Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Abingworth announces final closing of £225M ($375M) fund

Abingworth, the international investment group dedicated to life sciences and healthcare, today announced the final closing of its £225m ($375m) fund, Abingworth Bioventures VI (ABV VI). ABV VI, Abingworth's 10th life sciences fund, exceeded its target of £200 million and invests in life sciences and healthcare both in Europe and the US.

28 Feb 2014

LMU researchers identify genetic mutations that result in overproduction of cortisol

An international team of researchers led by an endocrinologist at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich has identified genetic mutations that result in uncontrolled synthesis and secretion of the stress hormone cortisol.

28 Feb 2014

Researchers develop new web-based tool to unlock genetics behind grapevine development

University of Adelaide researchers have developed a new web-based tool to help unlock the complex genetics and biological processes behind grapevine development.

28 Feb 2014

Protein interaction network provides invaluable resource to identify targets for Huntington's disease

Researchers at the Buck Institute have identified and categorized thousands of protein interactions involving huntingtin, the protein responsible for Huntington's disease (HD). To use an analogy of a human social network, the identified proteins are like "friends" and "friends of friends" of the HD protein.

28 Feb 2014

Protein that controls Drosophila nervous system may play role in reversing brain injuries in human

A protein that controls the metamorphosis of the common fruit fly could someday play a role in reversing brain injuries, said Duke University researchers.

28 Feb 2014

TSRI scientists describe severe immune overreaction caused by flu infections

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute 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.

28 Feb 2014

Research reveals very unique evolutionary innovations in primate brain

New research by UC Santa Barbara's Kenneth S. Kosik, Harriman Professor of Neuroscience, reveals some very unique evolutionary innovations in the primate brain.

28 Feb 2014

Vaccine targeting tumors could initiate immune response to fight cancer

Cincinnati Cancer Center (CCC) and UC Cancer Institute researchers have found that a vaccine, targeting tumors that produce a certain protein and receptor responsible for communication between cells and the body's immune system, could initiate the immune response to fight cancer.

28 Feb 2014

Study identifies promising target for new drugs to treat lethal form of brain cancer

A molecule in cells that shuts down the expression of genes might be a promising target for new drugs designed to treat the most frequent and lethal form of brain cancer, according to a new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

27 Feb 2014

Study provides novel insight into the impact of genes on Huntington's disease

A study led by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine provides novel insight into the impact that genes may have on Huntington's disease (HD). The study, published online in PLOS Genetics, identified specific small segments of RNA (called micro RNA or miRNA) encoded in DNA in the human genome that are highly expressed in HD.

27 Feb 2014

Babies delivered by C-section may be more likely to become obese

Babies that are delivered by caeserean section are more likely to become overweight or obese as adults, according to researchers from Imperial College, London.

27 Feb 2014

Vitamin A may play key role in combating TB, says study

Tuberculosis is a major global problem, affecting 2 billion people worldwide and causing an estimated 2 million deaths annually. Western countries are once again tackling the disease, with recent outbreaks in Los Angeles and London.

27 Feb 2014

Study demonstrates impact of vitamin D on social behavior linked with ASD

A new study by Rhonda Patrick, PhD and Bruce Ames, PhD of Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) demonstrates the impact that Vitamin D may have on social behavior associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

26 Feb 2014

Cognitive decline in obese diabetic mice can be reversed with regular exercise, surgical removal of belly fat

Cognitive decline that often accompanies obesity and diabetes can be reversed with regular exercise or surgical removal of belly fat, scientists report.

26 Feb 2014

Novel SCLC tumour suppressor gene discovered

Inactivation of the MYC-associated factor X gene, MAX, may play a significant role in the development of small-cell lung cancer, scientists believe.

26 Feb 2014

Viewpoints: Finding a plan for 'tinkering with DNA'; fact-checking claims of ACA losses; pediatricians' fears of retail clinics

The manipulation of human genes could lead to profound advances in our ability to cure or prevent terrible diseases. But in some cases, it might also mean introducing genetic material that could be passed from one generation to the next, changing the human gene pool in a manner that could inadvertently harm peoples' health.

26 Feb 2014

Study highlights the importance of personalized medicine for treating cancer

If a driver is traveling to New York City, I-95 might be their route of choice. But they could also take I-78, I-87 or any number of alternate routes. Most cancers begin similarly, with many possible routes to the same disease. A new study found evidence that assessing the route to cancer on a case-by-case basis might make more sense than basing a patient's cancer treatment on commonly disrupted genes and pathways.

26 Feb 2014

FDA approves KALYDECO for people with cystic fibrosis

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for KALYDECOTM (ivacaftor) for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages 6 and older who have one of eight additional mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. KALYDECO was first approved in January 2012 for people with CF ages 6 and older who have at least one copy of the G551D mutation.

26 Feb 2014

Scales of zebrafish suitable for identifying new drugs for treating bone diseases

The scales of the zebrafish are very suitable for identifying potential new drugs for treating bone diseases. This is good news because it means fewer mice and rats will be needed for that work.

26 Feb 2014

Study identifies enzyme with key role in precancerous lesions

Cancer of the pancreas is usually not detected until it's too late to cure. But precursor lesions that form in the pancreas and its ducts can signal the disease before it strikes, and when caught early enough, they can be prevented from progressing to become cancer.

26 Feb 2014

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Abingworth announces final closing of £225M ($375M) fund

LMU researchers identify genetic mutations that result in overproduction of cortisol

Researchers develop new web-based tool to unlock genetics behind grapevine development

Protein interaction network provides invaluable resource to identify targets for Huntington's disease

Protein that controls Drosophila nervous system may play role in reversing brain injuries in human

TSRI scientists describe severe immune overreaction caused by flu infections

Research reveals very unique evolutionary innovations in primate brain

Vaccine targeting tumors could initiate immune response to fight cancer

Study identifies promising target for new drugs to treat lethal form of brain cancer

Study provides novel insight into the impact of genes on Huntington's disease

Babies delivered by C-section may be more likely to become obese

Vitamin A may play key role in combating TB, says study

Study demonstrates impact of vitamin D on social behavior linked with ASD

Cognitive decline in obese diabetic mice can be reversed with regular exercise, surgical removal of belly fat

Novel SCLC tumour suppressor gene discovered

Viewpoints: Finding a plan for 'tinkering with DNA'; fact-checking claims of ACA losses; pediatricians' fears of retail clinics

Study highlights the importance of personalized medicine for treating cancer

FDA approves KALYDECO for people with cystic fibrosis

Scales of zebrafish suitable for identifying new drugs for treating bone diseases

Study identifies enzyme with key role in precancerous lesions

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