European Science Foundation calls for more and better medical imaging research
The European Science Foundation (ESF) has called for greater collaboration across Europe on research on medical imaging. In October 2007, the medical section of the ESF, the European Medical Research Councils (EMRC), published a science policy briefing on “Medical Imaging for Improved Patient Care”, based on a workshop attended by key experts in the field of medical imaging. This policy briefing emphasises the great potential of medical imaging, outlines European issues and challenges and presents policy recommendations. More (pdf)
16. October 2008
Man's best friend recruited in the hunt for disease genes
For centuries man has had a uniquely close relationship with dogs – as a working animal, for security and, perhaps most importantly, for companionship. Now, dogs are taking on a new role – they are helping in the hunt for genetic mutations that lead to diseases in humans.“Dogs get very similar... [more]
13. October 2008
Unpicking the complexity of human diseases
Impressive advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of disease were outlined at the 3rd ESF Functional Genomics Conference in Innsbruck, Austria [more]
18. September 2008
European research effort FUMINOMICS tackles dangerous mould
Ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses an increasing threat to patients with compromised immune systems [more]
16. September 2008
ESF study helps stop drugs slipping through safety net
Recent advances in genetic screening will lead to safer pharmaceutical drugs, with reduced adverse side effects, if the methods are incorporated in clinical development. A rallying call to bring key scientists into this growing field of pharmacogenics, the application of genetics to drug... [more]
10. September 2008
Cryopreservation techniques bring hopes to cancer victims and endangered species
Emerging cryopreservation techniques are increasing hope of restoring fertility for women after diseases such as ovarian cancer that lead to destruction of reproductive tissue. The same techniques can also be used to maintain stocks of farm animals, and protect against extinction of endangered... [more]
3. September 2008
Nature inspires new highly specific drugs and organic products
The best place to seek novel compounds for pharmaceutical drugs, alternative energy sources, and a host of industrial applications, is within natural systems that have evolved over millions of years. Scientists now realise that the precise molecular arrangements within natural pathways in organisms... [more]
19. June 2008
European Science Foundation aims to strengthen regenerative medicine
14 Member Organisations* of the European Science Foundation have launched a key initiative to keep Europe at the forefront of regenerative medicine; broadly defined as the development of stem cell therapies to restore lost, damaged, or ageing cells and tissues in the human body.Stem cells are the... [more]
16. June 2008
Europe-wide investment in Lipid research will help tackle disease, says new report
Leading scientists today called for Europe to invest more funds into the study of lipids – the ‘fatty’ molecules that play a crucial role in the function of human cells and which are implicated in a range of diseases from obesity and diabetes to Alzheimer’s.Common lipids such as cholesterol are... [more]
27. May 2008
Europe's biobanks need urgent coordination, scientists say
Leading European scientists say that there is an “urgent need” for greater coordination and harmonisation between Europe’s biobanks – repositories of genetic and other information from large numbers of people that can be used to investigate complex diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. To enable... [more]
26. May 2008
New treatments for viral and other diseases by blocking genes
The elusive goal of developing effective treatments for viral diseases such as AIDS and influenza has been brought closer by dramatic progress in the ability to interfere with viral genetic machinery. The stage was set for a coordinated European effort to accelerate research and stimulate... [more]
ESF provides the scientific, administrative and technical secretariat for COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).