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Blood Pressure Meds at Bed Time Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Researchers at University of Vigo in Spain have found that taking blood pressure medicines at bed time appears to reduce risk of heart disease as well as keep blood pressure under control. They describe their research online this week in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (paid subscription required). Hypertension affects about one-third…
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Novartis to Cut Jobs in U.S., Switzerland; Add Jobs in Asia
In its third-quarter financial report released today, the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis AG said it would cut some 2,000 jobs in Switzerland and the U.S., but add 700 jobs in China and India. The cuts were announced at the same time the company said it recorded gains in third quarter sales of 12 percent and…
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Stretchable Sensory Material Created with Carbon Nanotubes
Stanford University chemical engineers have developed a stretchable, transparent skin-like sensor that can be stretched to more than twice its original length and return to its original shape. The material — that can sense pressure from a firm pinch to thousands of pounds — is described online in the 23 October issue of the journal…
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Dana-Farber, Brigham and Women’s Establish Genomic Database
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital — both in Boston — have launched a new research project to scan tumor tissue from adult cancer patients for hundreds of gene mutations linked to cancer. The program, called Profile, aims to speed the development of cancer treatments that target the genetic weaknesses in each patient’s…
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FDA Approves Advance of ALS Stem Cell Trial
Neuralstem Inc. in Rockville, Maryland says the Food and Drug Administration has approved the progression of a clinical trial to broaden treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with neural stem cells. Based on the FDA’s approval, the trial at Emory University in Atlanta can expand stem cell transplant region for treating ALS, also known as…
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Contract Awarded to Test Nerve-Agent Protection Drug
An NIH program to develop countermeasures against chemical weapons has awarded a contract to a University of Colorado researcher to evaluate a commercial drug’s ability to protect against nerve agents. The $736,000 contract from NIH’s Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Research Network to Manisha Patel (pictured left), at University of Colorado’s School of Pharmacy in…
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Online Resource Helps Responders Identify Chemical Hazards
An online tool, developed by a University of Virginia faculty member, will help emergency medical staff and other first responders identify more quickly the group of chemicals causing patients to become ill. Mark Kirk, a professor of emergency medicine with the University of Virginia Health System, led development of the Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management…
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U.S. Venture Investments Up in Q3, Science Companies Mixed
Dow Jones VentureSource reports that venture capital (VC) investment in the U.S. rose in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 2010, including the number and size of deals and investment volume. Among science-based companies, medical device and energy companies gained in investment deals and volume. Among biotech and pharmaceutical companies, the number of deals…
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National Academies Urge Single, Simple Food Rating System
A study by the National Academy of Sciences recommends federal agencies develop an easy-to-understand point system that rates the nutritional value of packaged food and beverages. The point system, says the study authors, should reflect a single numerical rating that reflects calorie counts with saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. The study was…
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NSF Grant to Fund Savannah River Water Quality Monitors
Clemson University in South Carolina says it received a grant to develop a computerized water-quality technology for the entire length of the Savannah River. The four-year grant, exceeding $3 million, is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Computer and Network Systems. The system is expected to cover a network of buoys (pictured left)…