Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Scientists explore genetic 'Prozac markers'; research may provide simple test for treating depression

Prozac works wonders for some depressed people, but not for others. In some cases, patients derive little benefit and at worst, it can lead to bizarre hallucinations and fits of rage. Researchers and doctors remain puzzled as to what causes the wide range of reaction to Prozac and similar antidepressants.

28 Oct 2009

Roche's high-throughput sequencing technology used for high-resolution HLA genotyping

A study published this month in the journal Tissue Antigens reports that researchers at Roche Molecular Systems in Pleasanton, CA have used high-throughput sequencing technology from 454 Life Sciences, a Roche Company, to carry out high-resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping in research samples.

27 Oct 2009

New guidebook for long term care planning

The good news is that Americans are living longer. The bad news is that millions are outliving their money; and when they need long term care, they face bleak prospects. According to a new guidebook from LTC Financial Partners, LLC (LTCFP), the unprepared are either forced to move into a nursing home funded by Medicaid, or to live with relatives who must disrupt their lives to care for them.

27 Oct 2009

NCMLS organises immunology congress at Nijmegen

How do cells in our immune system recognise dangerous invaders and hazardous cells, such as cancer cells? Answers to this and similar questions are evolving rapidly. A large contributor worldwide to the field of immunology is the NCMLS, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre. The NCMLS is organising an important scientific congress on this very topic, for which the absolute world top immunology experts are coming to Nijmegen.

27 Oct 2009

Quark Pharmaceuticals receives a Japanese patent for its hypoxia regulated genes

Quark Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a development-stage pharmaceutical company discovering and developing novel RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics, today announced issuance of Japanese Patent Number: 4354633, titled, "Hypoxia regulated genes," on August 7, 2009.

27 Oct 2009

First child with a surgically implanted artificial humerus doing well after a year

When little Mark Blinder was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, doctors at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital gave his parents three agonizing options: amputate the affected arm at the shoulder, irradiate the tumor and risk a second malignancy, or try a limb-preserving surgery that had never been attempted in a toddler.

27 Oct 2009

Genetic mutations cause for SIDS and SUDS

Scientists and clinicians at the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cardiogenetics have teamed up and found that genetic mutations leading to Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) could be causing electrical malfunctioning of the heart resulting in the mysterious deaths more commonly known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexplained Death Syndrome (SUDS) in people older than 12 months of age.

27 Oct 2009

Researchers identify how Tissue Factor contributes to cancer growth

A recently discovered form of the protein that triggers blood clotting may play a key role in the molecular mechanisms leading to the growth of certain metastatic cancers, according to new research reported by an international team of scientists.

27 Oct 2009

Study shows gene therapy can restore vision to children with Leber congenital amaurosis

Results from a breakthrough study, conducted by researchers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, show that gene therapy has restored significant vision in five children and seven adults who were previously blind.

27 Oct 2009

Changes in dopamine levels linked to infant learning patterns

When do you first leave the nest? Early in development infants of many species experience important transitions-such as learning when to leave the protective presence of their mother to start exploring the wider world. Neuroscientists have now pinpointed molecular events occurring in the brain during that turning point.

27 Oct 2009

Major fundraising initiative launched for Rett syndrome research

Inspired by recent breakthroughs in research, today the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) announced a major fundraising initiative entitled Research to Reality: Funding Progress. Funds raised by the campaign are earmarked to accelerate the progress of crucial research, and bring promise to reality. Country music sensation Clint Black, whose niece Courtney lost her battle with Rett syndrome in 2003 at age 16, will serve as Honorary Chair of the campaign.

26 Oct 2009

Ingenuity Systems and Life Technologies develop new gene expression workflow for cell transcriptome analysis

Ingenuity Systems, the leading provider of information solutions for life science researchers, today announced it has developed a new gene expression workflow with Life Technologies Corporation.

26 Oct 2009

Enzyme Mst3b is essential for regenerating damaged axons in live animal model, say researchers

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston report that an enzyme known as Mst3b, previously identified in their lab, is essential for regenerating damaged axons (nerve fibers) in a live animal model, in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.

26 Oct 2009

Novel protein responsible for changing DNA structure and silencing the expression of genes identified

A study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS) by a team of scientists headed by Professors Hélène Bierne and Pascale Cossart from the Pasteur Institute, in collaboration with colleagues form the CNRS and the French Agricultural Research Institute (INRA), identified a novel protein, BAHD1, which is responsible for changing DNA structure and silencing the expression of genes.

26 Oct 2009

Potential link exists between histone mRNA formation and apoptosis

A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has identified a key player in a molecular process essential for DNA replication within cells.

26 Oct 2009

Cancer cells fueled by the mutant KRAS oncogene can be killed by blocking its genetic partner

Cancer cells fueled by the mutant KRAS oncogene, which makes them notoriously difficult to treat, can be killed by blocking a more vulnerable genetic partner of KRAS, report scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT.

26 Oct 2009

Gene therapy may help improve congenital blindness in children

Born with a retinal disease that made him legally blind, and would eventually leave him totally sightless, the nine-year-old boy used to sit in the back of the classroom, relying on the large print on an electronic screen and assisted by teacher aides. Now, after a single injection of genes that produce light-sensitive pigments in the back of his eye, he sits in front with classmates and participates in class without extra help. In the playground, he joins his classmates in playing his first game of softball.

26 Oct 2009

Supplemental oxygen during stroke is effective to combat brain tissue damage

Scientists have countered findings of previous clinical trials by showing that giving supplemental oxygen to animals during a stroke can reduce damage to brain tissue surrounding the clot.

26 Oct 2009

Rare form of testicular tumour provides new insight into how genetic changes arise in children

A rare form of testicular tumour has provided scientists with new insights into how genetic changes (mutations) arise in our children. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Danish Cancer Society, could explain why certain diseases are more common in the children of older fathers.

26 Oct 2009

APC enzyme may be effective for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A chemical cousin of a drug currently used to treat sepsis dramatically slows the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, in mice. The results offer a bit of good news in efforts to develop a therapy to stop or slow the progression of a disease that generally kills its victims within just a few years.

26 Oct 2009

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Scientists explore genetic 'Prozac markers'; research may provide simple test for treating depression

Roche's high-throughput sequencing technology used for high-resolution HLA genotyping

New guidebook for long term care planning

NCMLS organises immunology congress at Nijmegen

Quark Pharmaceuticals receives a Japanese patent for its hypoxia regulated genes

First child with a surgically implanted artificial humerus doing well after a year

Genetic mutations cause for SIDS and SUDS

Researchers identify how Tissue Factor contributes to cancer growth

Study shows gene therapy can restore vision to children with Leber congenital amaurosis

Changes in dopamine levels linked to infant learning patterns

Major fundraising initiative launched for Rett syndrome research

Ingenuity Systems and Life Technologies develop new gene expression workflow for cell transcriptome analysis

Enzyme Mst3b is essential for regenerating damaged axons in live animal model, say researchers

Novel protein responsible for changing DNA structure and silencing the expression of genes identified

Potential link exists between histone mRNA formation and apoptosis

Cancer cells fueled by the mutant KRAS oncogene can be killed by blocking its genetic partner

Gene therapy may help improve congenital blindness in children

Supplemental oxygen during stroke is effective to combat brain tissue damage

Rare form of testicular tumour provides new insight into how genetic changes arise in children

APC enzyme may be effective for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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

Exploring the role of confocal-based high-content imaging in advancing core facilities

Transforming Cardiovascular Care: Insights from Mina Makar at AstraZeneca

Clue's CEO Rhiannon White on the Future of Femtech and PCOS