Using RNAi-based Technique, Scientists Find New Tumor Suppressor Genes In Lymphoma Oct 15, 2009
The findings of this study are a vital complement to genomics approaches to map the cancer genome, the altered DNA sequence of cancer patients. While this strategy will help build a catalog of every genetic mutation lurking within a cancer cell s DNA, our approach offers functional information, such as which genes are causally involved in promoting cancer -- knowledge that can be exploited to design better, targeted therapies, said Professor Scott Lowe, Ph. (Science Daily)
In net age, learning to think in petabytes Oct 13, 2009
It sounds like science fiction, but soon youll hand a machine a strand of hair, and a DNA sequence will come out the other side, said Jimmy Lin, a professor at the University of Maryland. While consumers are just starting to comprehend the idea of buying external hard drives for the home capable of storing a terabyte of data, computer scientists need to grapple with data sets thousands of times as large and growing ever larger. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Micromanaging Cancer Oct 8, 2009
1 The previous model was that gene expression was activated during transcription, the process of copying the DNA sequence into RNA, when transcription factor proteins bind to promoter sequences in DNA upstream of the gene's coding sequence. Now it is clear that an additional important mechanism of gene regulation occurs at the next stage of translating the messenger RNA (mRNA) into protein. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Scientists Determine Dynamics Of HIV Transmission In UK Heterosexuals Oct 6, 2009
The authors note the importance to their work of the UK HIV Drug Resistance Database, which contains viral DNA sequence information from over 30,000 infected individuals. Using this database, the researchers discovered that transmission clusters in the heterosexual population were smaller than those found among HIV-infected homosexual men and that transmission was also much slower. (Science Daily)
Outspoken Australian scientist dropped by Bush wins Nobel Oct 6, 2009
Professor Blackburn won with her long-time US collaborators Jack Szostak, who worked on the telemores unique DNA sequence, and Carol Greider, who co-identified the telomerase. Australia's 11th Nobel laureate, Professor Blackburn is a vocal advocate of independent scientific thought who fell out with the Bush administration over cloning and stem cells. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
With Map Of Potato Genome, Scientists Hope To Improve Crop Yield Sep 26, 2009
Known as the SolCAP project, the research aims to use emerging DNA sequence knowledge with basic research data to improve tomato and potato varieties. "The timing of the release of the potato draft sequence is nice for the SolCAP project," Douches said. (Science Daily)
Mutations Make Evolution Irreversible Sep 24, 2009
So they resurrected the GR as it existed soon after cortisol specificity first evolved -- in the common ancestor of humans and all other vertebrates with bones -- and then reversed the seven key mutations by manipulating its DNA sequence. We expected to get a promiscuous receptor just like the GR's ancestor, but instead we got a completely dead, non-functional protein," Thornton said. "Apparently other mutations that occurred during early GR evolution acted as a sort of evolutionary ratchet,... (Science Daily)
Genome Sequencing Reveals Genetic Diversity Of Bacteria That Cause Buruli Ulcer Sep 17, 2009
SNPs are DNA sequence variations occurring when point mutations persist in a population. Buruli ulcer is a necrotizing skin disease that affects mostly children and youth in West Africa, but is also found in Asia, the Western Pacific, and Latin America. (Science Daily)
ZifBASE: a database of zinc finger proteins and associated resources Sep 9, 2009
There is a need to develop a computational resource of zinc finger proteins (ZFP) to identify the potential binding sites and its location, which reduce the time of in vivo task, and overcome the difficulties in selecting the specific type of zinc finger protein and the target site in the DNA sequence. Description: ZifBASE provides an extensive collection of various natural and engineered ZFP. It uses standard names and a genetic and structural classification scheme to present data retrieved... (BioMed Central)
Early 20th Century Evolutionist May Have Discovered Epigenetics Sep 4, 2009
Now Dr. Alexander Vargas, from the University of Chile, has re-examined Kammerer's experiments finding remarkable resemblances to newly discovered aspects of epigenetics, a flourishing new field of science which studies influences in inheritance beyond the DNA sequence. "Today Kammerer's scientific legacy is non-existent and he is often cited as an example of scientific fraud," said Vargas. (Science Daily)
The Hawaiian algal database: a laboratory LIMS and online resource for biodiversity data Sep 4, 2009
The Hawaiian Algal Database was designed to showcase specimens collected from the Hawaiian Archipelago, enabling users around the world to compare their specimens with our photographs and DNA sequence data, and to provide lab personnel with an organizational tool for storing various biodiversity data types ... We describe the Hawaiian Algal Database, a comprehensive and searchable database containing photographs and micrographs, geo-referenced collecting information, taxonomic checklists and... (BioMed Central)
* Researchers find Han obesity link Aug 22, 2009
According to Pan Wen-harn ([), a researcher with the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at Academia Sinica, severe obesity is associated with novel single nucleotide polymorphisms, or DNA sequence variations, of the ESR1 and PPAR loci in ethnic Chinese. Pan said that many loci associated with obesity have been reported, with at least 18 genes having been replicated in five studies on -obesity-related indicators and that 14 additional genes have been associated with obesity in Asians. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
At the fungal farmer's market, only the best cyanobacteria are for sale Aug 22, 2009
Lcking and his colleagues used DNA sequence data to reconstruct evolutionary relationships among free-living members of Scytonema and putative Scytonema photobionts associated with three major fungal lineages. They discovered that these lichenized photobionts are not members of the genus Scytonema, but form a novel, previously unrecognized, entirely lichenized, lineage of cyanobacteria. (EurekAlert!)
NIH-funded researchers sequence exomes of 12 people Aug 17, 2009
In a pioneering effort that generated massive amounts of DNA sequence data from 12 people, a team supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has demonstrated the feasibility and value of a new strategy for identifying relatively rare genetic variants that may cause or contribute to disease ... Altogether, the project determined 300 million bases of DNA sequence the largest data set reported so far of human coding sequence produced by more advanced second-generation sequencing... (EurekAlert!)
How I'm Spending My Summer: A GoRedFoxes.com Summer Series -- Updated Aug. 14 Aug 15, 2009
Epigentics is the study of the processes by which a heritable phenotype that is not strictly dependent on DNA sequence is produced. Epigenetics can be studied among organisms or single cells. (Goredfoxes.com)
Mary Had A Lot Of Lambs: Researchers Identify Way To Accelerate Sheep Breeding Aug 11, 2009
The change in the DNA sequence of the M allele does not change the amino acid sequence of the protein. This means that it may be an accurate indicator for the phenotype of breeding out of season, though it's uncertain whether the gene actually impacts how the sheep's body reacts to melatonin. (Science Daily)
Ovarian Cancer Tests 'Woefully Ineffective' According To Researchers Aug 4, 2009
Based on the current research, Brown is also pursuing the Holy Grail of a truly cancer-specific molecular marker a novel protein or DNA sequence that occurs only in cancer cells. Many current cancer-screening tests rely on changes in levels of particular markers that also occur, albeit at lower levels, on non-cancerous cells. (Science Daily)
Epigenetic Signature Changes In Low Oxygen Levels May Contribute To Prostate Cancer Development Aug 3, 2009
Epigenetic gene regulation refers to changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. The group found significant epigenetic and cellular alterations in prostate cells as a result of hypoxia. (Science Daily)
* Taiwanese team discover immune tolerance process Jul 18, 2009
Transgenic means having genetic material in cells, that includes a gene or DNA sequence, transferred by means of genetic engineering from a genetically unlike organism. On the contrary, deficiency of Deltex1 increases T cell activation, and leads to resistance to anergy induction, enhanced autoantibody generation and increased inflammation. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
On Malaria Struggle, Baboons And Humans Have Similar Stories To Tell Jul 12, 2009
In search of a genetic basis for differences in the baboons' vulnerability to infection, the researchers zeroed in on the DNA sequence surrounding the DARC gene, the same region that has been traced to malaria protection among people ... Comparison of the Amboseli baboon sequences to two other populations also showed that the DNA sequence has undergone a relatively rapid rate of evolutionary change, the mark of natural selection for malaria resistance. (Science Daily)
Birth Weight Appears Associated with Leukemia Jul 4, 2009
For example, leukemia risk may be affected by epigenetic factors, modifications to genes other than changes in the DNA sequence itself. Epigenetic modifications may include the addition of molecules, like methyl groups, to the DNA backbone and other factors that may indirectly influence the expression of the genome. (MEDLINEplus)
New Test Can Detect Both Genetic And Chromosomal Abnormalities In Embryos Jul 2, 2009
Unlike other methods, this is achieved entirely by analysing the DNA sequence at over 300,000 locations genome-wide in parents and appropriate family members, often children already affected by a disease, and comparing their sequence with that inherited by the embryo. This can be achieved very rapidly using current microchip technology known as microarray. (Science Daily)
Sangamo BioSciences Announces Achievement of Key Milestone in Cell Engineering Agreement With Genentech Jun 29, 2009
By engineering ZFPs that recognize a specific DNA sequence Sangamo has created ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TF(TM)) that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. Sangamo is also developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFN(TM)) for gene modification. (PR Newswire)
Melon research sweetened with DNA sequence Jun 27, 2009
Scientists from France and Spain already had completed partial maps of segments of the melon DNA sequence. The Texas researchers connected those segments with new findings in their study to complete the entire melon genome map. (EurekAlert!)
New Piece Found In The Puzzle Of Epigenetics: Mechanism Of Fine Regulation Of RNA Synthesis Elucidated Jun 26, 2009
For many years scientists have known that the numerous biological functions of an organism are not regulated solely by the DNA sequence of its genes: Superordinate regulatory mechanisms exist that contribute to determining the fate of genes. Although they are not anchored in the DNA, they can even be passed on to subsequent generations to a certain extent. (Science Daily)
Genetic Markers To Help Fight Diabetes Discovered Jun 25, 2009
To identify other variants that predict response to TZDs, TGen researchers performed a genome-wide analysis of 115,352 single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs (a DNA sequence variation within the more than 3 billion base pairs in the human genome). In addition, the scientists also systematically screened 28 key genes involved in TZD metabolism or PPARG-stimulated pathways. (Science Daily)
Domestication of Capsicum annuum chile pepper provides insights into crop origin and evolution Jun 20, 2009
To answer these questions, Dr. Kim and his team examined DNA sequence variation and patterns at three nuclear loci in a broad selection of semiwild and domesticated individuals ... Geographical separation among cultivated populations was reflected in DNA sequence variation. (EurekAlert!)
Closing The Gaps In The Human Genome Jun 16, 2009
(May 27, 2008) Geneticists have, for the first time, determined the DNA sequence of a woman. She is also the first European whose DNA sequence has been determined. (Science Daily)
GET ANSWERS: School Bus Video Jun 2, 2009
That includes social security numbers, finger prints or DNA sequence along with other things. But according to the US Department of Education, images of students captured on security tapes that are maintained by the school's law enforcement unit are not considered education records under FERPA. So, those videotapes can be shared with parents of students who are in the video and with outside law enforcement. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Small RNAs Yield Great Amounts Of Data From Ocean Microbe Samples May 16, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 15, 2009) An ingenious new method of obtaining marine microbe samples while preserving the microbes' natural gene expression has yielded an unexpected boon: the presence of many varieties of small RNAs snippets of RNA that act as switches to regulate gene expression in these single-celled creatures. Before now, small RNA could only be studied in lab-cultured microorganisms; the discovery of its presence in a natural setting may make it possible finally to learn on a broad scale... (Science Daily)
Gene Responsible For Acetaminophen-induced Liver Injury Identified May 12, 2009
They found that a single letter change to the DNA sequence in one of these candidate genes, called CD44, is significantly associated with elevated serum ALT in these patients. While the role of this gene in liver toxicity is not yet known, CD44 could serve as a potentially useful marker to identify people at risk for acetaminophen-induced liver damage. (Science Daily)
Whole Genome Sequencing Approach For Mutation Discovery May 7, 2009
The team mapped a fruit-fly mutation caused by the compound ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) by determining the DNA sequence of the mutant fly s genome. The results provide insight into the mechanism of EMS mutageneseis and into gene conversion events involving balancer chromosomes genetic tools used to prevent genetic recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. (Science Daily)
* CDC unveils faster swine flu test May 2, 2009
Shih said that the Department of Health (DOH) acquired the key DNA sequence of the new virus strain on April 25 from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and two days later obtained the RNA of the virus from the Miaoli-based Animal Technology Institute of Taiwan. Using this information, the DOH was able to develop and produce the quick-test kit, which will be distributed for use by the government and some laboratories, Shih said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
News Briefs | Apr. 27 Apr 28, 2009
His team completed the DNA sequence for the tiny worm known as C. elegans research which eventually led to the Human Genome Project. Patty Jo Watson is the Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology Emerita in the College of Arts & Sciences. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Scientists Develop Method For Comprehensive Proteome Analysis Apr 16, 2009
Analysis of the proteome of an organism tells us so much more than simple DNA sequence analysis, said Dr. Wolf. Proteome analysis gives us a snapshot of what proteins are being expressed in the cell at any given point in time. (Science Daily)
New Clues Discovered About Divergent Origin Of Sudden Oak Death Pathogen Apr 7, 2009
But Grunwald and his team, after years of extensive analysis of DNA sequence data, found that the three lineages are between 1. 5 million and 5. (Science Daily)
Major aspergillus genomics supplement published by journal Fungal Genetics and Biology Apr 3, 2009
In 2007, DSM published a paper in "Nature Biotechnology" announcing the release of the DNA sequence of A. niger. The genome was the result of a major project in which DSM scientists worked together with some thirty research partners across the world. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Sex Workers Prefer Remote Screening For Sexually Transmitted Diseases Apr 1, 2009
The samples were processed in the laboratory using a method called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) which rapidly detects a unique DNA sequence in three of the micro-organisms that cause STIs - gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas. For comparison, samples were also collected and screened for these pathogens using traditional laboratory methods. (Science Daily)
Genetic abnormality may increase risk of blood disorders Mar 16, 2009
The investigators carried out a genome-wide study to identify inherited DNA sequence changes that frequently occur in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, in which several types of blood cells are excessively produced in the bone marrow ... According to the research, these mutations do not arise randomly, but are specifically determined by the DNA sequence. (EurekAlert!)
Monsanto cuts all jobs on Kauai Mar 14, 2009
Genetic engineering forces a gene from another species into the DNA sequence of a plant or animal, with the aim of giving the host organism a new trait. In crops, the inbred traits sought are often disease or insect resistance, or tolerance for herbicides or pesticides. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Smokers' COPD Risk Is Genetic Mar 14, 2009
The researchers found five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) human DNA sequence variations - in ADAM33 that were more frequent in the COPD group than in the group of smokers without COPD. One SNP, known as S1, had a particularly strong link to lung abnormalities. "Functional studies will be needed to evaluate the biologic significance of these polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of COPD," according to the authors. (Science Daily)
'The Extinction Gene': World-Changing Scientific Discovery Caught-Up in Battle Between New-Age Mongol Warlord and Russian Efforts to Dominate Europe in Unique New Thriller Mar 14, 2009
CANYON, Texas, March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Walter Perriman returns home to New York from a dig he has been exploring in the Gobi Desert with evidence that 60 million years ago, global warming triggered a DNA sequence in dinosaurs that caused their extinction. He has found the same DNA sequence in recently extinct species and believes that today's climate changes are again activating what he calls the "extinction gene." The proof for his theories is in danger of being lost due to the construction of... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Genes key to smokers' lung disease Mar 13, 2009
The new study is unique in comparing long-term smokers with COPD versus a control group of long-term smokers without COPD. And researchers found five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) - human DNA sequence variations - in ADAM33 that were more frequent in the COPD group than in the group of smokers without COPD. One SNP, known as S1, had a particularly strong link to lung abnormalities. "Functional studies will be needed to evaluate the biologic significance of these polymorphisms in the... (India Times, India)
A Tn5051-like mer-containing transposon identified in a heavy metal tolerant strain Achromobacter sp. AO22 Mar 8, 2009
Other articles by authors. Related articles/pages. (BioMed Central)
Resistance gene stops rust in wheat Feb 20, 2009
Spielmeyer and colleagues identified a marker - a unique DNA sequence - for the Lr34 gene. He says this will be useful in rapidly identifying the gene in a range of wheat varieties. (ABC Science Online)
New Sequencing Technology Pinpoint 'On-off Switches' In Genomes Feb 17, 2009
The strategy promises to clarify the longstanding mystery of the role played by vast stretches of DNA sequence that do not code for the functional units genes that nevertheless may have a powerful regulatory influence. See also. (Science Daily)
Science intends to tag all life Feb 16, 2009
"We have discovered that it is quite possible to have a short DNA sequence that can characterise just about every form of life on the planet.". Opening up. (BBC News -- Science)
SARS spurs China to act on AIDS Feb 14, 2009
The DNA sequence will allow scientists to examine Neanderthals' relationship with modern humans as never before. NEWS: 11:24 12 February 2009 30 comments. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Test Reveals Genetic Defect That Causes Infertility In Pigs Feb 14, 2009
Sequence analysis of the candidate gene KPL2 revealed the presence of an inserted retrotransposon, a DNA sequence which moves around independently in the host genome. These transposable elements are found in all plants and animals. (Science Daily)
Uranium Poisoning Treatment Developed Feb 14, 2009
When NikR is loaded with nickel ions, it binds to a special DNA sequence. This represses transcription of the neighboring genes, which code for proteins involved in nickel uptake. (Science Daily)
Next gen sequencing technology pinpoint 'on-off switches' in genomes Feb 13, 2009
The strategy promises to clarify the longstanding mystery of the role played by vast stretches of DNA sequence that do not code for the functional unitsgenesthat nevertheless may have a powerful regulatory influence. The research is described in the 12 February edition of the journal Nature. (EurekAlert!)
On the origin of Darwin Feb 12, 2009
When he was done collecting the insects, he brought them back to a BYU lab, where he studied their DNA sequence. "When you're (in Papua New Guinea) doing the field work, it's truly remarkable," Whiting said. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Ancestral genome of present-day African great apes & humans had burst of DNA sequence duplication Feb 12, 2009
Ancestral genome of present-day African great apes s had burst of DNA sequence duplication ... Ancestral genome of present-day African great apes s had burst of DNA sequence duplication. (EurekAlert!)
Rot's Unique Wood Degrading Machinery To Be Harnessed For Better Biofuels Production Feb 10, 2009
DNA sequence is the first step in the central dogma of molecular biology first articulated over 50 years ago by Francis Crick the transfer of information from DNA to RNA, which in turn, is translated into protein products, such as enzymes. Postia's genome sequence was also the first step in the process that the scientific team employed to home in on the subset of data, the transcriptome, that encodes the specific enzyme activity, and the secretome, the products exported from the cell. (Science Daily)
International study identifies gene variants associated with early heart attack Feb 8, 2009
"For several decades, it has been known that the risk for heart attack the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. clusters in families and that some of this familial clustering is due to differences in DNA sequence," says Sekar Kathiresan, MD, director of Preventive Cardiology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and corresponding author of the Nature Genetics report. "We set out to find specific, single-letter differences in the genome, what are called single-nucleotide... (EurekAlert!)
Vitamin D helps control MS gene Feb 7, 2009
The researchers found that proteins activated by vitamin D in the body bind to a particular DNA sequence next to the gene, altering its function. They believe that vitamin D deficiency in mothers or even in a previous generation may lead to altered expression of the gene in their offspring. (BBC News -- Health)
Gene's Role In Severity Of Drinking Uncovered Feb 7, 2009
The study, published in the February 2009 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, analyzed the associations between six different DNA sequence variations, or single nucleotide polymorphisms, of the serotonin transporter gene with the levels of drinking intensity among 275 alcohol-dependent individuals seeking treatment. Drinking intensity is measured by the amount a person consumes each day he or she drinks. (Science Daily)
