tagged w/ University of Iowa
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Scientists hope that a new development, which allows them to create pigs that develop cystic fibrosis in the same way the people do, will give them new insight into fighting the disease.
Scientists at the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri have created genetically engineered piglets with the same mutation that causes cystic fibrosis in humans, they report in the journal Science.
Up to this point, scientists have been unable to find any hints that may lead to a possible cure, but this latest development should offer an unprecedented look at the disease, said Dr. Michael Welsh of the University of Iowa.
CF is caused when people inherit two mutated copies of a gene called CTFR. The disease causes mucus to accumulate and clog some of the organs in the body, especially the lungs and pancreas.
About 70,000 people worldwide, including 30,000 people in the United States, have CF
. People with the disease can expect to live to about age 37, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which helped fund the study.
Scientists create animal "models" of a disease in order to perform experiments that would not be possible with people. Mice with the genetic abnormality that causes cystic fibrosis have been developed, but the disease presents itself very differently in these rodents than in people.
"Unfortunately, the mice leave something to be desired," said Welsh, who helped lead the study.
"They don't get the pancreatic disease like people with CF get. They don't get the lung disease like people with CF get. They don't get the intestinal disease like people with CF get. There's been many questions that can't be answered," he added.
Christopher Penland of the foundation admitted there is some difficulty in pinpointing the onset of the disease.
This is the latest example of pigs used for human medical needs.
The scientists developed pigs with cystic fibrosis because their lungs have many characteristics of human lungs.
"Right now, if you want to do experiments to find treatments or therapies for the lung disease that is fatal for people with CF, you would have to experiment on kids that have CF," Randy Prather of the University of Missouri added.
Now the developments leading to the disease in pigs allows scientists to “start experimenting in ways that have never been possible," Prather said in a statement.Scientists hope that a new development, which allows them to create pigs that develop... more
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Missing political science professor, Arthur Miller, may be dead according to Iowa City police. He left an apologetic note in his office. Miller has been missing since yesterday.
In June he bought a high powered rifel, but was refused a lisence because was under investigation for bribery charges. 4 female students alleged Miller offered sexual favors in exchange for good grades.
Miller's car was found parked outside Hickory Hill park (pictured here). Hickory Hill Park is almost 200 acres. Police have asked all non emergency personal to evacuate the park while they search for Miller or his body. Missing political science professor, Arthur Miller, may be dead according to Iowa City... more
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Several universities across the United States have sought to limit alcohol in their nearby municipalities. The Madison city council has prevented new liquor licenses around the University of Wisconsin. The University of Iowa, has sought legislation to limit the number of bars and liquor stores near the campus. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been pushing an ordinance that prevents "bottle clubs", places that provide mixers, if people BYOB.
Do you think that these new restrictions will help limit alcohol consumption, or will young people find other ways to get overly intoxicated.
Dude, where's my beer bong?Several universities across the United States have sought to limit alcohol in their... more
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The University of Iowa, notorious for holding class in the worst possible situations, is left with little choice but to completely shut down. The Iowa River continues to rise as students desperately sandbag trying to salvage the campus. And yet the weather became so sever sand bagging efforts had to stop while softball size hail threatened lives.
A dozen University buildings are flooded at this point. The University of Iowa library evacuation is featured in this video. The lower levels are now flooded.The University of Iowa, notorious for holding class in the worst possible situations,... more
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Ramarti Ottolina, my college friend from Iowa City, is back there now and has compiled pics and videos of what Iowa City looks like in the wake of the 2008 Midwest Flood. June 14, 2008Ramarti Ottolina, my college friend from Iowa City, is back there now and has compiled... more
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IOWA CITY — Powerful, surging rivers tormented Iowans on Friday, forcing thousands of people to flee in Des Moines and already flooded Cedar Rapids, and leaving parts of Iowa City under water, with volunteers trying to save books in the University of Iowa library. - Chicago TribuneIOWA CITY — Powerful, surging rivers tormented Iowans on Friday, forcing... more
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The Cedar River poured over its banks, forcing the evacuation of nearly 4,000 homes, leaving cars underwater on downtown streets.The Cedar River poured over its banks, forcing the evacuation of nearly 4,000 homes,... more
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Jake Futernick and Steve Basilone try to hit all the "Big Ten" colleges. In Iowa they get jerky with Herky the Hawkey mascot and visit the coed dorms. In case you forgot... this is college.Jake Futernick and Steve Basilone try to hit all the "Big Ten" colleges. In... more
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