Two RNA studies give clues to neurodegeneration
Two independent studies have suggested new targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases...
Zara Mahmoud
BioNews Articles by Zara Mahmoud
Desktop machine can sequence a genome in one day for £650
A US biotechnology firm has unveiled an automated desktop DNA sequencer that can decode the sequence of the human genome in one day for as little as $1,000 (£650). Given its first public viewing at a consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, Life Technologies Corporation's Ion Proton sequencer uses microchips similar to those found in digital cameras...
Gene therapy breakthrough for blood-clotting disease
Scientists have successfully used gene therapy to alleviate the symptoms of the blood disease haemophilia B in six human volunteers, raising hope for a potential cure. The study has been hailed as a landmark trial for gene therapy...
First genetic link to bone marrow cancer identified
Two new gene variants, which each increase the risk of bone marrow cancer by 30 percent, have been identified by scientists at the Institute for Cancer Research...
Trial for stem cell knee bandage kicking off
The world's first stem cell therapy to repair torn cartilage in the knee has been brought one step closer. Professor Anthony Hollander, co-founder of University of Bristol spin-out Azellon Cell Therapeutics, has just received funding of £65,000 to carry out clinical trials on the use of a patient's own stem cells for knee repair...
Gene tests for weight loss: Australian pharmacies under fire
The Australian Pharmacy Guild has drawn criticism after signing a commercial deal that offers weight-loss programmes based on genetic testing. Medical experts in the field claim that the test is a 'gimmick', as research linking genes to weight gain or loss is still in its infancy, and is not suitable evidence to guide dietary regimes...
Women as young as 18 searching for sperm donors online
Increasing numbers of women under the age of 25 are turning to sperm donors online, an investigation by the Sunday Times has shown. Many of these women have stable jobs and good support networks, and see no reason to wait before starting a family...
Blood pressure linked to genetic variations
Scientists have identified 29 regions of the genome associated with hypertension in people of European origin. Of these, 16 areas contained completely new genes, which had not been previously associated with the risk of developing high blood pressure....
Genetic screening by nurses reduces specialist referrals
Using nurses to pre-screen people for genetic risk of cancer, cardiac or endocrine disease before they're sent to specialist services can reduce referrals by up to 75 percent, a preliminary trial has found....
Old stem cells exposed to a young environment can be rejuvenated
Exposure to a youthful environment may help old cells feel alive again — as the work of Professor Xiaodong Chen and co-workers from the University of Texas Health Science Center, USA, suggests...