Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

UK scientists discover cancer-blocking activity in Down's syndrome chromosome

Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered cancer-blocking activity for genes carried on chromosome 21 - an extra copy of which is carried by people with Down's syndrome, reveals research published in Nature.

11 Jun 2010

Interpretation of multiple gene function may hold clue to autism

Deciphering the functions of multiple rare genes may be at the core of understanding the genetic factors that cause autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to a new study published June 9 in the journal Nature by dozens of top autism researchers around the world, including Yale Child Study Center Director Fred R. Volkmar, M.D.

11 Jun 2010

Study demonstrates p53 protein becomes activated during gamete formation

Protein p53 is known as the guardian of the genome since it is basic for the genome's integrity by preventing the accumulation of mutations originating either by the cell's own mechanisms or by the action of external agents.

11 Jun 2010

Reprogrammed killer cells prevent metastasis

A team of researchers has developed a method to produce cells that kill tumour cells in the lab and prevent tumours forming in mouse models of cancer. Although the current work is in cells and mouse, if the research transfers to human biology, the new type of cell could be a new source for cell-based anticancer therapies.

11 Jun 2010

PPMD to fund two promising research initiatives in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Patricia A. Furlong, Founding President and CEO of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest non-profit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), announced today that PPMD will be funding two critical, promising research initiatives in Duchenne.

11 Jun 2010

Pfizer to join SGC-led collaboration to generate chemical probes for proteins involved in epigenetic signalling

The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) and Pfizer today announced that Pfizer will join the SGC-led public-private collaboration to generate small molecule inhibitors - "chemical probes" - for proteins involved in epigenetic signalling.

11 Jun 2010

Study offers new insights into how brain chooses between behaviors that are critical for survival

A team of biologists has isolated genes that regulate the sleep-feeding conflict. The study, which appears in the latest issue of the journal Current Biology, offers new insights into how the brain chooses between behaviors that are critical for survival.

11 Jun 2010

Study identifies mechanism that interrupts normal p53 gene function leading to tumor development

The p53 gene has been a well-documented player in the prevention of tumors. It is considered the most frequently mutated gene in human tumors with more than half harboring p53 mutations (Bennett et al., 1999). These mutations often can be caused by disruption in normal p53 function.

11 Jun 2010

Gambling addiction can be inherited equally by sons and daughters: Study

Gambling is linked to a gene that is passed on through generations and a new study claims that it is passed on to both sons and daughters alike. The study published in the June issue of Archives of General Psychiatry says, that genes rule at least 50 percent of a persons propensity to gamble irrespective of sex. Genes have been linked earlier to gambling but this is the first time women are also said to inherit the trait.

10 Jun 2010

WaferGen announces microRNA, oncology gene panels for SmartChip Real-Time PCR System

WaferGen Biosystems, Inc., a leading developer of state-of-the-art genetic analysis systems, today announced the availability of two gene expression profiling panels for the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System that will enable microRNA and cancer pathway profiling capability.

10 Jun 2010

StemCells' GS2-M cell culture media formulation enhances pluripotency of human ES, iPS cells

StemCells, Inc. announced today that newly published independent research demonstrates that its GS2-M cell culture media formulation enhances the pluripotency of human embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cells. The Company's GS2-M medium has already been shown to enable the derivation and long-term maintenance of mouse iPS cells.

10 Jun 2010

NanoString Technologies launches new solution to detect CNVs in human genomic samples

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held life sciences company marketing a complete solution for detecting and counting large sets of target molecules in biological samples, today announced the launch of its early access program for a unique new solution that detects copy number variation in human genomic samples. The program was announced in conjunction with the company's participation in the European Human Genetics Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.

From NanoString Technologies 10 Jun 2010

Neutralizing inhibitory molecules does not improve regeneration in damaged spinal axons

Neuroscientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have found that removing three key inhibitory molecules from myelin - the insulating material that surrounds nerve cell fibers - does not significantly boost the ability of injured spinal axons to regenerate and restore themselves to full function.

10 Jun 2010

Researchers validate effectiveness of genome sequencing process for hereditary genetic diseases

A research team led by Dr. Nada Jabado at the MUHC Research Institute and Dr. Jacek Majewski at McGill University has proven for the first time that it is possible to identify any genetic disease in record time thanks to a powerful and reliable exome sequencing method. The exome, a small part of the genome ((less than) 2%), is of crucial interest with regard to research on genetic diseases as it accounts for 85% of mutations.

10 Jun 2010

Misinterpretation of genetic information may undermine efforts to promote behavioral changes for disease prevention

Does knowing that genes are partly responsible for your health condition mean you are less likely to be motivated to find out about the benefits of behavioral changes? According to Dr. Suzanne O'Neill from the National Human Genome Research Institute/National Institutes of Health, and her colleagues, people on the whole are still interested in how health habits affect disease risk.

10 Jun 2010

Extensive usage of antibiotic linezolid associated with ICU outbreak of LRSA

An outbreak of infection due to linezolid and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LRSA) in 12 intensive care unit patients in Spain was associated with transmission within the hospital and extensive usage of the antibiotic linezolid, often used for the treatment of serious infections, with reductions in linezolid use and infection-control measures associated with resolution of the outbreak, according to a study in the June 9 issue of JAMA.

10 Jun 2010

Clarient becomes preferred genetic testing lab for Generation Health

Clarient, Inc., a premier technology and services resource for pathologists, oncologists and the pharmaceutical industry, today announced a new contractual agreement with Generation Health, Inc. (GH). This agreement makes Clarient a preferred genetic testing lab for GH, thereby ensuring reimbursement of diagnostic tests done for GH's nationwide network of payor clients and expanding Clarient's potential market. GH is a genetic benefit management company partially-owned by CVS Caremark, the nation's largest pharmacy healthcare provider.

10 Jun 2010

Researchers differentiate human stem cells to become heart cells with cardiomyopathy

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have for the first time differentiated human stem cells to become heart cells with cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle cells are abnormal. The discovery will allow scientists to learn how those heart cells become diseased and from there, they can begin developing drug therapies to stop the disease from occurring or progressing. The study is published in the June 9th issue of Nature.

10 Jun 2010

DermaGenoma releases CelluliteDX Genetic Test for women

As summer swimsuit season heats up, women around the world will inspect their looks in the mirror. A majority of them will see cellulite - at some point - but a new genetic test may be able to help them avoid cellulite before anyone notices.

10 Jun 2010

World's largest DNA scan reveals new genetic changes in autistic children

The world's largest DNA scan for familial autism has uncovered new genetic changes in autistic children that are often not present in their parents. Identified in less than 1 percent of the population, these rare variants occur nearly 20 percent more in autistic children.

10 Jun 2010

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

UK scientists discover cancer-blocking activity in Down's syndrome chromosome

Interpretation of multiple gene function may hold clue to autism

Study demonstrates p53 protein becomes activated during gamete formation

Reprogrammed killer cells prevent metastasis

PPMD to fund two promising research initiatives in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Pfizer to join SGC-led collaboration to generate chemical probes for proteins involved in epigenetic signalling

Study offers new insights into how brain chooses between behaviors that are critical for survival

Study identifies mechanism that interrupts normal p53 gene function leading to tumor development

Gambling addiction can be inherited equally by sons and daughters: Study

WaferGen announces microRNA, oncology gene panels for SmartChip Real-Time PCR System

StemCells' GS2-M cell culture media formulation enhances pluripotency of human ES, iPS cells

NanoString Technologies launches new solution to detect CNVs in human genomic samples

Neutralizing inhibitory molecules does not improve regeneration in damaged spinal axons

Researchers validate effectiveness of genome sequencing process for hereditary genetic diseases

Misinterpretation of genetic information may undermine efforts to promote behavioral changes for disease prevention

Extensive usage of antibiotic linezolid associated with ICU outbreak of LRSA

Clarient becomes preferred genetic testing lab for Generation Health

Researchers differentiate human stem cells to become heart cells with cardiomyopathy

DermaGenoma releases CelluliteDX Genetic Test for women

World's largest DNA scan reveals new genetic changes in autistic children

eBook: Using iPSCs models for human disease research and drug discovery eBook

Advancing benzodiazepine detection

The Surgeon-Scientist Pioneering Regenerative Engineering

Leveraging the Radian ASAP in standard casework