13 – 19 March 2017
Genome-based cholesterol drug boosts heart health
In a large clinical trial, researchers used a cholesterol drugs targeting protein called PCSK9 to lower the risk of heart disease. But it’s still unclear whether these drugs could be the breakthrough scientists were look for. Find source
First fluorescent frog found
A rare find in land animals reveals a new way to glow. Under normal light, the South American polka dot tree frog sports a muted palette of greens, yellows and reds. But under dim the lights, and this frog shows a bright blue and green glow. Find source
‘Zombie’ patent fights over mutant mice return
University of South Florida has sued the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) for authorizing the distribution of a particular type of mouse used in the field. The first pre-trial hearing in the case is set to begin on 21 March. Find source
Fossil algae hold clues to origin of modern photosynthesis
The 1.6-billion-year-old specimens hold promise for settling debate over the origin of the lineage that led to multicellular life — and thus plants and animals — that has raged for decades. Find source
Viruses created to selectively attack tumor cells
It is an innovative approach that takes advantage of the different expression profiles of certain proteins between tumor and healthy cells that make the virus to only infect the first ones. Find source
