A Long Time Coming
When I learned this week that Dr. Carol Greider will receive the 2009 Nobel Prize for Medicine I was happy for her and for the recognition this brings to science in pursuit of answers for human aging. But it is also disquieting to know how long it has taken for her contributions on the role of telomeres in cancer and aging to achieve the pinnacle of scientific recognition.
Researchers from UCLA and the University of Pittsburgh have found more support for the benefits of exercise on dementia.
Results from a new study show that a home-based occupational and physical therapy program extended the lives of those who received the therapy compared to those who did not.
In response to President Obama’s March 9th Executive Order lifting the Bush Administration’s restrictions on stem cell research, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued draft guidelines on the federal funding of this research. The public comment period for the draft is open through May 26th so there’s still time to have your voice heard!
If you are one of the 5 million Americans that have heart failure, a new study published in JAMA provides evidence that exercise may help you feel better. Researchers found that moderate exercise is not only safe, but beneficial for heart failure patients.
The Alzheimer’s Epidemic Marches On
Alzheimer’s disease has taken an unfortunate step in front of the national news spotlight as of late. The last two evenings, I have seen features on the evening news highlighting the devastating effects of the disease both as a public health epidemic and as a personal, family struggle.
In January, the Alliance held a briefing that discussed obesity in the U.S. aging population. Two experts in the field discussed the negative effects of obesity on chronic disease in this group. A new study presents more evidence that obese and overweight aging Americans could be putting their health at risk.
Major Step for Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Reaching a major milestone for embryonic stem cell research (ESCR), the Food and Drug Administration has approved the first human clinical trial for a treatment based on embryonic stem cells. The trial—to be conducted by biotechnology company Geron Corp.—will focus on the safety of a treatment for spinal cord injury. The trial will start with up to 10 paralyzed patients who can be treated within 14 days of their injury. If it’s found safe, the company will expand the trial and shift its focus to effectiveness.
