Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Hypervirulent S. pneumoniae mutants discovered

Swedish researchers studying Streptococcus pneumoniae have discovered “hypervirulent” mutant forms of the bacteria that are selected for because they are more resistant to clearance by macrophages.

3 Mar 2014

Biostatistics provides clues to understanding autism: an interview with Dr Knut M. Wittkowski, The Rockefeller University

The incidence of autism spectrum disorders has increased sharply since it was first described 60 years ago. Today, ASD affects more than 1% of all children in the U.S. and about half of them develop a life-long disability.

3 Mar 2014

Five women scientists to receive ‘L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards'

On March 19th the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO will present the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science awards to five outstanding women scientists.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists uncover key mechanism of gene regulation

In the cells of humans and other organisms, only a subset of genes are active at any given time, depending largely on the stage of life and the particular duties of the cell. Cells use different molecular mechanisms to orchestrate the activation and deactivation of genes as needed.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists map key elements of immune overreaction triggered by influenza virus infection

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have mapped key elements of a severe immune overreaction—a "cytokine storm"—that can both sicken and kill patients who are infected with certain strains of flu virus.

3 Mar 2014

3D structure of enzyme helps defend against bacteria

An essential weapon in the body's fight against infection has come into sharper view. Researchers at Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure of an enzyme that cuts to ribbons the genetic material of viruses and helps defend against bacteria.

3 Mar 2014

Researchers find unusual mutation strongly linked to rare liver cancer that affects teens

In the race for better treatments and possible cures, rare diseases are often left behind. In a collaboration of researchers at The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the New York Genome Center (NYGC), an unusual mutation has been found that is strongly linked to one such disease: a rare liver cancer that affects teens and young adults.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists unveil role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common and lethal types of childhood cancers. In a paper published online today in OncoTarget, a researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio unveils the important role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma development, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities.

3 Mar 2014

Standard nomenclature of insect brains may improve future research on brain function and disease

When you're talking about something as complex as the brain, the task isn't any easier if the vocabula

3 Mar 2014

Teen diagnosed with liver cancer explores genetic link to rare cancers

A father-daughter scientific collaboration that began after the daughter was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer has led to an important finding and could have broader implications for many other rare cancers. Their story is being published this week in a top tier journal, Science.

3 Mar 2014

Researchers identify mutations in gene that can reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes

An international team led by researchers at the Broad Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has identified mutations in a gene that can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even in people who have risk factors such as obesity and old age.

3 Mar 2014

High-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet could delay progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet could delay the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, according to a phase 2 study published in The Lancet.

3 Mar 2014

Asthma drug accelerates desensitization in patients with food allergies to several foods

An asthma drug accelerates the process of desensitizing patients with food allergies to several foods at the same time, a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford shows.

3 Mar 2014

NCI scientist recognized for AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Excellence in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the American Cancer Society will recognize Curtis C. Harris, M.D., with the 23rd Annual AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Excellence in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention at the AACR Annual Meeting 2014, to be held in San Diego, Calif., April 5-9.

3 Mar 2014

Elevated homocysteine not gender-specific in schizophrenia

Japanese researchers have demonstrated that both men and women with schizophrenia have significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels than healthy controls.

28 Feb 2014

Abingworth announces final closing of £225M ($375M) fund

Abingworth, the international investment group dedicated to life sciences and healthcare, today announced the final closing of its £225m ($375m) fund, Abingworth Bioventures VI (ABV VI). ABV VI, Abingworth's 10th life sciences fund, exceeded its target of £200 million and invests in life sciences and healthcare both in Europe and the US.

28 Feb 2014

LMU researchers identify genetic mutations that result in overproduction of cortisol

An international team of researchers led by an endocrinologist at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich has identified genetic mutations that result in uncontrolled synthesis and secretion of the stress hormone cortisol.

28 Feb 2014

Researchers develop new web-based tool to unlock genetics behind grapevine development

University of Adelaide researchers have developed a new web-based tool to help unlock the complex genetics and biological processes behind grapevine development.

28 Feb 2014

Protein interaction network provides invaluable resource to identify targets for Huntington's disease

Researchers at the Buck Institute have identified and categorized thousands of protein interactions involving huntingtin, the protein responsible for Huntington's disease (HD). To use an analogy of a human social network, the identified proteins are like "friends" and "friends of friends" of the HD protein.

28 Feb 2014

Protein that controls Drosophila nervous system may play role in reversing brain injuries in human

A protein that controls the metamorphosis of the common fruit fly could someday play a role in reversing brain injuries, said Duke University researchers.

28 Feb 2014

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Hypervirulent S. pneumoniae mutants discovered

Biostatistics provides clues to understanding autism: an interview with Dr Knut M. Wittkowski, The Rockefeller University

Five women scientists to receive ‘L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards'

Scientists uncover key mechanism of gene regulation

Scientists map key elements of immune overreaction triggered by influenza virus infection

3D structure of enzyme helps defend against bacteria

Researchers find unusual mutation strongly linked to rare liver cancer that affects teens

Scientists unveil role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities

Standard nomenclature of insect brains may improve future research on brain function and disease

Teen diagnosed with liver cancer explores genetic link to rare cancers

Researchers identify mutations in gene that can reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes

High-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet could delay progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Asthma drug accelerates desensitization in patients with food allergies to several foods

NCI scientist recognized for AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Excellence in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention

Elevated homocysteine not gender-specific in schizophrenia

Abingworth announces final closing of £225M ($375M) fund

LMU researchers identify genetic mutations that result in overproduction of cortisol

Researchers develop new web-based tool to unlock genetics behind grapevine development

Protein interaction network provides invaluable resource to identify targets for Huntington's disease

Protein that controls Drosophila nervous system may play role in reversing brain injuries in human

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