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A gene is a unit of heredity in a living organism. It normally resides on a stretch of DNA that codes for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. All living things depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains.
Video demonstrating a SPE microplate method for reproducible isolation of high quality RNA released by INTEGRA

Video demonstrating a SPE microplate method for reproducible isolation of high quality RNA released by INTEGRA

INTEGRA has released a new video demonstrating a solid phase extraction (SPE) microplate method for reproducible, high throughput isolation of high-quality DNA-free total RNA. [More]
Rice University computational study tracks regulatory mechanisms of E. coli cells

Rice University computational study tracks regulatory mechanisms of E. coli cells

Environment is not the only factor in shaping regulatory patterns -- and it might not even be the primary factor, according to a new Rice University study that looks at how cells' protein networks relate to a bacteria's genome. [More]

Environmental enrichment therapy improves behaviors of children with autism

Children with autism showed significant improvement after six months of simple sensory exercises at home using everyday items such as scents, spoons and sponges, according to UC Irvine neurobiologists. [More]
Findings suggest that a prosaposin-based drug could block metastasis spread

Findings suggest that a prosaposin-based drug could block metastasis spread

By studying the roles two proteins, thrombospondin-1 and prosaposin, play in discouraging cancer metastasis, a trans-Atlantic research team has identified a five-amino acid fragment of prosaposin that significantly reduces metastatic spread in mouse models of prostate, breast and lung cancer. [More]
Nearly 35% of Mexican young adults may have genetic predisposition for obesity, says U of I scientist

Nearly 35% of Mexican young adults may have genetic predisposition for obesity, says U of I scientist

As many as 35 percent of Mexican young adults may have a genetic predisposition for obesity, said a University of Illinois scientist who conducted a study at the Universidad Aut-noma de San Luis Potosί. [More]

Genetic variation helps predict survival in some cases of pulmonary fibrosis, study finds

Research into genetic features of pulmonary fibrosis by physicians and scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine may lead to improved treatment of this deadly lung disease, according to a paper published online by JAMA. [More]
Nutritional supplement improves functioning of genes involved in degenerative brain disorders

Nutritional supplement improves functioning of genes involved in degenerative brain disorders

Widely available in pharmacies and health stores, phosphatidylserine is a natural food supplement produced from beef, oysters, and soy. Proven to improve cognition and slow memory loss, it's a popular treatment for older people experiencing memory impairment. [More]
Researchers develop new mouse model to discover gene pathways that drive MPNST

Researchers develop new mouse model to discover gene pathways that drive MPNST

University of Minnesota Medical School researchers from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, in partnership with the University's Brain Tumor Program, have developed a new mouse model of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors that allow them to discover new genes and gene pathways driving this type of cancer. [More]
Researchers identify novel biomarkers for predicting mortality in ICU patients

Researchers identify novel biomarkers for predicting mortality in ICU patients

A metabolic profile of intensive care unit patients based on biomarkers of four metabolites can be used to accurately predict mortality, according to a new study. [More]
UTMB researchers awarded grant to study gene therapy techniques to eliminate neuropathic pain

UTMB researchers awarded grant to study gene therapy techniques to eliminate neuropathic pain

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers have been awarded a five-year, $1.8 million grant by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to apply the techniques of gene therapy to the problem of neuropathic pain - that is, pain that arises from a malfunction in the nervous system. [More]

Scientists design 'fishing' technique to show health benefits of foods

New research suggests that a compound abundant in the Mediterranean diet takes away cancer cells' "superpower" to escape death. [More]
Researchers examine how BRD4 contributes to sustained presence of NF-kappa B in cancer cells

Researchers examine how BRD4 contributes to sustained presence of NF-kappa B in cancer cells

In a new study described in the journal Oncogene, researchers reveal how a key player in cell growth, immunity and the inflammatory response can be transformed into a primary contributor to tumor growth. [More]
Measuring genetic diversity within tumor predicts outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer

Measuring genetic diversity within tumor predicts outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer

A new measure of the heterogeneity - the variety of genetic mutations - of cells within a tumor appears to predict treatment outcomes of patients with the most common type of head and neck cancer. [More]
Promising method to distinguish pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis

Promising method to distinguish pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a promising method to distinguish between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis - two disorders that are difficult to tell apart. A molecular marker obtained from pancreatic "juices" can identify almost all cases of pancreatic cancer, their study shows. [More]

Keystone molecules in chemical communication, defense have dominant consequences in nature

Naturally occurring "keystone" molecules that have powerful behavioral effects on diverse organisms often play large but unrecognized roles in structuring ecosystems, according to a theory proposed in the June issue of BioScience. [More]
RUCDR Infinite Biologics creates new Genomics Technology Center

RUCDR Infinite Biologics creates new Genomics Technology Center

RUCDR Infinite Biologics, the world's largest university-based biorepository, has completed an $11.8 million renovation project to create a new Genomics Technology Center, comprising 12,500 square feet of laboratory, office, and storage space on the Busch Campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. [More]

Republicans ask GAO to probe Sebelius' fundraising

GOP lawmakers seek an investigation of the Health and Human Services secretary's efforts to secure more funding for a private group that will help with the implementation of the health law. At the same time, an HHS spokesman offered more detail regarding whom she contacted. [More]
Alnylam reports pre-clinical data from ALN-AS1 program for treatment of AIP

Alnylam reports pre-clinical data from ALN-AS1 program for treatment of AIP

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that it has presented key pre-clinical proof-of-concept data from its RNAi therapeutic program targeting aminolevulinate synthase-1 (ALAS-1) for the treatment of porphyria including acute intermittent porphyria. [More]

Great Strides: Walk for cystic fibrosis

Walks in nearly every state this weekend will raise funds to fight cystic fibrosis as part of Great Strides, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest national fundraising event. [More]
Thioridazine works by weakening staphylococcal cell wall, new study reveals

Thioridazine works by weakening staphylococcal cell wall, new study reveals

In 2008 researchers from the University of Southern Denmark showed that the drug thioridazine, which has previously been used to treat schizophrenia, is also a powerful weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus). [More]