Non-invasive device instantly diagnoses urinary tract infections

  A wireless, credit-card sized optical device shows promise for diagnosing lower urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in children, the elderly and people with neurological conditions. Dr Babak Shadgan and his colleagues were able to diagnose UTI in 12 pediatric…

Cancer drug epothilone causes damaged nerve cells in spinal cord injuries to regrow

A new study from German scientists shows that, in animal studies, the cancer drug epothilone reduced the formation of scar tissue in injuries to the spinal cord and stimulated growth in damaged nerve cells. Both promoted neuronal regeneration and improved…

Phase 1/2a stem cell trial for acute spinal cord injury begins

Asterias Biotherapeutics has initiated patient enrolment for its Phase 1/2a clinical trial of AST-OPC1 stem cells for treating newly injured people with complete cervical spinal cord injury. “The Phase 1 study generated a strong package of data regarding the safety of AST-OPC1,” said…