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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).

Scientists discover molecular pathway that can prevent death of oocytes due to chemotherapy

Young women who have cancer treatment often lose their fertility because chemotherapy and radiation can damage or kill their immature ovarian eggs, called oocytes. Now, Northwestern Medicine- scientists have found the molecular pathway that can prevent the death of immature ovarian eggs due to chemotherapy, potentially preserving fertility and endocrine function.

18 Jun 2013

MGH researchers discover CNVs in members of 10 families with early-onset Alzheimer's

Although a family history of Alzheimer's disease is a primary risk factor for the devastating neurological disorder, mutations in only three genes - the amyloid precursor protein and presenilins 1 and 2 - have been established as causative for inherited, early-onset Alzheimer's, accounting for about half of such cases.

18 Jun 2013

Researchers use patient-specific stem cells to correct deficient insulin-producing cells

A team from the New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute and the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center of Columbia University has generated patient-specific beta cells, or insulin-producing cells, that accurately reflect the features of maturity-onset diabetes of the young.

18 Jun 2013

Study: Male mice fed with high-fat diet are more likely to father offspring with higher levels of body fat

Male mice who were fed a high-fat diet and became obese were more likely to father offspring who also had higher levels of body fat, a new Ohio University study finds.

17 Jun 2013

RetroNectin reagent now available for gene therapy clinical research

In an effort to aid progress in gene therapy clinical research, representatives of Clontech laboratories, Inc. and its parent company Takara Bio Inc. announce the availability of clinical grade RetroNectin reagent for direct supply to biomedical researchers.

17 Jun 2013

Genmab, ADC Therapeutics agree to develop new antibody-drug conjugate product

Genmab A/S and ADC Therapeutics Sarl, announced today an agreement to develop a new antibody-drug conjugate product combining Genmab's HuMax-TAC antibody and ADC Therapeutics' PBD-based warhead and linker technology.

17 Jun 2013

Researchers produce first genome-wide investigation of cap-independent translation

Because of their central importance to biology, proteins have been the focus of intense research, particularly the manner in which they are produced from genetically coded templates-a process commonly known as translation. While the general mechanism of translation has been understood for some time, protein synthesis can initiate by more than one mechanism. One of the least well understood mechanisms is known as cap-independent translation.

17 Jun 2013

Researchers identify genetic mutation responsible for MDP Syndrome

National Paracycling Champion Tom Staniford has an extremely rare condition which, until now, has puzzled his doctors. He is unable to store fat under his skin - yet has type 2 diabetes - and suffered hearing loss as a child. Now, thanks to advances in genome sequencing, an international research team led by the University of Exeter Medical School has identified Tom's condition and pinpointed the single genetic mutation that causes it.

17 Jun 2013

Pathway Genomics to provide genetic testing for BRCA gene linked to breast, ovarian cancers

Pathway Genomics led the evening news Friday with an announcement that it could begin offering affordable access to genetic testing for the BRCA gene linked to breast and ovarian cancers in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that eliminated another company's monopoly on the test.

15 Jun 2013

In unanimous decision, Supreme Court justices rule genes can't be patented

The decision was applauded by many researchers and drew speculation that it could likely boost patient care. Meanwhile, the stock of Myriad Genetics tumbled after the court's finding invalidated the company's hold on testing for two breast cancer genes.

15 Jun 2013

Comparison of 1,000-year-old and modern bacterial genomes provides insights into history of leprosy pathogen

From skeletons and biopsies, an international team of scientists was successful in reconstructing a dozen medieval and modern genomes of the leprosy-causing bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.

15 Jun 2013

Researchers uncover DNA damage checkpoint used by cells to monitor oxidatively damaged DNA

In current health lore, antioxidants are all the rage, as "everybody knows" that reducing the amount of "reactive oxygen species" -- cell-damaging molecules that are byproducts of cellular metabolism -- is critical to staying healthy. What everyone doesn't know is that our bodies already have a complex set of processes built into our cells that handle these harmful byproducts of living and repair the damage they cause.

15 Jun 2013

Supreme Court DNA ruling leaves questions unanswered

Editorial boards weigh in on what Thursday's Supreme Court ruling means for medical research and for the medical industry.

15 Jun 2013

HandsFree system helps analyze next generation sequencing data

In the early 1990s, an international effort was launched by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health to sequence the human genome. The project took 13 years, involved many scientists in several countries, and cost $2.7 billion (in FY 1991) dollars.

15 Jun 2013

UCSF researchers discover memory-boosting molecule in mice

Memory improved in mice injected with a small, drug-like molecule discovered by UCSF San Francisco researchers studying how cells respond to biological stress.

15 Jun 2013

Abnormal metabolic pathway drives cancer-cell growth in glioblastoma subtype

A study led by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James) has identified an abnormal metabolic pathway that drives cancer-cell growth in a particular glioblastoma subtype. The finding might lead to new therapies for a subset of patients with glioblastoma, the most common and lethal form of brain cancer.

14 Jun 2013

New research finding raises questions about common mutant forms of JC polyomavirus

The JC polyomavirus is clearly opportunistic. It infects half the population but lethally destroys brain tissue only in immunocompromised patients - and it may be outright sneaky, too. Even as a new research paper allays fears that common mutant forms of the virus are the ones directly responsible for the disease's main attack, that same finding raises new questions about what the mutants are doing instead.

14 Jun 2013

Gene variants may predict which women are most likely to benefit from breast cancer therapy

In women at high risk for breast cancer, a long-term drug treatment can cut the risk of developing the disease in half. Researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health have now identified two gene variants that may predict which women are most likely to benefit from this therapy—and which should avoid it.

14 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 14, 2013

Today's headlines includes reports about how, after months of battle, Arizona lawmakers endorsed a Medicaid expansion plan backed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

14 Jun 2013

Genetic variations may help predict breast cancer risk in women who receive preventive therapy

Newly discovered genetic variations may help predict breast cancer risk in women who receive preventive breast cancer therapy with the selective estrogen receptor modulator drugs tamoxifen and raloxifene, a Mayo Clinic-led study has found. The study is published in the journal Cancer Discovery.

14 Jun 2013

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Scientists discover molecular pathway that can prevent death of oocytes due to chemotherapy

MGH researchers discover CNVs in members of 10 families with early-onset Alzheimer's

Researchers use patient-specific stem cells to correct deficient insulin-producing cells

Study: Male mice fed with high-fat diet are more likely to father offspring with higher levels of body fat

RetroNectin reagent now available for gene therapy clinical research

Genmab, ADC Therapeutics agree to develop new antibody-drug conjugate product

Researchers produce first genome-wide investigation of cap-independent translation

Researchers identify genetic mutation responsible for MDP Syndrome

Pathway Genomics to provide genetic testing for BRCA gene linked to breast, ovarian cancers

In unanimous decision, Supreme Court justices rule genes can't be patented

Comparison of 1,000-year-old and modern bacterial genomes provides insights into history of leprosy pathogen

Researchers uncover DNA damage checkpoint used by cells to monitor oxidatively damaged DNA

Supreme Court DNA ruling leaves questions unanswered

HandsFree system helps analyze next generation sequencing data

UCSF researchers discover memory-boosting molecule in mice

Abnormal metabolic pathway drives cancer-cell growth in glioblastoma subtype

New research finding raises questions about common mutant forms of JC polyomavirus

Gene variants may predict which women are most likely to benefit from breast cancer therapy

First Edition: June 14, 2013

Genetic variations may help predict breast cancer risk in women who receive preventive therapy

Sensing a Healthier Future

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

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