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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Patient care could be affected as health research faces a crisis

Health research faces a crisis that could impact on patient care, says a new report led by 10 prominent figures in the NHS and academia.

8 Jan 2020

Palmetto GBA now covers Genomic Testing Cooperative’s solid tumor molecular profile

Genomic Testing Cooperative, LCA announced that the Medicare Administrative Contractor Palmetto GBA (MolDx) has established coverage for its solid tumor molecular profile.

7 Jan 2020

Hobbyist DNA services may be vulnerable to genetic hacking

Online services that allow users to upload their genetic information, research genealogy and find lost relatives may be vulnerable to a sort of genetic hacking, according to two geneticists at the University of California, Davis. A paper describing the work is published Jan. 7 in the journal eLife.

7 Jan 2020

Zinc and folic acid supplements fail to improve fertility in men

Zinc and folic acid, a pair of dietary supplements long touted as an effective treatment for male infertility, failed to improve pregnancy rates, sperm counts, and sperm potency in a new study conducted at University of Utah Health and other medical centers in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health.

7 Jan 2020

Major genetic study provides most comprehensive map of breast cancer risk variants to date

A major international study of the genetics of breast cancer has identified more than 350 DNA 'errors' that increase an individual's risk of developing the disease. The scientists involved say these errors may influence as many as 190 genes.

7 Jan 2020

New brain tumor research could improve patient diagnosis, treatment options

New research on brain tumours could improve patient diagnosis and treatment options as part of a precision medicine approach. Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and adults under the age of 40, with 16,000 people in the UK diagnosed with a brain tumour each year.

7 Jan 2020

Some genetic sequencing misses out large parts of the genome

A study of patient samples has found that more than a quarter of genes are missed in genetic sequencing procedures.

7 Jan 2020

Fecal bacteria in California’s waterways increases with homeless crisis

President Donald Trump, a self-described germophobe, has made no secret of his disgust with California's growing homeless problem, which he has called a "disgrace" and "inappropriate" and equated to "living in hell."

7 Jan 2020

Using CRISPR to switch off pain gene becomes a possibility with new study

A pathbreaking study reports success in disabling an important gene that is responsible for inducing the sensation of pain.

7 Jan 2020

New molecular mechanism can reverse genetic defect responsible for Friedreich's ataxia

Scientists at Tufts University have identified a molecular mechanism that could reverse the genetic defect responsible for Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disease that leaves its victims with difficulty walking, a loss of sensation in the arms and legs and impaired speech caused by degeneration of nerve tissue in the spinal cord.

6 Jan 2020

Whole exome sequencing routinely fails to adequately analyze large segments of DNA

Children who undergo expansive genetic sequencing may not be getting the thorough DNA analysis their parents were expecting, say experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

6 Jan 2020

Novel study on molecular interactions could make it easier to develop new medicines

A first-of-its-kind study on molecular interactions by biomedical engineers in the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering will make it easier and more efficient for scientists to develop new medicines and other therapies for diseases such as cancer, HIV, and autoimmune diseases.

3 Jan 2020

DNA tests to provide rapid diagnosis of rare diseases in critically ill infants

NHS England is will now provide new DNA testing that can rapidly diagnose rare diseases in critically ill babies and children.

3 Jan 2020

‘Grade A’ all-American pot: The next big export?

In a large warehouse, LivWell Enlightened Health feeds its cloned cannabis plants a custom blend of nutrients, sprays them with filtered water and pumps extra carbon dioxide into the air.

3 Jan 2020

Researchers identify key biomarkers for predicting autism in newborns

Because early detection of autism is linked to significantly improved outcomes, the discovery of early predictors could make all the difference in a child's development.

2 Jan 2020

Watch: Woman hit with $28k bill for a throat swab

A routine doctor’s visit for a sore throat brought more than $28,000 in charges for one New York City woman in our latest “Bill of the Month” installment.

2 Jan 2020

Measuring glycans in samples of antibodies

When Lorna De Leoz invited laboratories to participate in her glycomics study, she hoped for 20 responses. Instead, she was deluged by emails from around the world.

2 Jan 2020

Common plasticizer leads to fertility problems in roundworms

A new study published 9th January in PLOS Genetics by Mónica Colaiácovo of Harvard Medical School and colleagues reports that the most commonly used plasticizer, diethylhexyl phthalate, leads to fertility problems by causing an excess number of breaks in the DNA during egg production, and then interfering with the repair systems that fixes the breaks.

2 Jan 2020

New machine learning platform can help spot colorectal cancers, predict disease severity

A new machine learning platform can identify patients with colorectal cancer and helps predict their disease severity and survival, according to a study involving samples from thousands of subjects.

2 Jan 2020