BioScientifica News Feed

New twist in brain obesity riddle (BBC online, 3 October 2008)

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A new study has revealed an additional mechanism through which the brain is thought to control appetite.

Obesity linked to poorer asthma treatment response (Reuters, 1 October 2008)

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A new laboratory study shows that asthma sufferers who are obese show a reduced response to the steroid treatment, dexamethasone.

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The European Association for Cancer Research - Mike Price Fellowship

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Applications are invited for the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) Mike Price Fellowship. This Fellowship exists to enable young cancer researchers to visit a European Institution in order to undertake a specific project related to cancer research, from basic science to treatment or care. The value of the award will be up to 12,000 Euro and will cover travel expenses to and from the host institution and an agreed stipend. Further details and an application form can be found at the website below. The closing date is 31 December 2008.

EACR website

European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) awards

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Via rdfunding.org.uk. The following EASO awards will be presented at the 17th European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2009): Young Investigator Award (Basic Science, Clinical Research and Public Health), Young Investigators United Best Thesis Award, EASO Travel Grants and EASO Best Poster Prizes. All scientists, especially Young Investigators, are encouraged to apply for these awards. For further details, please visit the website below. The deadline for applications is 15 November 2008.

EASO awards

3R Research Foundation, Switzerland

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Via rdfunding.org.uk. The 3R Research Foundation supports research projects aimed at developing alternative experimental methods to animal experimentation. Interested scientists are invited to propose a project which falls within the principal areas for financial support, including: therapy of arthritis; anticonvulsive therapy; antimicrobial prophylaxis and therapy; and therapy of septic shock. The duration of the project proposed should preferably be between 1 and 3 years and the next closing date for applications is 1 February 2009. Please visit the website below for further information.

3R website

The European Commission invites scientists to join its Advisory Structure of Scientific Committees and Database of Experts

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Apply your science skills to make Europe a better and safer place! Join the team of top-notch scientists advising the European Commission! Scientific advice plays a fundamental role in the EU policy making process. The European Commission adopts its decisions and proposals based on the best and most authoritative scientific advice available. Therefore, the Commission now presents scientists with the rare opportunity to usher science out of the laboratory and into the policy making arena. The EU Scientific Risk Assessment Advisory Structure is a unique place where cutting-edge science meets political and legislative power. This is the place where your scientific knowledge may immediately affect the lives of millions through involvement in the drafting of new laws and regulations. This is the place where you will serve directly the whole of our society. Apply now at the link below - applications close on 31 October 2008.

Further details

Valvular disease in cabergoline treatments

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Cabergoline is a D2-specific ergot-derived dopamine agonist, used for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and to treat excess prolactin levels in hyperprolactinaemia. Recent reports have indicated that treatment of Parkinson’s disease with cabergoline, typically at a dose of 3 mg daily, is associated with an increased risk of valvular heart disease. The dose used to treat hyperprolactinaemia is considerably lower, often between 0.5 to 1 mg twice weekly. However, it is unknown whether patients with hyperprolactinaemia treated with cabergoline are at a similar risk of clinically significant valvular regurgitation. In this study by Wakil et al, 44 hyperprolactinaemia patients who had been treated with cabergoline for at least 6 months underwent transthoracic echocardiography. They were compared to 566 sequential subjects reporting palpitations, taken from a contemporary echocardiography database. The study found no significant, severe or moderate, right- or left-sided valvular regurgitation in either group. In the right heart echocardiography, there was an increased risk of clinically insignificant mild grade tricuspid and pulmonary valves regurgitation in the cabergoline group. The authors conclude that cabergoline at doses sufficient to suppress hyperprolactinaemia for 3-4 years is not associated with an increased risk of clinically significant valvular regurgitation. Wakil, A., Rigby, AS., Clark, AL., Kallvikbacka-Bennett, A., Atkin, SL. European Journal of Endocrinology 2008 159: R11-R14 DOI:10.1530/EJE-08-0365

Royal College of Physicians SpR/StR 2008 census

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal College of Physicians has run a census of Consultant Physicians in the UK for the last 17 years. This has proved invaluable for negotiating with the Department of Health in trying to have sufficient number of Consultant Physicians to deliver a high quality clinical service. The Consultants have filled the census in enthusiastically and the high response rate means that the data is almost certainly more accurate than any other data source in the Country. With an increasing number of young doctors coming through training and the recent substantial reduction in Consultant expansion, it is even more important that we collect information about trainees. There are likely to be major changes to the workforce and the way doctors in the NHS work in the next decade and data from this census will help mould the workforce of the future. Information about the SpR/StR workforce in each specialty is vital to the overall picture. We would be grateful if you would complete this census and return it promptly. To access the form please click on the link below.

SpR/StR 2008 census

Standing Up for Science Media Workshop

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Are you passionate about your research? Do you think it is important for good science and evidence to be communicated to a wider audience? What can you do about misconceptions and misinformation about science? The Sense About Science Voice of Young Science (VoYS) group run media workshops for early career researchers in physical, chemical or biological sciences (post-doctoral fellows or equivalent in first job). The next workshop will be held on Friday 21 November 2008 in Edinburgh. To apply for a place, please submit your CV along with a covering letter explaining your reasons for applying, to Alice Tuff at: atuff@senseaboutscience.org. The closing date for applications is Friday 24 October 2008.

Further details

Obesity not linked to poor semen quality (Reuters, 1 October 2008)

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A new study from Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark suggests that obesity affects male sex hormone levels but does not affect sperm quality.

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