Genetic News and Research

RSS

Study identifies over 30 breast cancer gene targets involved in drug resistance to chemotherapy

A new study conducted by Josh LaBaer's research team in the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University has pinpointed more than 30 breast cancer gene targets ---including several novel genes---that are involved in drug resistance to a leading chemotherapy treatment.

11 Jan 2011

Fertile women gravitate toward males with masculine facial features

When their romantic partners are not quintessentially masculine, women in their fertile phase are more likely to fantasize about masculine-looking men than are women paired with George Clooney types.

11 Jan 2011

Novel scoring system identifies PTEN genetic mutation

Researchers have discovered a method for more precise identification of individuals who should undergo testing for genetic mutations of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN, which associates with a variety of conditions including several types of cancers. The research has created a diagnostic scoring system that improves on established criteria.

11 Jan 2011

QIAGEN to acquire minority stake in Alacris Theranostics

QIAGEN has signed an agreement for the acquisition of a strategic stake in Alacris Theranostics GmbH, a German start-up company using novel technologies to develop individualized cancer treatment strategies based upon a patient's genomic profile, and for the acquisition of an exclusive option to access all biomarkers emerging from this discovery program.

From QIAGEN Manchester Limited 11 Jan 2011

Researchers report gene therapy strategy that improves Beta Thalassemia in mice model

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital report a gene therapy strategy that improves the condition of a mouse model of an inherited blood disorder, Beta Thalassemia.

11 Jan 2011

Nationwide Children's Hospital receives $11.5 million NCI grant for Biospecimen banking

Nationwide Children's Hospital was awarded $11.5 million from the National Cancer Institute late last year to continue its role as one of two Biospecimen Core Resources for The Cancer Genome Atlas.

11 Jan 2011

Nutriceuticals may restore age-related vision loss

While age-related vision loss of catastrophic proportions is predicted in coming decades, rising from 17 million patients today to 55 million by the year 2050, it's possible this catastrophe could be averted and lost vision even restored using molecular medicine.

11 Jan 2011

Lineagen introduces FirstStep integrated genetic testing for early diagnostic evaluation of ASD, DD

Lineagen announces the launch of its FirstStep integrated genetic testing and counseling service to assist pediatricians and family physicians with the earlier, more accurate diagnostic evaluation of autism spectrum disorders and developmental delay.

11 Jan 2011

New insights into estrogen receptor beta

Research with significant implications in the treatment and intervention of cancer and obesity has been published recently in two prestigious journals by University of Houston (UH) biochemist Dr. Jan--ke Gustafsson.

11 Jan 2011

Study: Protein that plays a key role in some antioxidant therapies can promote atherosclerosis

UCLA researchers have found that a protein that plays an important role in some antioxidant therapies may not be as effective due to additional mechanisms that cause it to promote atherosclerosis, or clogging of the arteries.

11 Jan 2011

Genetics Squared to change corporate name to Everist Genomics

Genetics Squared, a prognostics company focused on developing gene-based molecular assays for the prediction of cancer recurrence, today announced that it will change its corporate name to Everist Genomics and has appointed Prasad Sunkara, Ph.D. as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

10 Jan 2011

Research suggests novel therapeutic approach for Huntington's Disease

Hope for new ways of treating devastating neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease has been raised by a trans-Atlantic team of researchers thanks to the use of cutting-edge genetic techniques.

10 Jan 2011

AMT enters agreement with Consortium for clinical development of novel gene therapy to treat Sanfilippo B

Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics, a leader in human gene therapy, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Institut Pasteur, Paris, France, and a group of French research institutes (together the "Consortium") to support clinical development of a novel gene therapy to treat Sanfilippo B.

10 Jan 2011

Researchers demystify death of brain cells in Parkinson's patients

Just 5 percent of Parkinson's disease cases can be explained by genetic mutation, while the rest have no known cause. But a new discovery by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio may begin to explain why the vast majority of Parkinson's patients develop the progressive neurodegenerative disease.

10 Jan 2011

Professor Puchta receives ERC's Advanced Researcher Grant

Tomatoes that resist pests and extreme weather while still tasting like tomatoes are among Professor Holger Puchtas long-term research goals. The molecular biologist develops techniques that will allow him to control inheritance in plants to selectively improve the properties of different species through nature's existing gene pool. For his fundamental research, Puchta now is awarded an Advanced Researcher Grant by the European Research Council.

10 Jan 2011

Gigantism gene inherited by hundreds: Study

A gene that predicted gigantism in humans was identified in the DNA of the 18th-century man known as the Irish Giant, who was more than 7 feet 7 inches tall. Copies of the same mutation have been found in patients today who suffer from excessive growth, and scientists have concluded they all inherited the gene from a common ancestor.

9 Jan 2011

Scientists identify type of cell at the origin of brain tumors

Scientists have identified the type of cell that is at the origin of brain tumors known as oligodendrogliomas, which are a type of glioma - a category that defines the most common type of malignant brain tumor.

7 Jan 2011

Intrexon Corporation, ZIOPHARM enter partnership to develop, commercialize DNA-based therapeutics

ZIOPHARM Oncology, a small molecule late-stage oncology drug development company, and Intrexon Corporation, a next generation synthetic biology company, announced today a global exclusive channel partnership in oncology where ZIOPHARM will develop and commercialize DNA-based therapeutics using Intrexon's UltraVector Technology.

7 Jan 2011

Cells that give rise to neurons maintain high levels of ROS

For years, the majority of research on reactive oxygen species (ROS) - ions or very small molecules that include free radicals - has focused on how they damage cell structure and their potential link to stroke, cardiovascular disease and other illnesses.

7 Jan 2011

Scientists perform surgery on single cell to extract and examine mitochondria

Medical researchers who crave a means of exploring the genetic culprits behind a host of neuromuscular disorders may have just had their wish granted by a team working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, where scientists have performed surgery on single cells to extract and examine their mitochondria.

7 Jan 2011