Feed of Latest U-M Research News
Biomedical
Tissue-engineering researchers create replacement knee ligaments from recipients’ own cells
In a development that could lead to more complete recovery from torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in humans, University of Michigan researchers have grown and repaired knee ligaments in rats from bone marrow stem cells harvested from the rats' own bones. The U-M researchers have tissue-engineered an advanced graft that includes an elastic ligament section in the center to accommodate joint motion and bone portions on the ends for more effective integration and attachment to the native bone of the injured knee. Their ligament design emphasizes stretchiness over initial strength, which appears to be more important for viability of the ligament and in allowing patients to regain their original mobility, says Ellen Arruda, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Department of Biomedical Engineering and in Macromolecular Science and Engineering.
U-M Cystic Fibrosis Center receives national award
People with cystic fibrosis can expect to live a longer life despite the genetic, life-threatening disease, because of advances made at the University of Michigan Health System. At the UMHS, patients’ life expectancy has doubled and patient numbers have increased significantly since the Cystic Fibrosis Center opened in the 1970s. This month, the UMHS’s Cystic Fibrosis Center received national recognition from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, an award that recognizes innovations in treatment, data collection, and innovation in quality of patient care and both clinical and basic research. [Read more...]
Era of Hope Award granted to U-M doctor
Five-year grant propels study of breast tumor suppression
A University of Michigan physician was selected for the Era of Hope Scholar Award from the U.S. Department of Defense to further studies of breast cancer prevention. Xiaochun Yu, assistant professor of molecular medicine and genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School, was awarded $3.7 million to expand research on new mechanisms associated with DNA damage response, treatment of breast tumors and prevention of tumor development in women who carry mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genetic mutations are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. [Read more...]
ISR to conduct second survey of investigator experiences in human research
This fall the Institute for Social Research (ISR) will conduct the second online Survey of Investigator Experiences in Human Research. The results from the first survey, conducted in fall 2007, established a set of empirically based benchmarks describing experience with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval process, the usability of the eResearch system, access to and use of resources related to human subjects research, and attitudes towards research practices. The results also provided information to IRB administrators on the Ann Arbor campus about investigator experience with the regulatory system for conducting human subjects research. The surveys are being conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research. ISR retains all data from the surveys and results are reported only in summary form. [Read more...]
U-M study uncovers key to how ‘triggering event’ in cancer occurs
Researchers link hormone to creation of gene fusion in prostate cancer
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered what leads to two genes fusing together, a phenomenon that has been shown to cause prostate cancer to develop. The study found that pieces of chromosome relocate near each other after exposure to the hormone androgen. This sets the scene for the gene fusion to occur. “This work shows the origin of how the gene fusion is actually created and perhaps the origin of prostate cancer itself. This is a triggering event for the genesis of prostate cancer,” says study author Arul Chinnaiyan, director of the Michigan Center for Translational Pathology and S.P. Hicks Professor of Pathology at the U-M Medical School. [Read more...]
Study confirms higher risk of pancreatic cancer in Lynch syndrome families
A new study has documented a nine-fold higher risk of pancreatic cancer in individuals with Lynch syndrome, a rare genetic cancer predisposition syndrome, report scientists from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. The study, published in the Oct. 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, is the first using rigorous statistical methods to confirm the elevated risk, the authors say. Previous studies yielded conflicting results. [Read more...]
Stem cell research comments on proposed state restrictions
Statement from Sean J. Morrison, regarding today's Senate Health Policy Committee hearing on bills to restrict stem cell research in Michigan: "Last November, Michigan voters voiced their support for embryonic stem cell science by approving Proposal 2, a state constitutional amendment that lifted onerous restrictions on research that holds great promise to improve the treatment of deadly diseases. The package of bills submitted by Sen. Tom George and his colleagues attempts to block most of the research contemplated by Proposal 2, in direct violation of the will of Michigan voters." [Read more...]
New NIH EUREKA awards fund highly innovative research, promise big payoffs
Four U-M faculty among 56 grantees
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $67.4 million to support highly innovative research projects that promise big scientific payoffs. The new awards are part of the EUREKA (Exceptional, Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration) program, which helps scientists test new, unconventional ideas or tackle major methodological or technical challenges. U-M recipients of EUREKA awards are Joseph Holoshitz (Medical School), Matthew B. Soellner (College of Pharmacy), Jon-Kar Zubieta(Medical School), and H.V. Jagadish (College of Engineering). [Read more...]