Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Researchers use proteins to 'switch on' heart tissue repair system

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine are utilizing a protein to "switch on" the ability to repair damaged heart tissue.

9 Jul 2006

The secret to a long active life is to eat less

According to Canadian scientists the secret to a long active life is to eat less.

6 Jul 2006

Discovery of gene mutation gives hope for Down syndrome and Alzheimer's victims

Researchers in the U.S. have discovered a gene mutation that shrivels brain cells which they suspect is responsible for the mental retardation seen in Down syndrome.

6 Jul 2006

Celiac success: New enzyme efficiently degrades gluten

A new enzyme originally developed for commercial food processing turns out to also quickly and nearly-completely break down whole gluten molecules as well as the T cell stimulatory peptides that cause celiac disease, a digestive disease with no current effective treatment other than avoiding wheat, barley or rye products.

5 Jul 2006

New Australian 'assassin' drug has huge potential

Australian researchers have come up with a new drug which they believe has the potential to fight a wide range of illnesses and diseases including cancer, age-related blindness, heart disease and arthritis.

5 Jul 2006

Sleep gene discovery

Proteins that regulate sleep and biological timing in the body work much differently than previously thought, meaning drug makers must change their approach to making drugs for sleep disorders and depression and other timing-related illnesses.

4 Jul 2006

New diagnostic approach for carriers of recessive genetic disorders

Scientists Vivian Cheung and Warren Ewens from the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new approach for the diagnosis of medical disorders that are inherited in a recessive manner.

3 Jul 2006

Researchers develop T-cells from human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells can be genetically manipulated and coaxed to develop into mature T-cells, raising hopes for a gene therapy to combat AIDS.

3 Jul 2006

New genetic findings relating to the tau mutation

The first gene known to control the internal clock of humans and other mammals works much differently than previously believed, according to a study by Utah and Michigan researchers.

3 Jul 2006

Potential permanent genetic cure for hemophilia A

A discovery by Medical College of Wisconsin and BloodCenter of Wisconsin researchers in Milwaukee may be a key to a permanent genetic cure for hemophilia A patients, including a subset who do not respond to conventional blood transfusions.

3 Jul 2006

New class of experimental drug that targets master regulator gene called c-Jun

University of New South Wales (UNSW) researchers have announced they are developing a new class of experimental drug that has the potential to treat a diverse range of health problems, from inflammation and cancer through to eye and heart disease.

3 Jul 2006

New drug restores sight in sufferers from AMD

A new drug with the capacity to reverse vision loss in some patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has won approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S.

3 Jul 2006

Research into Parkinson's Disease receives a boost

Research into Parkinson's Disease at the University of Dundee has received a boost from a fundraising campaign organised by the Falkirk Branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society.

29 Jun 2006

New gene amplification findings could benefit cancer research

Gene amplification plays an important role in causing cancers via activation of oncogenes.

29 Jun 2006

England supporters could experience euphoria for several months without the assistance of drugs

England supporters could experience boundless euphoria for several months without the assistance of drugs if England wins the world cup, but is this state sustainable, asks Professor Keith Kendrick.

28 Jun 2006

Liver cancer is likely caused by cycles of liver cell death and renewal

Research at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine shows that liver cancer is likely caused by cycles of liver cell death and renewal.

27 Jun 2006

X-rays increase breast cancer risk

According to new research X-rays may significantly increase the risk of breast cancer in women who are genetically susceptible to the disease.

27 Jun 2006

Researchers identify gene used to recognize pathogens

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have identified a gene in the Anopheles gambiae mosquito's DNA that is central to the insect's ability to defend against infectious pathogens, including Plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria in humans.

27 Jun 2006

3 new genes implicated in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers continue to search for genetic clues into rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory joint disease.

27 Jun 2006

Structure of bacteriophage shown to resemble a human virus

New research has revealed that the structure of a bacteriophage, a virus infecting bacteria, resembles that of certain dangerous viruses that infect people.

26 Jun 2006