Genes News and Research

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Research study compares genetic make-up of humans and primates

In spite of their genetic similarity to humans, chimpanzees and great apes have maximum lifespans that rarely exceed 50 years. The difference, explains USC Davis School of Gerontology Professor Caleb Finch, is that as humans evolved genes that enabled them to better adjust to levels of infection and inflammation and to the high cholesterol levels of their meat rich diets.

3 Dec 2009

VARI scientists determine the structure of receptors that plants use to sense ABA

Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) researchers have determined precisely how the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) works at the molecular level to help plants respond to environmental stresses such as drought and cold.

3 Dec 2009

Fitness levels linked to higher IQ in young adults

Young adults who are fit have a higher IQ and are more likely to go on to university, reveals a major new study carried out at the Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

3 Dec 2009

Novel approach to detect flaws in defense against breast cancer earns Era of Hope Scholar Award

A novel approach to detecting and targeting flaws in first line of defense against cancer has earned an Era of Hope Scholar Award from the U.S. Department of Defense for a scientist at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

2 Dec 2009

Fruit flies use same molecular mechanisms as humans for maintaining cholestrol

More importantly, according to two new studies led by a University of Utah human geneticist, fruit flies use the same molecular mechanisms as humans to help maintain proper balances of cholesterol and a key form of stored fat that contributes to obesity. The findings mean that as researchers try to learn more about the genetic and biological processes through which people regulate cholesterol and fat metabolism, the humble fruit fly, also called Drosophila, can teach humans much about themselves.

2 Dec 2009

Vitro Diagnostics files a patent application for its technology related to generation of iPS cells

Vitro Diagnostics, Inc., dba Vitro Biopharma, announced the filing of a new United States patent application entitled “POU5-F1 Expression in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells” and the development of new technology related to generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS).

2 Dec 2009

Protein ERK oscillates between two major compartments in breast tissue cells

Time-lapsed video of individual breast tissue cells reveals a never-before-seen event in the life of a cell: a protein that cycles between two major compartments in the cell. The results give researchers a more complete view of the internal signals that cause breast tissue cells to grow, events that go awry in cancer and are targets of drug development.

2 Dec 2009

Human Melanoma Research Team pursuing identification of anti-tumor prognostic markers and drugs

The constant increase in the rate of cutaneous melanoma over recent years and its resistance to anti-tumour pharmaceutical drugs has meant that the study of cutaneous melanoma is one of the greatest scientific challenges in the field of cancer. The Human Melanoma research team at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) is focusing on this study.

2 Dec 2009

ASH Annual Meeting to showcase latest research and treatments for blood disorders

The American Society of Hematology (ASH), the world's largest professional association of blood specialists, expects more than 20,000 attendees at the 51st ASH Annual Meeting from December 5-8, 2009, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. The meeting will showcase the latest research and treatments for blood disorders.

2 Dec 2009

Researchers develop new application for improved detection of breast cancer cells

Single-walled nanotubes—cylinders of carbon about a nanometer in diameter—have been highly touted for potential applications such as ultrastrong fibers, electrical wires in molecular devices, or hydrogen storage components for fuel cells. Thanks to a new development by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and five partners, you can add one more application to the list: detection and destruction of an aggressive form of breast cancer.

2 Dec 2009

MUHC researchers identify first genetic resistance factor against TB infection

Why do some people who are exposed to tuberculosis not become infected or develop the disease? Dr. Erwin Schurr and his team at the Research Institute from the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), in collaboration with Dr. Alexandre Alcais, from the Institut national de la sant- et de la recherche m-dicale (INSERM) in Paris, has shed light on this question for the first time. Their

2 Dec 2009

ACMG welcomes SACGHS report on gene patenting and licensing practices

The American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) has a long-standing position that genes are products of nature, and as such should not be patentable. ACMG has provided comments to the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics Health and Society (SACGHS) about its views on an ongoing basis.

2 Dec 2009

TGF--1 suppresses the growth of cancer cells, find researchers

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found that a naturally occurring protein -- transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF--1) -- which normally suppresses the growth of cancer cells, causes a rebound effect after a prolonged exposure.

2 Dec 2009

New scientific breakthrough may allow doctors to reverse cleft palate in humans

In a study newly published in the journal Development, investigators at the USC School of Dentistry describe how to non-surgically reverse the onset of cleft palate in fetal mice - potentially one step in the journey to a better understanding of similar defects in humans.

2 Dec 2009

Study identifies genetic link between vitamin D and heart disease

Previous studies have shown a link between low vitamin D status and heart disease. Now a new study shows that patients with high blood pressure who possess a gene variant that affects an enzyme critical to normal vitamin D activation are twice as likely as those without the variant to have congestive heart failure.

2 Dec 2009

Sperm genes may have a detrimental effect on longevity, says new study

Researchers in Japan have found that female mice produced by using genetic material from two mothers but no father live significantly longer than mice with the normal mix of maternal and paternal genes. Their findings provide the first evidence that sperm genes may have a detrimental effect on lifespan in mammals.

1 Dec 2009

New form of pathogen becomes a healthcare challenge in Africa

Research shows how a new, more deadly strain of Salmonella emerged over an 18-month period. Becoming resistant to antibiotics, acquiring the ability to spread from person to person and losing genes along the way, the new strain has become a healthcare challenge in Africa, killing up to one in four patients.

1 Dec 2009

New research suggests high fat, energy-dense foods may activate genes that make us obese

Those extra helpings of gravy and dessert at the holiday table are even less of a help to your waistline than previously thought. According to a new research report recently appearing online in The FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org), a diet that is high in fat and in sugar actually switches on genes that ultimately cause our bodies to store too much fat.

1 Dec 2009

Phase 1 study of preventive HIV vaccine testing a novel delivery mechanism completed

A Phase 1 study of a preventive HIV vaccine testing a novel delivery mechanism known as electroporation – the use of electrical pulses to increase the immune responses elicited by DNA vaccines – was recently completed in New York City.

1 Dec 2009

Bantam miRNA linked to the circadian clock

How does our biological system know that it is supposed to operate on a 24-hour cycle? Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that a tiny molecule holds the clue to the mystery.

30 Nov 2009

Genes News and Research

Research study compares genetic make-up of humans and primates

VARI scientists determine the structure of receptors that plants use to sense ABA

Fitness levels linked to higher IQ in young adults

Novel approach to detect flaws in defense against breast cancer earns Era of Hope Scholar Award

Fruit flies use same molecular mechanisms as humans for maintaining cholestrol

Vitro Diagnostics files a patent application for its technology related to generation of iPS cells

Protein ERK oscillates between two major compartments in breast tissue cells

Human Melanoma Research Team pursuing identification of anti-tumor prognostic markers and drugs

ASH Annual Meeting to showcase latest research and treatments for blood disorders

Researchers develop new application for improved detection of breast cancer cells

MUHC researchers identify first genetic resistance factor against TB infection

ACMG welcomes SACGHS report on gene patenting and licensing practices

TGF--1 suppresses the growth of cancer cells, find researchers

New scientific breakthrough may allow doctors to reverse cleft palate in humans

Study identifies genetic link between vitamin D and heart disease

Sperm genes may have a detrimental effect on longevity, says new study

New form of pathogen becomes a healthcare challenge in Africa

New research suggests high fat, energy-dense foods may activate genes that make us obese

Phase 1 study of preventive HIV vaccine testing a novel delivery mechanism completed

Bantam miRNA linked to the circadian clock

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