An international team of scientists has identified 95 genetic variants associated with high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels which are major risk factors for coronary heart disease. The study, published in the journal Nature and funded in part by the EU, could lead to novel ways of preventing and treating heart disease.

EU-funded researchers have developed a new defence against infection from the AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) virus. The pioneering method involves creating a protective shield that restricts the virus from making contact with a susceptible host cell and penetrating the immune system.

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are chronic and so far incurable conditions that gradually affect patients' muscles, leading to potentially severe disabilities. Biomedical researchers are busy looking for the diseases' Achilles' heel.

According to pharmaceutical and healthcare market research company Manhattan Research, U.S. nurses believe they considerably influence patients' health decisions and behavior.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced an agreement to develop a nanopore-based technology that will directly read and sequence human DNA quickly and efficiently.

Pharmaceutical and healthcare market research company Manhattan Research releases Taking the Pulse® Nurses v10.0, the latest iteration of its study focused on how nurses use digital resources, handheld devices, and other technologies in the professional setting.

The increased cost of drug development has impelled pharmaceutical companies to seek better opportunities in emerging markets to successfully expand and sell their products.