Dog DNA and Hereditary Parkinson's Research

Research has found that a gene mutation in Tibetan Terriers which causes them to have neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis (NCL) causes humans to have a form of hereditary Parkinson's disease.

Summary from: http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/652124/main.html photo from: http://breedsdogs.blogspot.com/2008/06/tibetan-terrier.html

These findings mean that research and testing can be done on NCL and the developments might be applicable for use on humans.

Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery by Remote-Controlled Microcarriers

Development has been made by Professor Martel (first to guide a magnetic sphere through a living artery) and Professor Jean-Christophe Leroux who both directed Pierre Pouponneau to produce therapeutic magnetic microcarriers (TMMCs). They are made from biodegradable polymer and measuring 50 micrometers in diameter which are made to deliver drugs. They contain the drug and magnetic nanoparticles which mean it can be guided using a special MRI system.
They used the TMMCs to deliver anti-cancer drugs to a targeted part of a rabbit's liver having been guided through the hepatic artery.

Summary from: http://www.sourcews.com/view?v=world-first-professor-sylvain-martel photo from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110316084417.htm

This development means that anti-cancer drugs can be directly delivered to a specific area and therefore, doesn't have adverse side effects on other areas.

Self-healing Skin Cancer

A genetic fault of the gene TGFBR1 causes multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma (MSSE) or Ferguson-Smith disease.

Researches at the Univerity of Dundee report that the gene is responsible for the production of a protein which is involved in the growth and development of cells and usually prevents the growth of tumours in some cases but if a cancer is advanced and agressive then the gene helps the spread of the cancer.

However, in the case of MSSE, the fault of the gene means the person suffers from several small tumours but  the TGFBR1 gene lacking tumours heal themselves.

Summary from: http://www.britainnews.net/story/749639 photo from: http://topnews.net.nz/reports/212304-scientists-uncover-secret-self-healing-skin-cancer

New drugs could be developed and an understanding of the gene could give a better understanding of the problems of other cancers and tumours.