Genetic News and Research

RSS

Bioinformatics researchers investigate functional diversity of proteins

No two human beings are the same. Although we all possess the same genes, our genetic code varies in many places. And since genes provide the blueprint for all proteins, these variants usually result in numerous differences in protein function. But what impact does this diversity have? Bioinformatics researchers at Rutgers University and the Technische Universitaet Muenchen have investigated how protein function is affected by changes at the DNA level.

6 Sep 2013

Molecular marker predicts longer survival among patients prescribed two cancer drugs

Johns Hopkins scientists have identified a molecular marker called "Mig 6" that appears to accurately predict longer survival -- up to two years -- among patients prescribed two of the most widely used drugs in a class of anticancer agents called EGFR inhibitors.

6 Sep 2013

Researchers translate new technology to better study behaviors and cellular function to fruit flies

A team of researchers led by Charles D. Nichols, PhD, Associate Professor of Pharmacology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, has successfully translated a new technology to better study behaviors and cellular function to fruit flies.

6 Sep 2013

Researchers develop method for purifying cardiac muscle cells using molecular beacons

Pure cardiac muscle cells, ready to transplant into a patient affected by heart disease. That's a goal for many cardiology researchers working with stem cells. Having a pure population of cardiac muscle cells is essential for avoiding tumor formation after transplantation, but has been technically challenging.

6 Sep 2013

UCSF to receive grant to study gene sequencing aimed at detecting disorders in newborns

UC San Francisco will receive $4.5 million over the next five years for a pilot project to assess whether large-scale gene sequencing aimed at detecting disorders and conditions can and should become a routine part of newborn testing.

6 Sep 2013

International team of scientists discover new disease related to inability to process Vitamin B12

An international team of scientists, including University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado researchers, has discovered a new disease related to an inability to process Vitamin B12.

6 Sep 2013

Scientists reveal structure of protein essential for triggering necroptosis

Scientists in Melbourne, Australia, have revealed the structure of a protein that is essential for triggering a form of programmed cell death called necroptosis, making possible the development of new drugs to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

6 Sep 2013

Inner-ear dysfunction can increase hyperactivity, say researchers

Behavioral abnormalities are traditionally thought to originate in the brain. But a new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University has found that inner-ear dysfunction can directly cause neurological changes that increase hyperactivity.

6 Sep 2013

Rigel Cuts 30 Jobs, Refocuses On Three Clinical Programs

...

5 Sep 2013

Capsugel Nabs Bend Research

...

5 Sep 2013

Sanofi To Commercialize Pozen Proton Pump Inhibitor/Aspirin Product

...

5 Sep 2013

Bird Brains Shed Light On Speech Learning

A team of scientists have identified the neurons in the brains of songbirds that allow them to imitate vocal sounds.

5 Sep 2013

Disease Twofer: Parkin Problem Leads To Parkinson’S And Impairs Response To TB

University of California, San Francisco researchers report that a key protein associated with Parkinson's disease also plays a major role in the destruction of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

5 Sep 2013

Karo Wins First Milestone For Autoimmune Disease Deal With Pfizer

...

5 Sep 2013

Thrombogenics, Bicycle Collaborate On Drugs Targeting Eye Diseases

...

5 Sep 2013

Study: Death risk is greatest for those who developed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in childhood

A long-term study of children with a complex heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) found that the risk of death or need for immediate listing for heart transplantation was greatest for those who developed this disease as infants with congestive heart failure and for children who also had selective inborn errors of metabolism, a group of rare genetic disorders in which one or more of the body's key metabolic processes are disrupted.

5 Sep 2013

Researchers explore seas and oceans to discover novel antibiotics and other medical compounds

The life that inhabits the world's oceans has almost infinite variety. It remains an untapped source of diversity. "The oceans can be deep or shallow, they can be more or less tidal, and they can include unique environments such as volcanic vents," says Brian McNeil ofStrathclyde University in Scotland, UK.

5 Sep 2013

Natural products: The source of nearly half of modern drugs

New technology for discovering antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs and other medicines inside soil microbes and other natural sources is reviving a treasure hunt that already has given humanity more than 50 percent of today's prescription drugs. This new era in "bioprospecting" is the topic of the cover story in Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society.

5 Sep 2013

Research into 'personalised' medicine is being led by Greenwich team

Research into 'personalised' medicine is being led by a University of Greenwich team. Currently, many medicines which are prescribed to patients either do not work properly or have some significant side effects. The aim of personalised medicine, sometimes called 'precision' medicine, is to ensure that the most appropriate medicine is given to each patient and that the medicine is both effective and safe.

5 Sep 2013

Obesity gene testing may help reduce self-blame

Obesity gene testing does not put people off weight loss and may help to reduce self-blame, according to a new study by researchers from the Health Behaviour Research Centre at UCL (University College London).

5 Sep 2013