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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).

Orchid Cellmark acquires paternity and immigration DNA testing business unit of Strand Analytical Laboratories

Orchid Cellmark Inc., a leading international provider of identity DNA testing services, today announced it has acquired the paternity and immigration DNA testing business unit of Strand Analytical Laboratories, LLC.

7 Apr 2010

Cepheid to launch GeneXpert Infinity-48 in Europe at 20th ECCMID

Cepheid will initiate European launch of its newest addition to the GeneXpert® family of molecular diagnostic testing systems, the GeneXpert Infinity-48, at the 20th annual European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Vienna, Austria. The GeneXpert Infinity-48 System is the world's first and only fully-automated, random-access system designed for management of the entire molecular testing workflow — from sample data, cartridge loading and unloading, to final reporting of test results and disposal of cartridges.

7 Apr 2010

DNA barcoding-sequencing of gene in sand flies identifies two species carrying Leishmania naiffi

In the first survey of sand flies in Panama to use genetic barcoding, scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Gorgas Memorial Laboratories identified 20 sand fly species from Barro Colorado Island. Two species carried Leishmania naiffi, a parasite that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis: persistent, itchy skin lesions. Three species carried Wolbachia, a bacterial parasite of insects that could contribute to a strategy to control the flies and limit disease transmission.

7 Apr 2010

Study demonstrates potential ability of Chronix serum DNA assays in diagnosis of breast cancer

Chronix Biomedical today announced publication of a study that supports the utility of its serum DNA blood tests to predict clinical status and monitor disease activity and response to treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Chronix Biomedical uses proprietary technology to identify disease-specific genetic fingerprints based on the circulating DNA that is released into the bloodstream by damaged and dying cells.

7 Apr 2010

Illumina launches VeraCode ADME Core Panel

Illumina, Inc. today announced the launch of its VeraCode ADME Core Panel designed to help researchers study genetic predispositions for differential drug response and adverse events. The VeraCode ADME Core Panel offers the most complete representation of the key biomarkers associated with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) as standardized by pharmaceutical industry experts in the PharmADME Core List.

From Illumina, Inc. 7 Apr 2010

CAV1 gene variation contributes to kidney transplant failure: JAMA

Among kidney transplant donors, variation of a gene that is an inhibitor of the development of fibrous connective tissue is significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure, according to a study in the April 7 issue of JAMA.

7 Apr 2010

MDA, FFSHR award $200,000 grant for developing FSH dystrophy therapy

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., and Friends of FSH Research (FFSHR), based in Kirkland, Wash., has jointly awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to Dr. Joel Chamberlain, a research assistant professor of medical genetics at the University of Washington. The grant, equally funded by the two organizations, will enable the laboratory led by Dr. Chamberlain to study RNA interference as an investigative and therapeutic tool for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

7 Apr 2010

LCA: Few possess genetic mutation necessary for positive outcome from gene therapy

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a congenital retinal dystrophy present in approximately 1 of 80,000 births. It is estimated that about 3,000 people in the United States are living with LCA and will likely become blind in their lifetimes. Recently, there has been progress in gene therapy for this condition.

7 Apr 2010

Blocking POLQ gene activity can increase ability of radiotherapy to destroy tumours

Cancer Research UK scientists have identified a gene that once blocked could increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy on tumours, according to research published in Cancer Research today (Thursday).

7 Apr 2010

FDA grants "Fast Track" designation for Genta’s advanced gastric cancer drug tesetaxel

Genta Incorporated today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the Company's request for "Fast Track" designation of tesetaxel for treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer. Tesetaxel -- a late Phase 2 oncology product -- is the leading oral taxane currently in clinical development.

7 Apr 2010

New study shows utility of Chronix Biomedical's serum DNA tests in MS

Chronix Biomedical today announced publication of a study that supports the utility of its serum DNA blood tests to predict clinical status and monitor disease activity and response to treatment in multiple sclerosis. Chronix Biomedical uses proprietary technology to identify disease-specific genetic fingerprints based on the circulating DNA that is released into the bloodstream by damaged and dying cells.

6 Apr 2010

NIH Chief Francis Collins: Medical research 'ought to tell us what works'

Kaiser Health News staff writer Jennifer Evans talked to physician-geneticist Francis Collins, a person "who isn't afraid to think big about science. For over a decade, Collins led the Human Genome Project, overseeing the federal government's race to map people's DNA.

6 Apr 2010

Research may help scientists understand the mechanism behind cellular differentiation

Multipotent stem cells have the capacity to develop into different types of cells by reprogramming their DNA to turn on different combinations of genes, a process called "differentiation."

6 Apr 2010

First Edition: April 5, 2010

Both the politics and policies of health reform continue to grab headlines, with reports highlighting how lawmakers are faring in their districts during this congressional recess. News outlets also are exploring how specific provisions of the new law will work.

5 Apr 2010

Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center reviews top cancer stories

Surgeon Jeremy Richmon, M.D., at Johns Hopkins is using robotic assistance to cut away tumors of the tongue and tonsils. Conventional surgery leaves disfiguring neck and jaw scars, but the robotic procedure leaves no scar except for inside the mouth, and he says, patients retain good function of speech and swallowing.

5 Apr 2010

Gene duplications can lead to functional diversity in organisms

New information about early Native Americans' horticultural practices comes not from hieroglyphs or other artifacts, but from a suite of four gene duplicates found in wild and domesticated sunflowers.

5 Apr 2010

Research may help develop new ways to diagnose and treat communication disorders

An international research consortium has identified more than 800 genes that appear to play a role in the male zebra finch's ability to learn elaborate songs from his father. The researchers also found evidence that song behavior engages complex gene regulatory networks within the brain of the songbird- networks that rely on parts of the genome once considered junk.

5 Apr 2010

Why is the genome project not yielding results faster?

As the genome projects reaches the 10 year landmark scientists are defending it. While the sequencing of the 3 billion letters in the human DNA took a long time the first draft of the human genome was presented ten years ago. Today it is possible to have your individual DNA mapped in a day and at the low cost of $5,000.

5 Apr 2010

Researchers identify three new genetic variants that increase risk of intracranial aneurysms

In the largest genome-wide study of brain aneurysms ever conducted, an international team led by researchers at the Yale School of Medicine have identified three new genetic variants that increase a person's risk for developing this deadly disease.

5 Apr 2010

Kyto Biopharma enters agreement with Targeted Payload Therapeutics

Kyto Biopharma Inc., is a Florida biotechnology company focused on developing monoclonal antibody and oligonucleotide targeting therapeutics based on a proprietary vitamin B12 platform for the treatment of various forms of cancer.

3 Apr 2010

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Orchid Cellmark acquires paternity and immigration DNA testing business unit of Strand Analytical Laboratories

Cepheid to launch GeneXpert Infinity-48 in Europe at 20th ECCMID

DNA barcoding-sequencing of gene in sand flies identifies two species carrying Leishmania naiffi

Study demonstrates potential ability of Chronix serum DNA assays in diagnosis of breast cancer

Illumina launches VeraCode ADME Core Panel

CAV1 gene variation contributes to kidney transplant failure: JAMA

MDA, FFSHR award $200,000 grant for developing FSH dystrophy therapy

LCA: Few possess genetic mutation necessary for positive outcome from gene therapy

Blocking POLQ gene activity can increase ability of radiotherapy to destroy tumours

FDA grants "Fast Track" designation for Genta’s advanced gastric cancer drug tesetaxel

New study shows utility of Chronix Biomedical's serum DNA tests in MS

NIH Chief Francis Collins: Medical research 'ought to tell us what works'

Research may help scientists understand the mechanism behind cellular differentiation

First Edition: April 5, 2010

Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center reviews top cancer stories

Gene duplications can lead to functional diversity in organisms

Research may help develop new ways to diagnose and treat communication disorders

Why is the genome project not yielding results faster?

Researchers identify three new genetic variants that increase risk of intracranial aneurysms

Kyto Biopharma enters agreement with Targeted Payload Therapeutics

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