Author: Editor

Italian science rallies for animal research at the Mario Negri Institute.

On Saturday 30th November around 400 researchers, scientists and students met at the Mario Negri Research Institute in Milan, Italy, to take part in the “Io Sto Con La Ricerca” (I’m With Research) Convention, organized by Silvio Garattini, Director of the Institute. This Convention aimed to emphasize the importance of biomedical research to human health … Continue reading Italian science rallies for animal research at the Mario Negri Institute.

Animal research brings hope to the girl whose skin never heals

On Friday the BBC broadcast a moving report about a young girl named Sohana Collins, who suffers from the painful and life threatening genetic disorder epidermolysis bullosa (EB), caused by mutations in the type VII collagen gene (Col7a1).  The report also included an interview with Prof John McGrath, Professor of Molecular dermatology at Kings College … Continue reading Animal research brings hope to the girl whose skin never heals

Successful gene therapy for hemophilia A in dogs – humans next!

On Wednesday we were saddened learned that double Nobel laureate Fred Sanger had died,  so it was fitting that yesterday also saw the announcement of an important scientific advance that owes everything to the molecular biology revolution he helped to launch – one that may improve the lives of many thousands of people with Hemophilia A. … Continue reading Successful gene therapy for hemophilia A in dogs – humans next!

Animal research and diabetes: Now the truth must be told – Part 2

In yesterday's post we described how animal research contributed to the understanding and treatment of diabetes – most importantly with the discovery of insulin. In this post we address some of the common misinformation that activists are circulating on social media about the role of animal experiments in diabetes research. a)      One of the most valuable … Continue reading Animal research and diabetes: Now the truth must be told – Part 2

Yeast, cows and GM mice – 2013 Nobel Prize highlights contribution of model organisms in biomedical science

This morning the The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to James E. Rothman, Randy W. Schekman and Thomas C. Südhof "for their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells". The work that is being recognized today certainly fits … Continue reading Yeast, cows and GM mice – 2013 Nobel Prize highlights contribution of model organisms in biomedical science

As Italy prepares to rally for science, science rallies for Italy!

Tomorrow scientists from all over Italy will travel to Rome to join Pro-Test Italia in a rally to save medical research in Italy. At the rally, which will be held in Rome's via Colonna Antonina (Montecitorio), from 15.30 until 18.30, speakers from several of Italy's leading research organizations will join politicians from all major parties and members of … Continue reading As Italy prepares to rally for science, science rallies for Italy!

Trial of gene therapy in heart failure launches following success in rats and pigs.

Heart failure is a deadly condition that affects about two out of every hundred adults in the USA, and occurs when the heart is unable to provide sufficient pump action to maintain blood flow to meet the needs of the body. Among the more common causes are heart attacks and hypertension, but less frequently it … Continue reading Trial of gene therapy in heart failure launches following success in rats and pigs.