| NRI creates mice resistant to cancer
An Indian-origin researcher at the University of Kentucky has led a team to create mice that are resistant to aggressive types of cancer. The might of the mouse comes from a tumour-suppressor gene in the prostate called Par-4, discovered by Vivek Rangnekar, professor of radiation medicine at the UK College of Medicine, who had completed his doctoral studies at the University of Bombay. The researchers discovered that the Par-4 gene kills cancer cells, but not normal cells. “The implications for humans could be that through bone marrow transplantation, the Par-4 molecule could potentially be used to fight cancer cells in patients without the toxic and damaging side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy,"' said the University's media statement announcing the breakthrough.
Olmert says he has prostate cancer
Prostate cancer and treatment options are in public focus as Israeli PM Olmert reveals that he has prostate cancer, but will stay on the post. Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday he had prostate cancer, but that it was not life-threatening, and he would continue to perform his duties. "I have a tumor of the prostate in the very early stages... It is a minor tumor that can be surgically removed. This is not life-threatening and is treatable," he told a news conference. Olmert said the tumor was revealed during a routine medical examination, and it will not require radiation treatment or chemotherapy The consulting physicians told the news conference the tumor did not require urgent surgery, and that in such cases surgery to remove the tumor was usually performed no earlier than six weeks after the initial biopsy.
Fury at Kelly threat to gay adoptions
But Kelly, a devout Catholic, now threatens to overturn the Holyrood legislation with an amendment to her own hugely controversial proposals to outlaw sex discrimination in the business and services industry. Tony Blair is believed to be backing the proposed exemption enabling faith-based agencies to refuse to place children with gay couples. Sources close to Kelly last night confirmed she wanted to see all elements of the Sexual Orientation (Provision of Goods and Services) Regulations applying throughout the UK, meaning they would take precedence over the Scottish Parliament's own laws. The backlash against her proposed exemption began last night, days before she was due to drop the bombshell amendment on Cabinet colleagues. "Whatever one thinks of the issue itself, it is clear Westminster should not be able to overrule the Scottish Parliament on a subject where MSPs have made their views perfectly clear," an SNP spokesman said.
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