Researchers have discovered that tissue from outside the brain that contains misfolded beta-amyloid protein can travel and 'infect' the brain. Pathological protein deposits have been strongly linked to the genesis of the neurodegenerative disorder called Alzheimer's disease. The support for the research came from the ERA-NET NEURON (Network of European Funding for Neuroscience Research) project, which backed the MIPROTRAN project involved in the study. ERA-NET NEURON, for its part, received nearly EUR 3 million under the ERA-NET scheme of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).
Read more ...
Scientists say new gene variant can cut hypertension risk
People with hypertension take heart: EU-funded scientists have discovered a new gene variant that could lead to better prevention and treatment measures to fight high blood pressure. The research, published in the journal PLoS Genetics, is funded in part by the INGENIOUS HYPERCARE (Integrated genomics, clinical research and care in hypertension) project, which clinched EUR 10 million under the 'Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health') Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).
Read more ...
Nanohale AG and Rostechnologies Sign Memorandum to Set up Joint Venture
Within the framework of an international collaboration in the area of innovative technology, Nanohale AG and the Russian state-owned holding company Rostechnologii signed a
memorandum of understanding regarding future collaboration. The memorandum of understanding envisions the formation of a joint venture in which Nanohale AG would hold a 50 percent interest.
Read more ...
Top EU firms cut investment less than US rivals, but Europe still well behind
The European Commission's 2010 "EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard" shows that R&D investment by top EU companies fell by 2.6% in 2009, even though sales and profits fell much more, by 10.1% and 21.0% respectively. The fall in R&D investment by leading players in the US, at 5.1%, was twice as sharp as in the EU, but the worldwide reduction was lower, at 1.9%. Japanese firms maintained their level of investment.
Read more ...
Parasites adapt to host's immune system, study shows
The parasites that cause diseases like elephantiasis and river blindness develop and reproduce faster and in greater numbers when they encounter hosts with a strong immune system, new EU-funded research reveals. Writing in the journal PLoS Biology, the scientists from France, the UK and the US note that the findings could have implications for efforts to develop vaccines against these debilitating diseases.
Read more ...
Experts rally to get European commitment to halting the hepatitis B and C epidemic
Experts rally to get European commitment to halting the hepatitis B and C epidemic Brussels, Friday, 15 October 2010, 12.00 noon CET: In an unprecedented move to address the public health threat that viral hepatitis represents across the European Union (EU), leading physicians, scientists and patient groups demanded policy action(1) from EU officials at today's Summit Conference on Hepatitis B and C.
Read more ...
VTT printed haemoglobin test on paper
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a method of using printing technology to produce simple tests related to health, well-being and the environment. VTT has demonstrated the efficacy of the method by printing a haemoglobin test, i.e. manufactured paper that reveals whether a given sample contains haemoglobin.
Read more ...