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Children of U.S.-born Latina women more likely to develop retinoblastoma

In a large epidemiologic study, researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center found that the children of U.S.-born Latina women are at higher risk of having retinoblastoma, a malignant tumor of the retina which typically occurs in children under six.

7 Aug 2012

Patients with multiple colorectal adenomas may carry germline mutations in APC or MUTYH genes

Among patients with multiple colorectal polyps, the prevalence of certain gene mutations varied considerably by polyp count, according to a study in the August 1 issue of JAMA.

1 Aug 2012

Gene discovery made for infant-onset blindness

Researchers have discovered that mutations in the NMNAT1 gene encoding nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 are present in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis.

1 Aug 2012

Population Genetics validates GenomePooling™ for cancer

Population Genetics Technologies Ltd., creator of innovative methods for genetic analyses and biomarker discovery, has successfully completed a pilot study to prove that its GenomePooling™ method is sensitive and accurate enough to detect even small percentages of gene variants within cancer tissue. This validates the method’s suitability for use in IntReALL 2010, the world’s largest genetic analysis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) relapse cases. ALL is the most common childhood malignant disease.

31 Jul 2012

GenomePooling™ method is sensitive and accurate

31 Jul 2012

EPHA3 mutations may be important drivers of lung cancers

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center researchers have identified how one of the genes most commonly mutated in lung cancer may promote such tumors.

31 Jul 2012

Genetic underpinnings of Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome identified

Researchers have identified a genetic underpinning of Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome.

23 Jul 2012

VDR polymorphisms may predict vitiligo in Chinese individuals

Polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene may be involved in the etiology of vitiligo, suggest study findings from a population of Chinese individuals.

20 Jul 2012

Statistical method uses evolutionary information to enhance identification of disease-associated alleles

A book containing misprints may cause annoyance for the reader, but typos in an individual's genetic blueprint (DNA) can mean serious disease or even death. The search for genetic correlates for the wide range of diseases plaguing humankind has inspired a wealth of research falling under the heading of genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

19 Jul 2012

Studies provide evidence of connections between MCI and negative health outcomes

Two studies presented today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2012 (AAIC 2012) in Vancouver provide evidence of connections between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and negative health outcomes – increased isolation and death.

17 Jul 2012

Scientists clone tannin gene in sorghum

They might be called a blessing or a curse -- tannins, which are present in certain sorghums, contain health-promoting antioxidant properties, but also provide a bitter taste and decreased protein digestibility. To better understand tannins, their role in sorghum and how they can be altered to improve sorghum's use as food and feed, a team of scientists led by Kansas State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers, has cloned the tannin gene in sorghum.

14 Jul 2012

Steroid receptor gene variant impacts metabolic health

A variant in the glucocorticoid receptor gene may be associated with increased body fat and insulin resistance, show study findings.

10 Jul 2012

Steroid receptor gene variant impacts metabolic health

A variant in the glucocorticoid receptor gene may be associated with increased body fat and insulin resistance, show study findings.

10 Jul 2012

Adiponectin reduces depression-like symptoms in mice

A hormone with anti-diabetic properties also reduces depression-like symptoms in mice, researchers from the School of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio reported today.

10 Jul 2012

Does alcohol kill brain cells?

Several origins have been suggested for the idea that alcohol kills brain cells. Some link it to the temperance movement, which called for prohibition of alcohol.

9 Jul 2012

Study confirms a rare susceptibility variant in glioma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center working with colleagues at three other institutions have validated a link between a rare genetic variant and the risk of glioma, the most common and lethal type of brain tumor.

3 Jul 2012

Study suggests adverse role for BclI polymorphism in obesity and insulin resistance

A large study in people at risk of diabetes has found a direct association between the presence of a small genetic alteration in a hormone receptor and increased body fat and insulin resistance. The results, to be presented Tuesday at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting in Houston, suggest an adverse role for a previously described genetic variant, the BclI polymorphism.

28 Jun 2012

Maternal factors associated with fetal growth restriction

A Japanese study has found that maternal rather than fetal factors are associated with fetal growth restriction. A comparison of maternal and fetal angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes with the size of babies at birth found evidence of this connection.

27 Jun 2012

RainDance introduces new digital PCR system for European researchers

RainDance Technologies, Inc., the Digital Biology Company, today announced the introduction of its new RainDrop Digital PCR System to the European genetics research market.

25 Jun 2012

HLA B-27 protein appears to confer ability to suppress HIV viral replication

The rare ability of some individuals to control HIV infection with their immune system alone appears to depend - at least partially - on specific qualities of the immune system's killer T cells and not on how many of those cells are produced.

13 Jun 2012