DNA News and Research

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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Continued commercial development of research into DNA repair

Recent developments have greatly improved the understanding of the mechanisms used by cells to identify and repair breaks in DNA, and the potential for drugs that target DNA repair in the treatment of a range of human diseases including cancer.

28 Jun 2004

First university-based research center devoted to studying epigenetics

With a $5 million, five-year federal grant, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is establishing what is believed to be the first university-based research center devoted to studying epigenetics

28 Jun 2004

Gene chip technology can detect one of the commonest cystic fibrosis (CF) genetic mutations with 100% accuracy

A single genetic test that is capable of detecting all mutations involved in the development of cystic fibrosis could be just a few years away, the 20th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology heard today (Monday 28 June).

28 Jun 2004

Research for faster Polymerase Chain Reaction technology

Imagine being able to diagnose a viral strain at the site of an outbreak or identifying a deadly pathogen on the battlefield.

28 Jun 2004

Discovery of gene that causes a rare juvenile-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

The discovery of the Senataxin gene, on chromosome 9q34, may provide clues to the mechanisms of related brain disorders. The study appears in the June 2004 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

28 Jun 2004

Mighty mouse gene works the same way in humans

By studying the genes of a German child born with unusually well developed muscles, an international research team has discovered the first evidence that the gene whose loss makes "mighty mice" also controls muscle growth in people.

26 Jun 2004

New York study reveals that babies in the womb are more sensitive than their mothers to DNA damage from pollution

A new study of the effects of combustion-related air pollutants in New York City reveals that babies in the womb are more sensitive than their mothers to DNA damage from such pollution.

26 Jun 2004

MRSA "superbug" genome decoded

On 18 June 2004, the BBC reported fears that deaths from the 'superbug' MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) might double in the next five years.

25 Jun 2004

Discovery may explain why people with AIDS may suffer severe infections from viruses that they would otherwise defeat

Researchers have uncovered the first evidence that a virus can mutate to evade the body's first line of immune defense.

25 Jun 2004

Nanogen issued patent for a new technique to detect genetic variants

The '148 patent is a continuation of patents issued to Nanogen that cover methods and apparatus that are particularly useful for detecting varying lengths of genetic variants.

25 Jun 2004

Research suggests the brain is a much more sensitive organ than originally perceived, sensitive to the tiniest of chemical signals

The brain is a maddeningly complex organ for scientists to understand. No assumption can remain unchallenged, no given taken as a given.

24 Jun 2004

Catalogue of the 30,000 or so genes that contain the instructions to make a human or a mouse

With genomic sequencing at The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and other centres, researchers now have an extensive catalogue of the 30,000 or so genes that contain the instructions to make a human or a mouse.

24 Jun 2004

Treating cocaine addiction with a virus

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have designed a potentially valuable tool for treating cocaine addiction by creating a modified "phage" virus that soaks up the drug inside the brain.

24 Jun 2004

Newborns are more susceptible to DNA damage from pollution than their mothers

New Study of New York City Residents Shows That Newborns are More Susceptible to DNA Damage from Pollution than Their Mothers.

24 Jun 2004

Muscular German boy sheds new light on muscle development and genetics

By studying the genetic make up of a German boy born with unusually well developed muscles, an international research team has discovered the first evidence that the gene whose loss makes "mighty mice" also controls muscle growth in people.

24 Jun 2004

Genetic variation that doubles the risk for rheumatoid arthritis

A team of researchers has discovered a genetic variation that doubles the risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

24 Jun 2004

Don't tell your Grandma! Brussel sprouts could help protect against cancer

“DNA damage is associated with cancer risk. Sources of DNA damage include diet-related carcinogens, and bodily processes like oxidative stress – and the raw sprouts protect against this kind of damage.

23 Jun 2004

Prostate and kidney cancer can be detected in urine

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common male cancer in the Western world. There will be more than 44,6000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed in U.S. men this year and more than 15,600 new cases diagnosed in women As many as 25 percent of these cancers are diagnosed after the disease is advanced, leading to a poor prognosis.

23 Jun 2004

New eye-tracking device

The newest research device at The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation looks more like something out of a science fiction movie than a tool for discovering learning patterns.

21 Jun 2004

Targeting a gene that protects cancer cells from the lethal effects of radiotherapy could help improve the impact of treatment

Targeting a gene that protects cancer cells from the lethal effects of radiotherapy could help improve the impact of treatment, a leading Cancer Research UK scientist will tell conference delegates in Glasgow this week.

21 Jun 2004