Nutrigenomics Researchers Replicate Gene Interaction With Saturated Fat Nov 20, 2009
Proteins responding to some nutrients in food interact with promoters which dictate how genes behave ... "There is a need to understand the mechanisms behind this particular diet-gene interaction and to find out whether other there are similar interactions in other genes that could factor in obesity prevention.". (Science Daily)
Cracked Corn: Scientists Solve Maize's Genetic Maze Nov 20, 2009
Boasting more genes than humans, the corn genome proved difficult to decode ... The corn genome actually has 12,000 more genes than humans do and manages to stuff them onto 10 chromosomes (as opposed to humans' 23) ... After locating and characterizing the cereal's 32,000 genes, researchers now anticipate a new bounty of genetically tuned varieties. (Scientific American)
Causative gene of a rare disorder discovered by sequencing only protein-coding regions of genome Nov 20, 2009
That is why sequencing the exome is an efficient strategy to search for genes that underlie rare genetic disorders ... After scientists identify one causative gene and its repercussions, by extension they might discover other genes or environmental agents that affect the same biological pathway. (EurekAlert!)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nov 19, 2009
Genetic studies highlight the importance of host microbe interactions in the pathogenesis of these diseases. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 Prominent among these genetic findings are genomic regions containing nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2),14 autophagy genes,4,7,8,10 and components of the interleukin-23 type 17 helper T-cell (Th17) pathway ... Innate-Immune-Response Genes and Crohn's Disease. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Gene protects brain-eaters from mad cow-type disease Nov 19, 2009
They looked at the genes for prions, ordinary brain proteins that take on a misfolded shape in prion disease such as CJD and kuru. They found a mutation called G127V that protected people from kuru. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Sight Gone, but Not Necessarily Lost? Nov 19, 2009
Three genes -- named Fz4, Ndp and Lrp5 -- previously were suspected to be involved in blood vessel development in the human retina. Defects in any of these genes cause hypovascularization -- a lack of sufficient blood vessels -- in the retina ... Similarly, eliminating any of these genes in mice can lead to hypovascularized retinas. (Science Daily)
Pre-Eclampsia Linked to Thyroid Problems Nov 19, 2009
19, 2005) Genes from both the mother and father can trigger pre-eclampsia, finds a study published online by the British Medical Journal. Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition where abnormally high blood. (Science Daily)
* Straight talk on GM crops crucial Nov 19, 2009
There are public doubts about the sources of genes used in GM crops. Most modified genes now come from plants or microbes that have already been used in agriculture ... Also, the salt, drought and cold-resistant genes of paddy rice actually come from the rice itself. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Interleukin-10 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nov 19, 2009
In this issue of the Journal, Glocker et al.1 provide the first substantial support for a functional role for the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease in humans. By performing genetic-linkage and candidate-gene analysis of two unrelated consanguineous families with children who have a severe, progressive, poorly treatable form of Crohn's disease that occurs in the first year of life, the investigators identified homozygous, recessive... (New England Journal of Medicine)
NanoString Technologies announces research collaboration with the Broad Institute Nov 19, 2009
As part of the collaboration, the Broad Institute will use NanoString's nCounterTM Analysis System to decipher entire networks of genes to identify how these genes work together to carry out biological functions. To support this effort, NanoString will design custom CodeSets (molecular barcodes associated with the genes of interest) based on gene signatures identified by Broad investigators. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Common Herbal Medicine May Prevent Acetaminophen-Related Liver Damage, Says Researcher Nov 19, 2009
They identified 224 candidate genes that might explain the resistant strain's ability to ward off liver damage, and then plumbed computer databases to identify those involved in metabolizing acetaminophen's dangerous byproducts. One, an enzyme called Bhmt2, fit the bill: It helped generate more glutathione, and its sequence varied between the resistant and non-resistant strains of mice. (Science Daily)
Researchers Try to Solve the Mystery of HIV Carriers Who Don't Contract AIDS Nov 19, 2009
It's in the genes The virus carried by HIV controllers is less fit; it reproduces less rapidly than in people who do not control HIV as well, according to Douglas Kwon ... They are analyzing the genes and immune function of HIV controllers, about 1,600 so far ... Host genes of the major histocompatibility complex (the genes that determine how mammals respond to pathogens) play a significant role in how the immune system responds to all pathogens. (Scientific American)
Use of Fetus-Harming Prescription Medications Shockingly Common, Canadian Study Finds Nov 18, 2009
17, 2009) More than six percent of expectant mothers in Quebec consume prescription drugs that are known to be harmful to their fetuses, according to a Universit; de Montr;al investigation published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Half these women will voluntarily terminate their pregnancy fearing congenital malformations, which means the abortion rate among these women is 11 percent higher than in the rest of the population. (Science Daily)
Slowing Evolution to Stop Drug Resistance Nov 18, 2009
A yeast has 6 000 genes, and destroying single genes in otherwise identical organisms enables Jonas Warringer and his colleagues to use the method of exclusion ... "This is how we eventually found the genes that regulate evolution. If, in the next phase, we can find a substance that can attack one of these components, we will be able to delay the development of drug resistance and ensure that today's drugs remain effective into the future." The research project is funded by the Magnus Bergwall... (Science Daily)
Connections Between Circadian And Metabolic Systems Described Nov 18, 2009
"We again used DNA microarray analysis, which allowed us to examine each and every gene that is switched on in the mouse liver (screening about 30,000 genes). "We discovered that about 2 to 3 percent of genes normally expressed in the liver are abnormally regulated and many of these genes are rhythmically active. We call genes that are rhythmic with a 24-hour period clock controlled genes or 'ccgs ... Because a majority of these abnormally related genes were found to be ccgs, it is clear that an... (Science Daily)
Doctors Answer Questions About Mammograms & New Recommendations Nov 18, 2009
Clearly, any woman who knows she carries the BRCA 1 OR 2 breast cancer genes needs more vigilant screening. Many specialists also recommend it for women with dense or fibro-cystic breasts that make cancer difficult to spot. (W-USA News, DC)
Scientists Put Interactive Flu Tracking at Public's Fingertips Nov 18, 2009
They then focused on studying two genes within the virus whose mutations are believed to have the most impact on H5N1 behavior: hemagglutinin, which produces the protein that recognizes the host cell receptor, and neuraminidase, an enzyme that helps the virus escape one cell so it can enter other cells. The researchers used 1,646 sequences of hemagglutinin and 1,335 of neuraminidase in this study. (Science Daily)
Get more: Healthbeat Nov 18, 2009
Stress and trauma early in life may have such a significant impact it could change genes and cause behavior problems later on. Tags. (WLS, IL)
Biologists rally to sequence 'neglected' microbes Nov 18, 2009
It also improved the researchers ability to predict the role of genes with unknown functions in already sequenced organisms. "There s no doubt to us that filling in the branches of the tree is going to be useful to lots of scientific studies that use genomic data," says Eisen. (Scientific American)
Investigating Muscle Repair, Scientists Follow Their Noses Nov 18, 2009
The human genome contains around 400 genes encoding odorant receptors, and mice have more than 900. It is not clear what the MOR23 equivalent is in humans, or whether the odorant receptors that respond to lyral in humans are also involved in muscle repair. (Science Daily)
Breast 'awareness' is key, docs say Nov 18, 2009
Part of breast cancer risk has to do with genetics, and particularly strong links have been found to the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. You should be aware of your own risk by taking into account your family history. (CNN)
New combination therapy could deliver powerful punch to breast cancer Nov 17, 2009
Their drive for both comes from the activation of oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressor genes that leaves cells looking desperately for ways to support their marching orders. Much like the extreme measures plane crash victims may take while stranded on a frozen mountaintop, autophagy becomes a survival strategy for the most stressed out cancer cells. (EurekAlert!)
Group Adopts Out Greyhounds As Pets Nov 17, 2009
Shirley Kane, the executive director of the event, said despite their racing genes, the dogs are calm, gentle animals that love companionship. Since 1988, the group has had a 100-percent adoption rate. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Nanoparticles Cause Genetic Damage in Mice Nov 17, 2009
Nanoparticles used in common household items cause genetic damage in mice. Nanoparticles Used in Common Household Items Cause Genetic Damage in Mice. (Science Daily)
Stopping Mammograms Nov 17, 2009
Women who are at a known high risk -- for instance, women who tested positive for the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes -- would not fall under the guidelines. Related. (ABC News)
Depression linked to lack of vitamin D Nov 17, 2009
"It is estimated that many of the genes that regulate cardiovascular health are directly or indirectly regulated by vitamin D," says Holick, author of the forthcoming book The Vitamin D Solution. "We know that vitamin D regulates blood pressure, and it is very important for maintaining good heart health.". (CNN)
Adult Cell Expansion Without Stem Cells? Nov 17, 2009
(2) Transcription factors are proteins that regulate the expression of genes by activating or inhibiting them ... 22, 2007) Scientists have identified two genes -- called Jmjd1a and Jmjd2c -- that regulate self-renewal in embryonic stem cells. (Science Daily)
Inappropriate Sepsis Therapy Leads to Fivefold Reduction in Survival Nov 17, 2009
3, 2006) In the November 15th issue of Genes & Development, Dr. Robert Schneider and colleagues at NYU School of Medicine report that the AUF1 gene underlies susceptibility to septic. . (Science Daily)
India lets Kashmir leader travel Nov 16, 2009
Mutant genes 'key to long life. MOST READ. (Yahoo News -- Kashmir Dispute)
Largest gene study of childhood IBD identifies 5 new genes Nov 16, 2009
"This is an evolving story of discovering what genes tell us about the disease," said Robert N. Baldassano, M.D., a co-first author of the study and director of the Center for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Children's Hospital. "Pinpointing how specific genes act on biological pathways provides a basis for ultimately personalizing medicine to an individual's genetic profile.". (EurekAlert!)
Genetic Changes Shown to Be Important Indicators for Disease Progression in Cervical Cancer Patients Nov 16, 2009
Through the use of screening methods that covered all genes in the human genome, the researchers report as their key finding the discovery of a set of biological processes that are known hallmarks of cancer associated with gains and losses of specific genes. Moreover, they identify novel loci associated with resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, and depict the genes involved ... Lando et al. Gene Dosage, Expression, and Ontology Analysis Identifies Driver Genes in the Carcinogenesis and... (Science Daily)
5 mutant genes linked to Parkinsons Nov 16, 2009
5 mutant genes linked to Parkinsons - More health news- msnbc ... 5 mutant genes linked to Parkinsons ... HONG KONG - People of Japanese and European descent who have mutant versions of five genes may be at higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, two large teams of researchers have found. (MSNBC -- Health)
Gut disorder 'blamed on leaks' Nov 16, 2009
The latest study links the condition to four genes which all play a role in keeping the intestine lining healthy. The Nature Genetics study is based on an analysis of the genes of 12,700 people ... In particular, they zeroed in on four genes - LAMB1, CDH1, CDH3 and HNF4A - which keep the epithelium - the lining of the intestine - working. (BBC News -- Health)
Paul C. Zamecnik, at 96; discoveries helped revolutionize biochemistry Nov 16, 2009
His second major contribution was showing that antisense DNA, which is created to complement RNA, can halt, or deactivate, the expression of specific genes. This opened a new line of research into stopping protein synthesis in cancer and viral cells - antisense therapeutics. (Boston Globe)
Deaf audiences can 'see' dialogue Nov 15, 2009
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Tuesday, 24 April 2007, 07:24 GMT 08:24 UK. (Yahoo News -- Disabilities and the Disabled)
Longevity Tied to Preserving Chromosome Tips Nov 15, 2009
Longevity tied to genes that preserve tips of chromosomes ... Longevity Tied to Genes That Preserve Tips of Chromosomes ... "Our research was meant to answer two questions: Do people who live long lives tend to have long telomeres? And if so, could variations in their genes that code for telomerase account for their long telomeres?". (Science Daily)
Newly Discovered Mechanism of Insulin Production Could Lead to Better Treatment for Diabetes Nov 15, 2009
Determining if and how certain genes predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes is likely to lead to the development of new. (Aug. (Science Daily)
US sex-abstinence drive 'flawed' Nov 15, 2009
Page last updated at 02:13 GMT, Friday, 1 December 2006. US sex-abstinence drive 'flawed. (Yahoo News -- Birth Control)
Pill use 'may cut risk of cancer' Nov 15, 2009
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 September 2007, 23:06 GMT 00:06 UK. (Yahoo News -- Birth Control)
NHS heroin 'will protect women' Nov 15, 2009
Mutant genes 'key to long life. Apec leaders drop climate target. (Yahoo News -- Substance Use)
Cannabis 'affecting young minds' Nov 15, 2009
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Sunday, 10 December 2006, 00:36 GMT. (Yahoo News -- Substance Use)
Quick Fixes to Add Years to Your Life! Nov 15, 2009
Studies Show Most of Your Lifespan Is Determined by Your Behavior, Not Your Genes; These Easy Steps Could Help Lengthen Lives ... (CBS) Living longer has a lot more to do with your own behavior than luck or good genes, research shows ... The Danish Twin Studies established that less than 20 percent of how long the average person lives is dictated by genes. (CBS News)
Sars patients can provide therapy Nov 15, 2009
Other researchers have also tried to produce antibodies, but they have tried to do this by cloning genes, rather than whole immune cells. More potent. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Brain 'can beat early blindness' Nov 15, 2009
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Saturday, 17 February 2007, 00:33 GMT. (Yahoo News -- Brain Research)
Diabetes threat bigger than H1N1 Nov 15, 2009
Previously, although they had the genes, they did not get diabetes until they were much older, he added. Consultant endocrinologist Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Abdul Kadir, who is a professor of medicine at Monash University Malaysia, said the countrys increased prevalence rate was similar to that in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
UK child migrants apology planned Nov 15, 2009
Page last updated at 08:42 GMT, Sunday, 15 November 2009. Many of the children were lied to about their parents being dead. (BBC News -- UK)
Mother's grief at baby RB death Nov 15, 2009
Page last updated at 07:41 GMT, Sunday, 15 November 2009. Baby RB suffers from a rare, genetic muscle condition. (BBC News -- UK)
Ordeal of child migrants Nov 15, 2009
Page last updated at 05:10 GMT, Sunday, 15 November 2009. Ordeal of Australia's child migrants. (BBC News -- UK)
Five-step check for nano safety Nov 15, 2009
Mutant genes 'key to long life. Rolls-Royce in $2bn engine orders. (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
Mutant genes 'key to long life' Nov 15, 2009
Mutant genes 'key to long life ... Yousin Suh, associate professor of medicine and genetics at Einstein and a lead author on the paper, said: "Our findings suggest that telomere length and variants of telomerase genes combine to help people live very long lives, perhaps by protecting them from the diseases of old age. "We're now trying to understand the mechanism by which these genetic variants of telomerase maintain telomere length in centenarians. (BBC News -- Americas)
British actors dominate TV Globes Nov 15, 2009
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Tuesday, 16 January 2007, 10:47 GMT. (Yahoo News -- Golden Globe Awards)
Worms turned into hermaphrodites Nov 15, 2009
The two genes the researchers "tweaked" were one involved in making sperm and another involved in activating them ... Mutant genes 'key to long life. (BBC News -- Science)
When Preschoolers Ask Questions, They Want Explanations Nov 14, 2009
In the first study to link taste genes to behavior in children, researchers looked at how natural variations in a recently discovered taste gene. . (Science Daily)
Chromosomes dance and pair up on the nuclear membrane Nov 14, 2009
The new finding in the nematode worm C. elegans match related but less detailed findings in organisms ranging from wheat and fungi (yeast) to flies and mice, suggesting that the basic mechanics of sex at least at the cellular level arose more than a billion years ago when single- celled organisms first leaned how to mix and match their genes as a strategy for survival ... Called the synaptonemal complex, this zipper seems necessary to allow the homologues to break and recombine, thereby... (EurekAlert!)
'Cross-talk' mechanism contributes to colorectal cancer Nov 14, 2009
Increased GLI1 then activates cancer-promoting genes that are usually considered downstream targets of the Hedgehog pathway. The findings point to promising therapeutic possibilities, says Spiegelman. (EurekAlert!)
How World's Longest-Living People Do It Nov 14, 2009
Something called the Danish Twin Studies established that less than 20 percent of how long the average person lives is dictated by genes ... Genesis, Chapter 1, vs 26. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Elsevier pilots new research tool 'Reflect' in its premier life science journal Cell Nov 14, 2009
The 'Reflect' tool identifies the proteins, genes and small molecules mentioned in the Cell articles, and generates pop-up windows containing relevant contextual information, with additional links, about those entities ... Currently, Reflect tags genes, proteins, small molecules and terms from Wikipedia. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Faulty Body Clock May Make Kids Bipolar Nov 14, 2009
13, 2009) Malfunctioning circadian clock genes may be responsible for bipolar disorder in children ... Alexander Niculescu from Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, US, worked with a team of researchers at Harvard, UC San Diego, Massachusetts General Hospital and SUNY Upstate Medical University to study the RORA and RORB genes of 152 children with the condition and 140 control children ... Niculescu said, "Our findings suggest that clock genes in general and RORB in particular... (Science Daily)
Stimulus money headed to primate facility in Southborough Nov 14, 2009
The primate center's own grants including funding to improve vaccine and disease progression testing for HIV and its primate version; study alcoholism, drug addiction and neuropsychiatric disorders; examine ties between metabolic disturbances and the onset of diabetes and dementia; and determine the role of genes in susceptibility to AIDS.. One of eight National Primate Research Centers, the Southborough facility had 1,800 primates as of 2003. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Your DNA up for grabs Nov 14, 2009
Additionally, about 20% of human genes have patents on them, and genes have DNA. This has very, very severe implications if a corporation, like Monsanto, owns the rights to 10% of your DNA, do they own you. I am reminded of a short film illustrating this kind of corporate/government sponsored technological terror and social control, where everything about us is known and linked into large databases: credit scores, health records, DNA, employment and police records, housing, purchases and income. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Gene Knockout May Cheer Up Mice Nov 14, 2009
17, 2008) Individual genes do not cause depression, but they increase the probability of having a depression in the face of other accumulating risk factors, such as other genes and environmental stressors. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Calendar: MIND events in November and December Nov 14, 2009
In fact, no single gene or group of genes supports the idea of race ... Hands-on activities, including a three-dimensional computer-animated video of our genes, encourage guests to challenge and discuss their thoughts on the controversial topic. (Scientific American)
Stem Cells: Scientists Successfully Reprogram Blood Cells Nov 13, 2009
She also said this particular approach to gene therapy carries considerably less risk of stimulating cancer genes, which has been a concern with some forms of gene therapy. This is because the researchers used a promoter gene specific to red cells to stimulate IDUA production, and they did so in just one specific subset of blood cells (and not in any other offspring from genetically modified blood stem cells). (Science Daily)
Scientists find out why language is unique to humans Nov 13, 2009
Geschwind said this suggests that FOXP2 drives these genes to behave differently in the two species ... "By pinpointing the genes influenced by FOXP2, we have identified a new set of tools for study how human speech could be regulated at the molecular level," said Konopka. (Xinhuanet, China)
New paper describes connections between Circadian and metabolic systems Nov 13, 2009
"We again used DNA microarray analysis, which allowed us to examine each and every gene that is switched on in the mouse liver (screening about 30,000 genes). "We discovered that about 2 to 3 percent of genes normally expressed in the liver are abnormally regulated and many of these genes are rhythmically active. We call genes that are rhythmic with a 24-hour period clock controlled genes or 'ccgs ... Because a majority of these abnormally related genes were found to be ccgs, it is clear that an... (EurekAlert!)
