DNA News and Research

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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).

Sensor protein that identifies DNA breaks and activates the p53 cell-death program has been identified

DNA breaks from radiation, toxic chemicals, or other environmental causes occur routinely in cells and, unless promptly and properly repaired, can lead to cancer-causing mutations.

4 Nov 2004

STAT3 protein could lead to new ways to prevent skin cancer

Scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a protein that serves as a master regulator of skin cancer - a finding that could lead to new ways to prevent skin cancer before it starts.

4 Nov 2004

Study reveals anti-arthritic effects of bee venom

Since ancient times, healers have practiced apitherapy, the use of honeybee products for curative purposes.

4 Nov 2004

Genetic link suggested in deaths from cardiac valve diseases

Deaths from cardiac valve diseases appear to run in families, suggesting a significant genetic component, according to a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

2 Nov 2004

New rapid gonorrhea test that does not require collection

Potential antimicrobial resistance in the bacteria that cause gonorrhea can be detected without culturing the organism, thanks to a rapid test developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins.

1 Nov 2004

Grant to develop high speed DNA sequence reader

Sequencing of the human genome is one of the major scientific advances of our time. But with 3 billion base pairs, initial sequencing of the human genome took 11 years and cost $1 billion to complete in 2002. Today, it costs up to $50 million to sequence 3 billion base pairs.

1 Nov 2004

New role for a key protein involved in muscle contraction

Overturning a scientific stereotype, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have discovered a new role for a key protein involved in muscle contraction and shown it is present not just in the cytoplasm of cells but in the nucleus as well.

1 Nov 2004

Scientists decode the genome sequence of Cryptosporidium hominis, one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases in humans

A team of scientists at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine has helped decode the genome sequence of Cryptosporidium hominis, an insidious parasite identified as one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases in humans and classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a potential bioterrorist agent.

29 Oct 2004

Interaction of nervous system proteins help researchers better understand age-related memory and hearing loss

In a finding that may one day help researchers better understand age-related memory and hearing loss, scientists have shown that two key nervous system proteins interact in a manner that helps regulate the transmission of signals in the nervous system.

29 Oct 2004

New molecular tool to pinpoint DNA mutations among thousands of cells

Scientists have designed a new molecular tool, dubbed "LigAmp," to pinpoint DNA mutations among thousands of cells, the equivalent of searching for a single typo in an entire library of books.

28 Oct 2004

Easy-to-make vaccine tackles a range of illnesses

Australian researchers have created a totally synthetic vaccine that is effective against viruses, harmful bacteria and tumours and could lead to a powerful new arsenal of vaccines for humans and animals.

26 Oct 2004

Genetic double-agents unmasked

Babraham Institute and Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered that certain enzymes with a key activity in the immune system may be important in stem-cell development, but may also work against us by contributing to the occurrence of cancer.

26 Oct 2004

Study could lead to new, more effective treatments for urinary tract infections

Anyone who thinks scientists lead a glamorous, exciting life should talk to Jennifer Snyder, a graduate student at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine.

25 Oct 2004

New oral vaccine treatment is effective in reducing Alzheimer's disease pathology

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive loss of cognitive function due to amyloid-beta (Aß) deposits in the central nervous system. If these deposits could be stopped or slowed, Alzheimer's disease might become more manageable.

25 Oct 2004

Allopurinol, a common gout drug may also offer some protection against colorectal cancer

A commonly prescribed drug used to treat gout may also offer some protection against colorectal cancer, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan and in Israel.

25 Oct 2004

Scientists identify crucial elements necessary for repairing damaged DNA

A team of University of Sussex-led scientists has identified crucial elements necessary for repairing damaged DNA - the blueprint for all living cells.

25 Oct 2004

A single change in a person’s DNA can contribute to a range of life-shortening risk factors

A woman with hypertension, low magnesium levels, and a cooperative family allowed scientists to pinpoint the mutation, which affects the genes of the mitochondria — the energy-producing power plants of the cell that are passed from mother to offspring.

25 Oct 2004

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Sensor protein that identifies DNA breaks and activates the p53 cell-death program has been identified

STAT3 protein could lead to new ways to prevent skin cancer

Study reveals anti-arthritic effects of bee venom

Genetic link suggested in deaths from cardiac valve diseases

New rapid gonorrhea test that does not require collection

Grant to develop high speed DNA sequence reader

New role for a key protein involved in muscle contraction

Scientists decode the genome sequence of Cryptosporidium hominis, one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases in humans

Interaction of nervous system proteins help researchers better understand age-related memory and hearing loss

New molecular tool to pinpoint DNA mutations among thousands of cells

Easy-to-make vaccine tackles a range of illnesses

Genetic double-agents unmasked

Study could lead to new, more effective treatments for urinary tract infections

New oral vaccine treatment is effective in reducing Alzheimer's disease pathology

Allopurinol, a common gout drug may also offer some protection against colorectal cancer

Scientists identify crucial elements necessary for repairing damaged DNA

A single change in a person’s DNA can contribute to a range of life-shortening risk factors

Australian platypus research has implications for understanding the evolution of human sex determination

Tabletop DNA test laboratory cuts disease diagnosis down to 30 minutes

Blocking gene opens avenues for treating prostate cancer

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