The 1st International Congress of Respiratory Biology (ICRB)
You are invited to be part of a forum to bring respiratory biological research together, to discuss and build. Ours is a growing and vital discipline.
Test identifies patients who benefit from targeted cancer drugs
USA - A new laboratory test - EGFRx, developed by the Weisenthal Cancer Group* - has accurately identified patients who would benefit from treatment with the molecularly-targeted anti-cancer therapies gefitinib (Iressa, AstraZeneca) and erlotinib (Tarceva, Genentech), according to clinical data published at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
New Microarray technology to check bird 'flu
USA - A new technology, named glycan microarray, can identify pathogens in a few hours and give advance warning of the ability of a virus to infect humans.
Biochip for the early detection of cancer
The Innsbruck Biocentre, led by Professor Lukas Huber, is involved in a major European research project. This involves the development of a 'biological interface' for a new semiconductor developed by Siemens.
Advances in analytical and diagnostic tests
The development of diagnostic products and systems has paralleled the development of new technologies in fields such as biology, electronics and computer science.
Analytica 25-28 April 2006
Red green and white biotechnology
Near-patient testing (NPT)
Near-patient testing (NPT) is any analytical process performed for, or by, a patient outside the traditional clinical laboratory. By Manole Cojocaru MD PhD, scientific consultant at ROMAR Medical-Laboratory Colentina, Bucharest
Sepsis research honoured
Germany - The third Hugo Schottmüller Prize, awarded by the German Sepsis Society (DSG), has been presented to Dr Marc W Merx, of the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technical University (RWTH) Hospital, Aachen, for his paper 'HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Simvastatin Profoundly Improves Survival in a Murine Model of Sepsis', published in the journal Circulation.
Right light lifts fatigue and concentration
Melatonin hormone controls the circadian rhythm. In periods of darkness, melatonin reduces cardiovascular activity and induces fatigue. Morning light inhibits melatonin secretion in the pineal gland, which increases cardiovascular activity.
Food threat to health congress
Globally, about two million people die each year after consuming spoilt food, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Baby food & meningitis
An extensive international study, presented at the American Society for Microbiology meeting in New Orleans, concludes that baby foods contain worrying levels of disease-causing microbes, including Enterobacter sakazakii (linked to some fatal outbreaks of meningitis at children's hospitals in Europe and the USA*).
Prion filter for red cells
Scientists at biopharm firm Pathogen Removal and Diagnostic Technologies Inc* (PRDT) recently confirmed their identification of lead ligands capable of specifically targeting certain 'challenging' viruses.
Biochips
Due to economic pressure, laboratories increasingly consolidate and automate procedures. Further cost reductions could come about through miniaturisation and multi-parameter tests.
Award for HIV monitoring
The CyFlow and CyLab technique (e.g. for economical CD4/CD8 counting in HIV monitoring in developing countries) has received 1st prize in the Innovations Award 2003, given by the State Ministry of Economy, Dresden, Germany.
Britain earmarks £50 million for NHS genetics
'Genetics offers prediction of risk, more precise diagnosis, more targeted and effective use of existing drugs, new gene-based drugs and therapies, and prevention and treatment regimes tailored to an individual's genetic profile.'
Transplants
Birmingham, UK - Giving interleukin-2 receptor antibodies to patients after a kidney transplant can halve the risk of rejection, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal (Interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies in renal transplantation: meta-analysis of randomised trials BMJ Volume 326, pp 789-91).
BioAnalytica 2003
Live 'drug transporters' - bacteria that deliver medication to targeted body areas; a coating for tooth implants that promotes bone growth; biochips to test the potential effects of a medication on particular patients, and miniature genetic point-of-care testing laboratories (POCT) for use during medical emergencies, were among exciting developments demonstrated by 270 exhibitors from 14…
Advances in blood group serology
Todays test formats (gel technology, micro test plates), plus laboratory electronic data processing and automation, have changed the classic format of blood group serological examinations significantly - and reduced the danger of life-threatening errors.
Article • Research, diagnostics, treatments
Focus on leukemia
Leukaemia is a common cancer of the haematopoietic system. The main forms, such as chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), sometimes differ considerably in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic options. Keep reading for modern approaches such as molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies.
Article • Bacterial defense mechanism
Antibiotic resistance: a global threat to healthcare
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming more prevalent around the world, constituting a serious threat to public health. When bacteria acquire resistance against antibiotics, common medical procedures – for example, in surgery – become impossible due to the high infection risk. Keep reading to find out about AMR research, development of new antibiotics and antibiotic alternatives.
Article • Close to the patient
Focus on POCT
Bringing diagnostics to the patient: Point-of-Care-Testing (POCT) is all about examinations close to the patient – in the hospital ward, at the GP, in the ambulance or even in the patient's home. Keep reading for new developments and applications from rapid medical laboratory tests to mobile imaging solutions.
Article • In-depth
Focus on digital pathology
Digital pathology opens up a whole new world of possibilities in diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of diseases. Keep up-to-date with the latest research news, medical applications, and background information on digital pathology.
Article • Clinical pathology
Focus on mass spectrometry
Mass spectrometry is pushing the boundaries of clinical pathology. Keep up-to-date with the latest research news, developments, and background information on the technique.
Article • More than just a subdiscipline
Spotlight on clinical chemistry
Clinical chemistry has evolved far beyond its beginnings of blood and urine analysis. Advanced techniques such as enzyme measurement, electrophoresis, and immunoassays have made their impact on the field, expanding its diagnostic capabilities. Keep reading for advances in automation and clinical chemistry applications for toxicology, urinalysis and much more.
