Latest Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare News from AAAS

Treatment of sleep apnea improves glucose levels in prediabetes

(American Thoracic Society) Optimal treatment of sleep apnea in patients with prediabetes improves blood sugar (glucose) levels and thus can reduce cardiometabolic risk, according to a study to be presented at the ATS 2013 International Conference in...

Mayo Clinic: Molecular marker from pancreatic 'juices' helps identify pancreatic cancer

(Mayo Clinic) Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a promising method to distinguish between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis -- two disorders that are difficult to tell apart. A molecular marker obtained from pancreatic "juices" can i...

Bacteria use hydrogen, carbon dioxide to produce electricity

(American Society for Microbiology) Researchers have engineered a strain of electricity-producing bacteria that can grow using hydrogen gas as its sole electron donor and carbon dioxide as its sole source of carbon. Researchers at the University of...

Engineered microbes grow in the dark

(American Society for Microbiology) Scientists at the University of California, Davis have engineered a strain of photosynthetic cyanobacteria to grow without the need for light. They report their findings today at the 113th General Meeting of the A...

Study finds that sleep apnea and Alzheimer's are linked

(American Thoracic Society) A new study looking at sleep-disordered breathing and markers for Alzheimer's disease risk in cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging adds to the growing body of research linking the two.

Researchers identify a potential new risk for sleep apnea: Asthma

(American Thoracic Society) Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have identified a potential new risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea: asthma.

Ginger compounds may be effective in treating asthma symptoms

(American Thoracic Society) Gourmands and foodies everywhere have long recognized ginger as a great way to add a little peppery zing to both sweet and savory dishes; now, a study from researchers at Columbia University shows purified components of th...

Heat-related deaths in Manhattan projected to rise

(The Earth Institute at Columbia University) Researchers say deaths in Manhattan linked to warming climate may rise some 20 percent by the 2020s, and, in some worst-case scenarios, 90 percent or more by the 2080s. Higher winter temperatures may parti...

RNA capable of catalyzing electron transfer on early earth with iron's help, study says

(Georgia Institute of Technology) A new study shows how complex biochemical transformations may have been possible under conditions that existed when life began on the early Earth. The study shows that RNA is capable of catalyzing electron transfer u...

Computational tool translates complex data into simplified 2-dimensional images

(Columbia University Medical Center) Researchers at Columbia University and Stanford University have developed a computational method that enables scientists to visualize and interpret "high-dimensional" data produced by single-cell measurement techn...

New theory on genesis of osteoarthritis comes with successful therapy in mice

(Johns Hopkins Medicine) Scientists at Johns Hopkins have turned their view of osteoarthritis inside out. Literally. Instead of seeing the painful degenerative disease as a problem primarily of the cartilage that cushions joints, they now have eviden...

ASGE and ASGE foundation hold Crystal Awards dinner as part of Digestive Disease Week®, May 19, in Orlando

(American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) will honor important contributions to the field of endoscopy during the ninth annual ASGE Crystal Awards on Sunday, May 19, 2013. Hosted by A...

AGA honors distinguished clinicians, researchers and educators with prestigious recognition awards

(American Gastroenterological Association) Each year, the American Gastroenterological Association recognizes several individuals for their outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology through its esteemed recognition awards.

AGA Research Foundation Research Scholar Awards advance the work of promising gastroenterologists

(American Gastroenterological Association) The American Gastroenterological Association Research Foundation is pleased to announce its 2013 research scholars. This year's honorees are outstanding young gastroenterologists working toward independent c...

AGA Research Foundation grant furthers digestive cancer research

(American Gastroenterological Association) The AGA Research Foundation is honored to announce the first AGA-Caroline Craig Augustyn and Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer, which will support Andrew D. Rhim, MD, from the Perelman School of Medi...

Consuming coffee linked to lower risk of detrimental liver disease, Mayo Clinic finds

(Mayo Clinic) Regular consumption of coffee is associated with a reduced risk of primary sclerosing cholangitis, an autoimmune liver disease, Mayo Clinic research shows. The findings were being presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2013 conference...

New research identifies practice changes to improve value and quality of GI procedures

(Digestive Disease Week) There are significant cost and risk factors associated with two procedures commonly used to diagnose or treat gastrointestinal problems, according to research presented at Digestive Disease Week®.

New smartphone application improves colonoscopy preparation

(Digestive Disease Week) The use of a smartphone application significantly improves patients' preparation for a colonoscopy, according to new research presented today at Digestive Disease Week®. The study, which was conducted by the gastroenterologi...

Coffee consumption associated with reduced risk of autoimmune liver disease

(Digestive Disease Week) Research presented today at Digestive Disease Week® explores new discoveries in liver disease research, with findings about the impact of coffee on autoimmune disease and palliative care for cirrhotic patients.

Research examines new methods for managing digestive health

(Digestive Disease Week) Research presented at Digestive Disease Week® explores new methods for managing digestive health through diet and lifestyle.

New colonoscope provides ground-breaking view of colon

(Digestive Disease Week) A ground-breaking advance in colonoscopy technology signals the future of colorectal care, according to research presented today at Digestive Disease Week®. Additional research focuses on optimizing the minimal withdrawal ti...

New research identifies risks, interventions for children's GI health

(Digestive Disease Week) An increasing number of US children are experiencing gastrointestinal issues that require interventions to resolve, according to research presented at Digestive Disease Week®.

For combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, 'fear circuitry' in the brain never rests

(NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine) Chronic trauma can inflict lasting damage to brain regions associated with fear and anxiety.

New gut microbiome research to explore red meat -- colorectal cancer pathway

(American Gastroenterological Association) The AGA Research Foundation announced a new grant that intends to stimulate research into the relationship between the gut microbiota, one of today's most exciting areas of science, and digestive health and...

Now we know why old scizophrenia medicine works on antibiotics-resistant bacteria

(University of Southern Denmark) An old medicine for schizophrenia is effective at treating something completely different than it was designed for: antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So far it has been a mystery how this old schizophrenia medicine works...