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RNA interference can be used to silence genes selectively - potential for Huntington's disease therapy

Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers have designed tiny RNA molecules that shut off the gene that causes Huntington's disease without damaging that gene's healthy counterpart, which maintains the health and vitality of neurons.

12 Apr 2009

Genetic risk factors play role in autoantibody-negative rheumatoid arthritis

During the past few years, several new genetic risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been identified.

8 Apr 2009

Helicos BioSciences releases transcriptome sequencing datasets as open access

Helicos BioSciences has announced the release of transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) datasets on the HeliSphere Technology Center, the company's open access Web site for sharing Helicos datasets and bioinformatics software tools.

6 Apr 2009

Study looks at vitamin supplements for celiac disease

Coeliac disease is a typical example of a malabsorption syndrome conferring increased risk for various deficiency states, including folate and vitamin B12.

2 Apr 2009

Possible genetic cause for advanced colorectal cancer in blacks

Researchers have identified a possible genetic cause for increased risk for a more advanced form of colorectal cancer in blacks that leads to shorter survival, according to data published in Clinical Cancer Research , a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

1 Apr 2009

A comparative analysis of four beta blocker trials

ARCA biopharma, Inc. has announced that a comparative analysis of primary endpoint data from four beta blocker trials was presented at the American College of Cardiology 58th Annual Scientific Session being held March 29-31, 2009.

29 Mar 2009

Researchers look at genetic dynamics of inbreeding depression

Researchers have taken a first look at the broad genetic changes that accompany reproductive declines in inbred populations.

12 Mar 2009

Study looks at effect of vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 supplements in coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a typical example of a malabsorption syndrome conferring increased risk for various deficiency states, including folate and vitamin B12.

3 Mar 2009

Researchers discover gene variation linked to cocaine addiction and cocaine-induced paranoia

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Yale University School of Medicine and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, have discovered that variants in the á-endomannosidase (MANEA) gene are associated with cocaine addiction and cocaine-induced paranoia in European American and African American populations.

2 Mar 2009

Statistical analysis could yield new drug target for multiple sclerosis

An elaborate statistical analysis of genes from more than 7,000 individuals has identified an amino acid that appears to be a major risk factor for multiple sclerosis, a devastating autoimmune disorder that afflicts 2.5 million people worldwide.

15 Feb 2009

Researchers uncover serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4's role in severity of drinking

New research from the University of Virginia Health System could help explain why some alcoholics are more severe drinkers than others.

5 Feb 2009

Genetic variation cues social anxiety in monkeys and humans

A genetic variation involving the brain chemical serotonin has been found to shape the social behavior of rhesus macaque monkeys, which could provide researchers with a new model for studying autism, social anxiety and schizophrenia.

15 Jan 2009

Discovery of first gender-linked susceptibility gene for late-onset Alzheimer's disease

In the Jan. 11 online edition of Nature Genetics, they report the results of their two-stage genome-wide association study of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The research showed that women who inherited two copies of a variant in the PCDH11X gene, found on the X chromosome, are at considerably greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

12 Jan 2009

Innovative brain-scan technology helps visualize brain aging before symptoms appear

UCLA scientists have used innovative brain-scan technology developed at UCLA, along with patient-specific information on Alzheimer's disease risk, to help diagnose brain aging, often before symptoms appear.

6 Jan 2009

Few DNA repair gene variants associated with increased cancer risk

Variants of numerous DNA repair genes initially appeared to be statistically significantly associated with cancer risk in epidemiological studies.

1 Jan 2009

Men inherit tendency to have more sons or more daughters from their parents

A Newcastle University study involving thousands of families is helping prospective parents work out whether they are likely to have sons or daughters.

12 Dec 2008

Effects of stem cell source and patient age on stem cell transplantation outcomes

Two studies examining the effects of stem cell source and patient age on stem cell transplantation outcomes were explored at a press conference on Sunday, December 7 during the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco, CA.

8 Dec 2008

Incyte's selective Janus kinase inhibitor demonstrates rapid and durable clinical benefits in Myelofibrosis patients

Incyte Corporation will present updated results from an ongoing Phase II trial of INCB18424, its selective, orally available Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) at the 50th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.

8 Dec 2008

Discovery of gene variants that impact the placebo effect

It is a well-known fact in drug trials that individuals can respond just as well to placebos, sugar pills, as to the active drug.

3 Dec 2008

Protein indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase points to new pancreatic cancer therapies

An enzyme that is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells may hold the key to successfully treating the disease with targeted immunotherapy, researchers from Thomas Jefferson University reported at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Southern Surgical Association.

1 Dec 2008