Oregon State researchers recently discovered DNA in a nematode, a type of roundworm, that may provide an insight into the mechanisms of human aging. The researchers found a specific portion of DNA within the mitochondria of the nematode which displayed the characteristics of "selfish" DNA, in other words, DNA which actually hurts the animal's chances of survival. Scientists have previously found instances of selfish DNA occurring in plants, but this is the first example found in an animal. “We weren’t even looking for this when we found it, and at first we thought it must be a laboratory error,” said Dee Denver, Oregon State associate professor of zoology (photo left courtesy of OSU). "Selfish DNA is not supposed to be found in animals."
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Tags: Oregon State University, Aging, Northwest, cell biology, Oregon, 2012, Cell Research, Genomics, Genetics, current science events, Front Line event, OR, Corvalis, ORSTU, oregon research
The Washington-based Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer SPORE (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence) is a cutting-edge life science consortium which includes several research centers throughout Washington State and British Columbia. The consortium focuses on the genetic mechanisms of prostate cancer to better develop effective treatments for the disease.
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Tags: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW, University of Washington, WA research, 2012, Washington Life Science, washington life science consortium, BioResearch Product Faire Event, Front Line event, NIH, Seattle, research grant
A few weeks ago the Food and Drug Administration announced a ban on the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in all baby bottles and plastic children's cups. BPA is an estrogen-mimicking molecule that can cause significant developmental problems in children. The federal ban comes on the heels of several state BPA bans, including one in Washington State.
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Tags: Washington, WA, Northwest, chemical research, Washington State University, 2012, Genetics, Front Line event, science current event
Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) recently received $245,115 in new NIH science research funding for a study of the effectiveness of two drugs commonly used to restore heart function in cardiac arrest victims. Researchers will be determining whether the drugs Amiodarone and Lidocaine actually improve cardiac arrest patients' chance of survival, and if so which is more effective. These drugs are both used to restore the loss of rhythmic and regular heartbeats that is a common cause of cardiac arrest, though their overall effectiveness at improving survival among patients has not been well documented. Typically first responders pick one or the other, but their decisions are not based on hard comparative evidence of the drugs' benefits.
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Tags: Northeast, Oregon Health Sciences University, Oregon, 2012, Cardiac Arrest, Front Line event, NIH, OR, OHSU, Portland, BRPF
Construction has begun on a new research building at the University of Oregon, which will house new lab space for the Oregon Research Institute. The expansion of Oregon Research lab space is an important step for this growing institute, which is by far the largest and top funded independent research center in Oregon.
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Tags: UOr, New research facilities, University of Oregon, Oregon, 2012, Front Line event, OR, Eugene
Oregon State University recently opened a new nutritional sciences building with the help of a record donation from philanthropists Bob and Charlee Moore, founders of Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods (photo courtesy of Oregonlive). The new facility was named the Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition and Preventive Health in their honor.
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Tags: Oregon State University, New research facilities, Oregon, 2012, Front Line event, OR, Corvallis, new construction, OSU, ORSTU
Protein research at Michigan State University has lead to the development of a new protein structure which could neutralize flu viruses during an epidemic. The team of international researchers working on the project were lead by Tim Whitehead, assistant professor of materials science and chemical engineering at MSU (image courtesy of MSU).
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A new NIH funded research project at Ohio State University has linked a certain protein in the heart to cardiac damage after chemotherapy. The study was lead by Govindasamy Ilangovan, Ohio State associate professor of internal medicine (photo courtesy of OSU), and received a total of $419,375 in funding from the NIH.
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Tags: Ohio State University, Protein Research, Funding, NIH
A study by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has revealed that a fast DNA sequencing technique called high-throughput sequencing (HTS) can greatly improve cancer relapse detection in patients.
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The development of successful vaccinations can be considered among the most important discoveries in medicine. It has caused significant reduction in the occurrence of several major diseases and has virtually eliminated some pathogens such as smallpox. Even with previous developments, there is always the room for improvements.
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Tags: Oregon Health Sciences University, vaccine research, OHSU