Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

Cell survival depends on chromosome integrity

UCLA researchers report that thousands of genes behave differently in the same organs of males and females - something never detected to this degree.

9 Jul 2006

The inability to recognize faces can be inherited

In the first study to examine whether the inability to recognize faces can be inherited, researchers found that it is in fact a common disorder that runs in families and is one of the most frequent disorders apparently controlled by a defect in a single gene.

9 Jul 2006

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

Evidence that environmental factors such as common infections may be a trigger for diabetes

A major study has added weight to the theory that environmental factors such as common infections may be a trigger for diabetes in children and young adults.

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

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

Why are we so fat? The list gets longer!

If you were beginning to suspect that the list of things which could make you fat seems to be growing longer on an almost daily basis - you were right!

28 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

Born gay or made gay? Or is it not that simple?

Born gay or made gay? Or is it not that simple? The nature-versus-nurture debate remains a hot topic in discussions of homosexuality, so the Dana Centre in London is bringing together leading scientists for the first time to reveal their opinions at a one-off evening debate.

27 Jun 2006