Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

Actress joins UTHealth to establish 'John Ritter Research Program in Aortic and Vascular Diseases'

Actress, writer and aortic health advocate Amy Yasbeck has joined with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) to establish the John Ritter Research Program in Aortic and Vascular Diseases (JRRP) to combat the devastating disease that took the life of her husband, legendary comic actor John Ritter.

15 Sep 2010

Study to assess impact of radiation exposure on multiple cancer risk

It is well known that exposure to radiation has multiple harmful effects - including causing cancer - but until now, it has been unclear to what extent such exposure increases a person's risk of developing more than one cancer. The first large-scale study of the relationship between radiation dose and risk of multiple cancers among atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan reveals a similar risk in the development of first and second subsequent cancers.

15 Sep 2010

UT Southwestern receives $8 million NIH grant to study influence of brain and liver on inflammation

An $8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will enable UT Southwestern Medical Center to investigate how fat tissue "talks" to the brain and the liver to promote inflammation-related disorders such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

15 Sep 2010

Researchers create artificial human ovary to yield infertility treatments for cancer patients

Researchers at Brown University and Women & Infants Hospital have invented the first artificial human ovary, an advance that provides a potentially powerful new means for conducting fertility research and could also yield infertility treatments for cancer patients. The team has already used the lab-grown organ to mature human eggs.

15 Sep 2010

Researchers identify risk gene for schizophrenia

An international team of researchers has identified a risk gene for schizophrenia, including a potentially causative mutation, using genome-wide association data-mining techniques and independent replications.

15 Sep 2010

Early alcohol, tobacco exposure may delay puberty in girls: Study

The list of possible health effects from an early introduction to alcohol and tobacco use has just gotten longer. A new study suggests that early drinking and smoking might delay onset of puberty in girls.

15 Sep 2010

Genmab announces update in corporate strategy

Genmab A/S announced today an update to its corporate strategy. Today's strategy update represents a new beginning for Genmab where we acknowledge our successes and learn from our mistakes.

14 Sep 2010

Genmab, Seattle Genetics enter ADC research collaboration agreement

Genmab A/S and Seattle Genetics, Inc. announced today that the companies have entered into an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) research collaboration agreement.

14 Sep 2010

Researchers to discuss brain's secrets at neuroscience conference

Top brain researchers from around the world will be in Milwaukee, Sept, 16-19, 2010, for a neuroscience conference focused on gaining insights into the brain's inner workings to better understand how the brain thinks, how the brain develops, and how the brain is altered by neurological diseases and how it responds to treatment.

14 Sep 2010

Researchers identify novel molecular pathway of Parkinson’s disease

A new study led by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center has identified a novel molecular pathway underlying Parkinson's disease and points to existing drugs which may be able to slow progression of the disease.

14 Sep 2010

HFSA Meeting to discuss genomic diseases similarities in animals, humans

The 14th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) will feature a discussion on the similarities in genomic diseases between animals and humans, titled "Comparative Genomics and Human Disease,Some Recent Contributions from Zoos."

14 Sep 2010

Myopia and Glaucoma genes identified

In global studies of more than 40,000 people from countries around the world, including Australia, researchers have found the genes responsible for two of the most common eye disorders - short-sightedness or myopia and glaucoma. The scientists believe this could open new diagnostic and management options.

13 Sep 2010

Genzyme Corporation enters into asset purchase agreement with LabCorp

Genzyme Corporation today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement under which Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) will acquire Genzyme Genetics for $925 million in cash.

13 Sep 2010

LabCorp acquires Genzyme Genetics for $925 million

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which LabCorp will acquire Genzyme Genetics, a business unit of Genzyme Corp., in an all cash transaction valued at $925 million. Net of expected income tax benefits, less acquisition related expenses, the acquisition has a net cash cost to LabCorp of approximately $795 million.

13 Sep 2010

Seattle Genetics' lintuzumab phase IIb clinical trial for AML does not meet primary endpoint

Seattle Genetics, Inc. today announced that its phase IIb clinical trial of lintuzumab (SGN-33) in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) did not meet its primary endpoint of extending overall survival. Lintuzumab is a naked monoclonal antibody that targets the CD33 antigen. As a result of the outcome of this trial, the company will discontinue its development program for lintuzumab.

13 Sep 2010

Scientists discover gene associated with myopia

Myopia (nearsightedness) is the most common eye disorder in the world and becoming more common, yet little is known about its genetic underpinnings.Scientists at Duke University Medical Center, in conjunction with several other groups, have uncovered a gene associated with myopia in Caucasian people from several different regions, including Dutch, British and Australian subjects.

13 Sep 2010

Scientists discover SNP association with primary open-angle glaucoma risk

Scientists at deCODE genetics and academic colleagues from Iceland, China, Sweden, the UK and Australia today report the discovery of the most important single-letter variation (SNP) in the sequence of the human genome yet associated with risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. This is the most common form of glaucoma and a major cause of blindness worldwide.

13 Sep 2010

Current economic crisis threatens to affect cancer incidence: Report

Although overall mortality from cancer is decreasing in the European Union, its incidence increased by almost 20%, from 2.1 million new cases in 2002 to 2.5 million in 2008, says a special issue of the European Journal of Cancer on cancer prevention, published today.

13 Sep 2010

Good Start Genetics to develop pre-pregnancy genetic test with completed $18M Series A financing

Good Start Genetics, Inc., today announced the completion of an $18 million Series A financing. The proceeds of this financing will be used to complete the development and launch of the Company's pre-pregnancy genetic test, which utilizes advanced DNA sequencing technology to screen for a panel of genetic disorders including those recommended by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG).

10 Sep 2010

Good Start Genetics $18 million Series A financing round co-led by Safeguard Scientifics

Safeguard Scientifics, Inc., a holding company that builds value in growth-stage life sciences and technology companies, today announced that it has co-led a $18 million Series A financing round for Good Start Genetics, Inc. with OrbiMed Advisors, LLC and SV Life Sciences Advisers LLP.

10 Sep 2010