Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Blocking myoferlin gene can reduce breast cancer cell migration

New research suggests that a protein only recently linked to cancer has a significant effect on the risk that breast cancer will spread, and that lowering the protein's level in cell cultures and mice reduces chances for the disease to extend beyond the initial tumor.

4 Mar 2014

Research discovery advances efforts to replace damaged heart muscle

In a study that began in a pair of infant siblings with a rare heart defect, Johns Hopkins researchers say they have identified a key molecular switch that regulates heart cell division and normally turns the process off around the time of birth. Their research, they report, could advance efforts to turn the process back on and regenerate heart tissue damaged by heart attacks or disease.

4 Mar 2014

Novel scaffold protein regulates mu opioid receptor induced signaling activation

Researchers found initial confirmation that a novel scaffold protein previously unassociated with the mu opioid receptor (MOR) regulates MOR-induced signaling activation.

4 Mar 2014

Microgravity may suppress tumors, study reveals

In space, things don't always behave the way we expect them to. In the case of cancer, researchers have found that this is a good thing: some tumors seem to be much less aggressive in the microgravity environment of space compared to their behavior on Earth. This observation, reported in research published in February by the FASEB Journal, could help scientists understand the mechanism involved and develop drugs targeting tumors that don't respond to current treatments. This work is the latest in a large body of evidence on how space exploration benefits those of us on Earth.

4 Mar 2014

3-D imaging of two different mouse models helps understand Apert Syndrome development

Three dimensional imaging of two different mouse models of Apert Syndrome shows that cranial deformation begins before birth and continues, worsening with time, according to a team of researchers who studied mice to better understand and treat the disorder in humans.

4 Mar 2014

Hypervirulent S. pneumoniae mutants discovered

Swedish researchers studying Streptococcus pneumoniae have discovered “hypervirulent” mutant forms of the bacteria that are selected for because they are more resistant to clearance by macrophages.

3 Mar 2014

Biostatistics provides clues to understanding autism: an interview with Dr Knut M. Wittkowski, The Rockefeller University

The incidence of autism spectrum disorders has increased sharply since it was first described 60 years ago. Today, ASD affects more than 1% of all children in the U.S. and about half of them develop a life-long disability.

3 Mar 2014

Five women scientists to receive ‘L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards'

On March 19th the L'Oréal Foundation and UNESCO will present the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science awards to five outstanding women scientists.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists uncover key mechanism of gene regulation

In the cells of humans and other organisms, only a subset of genes are active at any given time, depending largely on the stage of life and the particular duties of the cell. Cells use different molecular mechanisms to orchestrate the activation and deactivation of genes as needed.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists map key elements of immune overreaction triggered by influenza virus infection

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have mapped key elements of a severe immune overreaction—a "cytokine storm"—that can both sicken and kill patients who are infected with certain strains of flu virus.

3 Mar 2014

3D structure of enzyme helps defend against bacteria

An essential weapon in the body's fight against infection has come into sharper view. Researchers at Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure of an enzyme that cuts to ribbons the genetic material of viruses and helps defend against bacteria.

3 Mar 2014

Researchers find unusual mutation strongly linked to rare liver cancer that affects teens

In the race for better treatments and possible cures, rare diseases are often left behind. In a collaboration of researchers at The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the New York Genome Center (NYGC), an unusual mutation has been found that is strongly linked to one such disease: a rare liver cancer that affects teens and young adults.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists unveil role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common and lethal types of childhood cancers. In a paper published online today in OncoTarget, a researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio unveils the important role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma development, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities.

3 Mar 2014

Standard nomenclature of insect brains may improve future research on brain function and disease

When you're talking about something as complex as the brain, the task isn't any easier if the vocabula

3 Mar 2014

Teen diagnosed with liver cancer explores genetic link to rare cancers

A father-daughter scientific collaboration that began after the daughter was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer has led to an important finding and could have broader implications for many other rare cancers. Their story is being published this week in a top tier journal, Science.

3 Mar 2014

Researchers identify mutations in gene that can reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes

An international team led by researchers at the Broad Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has identified mutations in a gene that can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even in people who have risk factors such as obesity and old age.

3 Mar 2014

High-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet could delay progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet could delay the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, according to a phase 2 study published in The Lancet.

3 Mar 2014

Asthma drug accelerates desensitization in patients with food allergies to several foods

An asthma drug accelerates the process of desensitizing patients with food allergies to several foods at the same time, a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford shows.

3 Mar 2014

NCI scientist recognized for AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Excellence in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the American Cancer Society will recognize Curtis C. Harris, M.D., with the 23rd Annual AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Excellence in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention at the AACR Annual Meeting 2014, to be held in San Diego, Calif., April 5-9.

3 Mar 2014

Elevated homocysteine not gender-specific in schizophrenia

Japanese researchers have demonstrated that both men and women with schizophrenia have significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels than healthy controls.

28 Feb 2014

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Blocking myoferlin gene can reduce breast cancer cell migration

Research discovery advances efforts to replace damaged heart muscle

Novel scaffold protein regulates mu opioid receptor induced signaling activation

Microgravity may suppress tumors, study reveals

3-D imaging of two different mouse models helps understand Apert Syndrome development

Hypervirulent S. pneumoniae mutants discovered

Biostatistics provides clues to understanding autism: an interview with Dr Knut M. Wittkowski, The Rockefeller University

Five women scientists to receive ‘L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards'

Scientists uncover key mechanism of gene regulation

Scientists map key elements of immune overreaction triggered by influenza virus infection

3D structure of enzyme helps defend against bacteria

Researchers find unusual mutation strongly linked to rare liver cancer that affects teens

Scientists unveil role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities

Standard nomenclature of insect brains may improve future research on brain function and disease

Teen diagnosed with liver cancer explores genetic link to rare cancers

Researchers identify mutations in gene that can reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes

High-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet could delay progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Asthma drug accelerates desensitization in patients with food allergies to several foods

NCI scientist recognized for AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Excellence in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention

Elevated homocysteine not gender-specific in schizophrenia

eBook: Using iPSCs models for human disease research and drug discovery eBook

Decoding Cannabis: Differentiating Hemp and Marijuana

Deciphering the Microbiome with The Microsetta Initiative

Leveraging the power of automation to boost research