS medical device training goes online
A ground-breaking project is being launched in the UK to create a National Health Service (NHS) e-learning platform for medical devices, including a library of both generic and detailed training. 22 February 2009

Varian receives European approval for proton therapy system
Proton therapy allows doctors to use higher doses of radiation to control and manage tumours while significantly reducing damage to healthy tissue and vital organs. 22 February 2009

Leica launches high power laser microdissection system
The new Leica LMD7000 is a laser microdissection system with a power-adjustable, high precision laser. For the first time, high laser power and high repetition rates, are combined within one system. 22 February 2009. Deutsch

Plasmonic nanoswitches could increase computing power a million fold
Plasmonics may pave the way for the next generation of computers that operate faster and store more information than electronically-based systems and are smaller than optically-based systems. 22 February 2009

Novel way to stimulate immune system reduces amyloid deposits in mice with Alzheimer’s
A novel way to stimulate the immune system of mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD) led to reduced amyloid deposits and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease related pathology without causing toxic side effects. 22 February 2009

Surgeons remove kidney through vagina
Surgeons at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the US have successfully removed a healthy donor kidney through a small incision in the back of the donor’s vagina. 21 February 2009

Training the brain to avoid falls
Training people to avoid falls by repeatedly exposing them to unstable situations in the laboratory helped them to later maintain their balance on a slippery floor. The research could eventually help people, including the elderly, for whom falling is an important health issue. 21 February 2009

Gold nanospheres target and destroy cancer cells
Hollow gold nanospheres equipped with a targeting peptide find melanoma cells, penetrate them deeply, and then cook the tumour when bathed with near-infrared light, a research team led by scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has reported. 16 February 2009

Agilent Technologies removes major bottleneck for DNA sequencing
Agilent Technologies, Inc. has introduced the Agilent SureSelect Target Enrichment System, a unique tool for greatly streamlining DNA-sequencing research by enabling scientists to sequence only genomic areas of interest with next-generation sequencing instrumentation. 16 February 2009

Applied Biosystems' new platform enables human genome sequencing for $10,000
Applied Biosystems, has begun shipment of a new, genomic analysis platform, the SOLiD 3 System. The company says the new system delivers a roadmap that will ultimately enable scientists to sequence a human genome for less than $10,000 dollars in 2009. 16 February 2009

Analog Devices’ new data acquisition chip gives faster, clearer images for CT scanners
The new current-to-digital converter chip that enables high slice count CT systems to capture real-time moving images with a high degree of accuracy and detail. 16 February 2009

The endoscope used to preform the operation. (Photo: Business Wire)Stanford hospital performs stomach surgery through throat
A 53 year old man has become one of the first patients at Stanford Hospital & Clinics in the US to be treated using natural orifice surgery, in this case for weight-loss. The entire surgery was performed through the man's throat. 16 February 2009

Source of cancer stem cells' resistance to radiation discovered
Stanford University researchers have found that the protection takes the form of the increased expression of proteins that can bind and deactivate reactive oxygen species, highly unstable small molecules that wreak havoc on a cell’s DNA and proteins. 16 February 2009

WHO approves Coldpack Antifreeze Vaccine Backpack for vaccine transport
Coldpack has announced that it has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an approved vaccine transportation provider. Coldpack was selected based on its AntiFreeze Vaccine Backpack’s capability to help maintain and transport temperature-sensitive immunizations. 16 February 2009

Symphogen secures €33m financing to support clinical development of antibody products
Copenhagen-based Symphogen A/S has announced the closing of €33 million (approximately US $44 million) financing. The financing will be used to mature the company’s product pipeline of antibody therapeutics, particularly within the field of oncology. 16 February 2009

Cloned human embryos successfully reprogrammed using human eggs
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. and its collaborators have reported that human oocytes (or ‘eggs’) have the capacity to extensively reprogram adult human cells. 16 February 2009

Cambridge University research group employs Fluidigm’s EP1 genotping system for cancer studies. 16 February 2009

Millipore acquires Guava Technologies
Millipore Corporation (NYSE: MIL), a leading provider of technologies, tools and services for the global life science industry, has entered into an agreement to acquire Guava Technologies, a provider of easy-to-use, bench top cell analysis systems. 16 February 2009

Toshiba completes acquisition of imaging division of Barco. 16 February 2009

National University of Ireland, Galway and Agilent open biological mass spectrometry facility
The state-of-the-art facility at the University is fully equipped with the latest accurate-mass quadrupole time-of-flight and triple quadrupole mass spectrometer platforms from Agilent. 16 February 2009

MeresamunCT scans reveal 3000 year old mummy of Egyptian princess
Stunning 3D images have revealed details of a mummy that has been sealed in a coffin for more than 3,000 years thanks to a cutting-edge medical scanner developed by Philips. 16 February 2009

Mirna Therapeutics and UCSF to explore therapeutic potential of microRNAs
Mirna Therapeutics and the University of California, San Francisco have entered into a collaboration agreement to evaluate the capacity of specific microRNAs to reduce or eliminate tumours in mouse models of cancer. 16 February 2009

Website for patients to share diagnostic-quality medical images
US company Heart Imaging Technologies (HeartIT) has launched a free website allowing patients to upload and share diagnostic-quality medical images using just a standard web browser.  16 February 2009

Masimo files lawsuit against Philips for pulse oximetry patent infringement. 16 February 2009

Expression Analysis in partnership with Complement Genomics to offer genomic services in UK. 16 February 2009

Response Genetics closes UK facility
Response Genetics has announced that it is closing its Edinburgh, UK facility and increasing the capacity of its genetic testing laboratory in Los Angeles, USA. 16 February 2009

Rotary members worldwide prepare for mass polio-immunization campaigns
Hundreds of Rotary club members from the United States, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Korea, the UK and the Caribbean will join thousands of their fellow Rotary members , other volunteers and health workers over the next few months to immunize children against polio in India and Nigeria. 16 February 2009

Computerised brain exercises improve memory and attention
Computerised brain exercises can improve memory and lead to faster thinking according to a new study of commercial brain training software. 14 February 2009

deCODE genetics offers cut-price genetic test for heart risks during February
deCODE genetics is offering its deCODEme Cardio Scan, a unique new tool that enables individuals to better understand their inherited risk of heart problems such as heart attack, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, for $100. 12 February 2009

Anvita Health launches mobile viewer for Google Health
Anvita Health, formerly known as SafeMed, an integrated partner of Google Health, has released a new mobile viewer for Google Health that is built on the Android mobile device platform. 12 February 2009

New online resource to support children with type 1 diabetes
Sanofi-aventis US has announced the availability of the diabetes KidCare Kit, a multimedia resource that will provide children and their families with valuable tools and information to help guide them through the difficult but crucial first 30 days following a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. 12 February 2009

New indicator of prostate cancer discovered
Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered that the presence of the chemical sarcosine appears to indicate aggressive prostate cancer. 11 February 2009

Bluegiga provides health device profile for Bluetooth OEM modules
The Bluetooth Health Device Profile (HDP) significantly simplifies and reducing the need for engineering and testing time for any type of health or medical device. 11 February 2009

Revolutionary treatment offers new hope to Russian cancer patients
Two of Russia’s leading research centres have purchased Elekta Axesse systems which will allow clinicians to treat cancer tumours throughout the body with ultra-high precision. 11 February 2009

International Stem Cell Corporation begins pre-clinical trials on human corneal epithelial cells
The trials aimed at improving photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a form of corrective laser eye surgery. 11 February 2009

Non-invasive therapies and diagnostics on the increase
Non-invasive methods are on the increase for medical treatment, patient monitoring and diagnostics as they can help to avoid infections and mean less pain and stress for patients. 11 February 2009

International collaboration to develop ultrasound-activated drug-delivery nanoparticles
Nanobiotix, an emerging nanomedicine company has announced that it will collaborate with the SonoDrugs project consortium to develop new nanoparticulate drug carriers that can be activated for localized drug release using focused ultrasound. 10 February 2009

Sysmex in agreement to distribute AdnaGen cancer diagnostic tests in Europe
Sysmex Europe GmbH and AdnaGen AG have entered into a non-exclusive European distribution agreement for AdnaGen proprietary CE-certified diagnostics as well as their research use only (RUO) products. 10 February 2009

Navigenics launches portal to give doctors access to patients' genomic information
For patients choosing to receive a Navigenics service through their physician, this portal allows the physician to integrate patients’ genetic information into personalized health plans designed to help diagnose early or prevent a number of health conditions. 10 February 2009

Novel cheap blood test for hepatitis C
A multinational team of researchers has developed a novel blood test that could bring a breakthrough in the battle against the dangerous hepatitis-C virus. This procedure offers a considerably cheaper alternative to the normal commercial tests, whilst maintaining equal sensitivity. 10 February 2009

TwistDx’s rapid test for MRSA winner in NHS Smart Solutions Programme
TwistDx, a DNA diagnostics company based in Cambridge, UK, has been selected as a winner in a National Health Service competition to find new ways to help combat healthcare associated infections. 10 February 2009

Roche exome sequencing a giant step towards personalized medicine
A key milestone for personalized medicine has been achieved by two Roche Applied Science companies, Roche NimbleGen and 454 Life Sciences, in developing revolutionary technologies to resequence all human exons from individual genomes. 9 February 2009

Sodium MRI shows arthritis long before onset of physical symptoms
Dr Garry Gold, an associate professor of radiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine has improved an old imaging technology called sodium MRI to diagnose osteoarthritis as long as decades before the onset of physical symptoms. 9 February 2009

Brain region controlling sociability identified
A combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and measurement of brain electrical activity in a study of brain function has enabled researchers to trace sociability to the amygdala region of the brain. 9 February 2009

EXACT Sciences in strategic relationship with Genzyme for DNA diagnostics technology
Genzyme has acquired intellectual property assets related to prenatal and reproductive health and three million shares of EXACT common stock for $24.5 million. 9 February 2009

B&W and Covidien to develop US source of key medical isotope
Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Group, Inc. has signed an agreement with Covidien to develop technology for the manufacture of molybdenum-99, the parent isotope of technetium-99m, the most widely used radioisotope for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine procedures. 9 February 2009

FORMA to collaborate with Cubist to develop novel antibacterial drugs
FORMA Therapeutics has signed a collaboration agreement with Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to leverage FORMA’s transformative chemistry platform to discover novel antibacterial compounds for development by Cubist. 9 February 2009

IAVI and Algonomics to collaborate on HIV protein design project
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and Belgian company Algonomics have announced a collaboration to develop novel vaccine candidates capable of controlling HIV infection. 9 February 2009

Pinehill Hospital installs digital fluoroscopy system to improve patient throughput
Pinehill Hospital, a private hospital based in Hertfordshire, England, has installed a Siemens AXIOM Luminos dRF digital fluoroscopy system for urinary tract examinations, such as cystograms and intravenous urograms (IVUs) and for arthrography imaging to enhance joint procedures such as hip or knee replacements. 9 February 2009

Tomotherapy radiation treatment planning software gains FDA clearance
Swedish company RaySearch Laboratories AB and TomoTherapy Inc have announced that their jointly produced new software solution for the Tomotherapy Hi-Art linear accelerator has received clearance by the FDA for market launch in the US. 9 February 2009

Cancer patients in Sweden and Estonia receive advanced radiation therapy treatments
Uppsala University Hospital and Lund University Hospital in Sweden and Tartu University Hospital in Estonia have invested in advanced radiotherapy systems from Elekta. 9 February 2009

Wales to host Europe's first Centre for NanoHealth
Swansea University in Wales will host Europe's first centre devoted to nanomedicine, after securing more than £10 million in European funding. 9 February 2009

Pfizer to acquire Wyeth for $68bn
Pfizer and Wyeth have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Pfizer will acquire Wyeth in a cash-and-stock transaction worth approximately $68 billion. 4 February 2009

Philips and Immunetrics to combat infectious diseases in critical care
Royal Philips Electronics and Immunetrics Inc. have entered into a joint development agreement to explore new approaches to the growing problem of infectious disease in critical care. 4 February 2009

Graffinity and Elan in fragment-based drug-discovery collaboration
Under the terms of the agreement, Graffinity will receive technology access fees and success payments for the generation of novel small molecule hits against a number of drug targets. 4 February 2009

BioGenes designated partner in EU-funded dementia project
BioGenes GmbH has been chosen as a new partner of cNEUPRO. an EU-funded research project to analyse neurodegenerative diseases and discover novel biomarkers. 4 February 2009

Touch Bionics introduces next generation i-LIMB prosthetic skin
Touch Bionics has developed a synthetic covering for its multi-articulating bionic hand that is a closer reflection of human skin function. 4 February 2009

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