Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

$10 million gift creates new center at Northwestern University to study effects of environment on genes

A new $10 million gift from University trustees and supporters Louis A. Simpson '58 and Kimberly K. Querrey will create a center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to study the effects of environment on the activation and expression of genes.

21 Nov 2017

UVA scientists working to find end-around method to stop triple-negative breast cancer

So-called "triple-negative" breast cancer is a particularly aggressive and difficult-to-treat form. It accounts for only about 10 percent of breast cancer cases, but is responsible for about 25 percent of breast cancer fatalities.

20 Nov 2017

Researchers find new way to boost cancer-destroying ability of T-cells

Researchers at Cardiff University have found a way to boost the cancer-destroying ability of the immune system's T-cells, offering new hope in the fight against a wide range of cancers.

20 Nov 2017

Study explores feasibility of mainstreaming genetic counseling for ovarian cancer

A study that looked at mainstreaming genetic counseling for ovarian cancer to support screening programs in Malaysia was presented at the ESMO Asia 2017 Congress.

20 Nov 2017

Cancer drugs may offer new way to control high blood pressure

Drugs designed to halt cancer growth may offer a new way to control high blood pressure (hypertension), say Georgetown University Medical Center investigators.

20 Nov 2017

KAIST researchers identify principles of gene network for colon tumorigenesis

The principles of the gene network for colon tumorigenesis have been identified by a KAIST research team. The principles will be used to find the molecular target for effective anti-cancer drugs in the future. Further, this research gained attention for using a systems biology approach, which is an integrated research area of IT and BT.

20 Nov 2017

Study confirms safety and efficacy of new second line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer

A randomized trial in 650 patients has confirmed the safety and efficacy of a new second line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer, researchers report at the ESMO Asia 2017 Congress.

20 Nov 2017

Amish people live longer due to mutation in blood clotting gene

Scientists have stumbled upon a genetic mutation that is found among the Indiana Amish community people that leads to impaired or defective blood clotting but predicts a longer life span for them. The study was published this week in Science Advances.

19 Nov 2017

Gene editing within a living person for the first time

Genetic editing has been performed in the laboratory until now. Living cells within Petri-dishes have been put under the microscope while gene editing tools such as CRISPR were used to cut, nick and replace parts of the DNA or genome that is defective with bits of DNA that is correct in its sequence. Now doctors in California have attempted to edit cells within a living person.

19 Nov 2017

Selectively deleting stem cell factor promotes recovery after TBI in mice

UT Southwestern molecular biologists today report the unexpected finding that selectively deleting a stem cell transcription factor in adult mice promotes recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

17 Nov 2017

Specially tailored, ultrafast light pulses can trigger neurons to fire in different patterns

Specially tailored, ultrafast pulses of light can trigger neurons to fire and could one day help patients with light-sensitive circadian or mood problems, according to a new study in mice at the University of Illinois.

17 Nov 2017

Researchers identify possible genetic basis for coronary artery disease

The buildup of plaque in the heart's arteries is an unfortunate part of aging. But by studying the genetic makeup of people who maintain clear arteries into old age, researchers led by UNC's Jonathan Schisler, PhD, have identified a possible genetic basis for coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as potential new opportunities to prevent it.

17 Nov 2017

Brain astrocytes could play key role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Astrocytes, the supporting cells of the brain, could play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland. This is the first time researchers discovered a direct association between astrocytes and AD. Published in Stem Cell Reports, the study investigated the brain cell function of familial AD patients by using stem cell technologies.

17 Nov 2017

New model to test effectiveness of existing and potential CF therapies

UNC School of Medicine researchers have developed a new laboratory model of the infection- and inflammation-plagued airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

17 Nov 2017

Research suggests new ways to mitigate impact of mistreatment at early age

Everyone has challenges of one kind or another. But research shows that mistreatment at an early age can have long-lasting and life-altering repercussions that could be passed to future generations.

17 Nov 2017

FDA approves new drug to treat bleeding in hemophilia A patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Hemlibra (emicizumab-kxwh) to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients with hemophilia A who have developed antibodies called Factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors.

17 Nov 2017

Scientists unveil pathology underlying optic nerve hypoplasia in children

Scientists at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (VTCRI) have revealed the pathology of cells and structures stricken by optic nerve hypoplasia, a leading cause of childhood blindness in developed nations.

16 Nov 2017

CRISPR shows potential to reduce diseases spread by mosquitoes

Research at the University of California, Riverside, have shown that it is possible for transgenic mosquitos to stably express the Cas9 enzyme in their germline. Cas9 addition will allow the utilization of the CRISPR gene editing tool to carry out efficient and highly targeted changes to the DNA of the mosquitoes.

16 Nov 2017

New research shows how a gene can fuel obesity in mice

Obesity is often attributed to a simple equation: People are eating too much and exercising too little. But evidence is growing that at least some of the weight gain that plagues modern humans is predetermined.

16 Nov 2017

Aging tests disagree with one another

Whether it's an on-line quiz, a $300 chromosome test or an $800 blood panel, a lot of people seem to be interested in whether they're aging faster or slower than their chronological age would suggest.

16 Nov 2017