Tuesday, February 28, 2012

ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News

ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News

Modified bone drug kills malaria parasite in mice

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 05:49 PM PST

A chemically altered osteoporosis drug may be useful in fighting malaria, researchers report in a new study. Unlike similar compounds tested against many other parasitic protozoa, the drug readily crosses into the red blood cells of malaria-infected mice and kills the malaria parasite. The drug works at very low concentrations with no observed toxicity to the mouse.

Immortal worms defy ageing

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 12:26 PM PST

Researchers have demonstrated how a species of flatworm overcomes the ageing process to be potentially immortal.

RNA interference cancer treatment? Delivering RNA with tiny sponge-like spheres

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 06:43 AM PST

For the past decade, scientists have been pursuing cancer treatments based on RNA interference -- a phenomenon that offers a way to shut off malfunctioning genes with short snippets of RNA. However, one huge challenge remains: finding a way to efficiently deliver the RNA. Scientists have now come up with a novel delivery vehicle in which RNA is packed into microspheres so dense that they withstand degradation until they reach their destinations. The new system knocks down expression of specific genes as effectively as existing delivery methods, but with a much smaller dose of particles.

Promising new technique to rescue the immune system

Posted: 26 Feb 2012 12:35 PM PST

Researchers report on a promising new technique that potentially could turn immune system killer T cells into more effective weapons against infections and possibly cancer.
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