Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

AmbryScreen test launched to identify severe childhood diseases

Ambry Genetics announced today at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists annual clinical meeting the launch of AmbryScreen, a genetic screening test used to identify carriers of some of the most severe and common childhood diseases affecting pan-ethnic populations.

19 May 2010

Researchers identify cancer gene that could help fight paediatric glioma

Researchers have identified an important cancer gene that could lead to more effective drugs being developed to fight paediatric high grade glioma, a disease which currently has a poor prognosis.

19 May 2010

Causes and treatment options of mental disorders need to be reassessed: JAMA commentary

It is time to reassess mental disorders, recognizing that these are disorders of brain circuits likely caused by development processes, according to a commentary in the May 19 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on mental health.

19 May 2010

Lentigen receives NIH STTR grant for Hunter syndrome lentiviral gene therapy

Lentigen Corporation, a biotechnology company specializing in the development and manufacture of lentiviral gene delivery technologies, announced today that it has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) small business technology transfer (STTR) grant for a program on "Lentiviral Gene Therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis."

19 May 2010

Study confirms genetic overlap for susceptibility to COPD and lung cancer

New research shows genes that make smokers more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema, are also closely linked to an increased likelihood of developing lung cancer, according to studies presented today at the American Thoracic Society's annual meeting.

18 May 2010

University of Leeds researchers identify natural defence mechanism against heart disease

A natural defence mechanism against heart disease could be switched on by steroids sold as health supplements, according to researchers at the University of Leeds.

18 May 2010

Population Diagnostics receives NINDS grant for identifying genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease

Population Diagnostics, Inc. ("PDx"), a private company with a novel approach to revealing the genetic causes of disease and predicting drug response, announced today it has been awarded a federal grant to identify the genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease. Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health, the project is being led by Eli Hatchwell, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University Medical Center and a co-founder of PDx.

18 May 2010

Ambry Genetics launches AmbryScreen test for genetic screening of severe, common childhood diseases

Ambry Genetics announced today at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists annual clinical meeting the launch of AmbryScreen™, a genetic screening test used to identify carriers of some of the most severe and common childhood diseases affecting pan-ethnic populations.

18 May 2010

Berman Institute experts available for comment on direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic test kits

Journalists covering the recent announcement by Pathway Genomics that it will sell health-related genetic marker tests to consumers—and the subsequent decision by Walgreens to postpone sales of the kits pending clarification of their legal status—are invited to interview Berman Institute experts Joan Scott or Gail Javitt.

17 May 2010

UC researchers explore dynamics of bacterial evolution

Researchers found that as dominant members of the population surrendered to host immune defenses, they were replaced by a hyperaggressive, mutant minority population that thrived and took over the abandoned community to become the new majority.

15 May 2010

Genetic tests should be received through appropriate health care professionals, says AMP

In response to recent announcements about consumer genetic tests being made available in retail drugstores, the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) today reiterated its position that these tests should be provided to the public only through the services of appropriate health care professionals that order tests from laboratories that are certified by CLIA for highcomplexity testing.

15 May 2010

National study of factors related to unmet health needs among homeless people

The vast majority of homeless adults surveyed in a national study had trouble accessing at least one type of needed health care service in the preceding year, according to a study that will appear in the July American Journal of Public Health and is now available online.

15 May 2010

Oxygen levels induce X chromosome inactivation in female cells: Study

Oxygen levels in the lab can permanently alter human embryonic stem (ES) cells, specifically inducing X chromosome inactivation in female cells, according to Whitehead Institute researchers. Human ES cells have been routinely created and maintained at atmospheric levels of oxygen, which is about 20%. Cells in the body are usually exposed to only 1-9% oxygen.

14 May 2010

Children with epilepsy say their quality of life is comparable to that of healthy siblings

Children with epilepsy often face multiple challenges - not only seizures but learning, cognitive and school difficulties, side effects from medication, and, not surprisingly, social stigma from their peers.

14 May 2010

Researchers determine how cells regulate chromosome/microtubule interface

Whitehead Institute researchers have determined a key part of how cells regulate the chromosome/microtubule interface, which is central to proper chromosomal distribution during cell division.

14 May 2010

ISCA recommends chromosomal microarray as new standard for genetic evaluation of children

An international consortium of genetics experts has issued a consensus statement recommending chromosomal microarray (CMA) as the new standard practice for genetic evaluation of children with unexplained developmental delay, autism or birth defects.

14 May 2010

Interleukin Genetics reports 166% increase in overall genetic test revenue for first-quarter 2010

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. announced today financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

14 May 2010

Mild-mannered organelles can detect virus invasion signals: Researchers

Within cells, an ancient antiviral duo can deliver a one-two knockout to thwart invading viruses, report researchers who have just unmasked the cellular sidekick that throws the first punch. The findings mean scientists must rethink the design of antiviral immunity and how the body fends off viruses of all types, including influenza and HIV.

14 May 2010

Response Genetics first-quarter total revenue up 140%

Response Genetics Inc., a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, today announced its consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

14 May 2010

Being physical and mental activity delays onset of Huntington’s disease: Research

Melbourne researchers report in a study that regular physical and mental activities can delay the onset of the dreaded genetic Huntington's disease. This disease is hereditary and it goes on to destroy the brain and nerve cells leading to loss of all or most faculties. It affects one in 10,000 people between ages 30 and 50 and there is no cure. Since it is passed on to the children at least 50% of the time the decision to have children also becomes an agonizing one for many sufferers.

13 May 2010

Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

AmbryScreen test launched to identify severe childhood diseases

Researchers identify cancer gene that could help fight paediatric glioma

Causes and treatment options of mental disorders need to be reassessed: JAMA commentary

Lentigen receives NIH STTR grant for Hunter syndrome lentiviral gene therapy

Study confirms genetic overlap for susceptibility to COPD and lung cancer

University of Leeds researchers identify natural defence mechanism against heart disease

Population Diagnostics receives NINDS grant for identifying genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease

Ambry Genetics launches AmbryScreen test for genetic screening of severe, common childhood diseases

Berman Institute experts available for comment on direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic test kits

UC researchers explore dynamics of bacterial evolution

Genetic tests should be received through appropriate health care professionals, says AMP

National study of factors related to unmet health needs among homeless people

Oxygen levels induce X chromosome inactivation in female cells: Study

Children with epilepsy say their quality of life is comparable to that of healthy siblings

Researchers determine how cells regulate chromosome/microtubule interface

ISCA recommends chromosomal microarray as new standard for genetic evaluation of children

Interleukin Genetics reports 166% increase in overall genetic test revenue for first-quarter 2010

Mild-mannered organelles can detect virus invasion signals: Researchers

Response Genetics first-quarter total revenue up 140%

Being physical and mental activity delays onset of Huntington’s disease: Research

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