Genetic Press

Watching the unravelling of the human genome….

Archive for May, 2008

Inflammation, Depression And Antidepressant Response: Common Mechanisms

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

In findings published electronically in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers found polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes that are associated with susceptibility to major depression and antidepressant response. Two genes critical for T-cell function in the immune system have been associated with susceptibility for major depressive disorder and antidepressant treatment response: PSMB4 (proteasome beta ...

Medical Geneticists Cautions Against Rushing Into Genetic Testing

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

Just because scientific advances now allow individuals to learn their genetic make-up doesn't mean they should rush into genetic testing in hopes of making revolutionary improvements to their health, cautions a geneticist and practicing physician.

New Stem Cell Therapy May Aid The Repair Of Damaged Brains

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

According to some experts, newly born neuronal stem cells in the adult brain may provide a therapy for brain injury. But if these stem cells are to be utilized in this way, the process by which they are created, neurogenesis, must be regulated.

Greater Awareness Of Genetic Testing For Impaired Fetal Movement Can Save Babies’ Lives

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

New genetic mutations responsible for impaired fetal movement, which leads to a multitude or problems in later life as well as early spontaneous abortion, have been identified.

Not so prudish after all

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Scientists find promiscuous genes in an asexual animal

Avoiding Spleen Removal For Cooley’s Anemia Sufferers

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Researchers may have discovered the precise role of a gene in one of the world's most common blood disorders, beta-thalassemia, commonly known as Cooley's anemia.

Help For Simulation-tools And Stroke Patients

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Jörg Willems has made an important contribution to our understanding of multi-scale problems in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. The effects of a stroke can now be significantly alleviated with a stem cell therapy based on umbilical cord blood.

Genetic Cause For A Type Of Childhood Epilepsy Identified

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Researchers have discovered the genetic cause of a type of childhood epilepsy called childhood absence epilepsy, which accounts for 10-12 percent of epilepsy cases in children under age 16. The finding may explain why CAE mysteriously disappears in adulthood. In addition, the study may provide insight into developing treatments and ...

How Defects In One Gene Causes Three Devestating Diseases; Risk For Cancer, Early Aging

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

The protein XPD is one component of an essential repair mechanism that maintains the integrity of DNA. Pinpoint mutations of this single protein are responsible for three different human diseases associated with increased risk of cancer and accelerated aging: xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, and trichothiodystrophy. Researchers have now solved the ...

Researchers Identify Genetic Markers That Predict Efficacy Of Novel Cancer Drug

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Researchers have identified genetic markers in cancer cells that predicted the benefit of a novel cancer drug prior to chemotherapy. Specific genetic profile within tumor cells may indicate increased patient benefit from a particular drug.