Oncodesign(R) to Develop Experimental Cancer Models for sanofi-aventis
Oncodesign, a specialist in the identification of novel cancer therapies, has signed a two-year service contract with sanofi-aventis under which it is to supply and develop exclusive, experimental models in different types of cancer for the Paris-based pharmaceutical company. Unlike traditional models, which are derived from cultured cell lines, the models that Oncodesign is developing are based on the use of tumor tissue taken directly from patients, enabling more customized evaluations to be made of new therapies while remaining as close as possible to clinical reality. The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
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Enzyme could help regeneration of nervous systems, study finds
A partly EU-funded team of UK and US researchers has identified an enzyme that plays a key role in the regeneration of nerve fibres (axons) after injury. Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase-3b (Mst3b) was shown to increase axon growth in the central nervous system (CNS) as well as the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The research results, now published in Nature Neuroscience, could open up new possibilities for treating stroke, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injury.
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A web browser that can understand technical terms in life sciences and automatically find additional resources and services has been developed by European researchers. It could lead to a new generation of intelligent search engines. The life sciences community has built numerous databases - such as for gene sequencing and information about diseases - that are available to researchers as 'grid' services.
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Study reveals deep evolutionary roots of programmed cell death
EU-funded researchers have discovered that parts of the genetic machinery controlling programmed cell death are the same in plants and animals. The findings, published in the journal Nature Cell Biology, suggest that programmed cell death arose before the evolutionary paths of plants and animals split around 1 billion years ago.
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Imperial College London's Institute of Biomedical Engineering Wins Top Prize For Innovation
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, has been honoured with a top prize for innovation at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2009. The Institute was named overall winner in the category of "Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology". The awards were announced at a gala ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Thursday 15th October.
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Progress in the fight against communicable diseases in Europe
At an international meeting of European health experts, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) launched the third annual report on epidemiology showing that Europe is making progress in the fight against communicable diseases.
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JAC's EPMA Wins Technology Innovation Award
JAC have been presented with the 2009 European e-Prescription Systems Technology Innovation Award by Frost & Sullivan (F&S). The award was based on research by F&S's own analysts and recognises JAC for continuously innovating and upgrading individual disciplines of e-prescription technology.
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