Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

Myriad’s myRisk Hereditary Cancer test finds inherited gene mutations in more than 12% of prostate cancer patients

Myriad Genetics, Inc., a leader in molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine, announced today that results from a large 1,162 patient study of the Myriad myRisk Hereditary Cancer test will be featured during the poster presentation at the 2018 Genitourinary Cancer Symposium in San Francisco, Calif.

8 Feb 2018

Next-generation ‘active genetics’ tool opens new horizons

In 2015, University of California San Diego biologists Ethan Bier and Valentino Gantz developed a breakthrough technology known as "active genetics," which results in parents transmitting a genetic trait to most of their offspring (instead of 50 percent receiving the trait under standard inheritance).

6 Feb 2018

Scientists discover rare hypertension disease gene

More than a billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension). Prolonged hypertension damages blood vessels, which can result in damage to the heart, the kidneys, and the brain. Possible consequences include heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke.

5 Feb 2018

Researchers move closer to solving puzzle of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome

Researchers are closer to solving the puzzle of a complex neurological condition called 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome. Individuals with this condition are missing a small piece of chromosome 15 that usually contains six genes, but which one of the genes is responsible for the clinical characteristics of patients has not been clear.

2 Feb 2018

Fight for Sight awards new grants for 13 vital eye research projects

Fight for Sight, the leading eye research charity, has awarded grants totaling over £180,000 for thirteen vital research projects in partnership with nine different organizations.

2 Feb 2018

New scientific statement reveals shared risk factors and cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapy

A new scientific statement issued today by the American Heart Association underscores the commonalities between cardiovascular disease and breast cancer among women, and it calls for more focus on research and specialized treatment where the diseases overlap.

1 Feb 2018

Free magnesium ions regulate chromosome shape, new tool shows

Japanese researchers report a new ion detector, MARIO. Using it, they show that changes in the intracellular concentration of free magnesium ions (Mg2+) is critical for the chromosome folding that must occur for cells to divide.

1 Feb 2018

Exploring the Future of Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

An interview with Dr Gareth Evans about the future of breast cancer screening and the implementation of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiling.

1 Feb 2018

Steven R. Brant shines light on genetic causes for IBD

Whether he is sailboat racing on the Chesapeake Bay or researching genetic causes for inflammatory bowel disease, Steven R. Brant values one quality above all others: a strong team.

31 Jan 2018

Scientists discover role of two specific HOX genes in colon cancer development

In breakthrough colon cancer research, scientists at Christiana Care Health System's Center for Translational Cancer Research of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute have discovered that over-expression of HOXA4 and HOXA9 genes in colon cancer stem cells promotes cell replication and contributes to the overpopulation of stem cells that drives colon cancer development.

31 Jan 2018

Study finds close connection between eye and cardiovascular damage in type 1 diabetes

In people with type 1 diabetes, high levels of blood glucose eventually can harm blood vessels in the eye, kidney, heart and other organs--but the damage may be inflicted by different biological mechanisms in different organs.

31 Jan 2018

Research reveals why patients with diabetes have poorer prognosis for prostate cancer

Men with type 2 diabetes are less likely to develop prostate cancer than patients without diabetes. However, the mortality rate is higher.

31 Jan 2018

Mount Sinai study uncovers potential link between poor diet and back injuries

In a first-of-its-kind study, Mount Sinai researchers have found a possible link between a poor diet and back injuries, especially in women.

31 Jan 2018

Role of genetics behind immune disease risk could be missed, scientists suggest

The role of genetics in the risk of having an immune disease could be missed in research, scientists suggest.

29 Jan 2018

Groundbreaking study broadens spectrum of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes

A research team from the University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital and Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics in Helsinki, Finland, have identified a new genetic mutation that alters the function of cryopyrin and leads to a life-long periodic inflammation of the cornea, the transparent window of the human eye. Patients who carry the mutation also develop corneal opacities that compromise vision.

29 Jan 2018

My grandmother was Italian. Why aren’t my genes Italian?

Maybe you got one of those find-your-ancestry kits over the holidays. You’ve sent off your awkwardly collected saliva sample, and you’re awaiting your results.

29 Jan 2018

New study sheds light on important protein involved in memory formation

A team of researchers have made important discoveries about a protein called AKT that is key to the formation of new memories.

29 Jan 2018

Discovery may offer new therapeutic approach for kids with Prader-Willi syndrome

Stem cell researchers at UConn Health have reversed Prader-Willi syndrome in brain cells growing in the lab, findings they recently published in the Human Molecular Genetics.

27 Jan 2018

Small tweak to mammal's DNA can cause significant physical changes, study finds

The difference between webbed toes and distinct digits may be the result of not just genetic information, but of how the genes regulate that information. Researchers at the National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems in Japan found that a small, non-specific tweak to a mammal's DNA can potentially cause specific and significant physical changes.

27 Jan 2018

Exposing the gut to chlamydia protects against subsequent genital tract infections

The protection is very robust and is across tissues, which is called transmucosal immunity. Protected sites include the genital tract and the lungs, said Dr. Zhong, whose faculty appointment is in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics.

27 Jan 2018