Brain Plays Key Role In Appetite By Regulating Free Radicals Aug 4, 2008
They found that ghrelin-induced increase in appetite is driven by burning fat in hypothalamic mitochondria, which produces free radicals that are scavenged by a mitochondrial protein called uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). "The timing of taking antioxidants may be critical for the control of appetite," said Diano. (Science Daily)
Baldelli healthy and wai00002056ting in wings Aug 4, 2008
" Baldelli, 26, hit .297 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 13 games at Montgomery after completing a similar stint at Class A Vero Beach, where he hit .216, while trying to overcome the effects of having a mitochondrial disorder. Baldelli announced his malady during Spring Training and he began the season on the 60-day disabled list. The disorder is an abnormality that has kept him in a constant stage of fatigue. When asked about the next move, the bearded Baldelli shrugged his shoulders.... (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Associated With Risk Of Kidney Cancer Aug 2, 2008
1, 2008) Genetic factors were shown to influence the number of copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in healthy cells. A lower mtDNA copy number was associated with an increased risk of renal cell cancer in a case-control study, researchers report in the July 29 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. (Science Daily)
Rays make no moves at Deadline Aug 1, 2008
But even if Baldelli returns, he represents a great unknown for how much he will be able to contribute due to the nature of the mitochondrial disorder he is suffering from, which can leave him in a constant state of fatigue if not monitored properly. At the very least, if Baldelli returns he will not be an everyday player. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Study: Oxygen free radicals may help weight control Aug 1, 2008
They found that ghrelin-induced increase in appetite is driven by burning fat in hypothalamic mitochondria, which produces free radicals that are scavenged by a mitochondrial protein called uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). "The timing of taking antioxidants may be critical for the control of appetite," said Sabrina Diano, co-author and associate professor. (Xinhuanet, China)
Lab study shows methadone breaks resistance in untreatable forms of leukemia Aug 1, 2008
Probing the mechanism of methadone's action, the researchers found that it activates the mitochondrial pathway within leukemia cells, which activates enzymes called caspases that prompt a cell into apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. Chemotherapy drugs use the same approach, but methadone activated caspases in sensitive leukemia cells, and also reversed deficient activation of caspases in resistant leukemia cells. (EurekAlert!)
Key Mechanism Of Cellular Damage In Aging And Disease Discovered Jul 27, 2008
Researchers once thought that altered mitochondrial function was important only in rare genetic diseases, but recent studies have revealed that oxidative stress plays a role in conditions that afflict many millions of patients. As a result, mitochondrial medicine is gaining momentum as groups like the Mitochondria Interest Group at the National Institutes of Health, professional societies and drug companies push basic science toward drug discovery ... These "superoxide mice" will enable... (Science Daily)
The Vaccine and Autism Debate Jul 26, 2008
The court determined that her pre-existing mitochondrial disorder;was aggravated by the vaccines she received. This case raised questions as to the safety of vaccines and put the debate into play once more. (Suite101.com)
Zobrist lifts Rays over A's before demotion Jul 24, 2008
Notes: Tampa Bay outfielder Rocco Baldelli, sidelined since May 2007 because of lingering hamstring problems and what doctors have told him and the Rays is a mitochondrial disorder that causes extreme fatigue, started in right field Wednesday night for Double-A Montgomery. Its the first time Baldelli, who had been limited to DH and pinch hitting duties, has played in the field. (MSNBC -- Sports)
MitoAction Develops On-Line Resource for Mitochondrial Disease Care Providers Jul 22, 2008
org announces today the completion of the "Clinician's Symptom Guide to MITO Management," a comprehensive online resource designed to assist primary care providers in the care and symptom management of patients affected by mitochondrial disease ... MitoAction () fulfills their mission to support, educate and advocate for the mitochondrial disease patient community through development of the "Clinician's Symptom Guide to MITO Management." Mitochondrial disease is an energy metabolism disorder... (PR Newswire)
McAdam: Baldelli still fighting his way back Jul 21, 2008
Instead, extensive tests -- conducted across the country, by a variety of specialists -- revealed that he was suffering from a mitochondrial disorder, a neuromuscular disease. Some mystery remains, and Baldelli himself admits the diagnosis isn't fully complete. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Vietnam-Era MIA 1st Cav Aviators To Be Buried At Arlington Jul 18, 2008
But through the use of mitochondrial dental comparisons, and other forensic identification tools as well as circumstantial evidence, scientists were able to confirm the identity of the remains. The 1-9 Cav was inactivated at Fort Hood in July 2005, but was reactivated three months later with the 4th Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Bliss. (KWTX.com, TX)
Rays midterm report Jul 17, 2008
OF Baldelli -- Missed the first half with a mitochondrial disorder, which leaves him in a constant state of fatigue. RHP Gary Glover -- Missed 14 games with right shoulder tendinitis. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Governor Jindal announces vetoes of $16.1 million Jul 16, 2008
This amendment provides $15,000 to the Grants Program for the Louisiana group of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to sponsor the attendance of families and/or physicians to the annual symposium. This is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) funding request which did not meet the criteria established in my letter of April 30, 2008. (KSLA.com, LA)
Researchers Unveil Near-complete Protein Catalog For Mitochondria Jul 15, 2008
In addition, this careful cataloging has identified a mutation in a novel protein-coding gene as the cause behind one devastating mitochondrial disease ... "By creating a comprehensive list, we now have a valuable resource that has already helped enhance our understanding of mitochondrial biology and disease." ... Although mitochondria have their own genome -- a vestige from their days as free-living bacteria -- the vast majority of the critical mitochondrial proteins are derived not from their... (Science Daily)
Trans-fatty Acids Do Not Appear To Increase The Risk Of Diabetes Jul 13, 2008
Tardy et al. Effects of trans MUFA from dairy and industrial sources on muscle mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity. The Journal of Lipid Research, 2008; 49 (7): 1445 DOI. (Science Daily)
Edison Pharmaceuticals Receives Commendation From the City of San Jose Jul 7, 2008
The commendation recognizes "Edison for outstanding achievements in developing drugs for unmet medical need, and its commitment to public-private partnership, and extend our best wishes for many years of success in positively impacting the lives of children and individuals with mitochondrial diseases in America and throughout the world." Mayor Chuck Reed and Councilmember Forrest Williams presented the commendation to Edison Chairman and CEO, Dr. Guy Miller on February 12th, 2008 at City Hall.... (PR Newswire)
Genetic Status Of North-east India's Adi Tribe Detailed Jul 7, 2008
However, a clearer picture may well emerge from the analysis of increased number of informative genetic markers and from the uniparental markers like mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome. Adapted from materials provided by , via , a service of AAAS.. (Science Daily)
Researchers Are First To Simulate The Binding Of Molecules To A Protein Jul 4, 2008
First, it allows the protein carrier itself to nestle tightly in the mitochondrial membrane, which contains a lot of negatively charged lipids ... More interestingly, through a bioinformatics analysis the researchers show that this unusual electrostatic feature is common to all mitochondrial carriers ... "So that's how much ATP you have to carry across the inner mitochondrial membrane every day -- through this guy.". (Science Daily)
A 'guardian angel' for parents Jul 3, 2008
"It's for medical (not developmental or mental illness), such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes ...; cancer, life-threatening allergies (both food and other allergies). We have a number of people with mitochondrial disorders. But asthma is still the biggest," she explains. "I have all sorts of disorders I work with. The main thing is it needs to be physical.". (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Service dog picks Scott Jul 2, 2008
Since he has a rare genetic disease called mitochondrial encephalopathy that affects his vision, balance and development, his parents decided to look into getting him a service dog instead of just a pet ... What is mitochondrial disease. (Catoosa County News, GA)
No Braves on TV? Move to Toronto Jul 1, 2008
Ernesto, I believe Baldelli has some sort of rare genetic mitochondrial disorder that makes him easily fatigued ... Dude has a mitochondrial disorder that somehow keeps his body from rebuilding the way it s supposed to ... Dude has a mitochondrial disorder that somehow keeps his body from rebuilding the way its supposed to. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Experts to Discuss One Puzzling Autism Case, as a Second Case Has Arisen Jun 28, 2008
Both the 9- and 6-year-olds had mitochondrial disorders, a spectrum of genetic diseases that have received almost no attention from federal health officials ... But suggestions that mitochondrial disorders could be set off or worsened by vaccinations, and that the disorders might be linked to autism, prompted the meeting on Sunday and has brought the disorders sudden national attention ... The Poling case, however, offered advocates a new theory: that vaccines may cause or contribute to an... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
The tiniest things Jun 27, 2008
Mitochondrial disease strikes at the cellular level, hitting children hardest ... EARNIE GRAFTON / Union-Tribune Four-year-old Mikey Tighe of Spring Valley, who suffers from mitochondrial disease, slipped into a coma when he was 3 ... Mikey was eventually diagnosed with Leigh's syndrome, one of a diverse group of disorders that fall under the broad classification of mitochondrial disease (MD). (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Family he never knew will lay Korean War soldier to rest Jun 26, 2008
For a positive identification, though, the pathologists rely on mitochondrial DNA, which must be traced through the mother's side of the family. As luck would have it, W.T. Akins' mother was a Cagle Molly Cagle of Jasper, who married W.T. Akins Sr. from Ball Ground. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Newly Identified Role For 'Power Plants' In Human Cells Could Lead To Targeted Therapies Jun 26, 2008
If the mitochondrial tRNA genes are defective or missing, and proteins are not manufactured, the mitochondria are unable to generate adequate energy ... The finding that tRNA import occurs in humans can set in motion an entirely new line of research into therapeutic options for patients with diseases caused by mitochondrial defects ... Alfonzo and colleagues demonstrated ATP s role in the process using cells from a patient with a specific type of epilepsy called MERRF. This disease is... (Science Daily)
Early Supplementation in Primary Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency Jun 26, 2008
To the Editor: Primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency is considered to be the only treatable mitochondrial disorder, since patients have a response to oral coenzyme Q10 supplementation. The disease usually manifests with nephropathy and encephalomyopathy. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Good spirits serve young multiorgan recipient well Jun 25, 2008
Because of complications caused by a genetic disease called mitochondrial disorder, Isabelle underwent at age 6 a multivisceral transplant that replaced her liver, stomach, small bowel, pancreas and duodenum ... There is pain with mitochondrial disorder ... " Mitochondrial disorder is a cellular metabolic disease of which there are many types. "She has a very specific type that can affect the brain, nerves, the heart, muscle," Dr. Soltys said. It also can affect the bowel, which is what happened... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
"Arab" Found in Danish Iron-Age Grave Jun 25, 2008
Mitochondrial DNA, which provides a genetic record of an individual's maternal ancestry, was taken from teeth by a team led by Linea Melchior of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Copenhagen. One skeleton had a type of DNA signature known as a haplogroup closely associated with the Arabian Peninsula, according to Melchior. (National Geographic)
Metformin: Good For the Heart Jun 23, 2008
Owen MR, Doran E, Halestrap AP: Evidence that metformin exerts its anti-diabetic effects through inhibition of complex 1 of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Biochem J 348 Pt 3:607 614, 2000. (Suite101.com)
One precious life changed everything Jun 23, 2008
Grant s disorder, Mitochondrial cytopathy, occurs once in two million children ... Medicaid will not cover the cost of the mitochondrial formula, and Merritt does not have the money to cover the monthly cost. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Rays slide past Astros 4-3 Jun 22, 2008
Rays outfielder Rocco Baldelli (mitochondrial disorder), who been sidelined since May 2007, reported no problem from a three-rehab trip to Class A Vero Beach. There's good chance he'll return there for more games after Rays officials evaluate his progress. (KHOU.com, TX)
Zambrano injured in Cubs' loss to Rays Jun 19, 2008
Rays OF Rocco Baldelli (mitochondrial order) went 2-for-3 with a pair of solo homers in his second rehab start for Class A Vero Beach. Cubs OF Jim Edmonds left the game in the fourth inning with left foot soreness. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Rays' bullpen instrumental in triumph over Cubs Jun 19, 2008
Rays OF (mitochondrial order) went 2-for-3 with a pair of solo homers in his second rehab start for Class A Vero Beach. Cubs OF left the game in the fourth inning with left foot soreness. (USA Today -- Sports)
Well-rested Shields tries to get sweep Jun 19, 2008
Serving as the team's designated hitter, Baldelli was 2-for-3 with a walk, as he attempts a comeback from a mitochondrial disorder that has him on the 60-day DL. Tickets. to catch the game in person. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Lifestyle can alter gene activity, lead to insulin resistance Jun 19, 2008
The study, "Acquired obesity and poor physical fitness impair expression of genes of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in monozygotic twins discordant for obesity," appears in the online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, published by The American Physiological Society () ... Recent studies have suggested that defects in expression of genes involved in the body's conversion of food to energy, known as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, can... (EurekAlert!)
The Qilakitsoq Mummies Jun 17, 2008
Mitochondrial DNA analysis has established that certain members of the group were related. In all, 3 maternal groups were identified. (Suite101.com)
Pujols out 3 weeks with calf strain Jun 12, 2008
The Rays center fielder, sidelined since May 2007 because of lingering hamstring problems and what doctors have told him is a mitochondrial disorder that causes extreme fatigue, is expected to meet with team officials about possibly joining one of Tampa Bay's minor league teams. Marlborough's Jim Fuller, a lefthander who led Division 2 with 145 strikeouts as a Southern Connecticut sophomore last season, signed with the Mets. (Boston Globe)
Covering the bases Jun 12, 2008
SHORT HOPS: The Tampa Bay Rays' Rocco Baldelli, sidelined since May 2007 because of lingering hamstring problems and what doctors say is a mitochondrial disorder, is expected to meet with officials soon about possibly joining one of the Rays' minor league teams. Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine went on the 15-day disabled list for just the second time in his 22-year career -- both trips this season. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Why Cells Starved Of Iron Burn More Glucose Jun 11, 2008
As a cell becomes more starved for iron, it "dials down" the mitochondrial processes by degrading the mRNAs encoding the proteins involved in such processes, and thus, some iron is freed up, Thiele said. The second response is to shut down iron storage pathways and other, more dispensable biochemical reactions that depend on iron. (Science Daily)
Decatur vet's remains are home Jun 11, 2008
U.S. scientists used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons among other forensic identification tools to identify Akins' remains. Vote for this story. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Beacon Hill Roll Call Jun 10, 2008
Mitochondrial Disease (H 3246) The House approved a measure proclaiming the third full week in September as Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week. Supporters explained that mitochondria are the power plants in every cell of a person s body and create more than 90 percent of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. (Beverly Citizen, MA)
Coroner Still Seeks Victims Names After 35 Years Jun 9, 2008
There was mitochondrial DNA from all three boys. Now, she needed a relative to provide a match. (CBS News -- US)
How To Construct A 'Firefly' Worm: Measuring Metabolism Of Entire Organism In Real Time Jun 7, 2008
Lagido et al. Bridging the phenotypic gap: real-time assessment of mitochondrial function and metabolism of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. BMC Physiology, 2008; 8 (1): 7 DOI. (Science Daily)
Rewriting Greenland's Immigration History Jun 6, 2008
It now turns out that the original immigrants on the maternal side, which is reflected in the mitochondrial DNA, instead came from a Siberian population whose closest present-day descendants come from the Aleutian Islands on the boundary between the Northern Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea and the Seriniki Yuit in north-east Siberia ... "Our findings prove that humans moved to other places far earlier than what is normally assumed today. We may only have studied the mitochondria -- the female... (Science Daily)
Substance in red wine found to keep hearts young Jun 5, 2008
"In animal studies, (resveratrol) seems to promote mitochondrial health," said Todd Manini, also a principal investigator of the upcoming trial and an assistant professor of aging and geriatrics in the UF College of Medicine. "Mitochondria are everywhere: They're in the brain, in the muscle, the liver. So it could have kind of a global impact on many different organ systems.". (EurekAlert!)
Church columnists: June 6, 2008 Jun 4, 2008
DNA science has begun to share our beliefs in one set of original parents as they embrace a single mitochondrial Eve and y-chromosome Adam. Genetic studies worldwide uphold the descendancy of man from one set of parents. (Catoosa County News, GA)
'PLoS ONE' STUDY: A Low Dose of Dietary Resveratrol Partially Mimics Caloric Restriction and Retards Aging Parameters in Mice Jun 4, 2008
Recently, mice fed a high fat diet supplemented with high levels of resveratrol (22 or 186 mg kg1 day1) were shown to have extended lifespan as compared to controls, and several metabolic alterations similar to what is observed with CR, including markers of increased mitochondrial biogenesis ... Lagouge M, Argmann C, Gerhart-Hines Z, Meziane H, Lerin C, et al. (2006) Resveratrol improves mitochondrial function and protects against metabolic disease by activating SIRT1 and PGC-1alpha ...... (USA Today -- Tech)
Tufts professor using $1m grant to encourage student scientific research Jun 1, 2008
Already, several Malden High biology teachers have used Walt's instructions to help their classes collect saliva samples and analyze their mitochondrial DNA - which is passed from mother to child - for certain genes. That's going way beyond squinting through a microscope at somebody's cheek cells, says Malden High chemistry teacher Diane Perito, who helped her colleagues conduct the experiment with their classes earlier this school year. (Boston Globe)
Baldelli eyes return Jun 1, 2008
The 26-year-old Baldelli has been sidelined since May 2007, because of lingering hamstring problems and what doctors have told him and the Rays is mitochondrial disorder, a condition that causes extreme fatigue. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list during spring training. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Unearthing bones can also unearth family secrets May 26, 2008
Instead, the military has relied on mitochondrial DNA, a type of DNA that contains less identifying information but is more plentiful in the body and is much easier to recover from remains. Mitochondrial DNA tests, first deployed by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in 1992, are now used in between 75 and 80 percent of missing soldier cases, according to the military, and have helped identify the remains of 531 missing service members ... However, mitochondrial DNA isn't unique to an... (Boston Globe)
Anti-HIV Drugs Reduce The Cause Of Some Forms Of Vision Loss May 26, 2008
HIV protease inhibitors provide neuroprotection through inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis in mice. Journal of Clinical Investigation. (Science Daily)
Unique Adaptive Evolution Found In Snake Proteins Provide New Insight Into Vertebrate Physiology May 24, 2008
In this recent study by Pollock and colleagues, the researchers show that mitochondrially-encoded oxidative phosphorylation proteins in snakes have endured a remarkable process of evolutionary redesign that may explain why snakes have such unique metabolism and physiology ... By integrating analyses of molecular evolution with protein structural data, the authors show that critical functions of mitochondrial proteins, such as the channeling of oxygen, electrons, and protons through cytochrome C... (Science Daily)
UPDATE: Infant Primates Given Vaccines on U.S. Children's Immunization Schedule Develop Behavioral Symptoms of Autism May 20, 2008
The research underscores the critical need for studies into vaccine safety and the immune and mitochondrial dysfunction of autistic children ... "I have not seen major studies that focus on 300 kids who got autistic symptoms within a period of a few weeks of the vaccines." Recently the government's vaccine court conceded the case of Hannah Poling, admitting that vaccines triggered her regression into autism by exacerbating mitochondrial dysfunction. (PR Newswire)
Immune Cells Kill Foes By Disrupting Mitochondria Two Ways May 18, 2008
The study, from the lab of Judy Lieberman, a senior investigator at the Immune Disease Institute and Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, reveals that T cells use both the novel pathway and the classical apoptotic pathway to interfere with mitochondrial function and induce cell death ... Granzyme B triggers the classical programmed cell death pathway involving breakdown of the outer mitochondrial membrane, and the release of death-promoting proteins which activate the caspase... (Science Daily)
Common Bacteria Activating Natural Killer T Cells May Cause Autoimmune Liver Disease May 17, 2008
When the researchers injected mice with the bacterium, it prompted the production of autoantibodies against the mitochondrial enzyme complex in similar fashion to that observed in patients. This triggered chronic autoimmunity that damaged small bile ducts in the animal's livers. (Science Daily)
Soldiers Missing from The... May 17, 2008
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory and JPAC also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in both Koons and Tyes identification. For additional information on the Defense Departments mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site ator call (703) 699-1169. (DOD DefenseLINK -- News)
Humanity Genetically Divided For 100,000 Years May 16, 2008
Mitochondrial Eve' Research: Humanity Was Genetically Divided For 100,000 Years ... Mitochondrial Eve' Research: Humanity Was Genetically Divided For 100,000 Years ... The team s research was based on a survey of African mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and is the most extensive survey of its kind. (Science Daily)
Illness challenges woman who struggles for normal life May 15, 2008
Lisa Parker was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease when she was 24 years old ... It was two years before Parker finally learned she suffers from mitochondrial disease, a progressive and incurable illness that occurs when the mitochondria which are specialized compartments in cells of the body fail to produce enough energy for cell and organ function ... Nearly all the cells in our bodies rely on mitochondria for a steady energy supply so a mitochondrial disease of which there are several types... (Burlington Union, MA)
Key Step In The 'Puncture' Mechanism Of Cell Death Revealed May 13, 2008
The crux seems to be the way Bak can bind to itself and form complexes that damage the mitochondrial membrane. Dr Kluck and colleagues have discovered that cellular distress signals cause one segment of Bak to flip out and insert neatly into a groove on another Bak molecule. (Science Daily)
Genetics Confirm Oral Traditions Of Druze In Israel May 13, 2008
The Druze harbor a remarkable diversity of mitochondrial DNA types or lineages that appear to have separated from each other many thousands of years ago, according to a new study by multinational team, led by researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Rappaport School of Medicine ... But there is a modern twist to their story: the diversity of Druze mitochondrial DNA, which is the part of the genome that is passed on strictly through the maternal line, offers a unique opportunity... (Science Daily)
Vaccine connection? May 11, 2008
The girl has a rare mitochondrial disorder and her condition was aggravated by the shots, the government contended in a court filing ... But the Poling case is one in which the disability stems from the underlying mitochondrial disease, not vaccine-created problems, said vaccine expert Paul Offit, the chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Bionovo Reports First Quarter 2008 Financial Results May 10, 2008
BN107 induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, and induces cell death only in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer cells. BN108 induces cancer cell death by rapid inactivation of both AKT and mTOR pathways in breast cancer cells, but not in normal cells. (PR Newswire)
Giuseppe Attardi, 84, studied cells for clues to aging May 8, 2008
Working on an observation made by other scientists that mitochondria contain DNA, just as a cell's nucleus does, Attardi helped investigate the mitochondrial genome and how those genes are expressed ... Attardi also looked at possible links between mitochondrial mutations and myopathy, or muscle diseases, and neuropathy, peripheral nerve damage. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Druze people are living 'gene sanctuary' May 8, 2008
The researchers looked at mitochondrial DNA, a type of genetic material that is passed down virtually unchanged from mother to daughter ... The mitochondrial DNA backed up the legendary origin of this close-knit religious group, believed to number 1 million or fewer ... This diversity offers a unique opportunity for researchers to study whether people who have different types of mitochondrial DNA are predisposed to different kinds of diseases. (MSNBC -- Environment)
