New class of targeted cancer drugs shows promise in slowing progression of recurrent prostate cancer

A new class of targeted anti-cancer drugs that blocks the human epidermal growth factor (HER) receptor family shows promise in prolonging the lives of patients with recurrent prostate cancer, a new Cedars-Sinai study shows. The drug, a molecular targeted compound called pertuzumab, works by binding to and inhibiting the function of HER2 receptors, interrupting a key pathway that leads to cancer growth. more  

Long road ahead in developing effective avian flu vaccination strategy, Stanford expert says

The near inevitability that influenza will explode into a pandemic in the coming few years has kept researchers searching for a way to prevent the worst effects of infection. The ultimate prize is a highly effective vaccine that could be produced and deployed rapidly. more

No reason to panic over 2005 increase in murder rate, reports Carnegie Mellon U. Professor

Despite a recent increase in the U.S. murder rate, it is not yet clear whether the country is facing a new wave of violent crime, says Carnegie Mellon University Professor Alfred Blumstein, an internationally known expert in criminology and crime research. more  

Programmed for obesity: Early exposure to common chemicals can permanently alter metabolic system, researcher finds

Obesity is generally discussed in terms of caloric intake (how much a person eats) and energy output (how much a person exercises). However, according to a University of Missouri-Columbia scientist, environmental chemicals found in everyday plastics and pesticides also may influence obesity. Frederick vom Saal, professor of biological sciences in MU's College of Arts and Science, has found that when fetuses are exposed to these chemicals, the way their genes function may be altered to make them more prone to obesity and disease. more

UI researcher finds gender gap narrowing among victims of certain crimes  

Although the gender gap among victims of homicide and robbery has remained relatively stable over the last 30 years, the gap has closed significantly for aggravated and simple assault because male rates of victimization have declined faster than female rates. more

Taking AIM at post-stroke depression  

Activating patients and developing a monitoring and evaluation system was highly effective in ending or reducing post-stroke depression in patients enrolled in the largest randomized clinical trial to date for this prevalent and disabling consequence of stroke. more

Researchers identify factor in pathogeensis of Graves' disease

Investigators at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) have found evidence that continues to implicate insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) in the development of Graves’ disease. more

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