'Glow in the dark' brains aid tumour surgery

A multi-centre phase II clinical trial for a pioneering new surgical technique has started in the UK, jointly funded by Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and Cancer Research UK. 3 Nov 2011 09:17

Cancer Research UK launches trial of drug which could reduce blood supply to cancers

Cancer Research UK's Drug Development Office has opened a trial to assess a new drug to treat a range of cancer types. The drug works by reducing the flow of blood to tumours and potentially starving them of the blood supply that they need to survive. 3 Nov 2011 08:26

First patient receives novel gene therapy for type of blindness

The first patient to receive gene therapy for an incurable type of blindness was treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford last week as part of a trial led by Oxford University. 1 Nov 2011 11:50

Scientists make human blood protein from rice

WASHINGTON, USA: Scientists at a Chinese university said Monday, 31 October 2011, they can use rice to make albumin, a protein found in human blood that is often used for treating burns, traumatic shock and liver disease. 1 Nov 2011 11:32

New protein structure expands nature's repertoire of biomolecules

A new, artificial protein structure has been made by a team of University of Bristol chemists, biochemists and mathematicians, a paper in Nature Chemical Biology reports this week. 31 Oct 2011 13:27

New test can precisely pinpoint food pathogens

ITHACA, NY, USA: With salmonella-tainted ground turkey sickening more than 100 people and listeria-contaminated cantaloupes killing 15 this year, the ability to detect outbreaks of food-borne illness and determine their sources has become a top public health priority. 27 Oct 2011 10:03

Konica Minolta Medical joins SAMED, MISA

Konica Minolta Medical South Africa (KMMSA), a subsidiary of the Bidvest Group of companies, has become a member of both the South African Medical Device Industry Association (SAMED) and the Medical Imaging Systems Association of South Africa (MISA), thereby pledging to stand by the ethical practices and principles outlined by these associations. 12 Oct 2011 15:44

Improving early detection of breast cancer

The University of Sydney, in partnership with BreastScreen NSW and Ziltron, has developed a pioneering web-based program to monitor the performance of radiologists in detecting and diagnosing abnormalities in breast X-rays. Currently commencing its nationwide rollout, the BREAST Project has the potential to improve the early detection of breast cancer through screening and in turn reduce breast cancer mortality and morbidity. 6 Oct 2011 09:36

Scenar technology, a natural stimulant to weak points

Scenar technology, originally from Russia, first became available in South Africa eight years ago. Scenar SA distributes this non-invasive, drug-free medical technology which is said to treat a range of illnesses, injuries, acute and chronic pain. 3 Oct 2011 12:30

KMMSA launches wireless DR system

JOHANNESBURG: Konica Minolta Medical South Africa (KMMSA), a subsidiary of the Bidvest Group of companies, has launched its AeroDR, a wireless digital radiography system that is said to deliver exceptional image quality. Reduced radiation exposure is achieved through a combination of the Konica Minolta CsI scintillator, which delivers a high DQE (Detective Quantum Efficiency). Additionally, the AeroDR attains a wider dynamic exposure range. 27 Sep 2011 09:58

Researchers produce complete map of gene activity in the brains of mice

A complete map of active genes in the mammalian brain has been produced for the first time by Oxford University researchers and scientists at the US National Human Genome Research Institute. 12 Sep 2011 12:25

Mural cells from saphenous vein could have long-term benefits in heart attacks

Stem cell therapies promise to regenerate the infarcted heart through the replacement of dead cardiac cells and stimulation of the growth of new vessels. New research has found the transplantation of stem cells that reside in human veins can help in the recovery of a heart attack. The findings could lead, in the next few years, to the first human clinical trial. 6 Sep 2011 14:14

Medicated patch shows promise in oral cancer prevention

Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Centre have developed a medicated oral patch that allows a chemoprevention drug to release directly into precancerous lesions in the mouth over an extended time. 5 Sep 2011 13:30

National Research Foundation honours Prof Makgoba

UKZN'S Vice-Chancellor Professor Malegapuru Makgoba has been awarded the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) President's Lifetime Achiever Award for his 'extraordinary contribution to the development of science...' The award was announced at a special function in Pretoria last night. 5 Sep 2011 13:25