Ancestry Attracts, but Love Is Blind Nov 21, 2009
Neil Risch, from the University of California, San Francisco, worked with a team of researchers to study the effects of ancestry on partner choice in Mexicans and Puerto Ricans living in their own countries or in the USA. The subjects came from The Genetics of Asthma in Latino Americans (GALA) study, conducted by Risch's UCSF colleague, Esteban Gonzalez Burchard ... 17, 2009) Genetic diseases and genetically mixed populations can help researchers understand human diversity and human origins... (Science Daily)
How Fish Is Cooked Affects Heart-Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Nov 21, 2009
The findings also suggest that the cardioprotective benefits vary by gender and ethnicity -- perhaps because of the preparation methods, genetic susceptibility or hormonal factors ... "Alternately, if it is verified that the interactions between fish consumption, risk factors and ethnicity are due to genetic susceptibility, the heart-disease prevention message can be personalized to ethnic groups, and future study could identify susceptibility at the genetic level." ... 25, 2009) Omega-3 fatty... (Science Daily)
Tribe Evolves Brain Disease 'Resistance Gene' Nov 21, 2009
21, 2009) A community in Papua New Guinea that suffered a major epidemic of a CJD-like fatal brain disease called kuru has developed strong genetic resistance to the disease, according to new research by Medical Research Council (MRC) scientists ... Lead author Professor John Collinge, Director of the MRC Prion Unit said: "It's absolutely fascinating to see Darwinian principles at work here. This community of people has developed their own biologically unique response to a truly terrible... (Science Daily)
New federal law helps protect genetic privacy of employees Nov 21, 2009
Under the law, the second part of which takes effect today, employers are prohibited from asking employees or job candidates to take genetic tests or to provide their family medical histories ... By barring insurers and employers from using such information, the law encourages genetic testing ... Genetic testing involves screening for genes that indicate a person's predisposition to health conditions or diseases. (AZCentral -- News)
Examining Mathematical Abilities in Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Nov 21, 2009
"Two of these regions in the left parietal area are very similar to previous findings in healthy children and in a rare genetic disorder, suggesting that these regions are key areas for math across diverse populations. The two other regions -- the cerebellum and the brainstem -- might be unique to children with FASD in terms of math-structure relationships.". "The parietal lobes are what is referred to as the 'association' cortex because it is clear that it is in these areas that a great deal of... (Science Daily)
For Kids with Down Syndrome, a 'Ray of Hope' Nov 21, 2009
The research was conducted in mice that were genetically engineered to have a condition similar to Down syndrome, a genetic disorder. It is still not clear if humans would benefit from the findings. (MEDLINEplus)
Inflammation Critical in Aortic Dissection, Researchers Find Nov 21, 2009
Certain genetic diseases, such as Marfan syndrome, have been directly linked to the condition; the actor John Ritter inherited a different genetic defect that contributed to his sudden death from aortic dissection in 2003 ... To profile the inflammatory attack that produces aortic dissection, Brasier's group injected the hormone angiotensin into both ordinary lab mice and those genetically modified to "knock out" IL-6 or a cellular receptor for another molecule also involved, known as MCP-1 ...... (Science Daily)
Genetic analysis helps dissect molecular basis of cardiovascular disease Nov 21, 2009
Common genetic contributions to plasma lipoprotein profile determined by large scale, genome-wide genetic analysis. Using highly precise measurements of plasma lipoprotein concentrations determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), researchers led by Daniel Chasman at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, the Framingham Heart Study in Framingham, and the PROCARDIS consortium in Stockholm, Sweden and Oxford, England performed genetic association... (EurekAlert!)
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu found in N.C. hospital Nov 21, 2009
Doctors say investigations of the two hospital outbreaks are underway, but the preliminary genetic evidence suggests that the virus spread among patients at the hospitals. "The four patients involved in this situation had the same resistance pattern," says Sexton, adding that researchers at the are now testing virus samples from Duke to see whether they're identical. (USA Today)
Electronic Privacy Information Center: Privacy Nov 21, 2009
Information on uses of genetic information and their privacy implications. Information on a 1999 federal law that establishes some protections against pretexting and limitations on data sharing for banks, insurance, and brokerage companies. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Experiment Aims to Predict PTSD Nov 21, 2009
Select Marine and Army units are undergoing a battery of physical and mental tests before deployment including genetic testing, brain imaging and stress exams ... They donated blood, urine and saliva samples so researchers can search for genetic biomarkers that might play a role. (CBS News -- Health)
More than meets the eye Nov 21, 2009
Then people develop psychosomatic conditions which are passed off as genetic disorders. . (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Explanation for Rapid Maturation of Neurons at Birth Nov 21, 2009
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have figured out the genetic control of the pump in rodents. These findings may ultimately benefit people who suffer from the neuron misfirings that occur in epilepsy and neuropathic pain, Liedtke said. (Science Daily)
New Cause of Osteoporosis: Mutation in a miroRNA Nov 21, 2009
14, 2008) Researchers have found a genetic marker that controls an enzyme present in aggressive and metastatic. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Oil from Biotech Soybeans Increases Key Omega-3 Fatty Acid in Humans Nov 20, 2009
"Our goal was to see if the oil from the genetically engineered soybean would raise red blood cell levels of EPA," he said ... Monsanto Co., the agricultural technology company that developed the genetically engineered soybeans that produce the oil, has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to grant its new oil GRAS (generally recognize as safe) status, a classification that means the agency regards the chemical or substance safe when added to foods ... 25, 2009) Omega-3 fatty acids appear... (Science Daily)
Cigarettes Harbor Many Pathogenic Bacteria Nov 20, 2009
But Sapkota's team took a more holistic approach using DNA microarray analysis to estimate the so-called bacterial metagenome, the totality of bacterial genetic material present in the tested cigarettes. Among the study's findings and conclusions. (Science Daily)
Prosecutors Concerned About Bogus DNA Nov 20, 2009
-- Researchers in Israel said it's possible to manufacture DNA, the genetic fingerprint that plays a key role in prosecuting criminals these days. While the concept is largely still science fiction, the mere possibility is sending a shudder through law enforcement. (7 KETV Omaha)
Controversial Kansas church brings protest to Jefferson City Nov 20, 2009
" Byron W. wrote on Nov 19, 2009 9:57 AM:" limerick54 wrote " Sexual orientation is genetic." ... " limerick54 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 8:52 PM:" Sexual orientation is genetic. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Researchers begin to decipher metabolism of sexual assault drug Nov 20, 2009
In a rare genetic metabolic disorder, 4-HB accumulates in extremely high levels, causing significant developmental delays and seizures ... "This work may help to develop new antidotes and treatments for people who have ingested 4-HB, as well as treatment for children with the rare genetic disorder that causes the compound to accumulate in high levels," Gibson said ... (For more information on genetic disorders of 4-HB, see ). (EurekAlert!)
Military experiment seeks to predict PTSD Nov 20, 2009
Select Marine and Army units are undergoing a battery of physical and mental tests before deployment including genetic testing, brain imaging and stress exams. They are followed in war zones and upon return. (Albany Times Union)
Steps to a low-cost nutrition program that optimizes weaning weights (170) Nov 20, 2009
There are some little things that we can do in formulating rations that will insure that we start out with a calf that is alive and a calf that has the ability to take advantage of its genetic potential to gain weight. All of these reproductive losses contribute to the ultimate reproductive evaluation that needs to be accomplished on the ranch, and that is what percent of your cows are weaning a calf, and can this be changed. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Mammograms: risk of caution Nov 20, 2009
Breast cancer screening is notoriously imperfect: Breast density and genetic mutations can determine whether or not a mammogram picks up a cancer at all. Above all, what this controversy has shown is that scientists need to devise a more accurate test for breast cancer. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Causative gene of a rare disorder discovered by sequencing only protein-coding regions of genome Nov 20, 2009
Results show exome-sequencing might help identify genetic cause of thousands of disorders ... That is why sequencing the exome is an efficient strategy to search for genes that underlie rare genetic disorders ... The study, "Exome sequencing identifies the cause of a mendelian disorder," was led by University of Washington (UW) researchers and published Nov. 13 in Nature Genetics. (EurekAlert!)
Cracked Corn: Scientists Solve Maize's Genetic Maze Nov 20, 2009
Cracked Corn: Scientists Solve Maize's Genetic Maze: Scientific American ... Cracked Corn: Scientists Solve Maize's Genetic Maze ... A TOUGH KERNEL TO CRACK: Although mapping the corn genome was a challenging project for researchers to sink their teeth into, other plants, such as wheat and pine, promise to be even more genetically complex. (Scientific American)
Outbreak linked to cases in South Nov 20, 2009
Restaurant workers have been virtually eliminated as the cause of the Beaver County hepatitis A outbreak, which has been genetically linked to hepatitis A epidemics in the South caused by green onions, state and federal public health officials said Tuesday ... The genetic link to September outbreaks in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina, which infected more than 300 people, raises suspicions about green onions among investigators in the Beaver County outbreak ... "The genetic sequence between... (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Mouse cloned to cure Parkinson's Nov 20, 2009
The advantage of using a cloned embryo is that the cells will be a perfect genetic match for the transplant recipient, removing the need for extra treatments to suppress the immune system ... Cells were taken from the tail of the mouse, then their genetic material extracted and used to create cloned embryos. (Yahoo News -- Parkinson's Disease)
Holiday Depression: Triggers Thank... Nov 20, 2009
Holiday Depression: Triggers Thanksgiving Blues. Holiday Depression: Triggers Thanksgiving Blues. (Suite101.com)
Surgery Not Linked to Memory Problems in Older Patients Nov 20, 2009
They believe that some patients may be more vulnerable for genetic reasons or because of how their brains react to surgery or anesthesia. They also excluded cardiac surgery patients from this study because of elevated stroke risk and other risks posed by cardiac surgery that aren't as common in other types of operations. (Science Daily)
Reflux Esophagitis Due to Immune Reaction, Not Acute Acid Burn Nov 20, 2009
(May 31, 2006) Two new Mayo Clinic studies draw attention to the risk factors and possible genetic basis for Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma). These studies will be presented Monday, May. (Science Daily)
Down Syndrome Deficit Reversed in Mice Nov 19, 2009
The study, which was conducted in mice, is the first to show that boosting norepinephrine signaling in the brains of mice genetically engineered to mimic Down syndrome improves their cognition ... Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 ... When the locus coeruleus broke down in the study's mice, the animals failed at simple cognitive tests that required them to be aware of changes in the milieu: For instance, the genetically engineered mice, when placed in... (Science Daily)
Skate may be fished to extinction Nov 19, 2009
The team's genetic studies have revealed that what is referred to as the common skate is actually two clearly distinct species - the flapper skate (Dipturus intermedia) and the blue skate (Dipturus flossada). The fish were originally categorised separately, but an influential study in 1926 recognised only one valid species - Dipturus batis. (BBC News -- Science)
Scientists find molecular trigger that helps prevent aging and disease Nov 19, 2009
The first part of the study looked at C. elegans, a species of roundworm, that were genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms ... CBP responds to changes in glucose within hours, indicating genetic communications respond quickly to fluctuations in dietary intake. (EurekAlert!)
Could Widely Used Rapid Influenza Tests Pose a Dangerous Public Health Risk? Nov 19, 2009
The company has arranged to test genetic material. (Mar. (Science Daily)
Electronic Privacy Information Center: Privacy Nov 19, 2009
Information on uses of genetic information and their privacy implications. Information on a 1999 federal law that establishes some protections against pretexting and limitations on data sharing for banks, insurance, and brokerage companies. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
UNC stimulus take passes $127M Nov 19, 2009
And Stephen Frye, a professor of medical chemistry, will use his $873,000 grant to study the regulation of the genetic material chromatin. Changes to the proteins that control chromatin can lead to the development of cancer. (Triangle Business Journal)
Anger, shock at new U.S. mammogram guidelines Nov 19, 2009
such those with a family history, a genetic mutation, those who have undergone chest radiation or previous breast biopsies. Even then exams every two years may be appropriate. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Detonating Tumor-Killer Drug in Cancers on Command Nov 19, 2009
Then Ganai injected 2 million S. typhimurium cells that carried the engineered RecA promoter and TRAIL gene into groups of genetically identical mice with mammary tumors, that is, breast cancer ... Forbes and Ganai say these experiments show that they can control when the bacteria produce the anti-tumor drug by engineering S. typhimurium with a genetic switch that responds to radiation. (Science Daily)
Combined Immunodeficiency Associated with DOCK8 Mutations Nov 19, 2009
The genetic causes of these variants are unknown. Methods We collected longitudinal clinical data on 11 patients from eight families who had recurrent sinopulmonary and cutaneous viral infections. (New England Journal of Medicine)
A Novel Protective Prion Protein Variant and Kuru Exposure Nov 19, 2009
Methods We performed genetic and selected clinical and genealogic assessments of more than 3000 persons from Eastern Highland populations, including 709 who participated in cannibalistic mortuary feasts, 152 of whom subsequently died of kuru ... Variants at codons 127 and 129 of PRNP demonstrate the population genetic response to an epidemic of prion disease and represent a powerful episode of recent selection in humans. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Fish, baked or boiled, yield health benefits Nov 19, 2009
" The researchers examined preparation methods (except for grilled fish) and divided into subgroups participants' intake of canned tuna, other canned fish, fish excluding shellfish and soy products (soy, tofu and shoyu) that contain plant omega. Those in the highest subgroup consumed a median 3.3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily. The lowest consumed a median of 0.8 grams a day. Men who ate about 3.3 grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids overall had a 23 percent lower risk of cardiac death than... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Immune tribe 'indicates CJD hope' Nov 19, 2009
The Papua New Guinea tribe developed strong genetic resistance after a major epidemic of the CJD-like disease, kuru, spread mostly by cannibalism ... The fact that this genetic evolution has happened in a matter of decades is remarkable ... "The fact that this genetic evolution has happened in a matter of decades is remarkable. "Kuru comes from the same disease family as CJD, so the discovery of this powerful resistance factor opens up new areas for research taking us closer to understanding,... (BBC News -- Health)
Common Herbal Medicine May Prevent Acetaminophen-Related Liver Damage, Says Researcher Nov 19, 2009
The finding came as a surprise to the scientists, who used a number of advanced genetic and genomic techniques in mice to identify a molecular pathway that counters acetaminophen toxicity, which leads to liver failure ... "There are many pathways involved in the metabolism of this drug, and individuals' genetic backgrounds are tremendously variable. This is just one piece of the puzzle; we don't have the full answer," he said ... Understanding how genetics plays a role in canine diseases could... (Science Daily)
NanoString Technologies announces research collaboration with the Broad Institute Nov 19, 2009
"NanoString offers the ability to look at hundreds of genetic markers across many samples at relatively low cost and with high sensitivity. They have developed exciting technology with potential applications to a wide range of scientific problems," said Eric Lander, D. Phil. Director of the Broad Institute. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Women Suffering Sudden Cardiac Arrest Have Lower Prevalence of Structural Heart Disease Than Men Nov 19, 2009
Funded in part by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, the study's goal is to shed light on the risk factors, triggers and genetic defects associated with sudden cardiac death. The new findings are based on 1,568 cases of sudden cardiac arrest identified from 2002 to 2007, with 1,012 male and 556 female subjects. (Science Daily)
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 ... From the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, and Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New... (New England Journal of Medicine)
5 Genetic Regions Tied to Irritable Bowel Nov 19, 2009
(WebMD) Five newly identified genetic regions may help explain how childhood inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) develops ... "Pinpointing how specific genes act on biological pathways provides a basis for ultimately personalizing medicine to an individual's genetic profile." ... The study, published in Nature Genetics, is the largest genetic analysis of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease. (CBS News -- Health)
UCR plant scientist's research spawns new discoveries showing how crops survive drought Nov 19, 2009
"Drought stress occurs when there is not enough freshwater. We wanted to understand how plants cope with drought stress at the molecular level. Such an understanding is necessary if we want to improve the drought tolerance of crop plants through either genetic engineering or marker-assisted breeding.". In their Nature paper, Zhu and his colleagues report on how they reconstituted in a test tube the process of information transfer from receptor to phosphatase, and all the way downstream to the... (EurekAlert!)
Gene protects brain-eaters from mad cow-type disease Nov 19, 2009
WASHINGTON: Villagers in the highlands of Papua New Guinea who ritualistically ate human brains but did not die of a brain disease called kuru have a genetic mutation that protects them, researchers said Wednesday ... "It is remarkable how few definite examples there are that we can really link with a clear history of a disease or an event. It was such a devastating disease and well-documented ... and we can now see the effects of this genetically," Mead said ... Villagers in the highlands of... (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
How Crops Survive Drought Nov 19, 2009
"Drought stress occurs when there is not enough freshwater. We wanted to understand how plants cope with drought stress at the molecular level. Such an understanding is necessary if we want to improve the drought tolerance of crop plants through either genetic engineering or marker-assisted breeding." ... (May 17, 2006) In response to cold, plants trigger a cascade of genetic reactions that allow them to survive. (Science Daily)
Secondhand Smoke Exposure Worse for Toddlers, Obese Children Nov 19, 2009
30, 2008) Researchers have discovered the first genetic evidence that secondhand smoke can worsen lung disease. The report describes one gene variation that can weaken lung function as well as shorten the. (Science Daily)
* Straight talk on GM crops crucial Nov 19, 2009
The planting of genetically modified (GM) crops is an issue that deserves discussion, because there are good arguments both for and against ... Genetic engineering can also generate products for medical and industrial purposes. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
New mammogram advice finds a skeptical audience Nov 19, 2009
"I cannot help but think that this decision has less to do with protecting a woman's health and more to do with the financial advantages gained through less insurance coverage," one woman posted under the handle JAG. "While I certainly understand the risks of over-treatment, I have gotten to know firsthand a shocking number of young women under 40 who have been diagnosed. Very often, there are no symptoms, other than those detectable through a mammogram or a sonogram. And very often (as in my... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Ancients 'had heart disease too' Nov 18, 2009
Dr Gregory Thomas, from the University of California, said: "While we do not know whether atherosclerosis caused the demise of any of the mummies in the study, we can confirm that the disease was present in many. "So humans in ancient times had the genetic predisposition and environment to promote the development of heart disease. "The findings suggest that we may have to look beyond modern risk factors to fully understand the disease.". (BBC News -- Africa)
3D Web will save high-performance computing industry, Intel CTO says Nov 18, 2009
"Each fern possesses a genetic code that controls how well it adapts to environmental conditions," Duffy said, speaking through his virtual avatar. Another guest speaker, this one appearing in the flesh, was CEO Shenlei Winkler of the Fashion Research Institute, who explained that 3D modeling and simulation programs are reducing design times by 75% and sample costs by 65. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Putting Madness in Its Place: Can the Environment Explain Schizophrenia's Hereditary Patterns? Nov 18, 2009
And yet the condition s genetic underpinnings have stubbornly resisted discovery. In the latest attempt, three crack teams of investigators pooled genomic data from 8,000 schizophrenics of European ancestry but could lay claim to only a handful of weak genetic risk markers. (Scientific American)
Lysteda Approved for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Nov 18, 2009
Tranexamic acid has been used since the mid-1980s to reduce or prevent bleeding after tooth extraction in people with hemophilia, a genetic disorder caused by lack of a blood clotting factor. Common side effects among people using Lysteda include headache, sinus and nasal symptoms, back or abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, anemia and fatigue. (MEDLINEplus)
Had the Flu? You May Have Some H1N1 Protection Nov 18, 2009
The new H1N1 was a never-before-seen combination of swine flu viruses, with a sprinkling of human and avian flu virus genetic sequences. But its long-ago ancestor was an H1N1 virus first seen in the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed upwards of 50 million people. (Fox News)
Baked fish healthier than fried fish for heart Nov 18, 2009
The findings also suggest that the cardioprotective benefits vary by gender and ethnicity perhaps because of the preparation methods, genetic susceptibility or hormonal factors ... They also found that caucasian, Japanese-American and Latino men may be more likely to get the health benefits of fish than African-American or Hawaiian men, perhaps because of how their fish is prepared or genetic predisposition ... Alternately, if it is verified that the interactions between fish consumption,... (India Times, India)
U.S. Panel Recommends Delaying Regular Mammograms Until Age 50 Nov 18, 2009
It should be noted that the new guidelines apply to women who are at average risk of breast cancer, not to women who are considered high risk, such as those with a genetic or familial history of the disease ... "That would be a step backward, taking away an option from women and denying them the choice," says Dr. Mary Daly, chairperson of the department of clinical genetics at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. (Time.com)
Qiagen Is Poised for More Purchases After $2 Billion Spree in Last 5 Years Nov 18, 2009
Qiagen gets about half of its sales from molecular diagnostics, or the measurement of genetic material to detect disease and gene mutations. Its products are used in routine tests for influenza, including swine flu, and to identify the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The kits are also used to select the appropriate therapy. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Monetary Gain and High-Risk Tactics Stimulate Activity in the Brain Nov 18, 2009
(July 27, 2009) Women who possess genetic modifications associated with low activity of the reward neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain when they imagine eating appetizing foods are more prone to weight. (Dec. (Science Daily)
Outbreak linked to cases in South Nov 18, 2009
Restaurant workers have been virtually eliminated as the cause of the Beaver County hepatitis A outbreak, which has been genetically linked to hepatitis A epidemics in the South caused by green onions, state and federal public health officials said Tuesday ... The genetic link to September outbreaks in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina, which infected more than 300 people, raises suspicions about green onions among investigators in the Beaver County outbreak ... "The genetic sequence between... (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Ford Trades "Indie" Hat for Lab Coat Nov 18, 2009
Two of the Crowley's three children were diagnosed with a a rare, fatal genetic disorder ... We are all hopeful that this movie will help with awareness of this rare genetic disease for which there is no cure. (CBS News -- Entertainment)
Disease-Matching Software Could Save Children Nov 18, 2009
The tools being developed within the Health-e-Child project can compare a vast range of structured and unstructured data, including genetic and clinical data, as well as images from CAT and MRI scans and other records ... In the case of heart patients, clinicians could include factors they consider important, such as genetic markers, the age of the child, the heart rate -- even the amount of exercise the child takes ... Research on children can give important insights into the role of genetics... (Science Daily)
Scientists Put Interactive Flu Tracking at Public's Fingertips Nov 18, 2009
The researchers linked many powerful computer systems together to analyze enormous amounts of genetic data collected from all publicly available isolated strains of the H5N1 virus -- the cause of avian flu ... But underlying those findings is a new way of analyzing genetic data that generates more complete information about the flu's spread ... Biologists construct what are called phylogenetic trees to trace evolutionary relationships among species or strains believed to share a common ancestor.... (Science Daily)
