Stuart Scott was previously a Volunteer Writer at BioNews. He works at Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, part of the Diagnostics Directorate at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, where he focuses on molecular genetic diagnosis and monitoring of leukaemia. He also edits the biannual newsletter of the Association of Clinical Scientists. Previously, he studied Biochemistry at the University Of Sheffield and went on to train as a cytogeneticist. He breeds Rhodesian Ridgebacks in his spare time.
Functioning brain tissue has been produced from stem cells, in a world first experiment, offering insights into a number of neurodegenerative disorders and, ultimately, the possibility of improved treatments. Japanese researchers, based at the government funded research institute Riken in Kobe induced human embryonic stem (ES) cells...
A study of almost 500 individuals with schizophrenia has revealed 12 genetic variants thought to increase risk for the disease. Writing in Nature Genetics, the researchers, based at Cardiff University, Wales, UK, revealed that one variant, on chromosome 2, held particular significance. The researchers scanned the genomes...
A genome-wide screen performed by Japanese scientists has uncovered a genetic variant linked to an increased risk for narcolepsy - a sleeping disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, loss of muscle function and hallucinations. Researchers at the University of Tokyo compared the genome of 222 narcoleptic Japanese and...
US scientists have created pigs with cystic fibrosis (CF), a breakthrough that should open the door to a raft of research into the fatal condition. Initial reports form the study, published in the journal Science, suggest that the pig model is manifesting a number of the early...
A team of US scientists have used gene therapy to regenerate inner ear 'hair' cells - the culprit in many forms of deafness. The team, lead by John Brigande, who is himself profoundly deaf, injected mice with a version the Atoh1 gene modified so that it fluoresces green...
A gene variant previously thought to increase the risk of migraine in women has been shown, in fact, to have a mildly protective effect, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology. However, the study also shows that if women go on to develop migraines...
Italian researchers, based at the University of Calabri, have found that a gene variant previously linked to high IQ also increases the likelihood of carriers surviving to an old age. The findings, published in New Scientist magazine, suggest that carriers of the SSADH gene variant may live...
Researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, have developed a technique to digitally barcode gene activity, handing scientists a uniquely powerful tool for the prediction and prevention of disease. The fluorescent 'nano-string' is simply added to blood where it binds to a molecule of the researchers' choice...
US researchers have identified a gene that seems to play a significant role in the development of asthma. Reporting in the New England Journal of Medicine, Carole Ober and her colleagues at the University of Chicago found that people can either be protected from asthma or find...
US researchers have found mutations in a gene that may lead to Parkinson's disease in families with a history of the neurodegenerative disorder. They hope the findings will lead to an improved understanding of the poorly understood disorder, and the development of new treatments. Parkinson's disease is...
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