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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).

Protein complex plays key role in detecting tumor cells, promotes anti-tumor response

A recently discovered protein complex known as STING plays a crucial role in detecting the presence of tumor cells and promoting an aggressive anti-tumor response by the body's innate immune system, according to two separate studies published in the Nov. 20 issue of the journal Immunity.

21 Nov 2014

Personalized dietary advice based on person's genetic makeup improves eating habits

Personalized dietary advice based on a person's genetic makeup improves eating habits compared to current "one-size-fits-all" dietary recommendations, says a University of Toronto researcher.

21 Nov 2014

Researchers identify genetic signatures in melanoma tumors that predict response to immunotherapy

A team led by Ludwig and Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) researchers has published a landmark study on the genetic basis of response to a powerful cancer therapy known as immune checkpoint blockade.

21 Nov 2014

Gene therapy transforms life for men with severe form of hemophilia B

Gene therapy developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, University College London and the Royal Free Hospital has transformed life for men with a severe form of hemophilia B by providing a safe, reliable source of the blood clotting protein Factor IX that has allowed some to adopt a more active lifestyle, researchers reported.

19 Nov 2014

Biomarker-directed chemotherapy detrimental in NSCLC

Treating non-small-cell lung cancer patients with chemotherapy customised according to expression of BRCA1 and receptor-associated protein 80 does not improve progression-free survival compared with nonselected, cisplatin-based chemotherapy, show study findings.

19 Nov 2014

Scientists identify how ADAR1 gene mutation can lead to diseases

Scientists have discovered how a gene mutation can lead to diseases that occur when the immune system attacks the body by mistake.

18 Nov 2014

Study identifies new gene for progressive form of epilepsy

A study led by researchers at University of Helsinki, Finland and Universities of Melbourne and South Australia has identified a new gene for a progressive form of epilepsy. The findings of this international collaborative effort have been published today, 17 November 2014, in Nature Genetics.

18 Nov 2014

Study shows how phthalates linked with complications of pregnancy

In recent years, scientists have linked chemicals known as phthalates with complications of pregnancy and fetal development.

18 Nov 2014

UMMS scientists awarded $9.5 million grant to study Fragile X syndrome

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $9.5 million grant to investigators at the University of Massachusetts Medical School to establish a Center for Collaborative Research in Fragile X, one of three centers designated by the NIH.

18 Nov 2014

Curcumin and tackling mesothelioma: an interview with Dr. Afshin Dowlati

An important point about this work is that the research into curcumin was conducted following a discovery about mesothelioma, rather than being the primary endpoint of the study.

17 Nov 2014

Prostate cancer patients with hereditary BRCA mutations respond less well to conventional treatment

Prostate cancer patients carrying inherited mutations in the BRCA genes respond less well to conventional treatment, including surgery and/or radiotherapy - and they also have a lower survival rate than those who are non-carriers of these genetic mutations. Data from the study, which has been published in the journal European Urology, points to the need for new clinical trials aimed at targeting these mutations in order to tailor treatment for these patients.

17 Nov 2014

Cancer Research UK scientists find over 400 'blind spots' in DNA

Cancer Research UK scientists have found more than 400 'blind spots' in DNA which could hide cancer-causing gene faults, according to research published today (Friday) in Cancer Research.

16 Nov 2014

New test can detect bloodstream infection with unprecedented speed, sensitivity

A new bloodstream infection test created by UC Irvine researchers can speed up diagnosis times with unprecedented accuracy, allowing physicians to treat patients with potentially deadly ailments more promptly and effectively.

16 Nov 2014

UNC researchers develop new approach to block KRAS oncogene

Researchers from the UNC School of Medicine and colleagues at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new approach to block the KRAS oncogene, one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancer.

14 Nov 2014

A single gene mutation can halve the risk of heart disease

Recent research has shown that inactivation of a single gene reduces the risk of heart attack by 50%.

14 Nov 2014

Isis Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca partner to develop new delivery methods for antisense oligonucleotides

AstraZeneca and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. today announced a strategic alliance to discover and develop novel delivery methods for antisense oligonucleotides.

14 Nov 2014

Scientists use Rapid Heme Panel test to identify right treatment for leukemia, other blood cancers

For patients with aggressive types of leukemia and other blood cancers, quickly identifying and starting the right treatment can make all the difference.

13 Nov 2014

Researchers develop genetic test to predict prostate cancer recurrence

Prostate cancer researchers have developed a genetic test to identify which men are at highest risk for their prostate cancer to come back after localized treatment with surgery or radiotherapy.

13 Nov 2014

Study identifies genetic alterations that contribute to growth and recurrence of Ewing sarcoma

An international collaboration has identified frequent mutations in two genes that often occur together in Ewing sarcoma (EWS) and that define a subtype of the cancer associated with reduced survival.

13 Nov 2014

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute receives $2.5 million grant to support cancer research

Australian cancer researchers will gain access to first-in-Australia technology through new funding from Australian Cancer Research Foundation to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. The $2.5 million grant will allow the establishment of the ACRF Breakthrough Technologies Laboratory, providing new insights into how cancer develops, and how it can be more effectively treated. The laboratory is one of four initiatives announced by ACRF last night.

13 Nov 2014

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Protein complex plays key role in detecting tumor cells, promotes anti-tumor response

Personalized dietary advice based on person's genetic makeup improves eating habits

Researchers identify genetic signatures in melanoma tumors that predict response to immunotherapy

Gene therapy transforms life for men with severe form of hemophilia B

Biomarker-directed chemotherapy detrimental in NSCLC

Scientists identify how ADAR1 gene mutation can lead to diseases

Study identifies new gene for progressive form of epilepsy

Study shows how phthalates linked with complications of pregnancy

UMMS scientists awarded $9.5 million grant to study Fragile X syndrome

Curcumin and tackling mesothelioma: an interview with Dr. Afshin Dowlati

Prostate cancer patients with hereditary BRCA mutations respond less well to conventional treatment

Cancer Research UK scientists find over 400 'blind spots' in DNA

New test can detect bloodstream infection with unprecedented speed, sensitivity

UNC researchers develop new approach to block KRAS oncogene

A single gene mutation can halve the risk of heart disease

Isis Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca partner to develop new delivery methods for antisense oligonucleotides

Scientists use Rapid Heme Panel test to identify right treatment for leukemia, other blood cancers

Researchers develop genetic test to predict prostate cancer recurrence

Study identifies genetic alterations that contribute to growth and recurrence of Ewing sarcoma

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute receives $2.5 million grant to support cancer research

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