Genetic Press

Watching the unravelling of the human genome….

Archive for June, 2008

Adult Stem Cells Reprogrammed In Their Natural Environment

Monday, June 30th, 2008

In recent years, stem cell researchers have become very adept at manipulating the fate of adult stem cells cultured in the lab. Now, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies achieved the same feat with adult neural stem cells still in place in the brain. They successfully coaxed mouse ...

New Electrostatic-based DNA Microarray Technique Could Revolutionize Medical Diagnostics

Monday, June 30th, 2008

Researchers have invented a technique in which DNA assays -- the key to personalized medicine -- can be read and evaluated with no need of elaborate chemical labeling or sophisticated instrumentation. Based on electrostatic repulsion that yields images visible to the naked eye, the technique could revolutionize the use of ...

Researchers Link Early Stem Cell Mutation To Autism

Monday, June 30th, 2008

In a breakthrough scientific study, scientists have shown that neural stem cell development may be linked to Autism. The study demonstrated that mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C protein in neural stem cells had smaller brains, fewer nerve cells and showed behaviors similar to those seen in humans with ...

New electrostatic-based DNA microarray technique could revolutionize medical diagnostics

Monday, June 30th, 2008

(DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Berkeley Lab researchers have invented a technique in which DNA assays -- the key to personalized medicine -- canbe read and evaluated with no need of elaborate chemical labeling or sophisticated instrumentation. Based on electrostatic repulsion that yields images visible to the naked eye, the technique ...

Montreal Heart Institute and Mount Sinai Hospital researchers contribute to Crohn’s disease study

Monday, June 30th, 2008

(University of Montreal) Twenty-one new genetic risk factors associated with Crohn's disease have been discovered, more than doubling the amount of genetic information about the disease. An international consortium of Crohn's disease researchers combined efforts, including major contributions from Canadian researchers -- Dr. John D. Rioux from Montreal Heart Institute ...

Researchers link early stem cell mutation to autism

Monday, June 30th, 2008

(Burnham Institute) In a breakthrough scientific study published today in the PNAS, scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have shown that neural stem cell development may be linked to Autism. The study demonstrated that mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C protein in neural stem cells had smaller ...

Quantifying the “gene for” fallacy

Friday, June 27th, 2008

Using game theory, scientists show single gene knockouts miss some gene functions

New Research May Lead To Safer, More Effective Gene Therapy

Friday, June 27th, 2008

A new study helps bring scientists closer to a safe and efficient gene delivery method that doesn't involve viruses. Researchers have created a novel synthetic gene vector that packages DNA into well-defined nanostructures that allow it to efficiently deliver genes without triggering immune responses.

Maize (Corn) May Have Been Domesticated In Mexico As Early As 10,000 Years Ago

Friday, June 27th, 2008

Now, in addition to more traditional macrobotanical and archeological remains, scientists are using new genetic and microbotanical techniques to distinguish domesticated maize from its wild relatives as well as to identify ancient sites of maize agriculture. Paleobotanical evidence pushes back the time of domestication.

Early origins of maize in Mexico

Friday, June 27th, 2008

(American Society of Plant Biologists) Now, in addition to more traditional macrobotanical and archeological remains, scientists are using new genetic and microbotanical techniques to distinguish domesticated maize from its wild relatives as well as to identify ancient sites of maize agriculture.