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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).

MGH investigators develop next-generation genome editing system

A next-generation genome editing system developed by Massachusetts General Hospital investigators substantially decreases the risk of producing unwanted, off-target gene mutations. In a paper receiving online publication in Nature Biotechnology, the researchers report a new CRISPR-based RNA-guided nuclease technology that uses two guide RNAs, significantly reducing the chance of cutting through DNA strands at mismatched sites.

26 Apr 2014

Junk DNA linked to heart failure, reveals Washington University study

Large sections of the genome that were once referred to as "junk" DNA have been linked to human heart failure, according to research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

26 Apr 2014

Promising new approach targets cancer protein to slow tumor growth

Sometimes a full-on assault isn't the best approach when dealing with a powerful enemy. A more effective approach, in the long run, may be to target the support system replenishing the supplies that keep your foe strong and ready for battle.

26 Apr 2014

MIT researchers develop test that can rapidly assess DNA repair systems

Our DNA is under constant attack from many sources, including environmental pollutants, ultraviolet light, and radiation. Fortunately, cells have several major DNA repair systems that can fix this damage, which may lead to cancer and other diseases if not mended.

25 Apr 2014

Researchers develop gene therapy reversing memory loss in mice with early-stage Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is the first cause of dementia and affects some 400,000 people in Spain alone. However, no effective cure has yet been found. One of the reasons for this is the lack of knowledge on the cellular mechanisms which cause alterations in nerve transmissions and the loss of memory in the initial stages of the disease.

25 Apr 2014

Research team discovers new water-soluble fluorescent system for early detection of cancer cells

A research team lead by Academy Professor Kari Rissanen at the University of Jyväskylä has discovered a new water-soluble fluorescent detection system that is extremely sensitive to pyrophosphate (PPi).

25 Apr 2014

Physical activity reduces hippocampal atrophy in elders at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease

A study of older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease shows that moderate physical activity may protect brain health and stave off shrinkage of the hippocampus- the brain region responsible for memory and spatial orientation that is attacked first in Alzheimer's disease.

25 Apr 2014

Noval neuroimaging technique enables detailed insights into mitochondria

Reactive oxygen species are important intracellular signaling molecules, but their mode of action is complex: In low concentrations they regulate key aspects of cellular function and behavior, while at high concentrations they can cause "oxidative stress", which damages organelles, membranes and DNA.

25 Apr 2014

Researchers use gold nanoparticles to detect, measure cancer levels in living cell

Purdue University researchers have developed a way to detect and measure cancer levels in a living cell by using tiny gold particles with tails of synthetic DNA.

25 Apr 2014

Oxygen-rich postnatal atmosphere results in cell cycle arrest of cardiomyocytes

Scientific research at UT Southwestern Medical Center previously discovered that the newborn animal heart can heal itself completely, whereas the adult heart lacks this ability. New research by the same team today has revealed why the heart loses its incredible regenerative capability in adulthood, and the answer is quite simple - oxygen.

25 Apr 2014

Research findings can impact lives of people with autism today

A new study from investigators with the Autism Genome Project, the world's largest research project on identifying genes associated with risk for autism, has found that the comprehensive use of copy number variant (CNV) genetic testing offers an important tool in individualized diagnosis and treatment of autism.

25 Apr 2014

Measuring tumors' oxygen levels could help doctors make decisions about treatments

Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells thrive when deprived of oxygen. Tumors in low-oxygen environments tend to be more resistant to therapy and spread more aggressively to other parts of the body.

25 Apr 2014

Studies report new genetic disorder associated with degeneration of central/peripheral nervous systems

A newly identified genetic disorder associated with degeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems in humans, along with the genetic cause, is reported in the April 24, 2014 issue of Cell.

25 Apr 2014

Roche's cobas HPV Test gets FDA approval for first-line primary screening for cervical cancer

Roche announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the cobas HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Test for use as a first-line primary screening test for cervical cancer in women 25 and older. The approval follows the March 12 unanimous recommendation from the Microbiology Devices Panel of the FDA's Medical Devices Advisory Committee, making the cobas HPV Test the first and only HPV test in the United States approved for first-line primary screening.

From Roche Sequencing and Life Science 25 Apr 2014

91% of Americans know genetic information has important utility in managing health

23andMe, the leading personal genetics company, is celebrating National DNA Day by taking an in-depth look at what Americans know about their DNA and how genetics play a role in our everyday lives. The survey found that 91 percent of Americans know that their genetic information has important utility in managing their health.

23 Apr 2014

Personalis receives CAP accreditation

Personalis, Inc., a leading provider of genome-based diagnostics, announced today that its onsite clinical laboratory has received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), meeting the highest standard of excellence in clinical laboratory practices.

23 Apr 2014

Scientists develop DNA nanodevices that survive body's immune defenses

It's a familiar trope in science fiction: In enemy territory, activate your cloaking device. And real-world viruses use similar tactics to make themselves invisible to the immune system.

23 Apr 2014

Research shows epigenetic changes contributed to human survival over other extinct species

In parallel with modern man (Homo sapiens), there were other, extinct types of humans with whom we lived side by side, such as Neanderthals and the recently discovered Denisovans of Siberia. Yet only Homo sapiens survived. What was it in our genetic makeup that gave us the advantage?

23 Apr 2014

Study: Added benefit of turoctocog alfa is not proven

Turoctocog alfa (trade name: NovoEight) has been approved since November 2013 for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients with haemophilia A.

23 Apr 2014

OGT releases new application note detailing performance of two DNA labelling kits

Oxford Gene Technology, The Molecular Genetics Company, has released a new application note detailing the technical evaluation of two DNA labelling kits, where OGT’s CytoSure Genomic DNA Labelling Kits were found to be quicker and more accurate than a leading alternative.

From Oxford Gene Technology 23 Apr 2014

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

MGH investigators develop next-generation genome editing system

Junk DNA linked to heart failure, reveals Washington University study

Promising new approach targets cancer protein to slow tumor growth

MIT researchers develop test that can rapidly assess DNA repair systems

Researchers develop gene therapy reversing memory loss in mice with early-stage Alzheimer's

Research team discovers new water-soluble fluorescent system for early detection of cancer cells

Physical activity reduces hippocampal atrophy in elders at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease

Noval neuroimaging technique enables detailed insights into mitochondria

Researchers use gold nanoparticles to detect, measure cancer levels in living cell

Oxygen-rich postnatal atmosphere results in cell cycle arrest of cardiomyocytes

Research findings can impact lives of people with autism today

Measuring tumors' oxygen levels could help doctors make decisions about treatments

Studies report new genetic disorder associated with degeneration of central/peripheral nervous systems

Roche's cobas HPV Test gets FDA approval for first-line primary screening for cervical cancer

91% of Americans know genetic information has important utility in managing health

Personalis receives CAP accreditation

Scientists develop DNA nanodevices that survive body's immune defenses

Research shows epigenetic changes contributed to human survival over other extinct species

Study: Added benefit of turoctocog alfa is not proven

OGT releases new application note detailing performance of two DNA labelling kits

eBook: A guide to RNA sequencing eBook

Leveraging the power of automation to boost research

Automating research - solutions and best practices

How can microdialysis benefit drug development

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