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Expert genomics panel disputes certain genes linked to a dangerous heart condition

A panel of experts have said that nine genes linked to a dangerous heart disorder called long QT syndrome, are not associated with the condition.

27 Jan 2020

ClinGen expert panel disputes nine genes linked to long QT syndrome

Geneticists and heart specialists around the world had previously reported 17 genes to cause long QT syndrome, a little-known inherited heart condition. However, the Clinical Genome Resource's expert panel has critically reevaluated the scientific evidence for all 17 reported genes, disputing nine of the genes and revealing only three of the genes to be definitively associated with the most common form of the disease.

27 Jan 2020

Medtronic: RCT demonstrates profound back pain relief with DTM therapy

Medtronic plc today announced three-month results from a large, multicenter randomized controlled trial showing statistically significant (p=0.0009) and superior back pain relief with Differential Target Multiplexed (DTM) Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) compared to conventional SCS.

From Medtronic 27 Jan 2020

Coronavirus outbreak intensifies

Following an outbreak of infection by the novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) which causes acute respiratory illness, in China, an emergency committee meeting was held on January 22 and 23, 2020, by the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

26 Jan 2020

Jumping genes play surprising role in stabilizing DNA folding patterns

"Jumping genes" -- bits of DNA that can move from one spot in the genome to another -- are well-known for increasing genetic diversity over the long course of evolution.

24 Jan 2020

Stanford scientists complete first global census of cell surface proteins

Stanford scientists have completed the first global census of diverse proteins sprouting tree-like from the outer membrane of a cell. These cell surface proteins govern how cells interact with one another and how they assemble into tissues and organs such as hearts and brains.

24 Jan 2020

Iron overload, variant gene and malaria resistance linked in African study

A new study shows that a rare genetic mutation giving rise to a variant of the TP53 gene called P47S causes several linked biological processes.

24 Jan 2020

Study uncovers large, giant viruses that belong to NCLDV supergroup

While the microbes in a single drop of water could outnumber a small city's population, the number of viruses in the same drop - the vast majority not harmful to humans could be even larger.

24 Jan 2020

Scientists uncover genetic information of what keeps us healthy

Genetics plays a role in the overall health and well-being of humans. Genes provide instructions for making proteins, which help determine the structure and function of each cell in the body. Aside from determining the characteristics inherited, genes have been linked to many diseases. Scientists have determined the genetic information of health.

23 Jan 2020

Study reveals presence of functional extracellular mitochondria in the bloodstream

Mitochondria are organelles that are found in the eukaryotic cells. A place of cellular respiration, they are the cells' "batteries" and play a major role in energy metabolism and intercellular communication.

23 Jan 2020

Researchers identify novel cellular entry factor for AAV vector types

Researchers led by a team at Massachusetts Eye and Ear have identified a novel cellular entry factor for adeno-associated virus vector (AAV) types--the most commonly used viral vectors for in vivo gene therapy. AAVs are vectors-or vehicles--that are created from a virus that is made harmless by molecular engineering, and have shown promise transporting genetic therapy treatments to affected tissues.

23 Jan 2020

Scientists discover new drug target for prostate cancer in the non-coding genome

Scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have identified the drivers of a crucial gene involved in prostate cancer, revealing new targets for drug design.

23 Jan 2020

Scientists call for more effort to map the human exposome

An international team of researchers is calling for a large-scale effort to map the health effects of cumulative exposure to environmental components such as chemical pollutants.

23 Jan 2020

Protein p38 plays key role in supporting lung cancer growth

In 2018, 1.7 million people died from lung cancer worldwide, a number equivalent to the population of Barcelona. The high mortality rate of lung cancer reflects the need for the development of treatments that are more efficient.

23 Jan 2020

Synthego adopts good manufacturing practices for highest-quality genome engineering for clinical applications

Synthego, the genome engineering company, today announced it has adopted Good Manufacturing Practice standards to provide academic and industry partners with high-quality reagents for use in clinical research and development.

From Synthego Corporation 23 Jan 2020

Synthego adopts GMP standards for producing sgRNA

Synthego has adopted Good Manufacturing Practice standards for producing customized GMP-grade synthetic guide RNA at its facilities, an initiative the company said will benefit its academic and industry customers as they develop advanced cell and gene therapies.

From Synthego Corporation 23 Jan 2020

Oldest African DNA on record shines light on the deep human past

A team of international researchers, which includes a Saint Louis University Madrid anthropologist, dug deep to find some of the oldest African DNA on record, in a new study published in Nature.

22 Jan 2020

New findings can help explain why immune systems are not found in many bacteria

New findings from University of Exeter researchers reveal how bacterial immune systems can be harmful for their hosts and explain why they are not found in many bacteria.

22 Jan 2020

Aging of urine fertilizer prevents transfer of antibiotic resistance

The use of human urine as fertilizer is an important step towards sustainable agriculture because the starting reagent is free, plentiful and useless in most other contexts. It has been used as such for centuries, but with the current focus on environmental sustainability, the possibility of creating a nutrient cycle is under scrutiny. In other words, sourcing fertilizer from urine can be a green way to supply plants with the nutrients they need.

22 Jan 2020

Molecular biologists identify gene that puts brakes on tissue growth

The planarian flatworm is a simple animal with a mighty and highly unusual ability: it can regenerate itself from nearly every imaginable injury, including decapitation. These tiny worms can regrow any missing cell or tissue -- muscle, neurons, epidermis, eyes, even a new brain.

22 Jan 2020