Tag Archive for 'Genomics'

New Risk Loci for Cardiovascular Disease Identified

In a new breakthrough for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, three research groups have separately reported the discovery of new cardiovascular disease (CAD) risk genes. The international Coronary Artery Disease Genome-Wide Replication and Meta-Analysis (CARDIoGRAM) consortium carried out a meta-analysis of 14 prior genome-wide association studies involving some 87,000 individuals of European ancestry. [...]

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 [...]

Genetic Differences between Cancer and Non-Cancer Patients

New research from the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute (VBI) has proven that there are very specific changes in the genetic makeup of people suffering from cancer and those who don’t have cancer. The researchers from VBI have developed a new technology that catches these genetic changes, which help in differentiating cancer patients from healthy individuals. The [...]

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.

Sanofi Target Genzyme More Attractive to Buyers With Unit Sales

Genzyme Corp., a takeover target of Sanofi-Aventis SA, expects to complete sales of its diagnostics and pharmaceutical-ingredients units by the end of the year.  Genzyme has six bidders for the drug business, Chief Financial Officer Michael Wyzga said today at an investor conference. Sale of the units will make Genzyme more appealing to potential buyers, [...]

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.