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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).

Study provides new insights into genetics and evolution

Researchers from the University of Geneva and the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics led an analysis of the sequenced genomes of parasitic wasps. Generally unknown to the public, the parasitic wasps kill pest insects. They are like 'smart bombs' that seek out and kill only specific kinds of insects.

19 Jan 2010

Scientists launch NEWMEDS project to develop drugs for schizophrenia and depression

An international consortium of scientists, led by H. Lundbeck A/S and King's College London, has launched one of the largest ever research academic-industry collaboration projects to find new methods for the development of drugs for schizophrenia and depression.

19 Jan 2010

Testing for high-risk types of HPV DNA can be effective in preventing invasive cervical cancer

Results from a study of more than 90,000 Italian women published by the Lancet Oncology found that testing for high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is significantly more effective in preventing invasive cervical cancer than cytology (Pap testing) alone.

19 Jan 2010

Sunlight and vitamin D deficiency linked to 17 varieties of cancer

For humans, sunlight and vitamin D is critically important for the development, growth, and maintenance of a healthy body, from birth until death. "Humans make thousands of units of vitamin D within minutes of whole body exposure to sunlight. From what we know of nature, it is unlikely such a system evolved by chance," states Dr. John Cannell, Executive Director, Vitamin D Council.

18 Jan 2010

Unveiling of soybean genome could help boost crop yields in future

"Scientists on Wednesday unveiled the genome of the soybean, saying it was an achievement that should deepen understanding of one of the world's most important crops, help to boost yields and defend the plant against pests," Agence France-Presse reports. The study, published in the journal Nature, details the findings of the "[e]ighteen organisations, most of them American, [who] teamed up in a 15-year endeavour that yielded a draft of 85 percent of the soybean's 1.1 billion base pairs, the 'rungs' in the double-helix ladder of DNA," the news service writes

18 Jan 2010

Mutagenic drugs designed to kill viruses may make them stronger, says research

As the flu season continues in full-swing, most people can appreciate the need for drugs that stop viruses after they take hold in the body. Despite this serious need for new drugs, a team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin raise serious concerns about an emerging strategy for stopping viral infections.

18 Jan 2010

MAGIC investigators identify new genetic variants that influence insulin and glucose regulation

An international research consortium has found 13 new genetic variants that influence blood glucose regulation, insulin resistance, and the function of insulin-secreting beta cells in populations of European descent. Five of the newly discovered variants increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes.

18 Jan 2010

Scientists discover new mechanism that explains role of EBV in tumor growth

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a virus of the herpes family, has two distinct life phases: After infecting a cell it first goes into a resting phase. Under certain circumstances the virus can become active - and then induces tumor growth or promotes its synthesis in the cell.

18 Jan 2010

Joubert Syndrome - an inherited neurological disease found among Ashkenazi Jews

Two scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) are part of an international team that has discovered a genetic mutation that causes Joubert Syndrome. JBTS, as it is commonly called, is a devastating inherited neurological disease that is very rare in the general population but found relatively more often among Ashkenazi Jews.

18 Jan 2010

Research reveals gene activation is linked to most aggressive type of brain cancer

Glioblastoma (GBM), the brain cancer better known for having killed Senator Ted Kennedy a few months ago, is the most aggressive and lethal of all brain tumours.

18 Jan 2010

HHMI: Distinct cancer-causing mutations in neighboring cells can cooperate to produce tumors

According to modern biology textbooks, a single genetic mutation is rarely enough to cause cancer. It is generally thought that cells must accumulate a series of mutations that work together to trigger tumor development.

18 Jan 2010

Findings could pave way for new therapeutic approaches for Friedreich's ataxia

Elevated levels of DNA damage have for the first time been found in the cellular mitochondria and nuclei of patients with the inherited, progressive nervous system disease called Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), says a multicenter research team led by an expert from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).

18 Jan 2010

New class of drugs could help prevent skin cancer

A new study by Loyola University Health System researchers could lead to alternative treatments that would shrink skin cancer tumors with drugs. The drugs would work by turning on a gene that prevents skin cells from becoming cancerous, said senior author Mitchell Denning, Ph.D.

18 Jan 2010

Results from Bionovo's phase 1B clinical trial of Bezielle published

Bionovo, Inc. announced today the publication of their results from its phase 1B clinical trial of Bezielle (BZL101) for metastatic breast cancer. The results of the study are available online in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment and demonstrate that Bezielle continues to be safe and well tolerated with clinical evidence of anticancer activity in a heavily pretreated population of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

17 Jan 2010

Early immune response needed for 'hit-and-hide' cancer viruses

Retroviruses such as HIV and HTLV-1 don't hit-and-run, they hit-and-hide. They slip into host cells and insert their own DNA into the cell's DNA, and from this refuge they establish an infection that lasts a lifetime.

14 Jan 2010

Study finds no elevated risk of dust-related disease for subway workers

New York subway commuters may worry more about rats and rising fares than dust floating through the system, but for the workers who spend their whole shift below ground, air quality has long been a concern. Results from a new pilot study using miniaturized air samplers to look at steel dust exposure may help them breathe easier.

13 Jan 2010

Research shows missing, mutated genes occur simultaneously in unique set of pediatric brain tumors

Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children. Now a more accurate diagnosis of childhood brain cancers may soon be possible, according to researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah. The information is published online today in the journal Cancer Research.

13 Jan 2010

Extended treatment with active ingredient increases bone volume and calcium content

Genta Incorporated today announced publication of two scientific studies that test the active ingredient in Genta’s program to develop orally available gallium-containing compounds and the Company’s marketed product, Ganite® (gallium nitrate for injection).

13 Jan 2010

Pathway Genomics launches new campaign to highlight the benefits of genetic testing services

Pathway Genomics™ (www.PATHWAY.com), a privately held, venture-backed company, today launched a new campaign designed to facilitate discussions around consumer genetic testing services. Called ‘DNA Conversation Starters,’ Pathway will address a range of topics about genetic testing, further educating members of the media, the genetic testing community, and consumers about the benefits of genetic testing services and the depth of information obtained from Pathway’s Genetic Health and Ancestry tests.

13 Jan 2010

Kapa Biosystems signs non-exclusive North American distribution agreement with VWR International

Kapa Biosystems and VWR International, LLC announced today that they have entered into a non-exclusive North American distribution agreement for Kapa Biosystems' line of next-generation PCR reagents.

13 Jan 2010

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Study provides new insights into genetics and evolution

Scientists launch NEWMEDS project to develop drugs for schizophrenia and depression

Testing for high-risk types of HPV DNA can be effective in preventing invasive cervical cancer

Sunlight and vitamin D deficiency linked to 17 varieties of cancer

Unveiling of soybean genome could help boost crop yields in future

Mutagenic drugs designed to kill viruses may make them stronger, says research

MAGIC investigators identify new genetic variants that influence insulin and glucose regulation

Scientists discover new mechanism that explains role of EBV in tumor growth

Joubert Syndrome - an inherited neurological disease found among Ashkenazi Jews

Research reveals gene activation is linked to most aggressive type of brain cancer

HHMI: Distinct cancer-causing mutations in neighboring cells can cooperate to produce tumors

Findings could pave way for new therapeutic approaches for Friedreich's ataxia

New class of drugs could help prevent skin cancer

Results from Bionovo's phase 1B clinical trial of Bezielle published

Early immune response needed for 'hit-and-hide' cancer viruses

Study finds no elevated risk of dust-related disease for subway workers

Research shows missing, mutated genes occur simultaneously in unique set of pediatric brain tumors

Extended treatment with active ingredient increases bone volume and calcium content

Pathway Genomics launches new campaign to highlight the benefits of genetic testing services

Kapa Biosystems signs non-exclusive North American distribution agreement with VWR International

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