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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a biologically important type of molecule that consists of a long chain of nucleotide units. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar, and a phosphate.

Researchers discover how gene commonly linked to obesity contributes to weight gain

Researchers have discovered how a gene commonly linked to obesity—FTO—contributes to weight gain. The study shows that variations in FTO indirectly affect the function of the primary cilium, a little-understood hair-like appendage on brain and other cells.

23 May 2014

Study: RNAi silencing strategy blocks production of mutant huntingtin protein

A targeted gene silencing strategy blocks production of the dysfunctional huntingtin (Htt) protein, the cause of Huntington's disease, a fatal, inherited neurodegenerative disorder.

22 May 2014

New compound restores learning, memory and other symptoms of AD in mice

A molecular compound developed by Saint Louis University scientists restored learning, memory and appropriate behavior in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, according to findings in the May issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

21 May 2014

DNA-directed RNA interference and hepatitis C: an interview with Carl Stubbings, Chief Business Officer, Benitec Biopharma

RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring process, which cells can use to silence, or ‘turn off’ unwanted genes.

From Quest Diagnostics 19 May 2014

Research: Single episode of binge drinking can have negative health effects

It only takes one time. That's the message of a new study by scientists at the University of Massachusetts Medical School on binge drinking. Their research found that a single episode of binge drinking can have significant negative health effects resulting in bacteria leaking from the gut, leading to increased levels of toxins in the blood.

16 May 2014

Researchers test genomic sequencing for women with triple negative breast cancer

Indiana University cancer researchers are testing whether therapy incorporating advanced genomic technology will provide better outcomes than current treatments for those with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

15 May 2014

Isis Pharmaceuticals receives $3 million milestone payment from GSK

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that it has earned a $3.0 million milestone payment from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) related to the initiation of a natural history study, which will support the advancement of one of the alliance programs.

15 May 2014

Scientists report major breakthrough in understanding molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), perhaps the most studied among the class of diseases that involves defects in parental imprinting.

14 May 2014

Researchers use molecular diagnostic methods to detect cancer

The ABC Medical Center, located in Mexico City, implemented various molecular diagnostic methods that can detect the genetic alterations in several types of cancer, so they can select a personalized therapy for each patient and direct it against the mutated genes that cause disease.

13 May 2014

Foundation Medicine obtains CE mark for FoundationOne

Foundation Medicine, Inc. today announced that it has obtained a CE mark for FoundationOne®. The CE mark allows FoundationOne to be placed on the market in the European Economic Area.

12 May 2014

Spring Bank announces 3 presentations on SB 9200 at 27th ICAR

Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering and developing novel drugs to treat a number of medical conditions, with a primary focus in antivirals, today announced three presentations on SB 9200, its lead drug candidate for the treatment of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections, at the 27th International Conference on Antiviral Research (ICAR) being held May 12-16, 2014 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC.

12 May 2014

Biochemists identify protein that can slow down growth of brain tumors in mice

Much like using dimmer switches to brighten or darken rooms, biochemists have identified a protein that can be used to slow down or speed up the growth of brain tumors in mice.

12 May 2014

Corneal nerve fiber assessment has potential to monitor peripheral neuropathy induced by HIV

Corneal nerve fiber assessment has great potential as a tool to diagnose and monitor peripheral neuropathy induced by HIV, say scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

12 May 2014

Single-cell genomics study confirms that immune cells produce steroids

Researchers at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have discovered that some immune cells turn themselves off by producing a steroid.

9 May 2014

TSRI scientists create bacteria with expanded DNA code

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have engineered a bacterium whose genetic material includes an added pair of DNA “letters,” or bases, not found in nature. The cells of this unique bacterium can replicate the unnatural DNA bases more or less normally, for as long as the molecular building blocks are supplied.

8 May 2014

Leica and Affymetrix launch fully automated RNA in situ hybridization assays

Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFFX) and Leica Biosystems announce the launch of Affymetrix' fully automated RNA in situ hybridization assays ViewRNATM eZ Assays on the Leica BOND RX staining platform.

8 May 2014

Biomarker predicts bipolarity in depressed patients

Measuring plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with a first episode of depression could help to predict who will go on to develop bipolar disorder, research suggests.

7 May 2014

NanoString receives license from Health Canada to market Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, today announced that it has received a Class III Medical Device License from Health Canada, clearing the company to market its Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay for assessing a woman's 10-year risk of distant recurrence and accurately identifying the intrinsic biologic subtype of the tumor.

From NanoString Technologies 7 May 2014

Study reveals how ovarian cancer metabolism changes between early, late stages

A Rice University-led analysis of the metabolic profiles of hundreds of ovarian tumors has revealed a new test to determine whether ovarian cancer cells have the potential to metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. The study also suggests how ovarian cancer treatments can be tailored based on the metabolic profile of a particular tumor.

6 May 2014

Johns Hopkins biochemists figure out HIV-fighting activity of enzyme

Johns Hopkins biochemists have figured out what is needed to activate and sustain the virus-fighting activity of an enzyme found in CD4+ T cells, the human immune cells infected by HIV. The discovery could launch a more effective strategy for preventing the spread of HIV in the body with drugs targeting this enzyme, they say.

2 May 2014