Articles in Information
Muscle Builders Zebrafish and stem cells enable fast drug discovery for muscle disorders Scientists have had little success growing skeletal muscle for people with muscular dystrophy and other disorders that degrade and weaken muscle. Undertaking experiments in zebrafish, mice and human cells, researchers have now identified a way to do that, creating muscle cells that […]
First director named for NHGRI’s new Division of Genomics and Society Lawrence Brody, Ph.D. selected to lead new division that includes ELSI research program Bethesda, Md., Thurs., Nov. 14, 2013 – Lawrence C. Brody, Ph.D., a pioneering genetics and genomics researcher, has been selected to be the first director of the newly established Division of Genomics […]
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Re-examining SIDS Brain abnormalities found independent of environment A new study suggests that many infants dying suddenly and unexpectedly in all kinds of sleep environments have underlying brainstem abnormalities. The researchers, led by Hannah Kinney, professor of pathology at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, also point to the need to detect and treat […]
Neurosurgery Distinction New academic department at HMS Recognizing neurosurgery as a discipline distinct from general surgery, Harvard Medical School has established a Department of Neurosurgery as an academic department, effective October 1. In a letter to the HMS community addressing the change, Jeffrey S. Flier, HMS dean of medicine said HMS has played an important […]
Targeting HSV NIH launches trial of genital herpes vaccine An experimental genital herpes vaccine developed by Harvard Medical School researchers is being tested in an early-stage clinical trial conducted by a branch of the National Institutes of Health. There is currently no vaccine to prevent genital herpes disease, a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus […]
Doctor’s Orders A veteran of war and vascular surgery offers advice on health reform A weary American soldier rests on one knee in a dusty foreign desert. The young man’s massive backpack is overflowing with equipment and there are pouches strapped to his belt, tools attached to his boots, and gear affixed to his helmet. […]
The July Effect Real danger exists for high-risk patients when trainees take on new roles With almost no experience, newly graduated medical students enter teaching hospitals around the country every July, beginning their careers as interns. At the same time, the last year’s interns and junior residents take a step up and assume new responsibilities. […]
Protein Block Genetic error in some lung cancers may offer target for therapies A fine-grained scan of DNA in lung cancer cells has revealed a gene fusion—a forced merger of two normally separate genes—that spurs the cells to divide rapidly, scientists at Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the University of Colorado report in a new […]
Automating anesthesia Animal study tests putting precise control of medically induced coma on ‘autopilot’ Putting patients with severe head injuries or persistent seizures into a medically induced coma currently requires constant monitoring. A nurse or other health professional must watch over the patient’s brain activity, manually adjusting drug infusion to maintain a deep state of […]
New Genes Tied to Alzheimer’s Disease Researchers identified 11 new genes that affect the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The findings point to novel targets for preventing or delaying the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It affects more than 5 million Americans. A hallmark of the disease is […]
