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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Colorectal pre-cancer can be detected through stool DNA testing: Mayo Clinic study

Research teams led by Mayo Clinic have demonstrated for the first time that two types of colorectal pre-cancers can be detected through noninvasive stool DNA testing. The two studies being presented demonstrate that stool DNA testing may be useful for detection of premalignant dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and of an important type of colorectal pre-cancer called serrated polyps.

5 May 2010

Genetics researchers use new approach to detect causal gene variants

In findings that may speed the search for disease-causing genes, a new study challenges the prevailing view that common diseases are usually caused by common gene variants (mutations). Instead, say genetics researchers, the culprits may be numerous rare variants, located in DNA sequences farther away from the original "hot spots" than scientists have been accustomed to look.

5 May 2010

Scientists develop new web-based algorithm techniques to identify DNA sequences

Life is almost unbearably complex. Humans and mice, frogs and flies toggle genes on and off in dizzying combinations and sequences during their relentless march from embryo to death. Now scientists seeking to understand the machinations of the proteins behind the genomic wizard's screen have a powerful new tool at their disposal, courtesy of researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

5 May 2010

FDA requested to publish data supporting assertion on HPV types 6, 11 causing vulvar, vaginal cancers

A Connecticut cancer pathologist/physician/scientist with extensive experience in the field for the past half century has formally challenged the FDA to back claims on its website that human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes 6 and 11 cause vulvar and vaginal cancers in women.

5 May 2010

UK GTAC, MHRA approve Scancell's Phase I clinical trial of SCIB1 DNA ImmunoBody vaccine

Scancell Holdings Plc,, the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, today announced at BIO2010 in Chicago that its proposal to conduct a Phase I clinical trial on SCIB1, its DNA ImmunoBody® vaccine being developed for the treatment of melanoma, has been approved in the UK by the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee and by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Medicines Division.

5 May 2010

UVA exposure at early age does not cause melanoma

Early life exposure to ultraviolet A light does not cause melanoma in a fish model that previously made that connection, scientists from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported today in the online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

5 May 2010

Study: Parvovirus therapy offers complete regression of malignant brain tumors

Particular parvoviruses normally infect rodents, but they are also infectious for human cells. However, they do not cause any disease symptoms in humans. Most importantly, these viruses have an astonishing property: They kill infected tumors cells without causing any damage to healthy tissue.

5 May 2010

New study searches for trauma-induced changes in genes of people with PTSD

A study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health suggests that traumatic experiences "biologically embed" themselves in select genes, altering their functions and leading to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

5 May 2010

Idera Pharmaceuticals reports net loss of $1.9M for first-quarter 2010

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of DNA- and RNA-based drug candidates targeted to Toll-like Receptors, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

5 May 2010

Iowa State University researcher works on faster method to detect salmonella from contaminated foods

Using technology available through a local company, an Iowa State University researcher is working on a faster method to detect and genetically identify salmonella from contaminated foods.

5 May 2010

Scientists discover key molecular mechanism in breast cancer metastasis

Scientists at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center have identified a key molecular mechanism in breast cancer that enables tumor cells to spread to adjacent or distant parts of the body in a process called metastasis.

5 May 2010

Celldex reports net loss of $6.6 million for first-quarter 2010

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Celldex reported a net loss of $6.6 million, or $0.21 per share, for the first quarter of 2010 compared to a net loss of $7.7 million, or $0.49 per share, for the first quarter of 2009. At March 31, 2010, Celldex reported cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $75.4 million, which the Company believes will be sufficient to meet estimated working capital requirements and fund operations into 2012.

4 May 2010

HPV test recommended for national cervical cancer screening programmes

Two studies suggest that testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) - the major cause of cervical cancer - could be used in national cervical cancer screening programmes.

4 May 2010

MicroStockProfit.com releases investment report on Vical

MicroStockProfit.com announces an investment report featuring Vical Inc. The report includes financial, comparative and investment analyses, and industry information you need to know to make an educated investment decision.

4 May 2010

FDA grants market clearance for Illumina's BeadXpress system for multiplex genetic analysis

Illumina, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted 510(k) market clearance for the company's BeadXpress system for multiplex genetic analysis.

From Illumina, Inc. 4 May 2010

Research makes progress in ending guesswork involved in prescribing effective ADHD medications

Children with ADHD who carry a specific type of dopamine receptor gene respond better to the drug methylphenidate than those without the genotype, according to new research from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

4 May 2010

Deficiency of frataxin protein causes Friedreich's ataxia

The defective gene responsible for Friedreich's ataxia was identified over 20 years ago, but so far our ideas of how this gene causes the disease have been merely speculative. It was assumed that, as a result of the mutation, the gene could no longer be transcribed because this stretch of DNA was inaccessible. FMI Group Leader Marc Bühler and his team have now carried out experiments demonstrating that this is not the case and revealing what actually happens in Friedreich's ataxia.

4 May 2010

Neural stem cell transplantation promising for Batten disease

Neuronal Ceroid Liposfuscinosis (NCL), often referred to as Batten disease, is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that afflicts infants and young children. NCL is caused by a deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme, and is a relatively rare disease, affecting an estimated 2 to 4 of every 100,000 babies born in the U.S. Although NCLs are classified as rare diseases, they often affect more than one child in families that carry the defective gene, and tragically, are always fatal.

4 May 2010

Bacteria transmitted by fleas-and potentially ticks-can be passed to babies by mother: Researcher

A North Carolina State University researcher has discovered that bacteria transmitted by fleas-and potentially ticks-can be passed to human babies by the mother, causing chronic infections and raising the possibility of bacterially induced birth defects.

4 May 2010

QIAGEN reports 20% revenue growth in first quarter 2010

QIAGEN N.V. today announced the results of operations for its quarter ended March 31, 2010. Net sales were at the high end of, and adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter 2010 exceeded the guidance provided by the Company on February 9, 2010.

From QIAGEN Manchester Limited 4 May 2010