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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).

UT Southwestern's Helen H. Hobbs named recipient of Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences

UT Southwestern Medical Center geneticist Dr. Helen H. Hobbs is the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.

10 Nov 2015

Seven new nCounter PanCancer profiles launched to deeply probe cancer biology

NanoString Technologies, Inc.a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, today announced the expansion of its 3D Biology™ portfolio with the commercial launch of the nCounter® PanCancer Profiles, seven new gene expression panels each designed to interrogate a focused area of cancer biology including immuno-oncology.

9 Nov 2015

Simple, low risk blood test can detect foetal blood group and genetic conditions in unborn babies

Research into a simple, accurate and low risk blood test that can detect foetal blood group, sex, and genetic conditions in unborn babies has been published in the international scientific journal, Clinical Chemistry.

9 Nov 2015

NTU Singapore scientists harness dead bacteria to destroy colon tumours cells effectively

Scientists from Nanyang Technological University have successfully used dead bacteria to kill colorectal cancer cells. Harvesting the Clostridium sporogenes bacteria found commonly in soil, the NTU team was able to harness the bacteria in its dead form, and its secretions, to destroy colon tumours cells effectively.

9 Nov 2015

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation validated antibodies launched by Chromatrap

Chromatrap, a business unit of Porvair Sciences Ltd, has announced the launch of its own range of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-validated antibodies.

From Chromatrap® - Porvair Sciences Ltd 9 Nov 2015

Novel genetic therapy treats ‘incurable’ leukaemia

A new treatment that involves editing DNA has been used for the first time at Great Ormond Street Hospital to successfully treat drug-resistant leukaemia.

6 Nov 2015

Mucus plays important role in defending invaders

By licking a wound it heals faster - this is not simply popular belief, but scientifically proven. Our saliva consists of water and mucus, among other things, and the mucus plays an important role. It stimulates white blood cells to build a good defence against invaders, according to a group of researchers at Lund University in Sweden together with colleagues from Copenhagen and Odense in Denmark.

6 Nov 2015

Two genetic variants interact to alter the brain responses to high-calorie foods

For the first time, researchers have identified two genetic variants that interact to alter the brain responses to high-calorie foods, a tie that could aid in the development of targeted treatments for obesity and overweight. Researchers at Imperial College London led by Tony Goldstone, MD, PhD, of Consultant Endocrinologist, found that two gene variants - FTO and DRD2 - influenced activity in the brain reward system when looking at pictures of high-calorie foods.

6 Nov 2015

Utah chemists devise new way to detect DNA damage

University of Utah chemists devised a new way to detect chemical damage to DNA that sometimes leads to genetic mutations responsible for many diseases, including various cancers and neurological disorders.

6 Nov 2015

Scientists discover small molecule that can block growth of BRCA-deficient cancer cells

Cancer cells with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which serve a vital role in preserving the integrity of the genetic code, are key targets for cancer therapeutics. Yet, few agents can selectively eliminate cells deficient in BRCA, and none can do so without the risk of inducing drug resistance.

6 Nov 2015

Genetic reduction of AMPK enzyme can prevent or delay hearing loss

A mitochondrial defect is responsible for a type of human hereditary deafness that worsens over time and can lead to profound hearing loss.

6 Nov 2015

Man dies after developing tapeworm tumors

A man has died as a result of tapeworm tumors growing inside his body, doctors report.

5 Nov 2015

University of Leicester awarded BBSRC grant to explore three key areas that impact human health

The University of Leicester has been awarded over £1.5 million in order to advance knowledge and understanding in three key areas that impact on health.

5 Nov 2015

Researchers find new way to prevent inflammation, accelerate the skin's healing process

Most products on the market today that are used to treat skin problems target the effects of the disease or wound such as inflammation, which can prolong the healing process and result in scarring. However, LSU Assistant Professor Wei Xu and collaborators at Northwestern University discovered a new way to prevent inflammation and to speed up the skin's healing process.

5 Nov 2015

Researchers team up to evaluate biological and genetic differences of GI cancers in race, ethnicity

Americans of African descent are at a significantly higher risk for developing and dying from Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which include colorectal and pancreatic cancers, compared to individuals who are of Caucasian descent.

5 Nov 2015

Liquid biopsy provides physicians with up-to-date information about patient's cancer

A team of researchers, including scientists from the Translational Genomics Research Institute, has reported that analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can track how a patient's cancer evolves and responds to treatment.

5 Nov 2015

Researchers identify mechanisms underlying postnatal organ maturation

Any expectant mother will tell you that she wants her baby's organs to develop properly in the womb. What she may not realize, however, is that a child's internal organs continue to develop for months and years after birth. This critical period is full of cellular changes that transform the organization and function of most tissues. But the exact mechanisms underlying postnatal organ maturation are still a mystery.

5 Nov 2015

Scientists create supercharged blood cell that may heal major wounds, block inflammation

Faculty of Medicine scientists have created a "Franken-platelet" - a supercharged blood cell - that might be capable of healing major wounds, busting clots or blocking inflammation.

5 Nov 2015

Nucala (mepolizumab) approved for treatment of asthma patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Nucala (mepolizumab) for use with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients age 12 years and older. Nucala is approved for patients who have a history of severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) despite receiving their current asthma medicines.

5 Nov 2015

Tumour DNA in the blood can accurately monitor cancer in real time

Scientists have shown for the first time that tumour DNA shed into the bloodstream can be used to track cancers in real time as they evolve and respond to treatment, according to a new Cancer Research UK study published in the journal Nature Communications today (Wednesday).

4 Nov 2015

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

UT Southwestern's Helen H. Hobbs named recipient of Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences

Seven new nCounter PanCancer profiles launched to deeply probe cancer biology

Simple, low risk blood test can detect foetal blood group and genetic conditions in unborn babies

NTU Singapore scientists harness dead bacteria to destroy colon tumours cells effectively

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation validated antibodies launched by Chromatrap

Novel genetic therapy treats ‘incurable’ leukaemia

Mucus plays important role in defending invaders

Two genetic variants interact to alter the brain responses to high-calorie foods

Utah chemists devise new way to detect DNA damage

Scientists discover small molecule that can block growth of BRCA-deficient cancer cells

Genetic reduction of AMPK enzyme can prevent or delay hearing loss

Man dies after developing tapeworm tumors

University of Leicester awarded BBSRC grant to explore three key areas that impact human health

Researchers find new way to prevent inflammation, accelerate the skin's healing process

Researchers team up to evaluate biological and genetic differences of GI cancers in race, ethnicity

Liquid biopsy provides physicians with up-to-date information about patient's cancer

Researchers identify mechanisms underlying postnatal organ maturation

Scientists create supercharged blood cell that may heal major wounds, block inflammation

Nucala (mepolizumab) approved for treatment of asthma patients

Tumour DNA in the blood can accurately monitor cancer in real time

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