Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

TSRI scientists describe severe immune overreaction caused by flu infections

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute 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.

28 Feb 2014

Research reveals very unique evolutionary innovations in primate brain

New research by UC Santa Barbara's Kenneth S. Kosik, Harriman Professor of Neuroscience, reveals some very unique evolutionary innovations in the primate brain.

28 Feb 2014

Vaccine targeting tumors could initiate immune response to fight cancer

Cincinnati Cancer Center (CCC) and UC Cancer Institute researchers have found that a vaccine, targeting tumors that produce a certain protein and receptor responsible for communication between cells and the body's immune system, could initiate the immune response to fight cancer.

28 Feb 2014

Study identifies promising target for new drugs to treat lethal form of brain cancer

A molecule in cells that shuts down the expression of genes might be a promising target for new drugs designed to treat the most frequent and lethal form of brain cancer, according to a new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

27 Feb 2014

Study provides novel insight into the impact of genes on Huntington's disease

A study led by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine provides novel insight into the impact that genes may have on Huntington's disease (HD). The study, published online in PLOS Genetics, identified specific small segments of RNA (called micro RNA or miRNA) encoded in DNA in the human genome that are highly expressed in HD.

27 Feb 2014

Babies delivered by C-section may be more likely to become obese

Babies that are delivered by caeserean section are more likely to become overweight or obese as adults, according to researchers from Imperial College, London.

27 Feb 2014

Vitamin A may play key role in combating TB, says study

Tuberculosis is a major global problem, affecting 2 billion people worldwide and causing an estimated 2 million deaths annually. Western countries are once again tackling the disease, with recent outbreaks in Los Angeles and London.

27 Feb 2014

Study demonstrates impact of vitamin D on social behavior linked with ASD

A new study by Rhonda Patrick, PhD and Bruce Ames, PhD of Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) demonstrates the impact that Vitamin D may have on social behavior associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

26 Feb 2014

Cognitive decline in obese diabetic mice can be reversed with regular exercise, surgical removal of belly fat

Cognitive decline that often accompanies obesity and diabetes can be reversed with regular exercise or surgical removal of belly fat, scientists report.

26 Feb 2014

Novel SCLC tumour suppressor gene discovered

Inactivation of the MYC-associated factor X gene, MAX, may play a significant role in the development of small-cell lung cancer, scientists believe.

26 Feb 2014

Viewpoints: Finding a plan for 'tinkering with DNA'; fact-checking claims of ACA losses; pediatricians' fears of retail clinics

The manipulation of human genes could lead to profound advances in our ability to cure or prevent terrible diseases. But in some cases, it might also mean introducing genetic material that could be passed from one generation to the next, changing the human gene pool in a manner that could inadvertently harm peoples' health.

26 Feb 2014

Study highlights the importance of personalized medicine for treating cancer

If a driver is traveling to New York City, I-95 might be their route of choice. But they could also take I-78, I-87 or any number of alternate routes. Most cancers begin similarly, with many possible routes to the same disease. A new study found evidence that assessing the route to cancer on a case-by-case basis might make more sense than basing a patient's cancer treatment on commonly disrupted genes and pathways.

26 Feb 2014

FDA approves KALYDECO for people with cystic fibrosis

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for KALYDECOTM (ivacaftor) for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages 6 and older who have one of eight additional mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. KALYDECO was first approved in January 2012 for people with CF ages 6 and older who have at least one copy of the G551D mutation.

26 Feb 2014

Scales of zebrafish suitable for identifying new drugs for treating bone diseases

The scales of the zebrafish are very suitable for identifying potential new drugs for treating bone diseases. This is good news because it means fewer mice and rats will be needed for that work.

26 Feb 2014

Study identifies enzyme with key role in precancerous lesions

Cancer of the pancreas is usually not detected until it's too late to cure. But precursor lesions that form in the pancreas and its ducts can signal the disease before it strikes, and when caught early enough, they can be prevented from progressing to become cancer.

26 Feb 2014

Preventive oophorectomy reduces risks of ovarian, breast cancers in women with BRCA mutation

Women who carry a BRCA gene mutation and opt for a preventive oophorectomy, or ovary removal surgery, have a 77 per cent lower risk of death than those who do not, according to a new study led by Women's College Hospital's Amy Finch and Dr. Steven Narod.

26 Feb 2014

Researcher isolates gene thought to play role in development of Alzheimer's disease

A team of international scientists, including a researcher from Simon Fraser University, has isolated a gene thought to play a causal role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently published the team's study.

26 Feb 2014

Isis Pharmaceuticals provides update on ISIS-SMNRx Phase 2 study in infants with SMA

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today provided an update on its ongoing open label, multiple dose Phase 2 study of ISIS-SMNRx in infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

25 Feb 2014

Researchers use new tools to measure and track B-12 vitamins in the ocean

The phrase, 'Eat your vitamins,' applies to marine animals just like humans. Many vitamins, including B-12, are elusive in the ocean environment.

25 Feb 2014

Researchers find that single genetic mutation causes resistance to DDT and pyrethroids

Researchers from LSTM have found that a single genetic mutation causes resistance to DDT and pyrethroids (an insecticide class used in mosquito nets). With the continuing rise of resistance the research, published in the journal Genome Biology, is key as scientists say that this knowledge could help improve malaria control strategies.

25 Feb 2014

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

TSRI scientists describe severe immune overreaction caused by flu infections

Research reveals very unique evolutionary innovations in primate brain

Vaccine targeting tumors could initiate immune response to fight cancer

Study identifies promising target for new drugs to treat lethal form of brain cancer

Study provides novel insight into the impact of genes on Huntington's disease

Babies delivered by C-section may be more likely to become obese

Vitamin A may play key role in combating TB, says study

Study demonstrates impact of vitamin D on social behavior linked with ASD

Cognitive decline in obese diabetic mice can be reversed with regular exercise, surgical removal of belly fat

Novel SCLC tumour suppressor gene discovered

Viewpoints: Finding a plan for 'tinkering with DNA'; fact-checking claims of ACA losses; pediatricians' fears of retail clinics

Study highlights the importance of personalized medicine for treating cancer

FDA approves KALYDECO for people with cystic fibrosis

Scales of zebrafish suitable for identifying new drugs for treating bone diseases

Study identifies enzyme with key role in precancerous lesions

Preventive oophorectomy reduces risks of ovarian, breast cancers in women with BRCA mutation

Researcher isolates gene thought to play role in development of Alzheimer's disease

Isis Pharmaceuticals provides update on ISIS-SMNRx Phase 2 study in infants with SMA

Researchers use new tools to measure and track B-12 vitamins in the ocean

Researchers find that single genetic mutation causes resistance to DDT and pyrethroids

Industry Focus: Cell & Gene Therapy eBook

Todd Bauman and Chris Povich

Scaling organ‑chip technology for human‑relevant drug discovery

Unlocking drug amorphization: Continuous, solvent-free twin screw granulation