Tag Archive for 'gene'

Link Discovered between Schizophrenia and Gene Mutation

After many years of research, the reason behind what causes schizophrenia has finally come forward. Scientists, working in an international team, have finally discovered a gene mutation that is very strongly linked to causing schizophrenia. According to the researchers, the mutations in the VIPR2 gene increased the signaling in the vasoactive intestinal peptide pathway, which [...]

Human Fetal Immune System Arises from Entirely Different Source than Adult Immune System

UCSF researchers have shown for the first time that the human fetal immune system arises from an entirely different source than the adult immune system, and is more likely to tolerate than fight foreign substances in its environment.  The finding could lead to a better understanding of how newborns respond to both infections and vaccines, [...]

Researchers Discover Pain Gene Common to Flies, Mice & Humans

While it has become clear in recent years that susceptibility to pain has a strong inherited component, very little is known about actual “pain genes” and how they work. In the November 12th issue of Cell, researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston and their collaborators report on a novel human pain gene. People with minor variations [...]

Children with ADHD More Likely to Have Missing Segments of DNA

New research provides the first direct evidence that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a genetic condition. Scientists at Cardiff University found that children with ADHD were more likely to have small segments of their DNA duplicated or missing than other children.

Court Lifts Ban on Stem Cell Funding During Appeal

The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington has temporarily stayed a cut-off in government funding for human embryonic stem cell research. As a result of the stay, the Obama administration can fund embryonic stem cell studies as it appeals a decision banning government support for such research.

First Genetic Link to Common Migraine Found

The results suggest that a buildup of that chemical, called glutamate, may play a role in the mechanism of migraines. An international scientific team has identified for the first time a genetic risk factor associated with common migraines and say their research could open the way for new treatments to prevent migraine attacks.

New Spin on DNA Delivery: Enhanced Delivery Method of DNA Payloads into Cells

Chang Lu and his chemical engineering research group at Virginia Tech have discovered how to “greatly enhance” the delivery of DNA payloads into cells. The description of their work will be featured on the cover of Lab on a Chip, the premier journal for researchers in microfluidics. Lu’s ultimate goal is to apply this technique [...]

Scientists Grow New Lungs Using ‘Skeletons’ of Old Ones

For someone with a severe, incurable lung disorder such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung transplant may be the only chance for survival. Unfortunately, it’s often not a very good chance. Matching donor lungs are rare, and many would-be recipients die waiting for the transplants that could save their lives.

Antiviral Stem Cell Squad Dispatched to Fight Deadly HIV

Building on research work undertaken in Germany, City of Hope investigators near LA have used modified stem cells loaded with gene sequences to fight off HIV. And the scientists in the study say that the work points to a possible cure for the dread virus, which has killed millions of people around the world.

MD Governor Touts a Booming Biotech Biz, New Jobs

While the overall economy may be flagging, Maryland says that its biotech industry is booming.  And the governor wants to keep the momentum going with a few new industry incentives.  Gov. Martin O’Malley told reporters that the biotech industry added more than a thousand jobs in the last three months; that’s 10 percent of the [...]