srrpenna's blog

HIV Vaccine

September 24, 2009 by srrpenna

The combination of two vaccines that has previously failed to produce a response on their own has cut the risk of becoming infected with HIV by more than 31 per cent.

It is the first time in human trials that a vaccine has protected against the virus which leads to Aids.

Nanodiamonds deliver insulin for wound healing

July 27, 2009 by srrpenna

Bacterial infection is a major health threat to patients with severe burns and other kinds of serious wounds such as traumatic bone fractures. Recent studies have identified an important new weapon for fighting infection and healing wounds: insulin.

Smoking increases potential for metastatic pancreatic cancer

July 27, 2009 by srrpenna

(PHILADELPHIA) Smoking has once again been implicated in the development of advanced cancer. Exposure to nicotine by way of cigarette smoking may increase the likelihood that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma will become metastatic, according to researchers from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson. Their study was published in the August edition of the journal Surgery.

Placenta derived stem cells may help sufferers of fibrotic lung diseases

July 27, 2009 by srrpenna

Tampa, Fla. (July 27, 2009) – An Italian research team, publishing in the current issue of Cell Transplantation (18:4), which is now available on-line without charge at http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/ct, has found that stem cells derived from human placenta may ultimately play a role in the treatment of lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis and fibrotic diseases caused by tuberculosis, chemical exposure, radiation or pathogens. These diseases can ultimately lead to loss of normal lung tissue and organ failure.