TV Review: Is It Better to Be Mixed Race?
Channel 4, Monday 2 November 2009...
BioNews
Allele
Alternate forms of a gene or DNA sequence (genetic variant) at a particular chromosome location.
For example, different alleles of the ABO gene on human chromosome 9 determine ABO blood type.
68 articles
The new epigenetics
All cells in the body have the same complement of 25000 genes, yet different cells in different specific tissues - such as nerve, muscle or gut - have different characteristics phenotype. It follows that different subpopulations of genes within cells of differing function must be active or silenced depending on requirements for function in a particular tissue. Obviously, there will be genes concerned with metabolism, growth, and cell division - the so-cal
Gene associated with age-related blindness
Scientists working in China and the USA have identified a gene associated with dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is the most common form of visual impairment in the developed world. The research is the first time a gene has been linked with the disease, and will...
Major genetic cause of colorectal cancer identified
Scientists have identified one of the leading genetic causes of inherited colorectal cancer, reported in the journal Science. Research teams at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Human Cancer Genetics Program at Ohio State University found that abnormal activity of the transforming growth factor-beta...
Gene clue to Alzheimer's disease
New research, published last month in the journal Cell, has identified a previously unknown gene, named CALHM1, that is linked with Alzheimer's disease. A certain allele, or version, of this gene, was found to be associated with an increased risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's. A large international...
Evidence for a genetic link to lung cancer
Scientists have found evidence that there is a strong genetic link to lung cancer. The findings, from three teams in Iceland, France and the US, will help understanding of the genetic basis of the disease and the role tobacco plays in its development. Lung cancer is the...
Two new genes linked to Multiple Sclerosis
After more than three decades of dead-ends and dismay for researchers and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferers alike, two new genes have finally been identified that are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of MS: the most common neurological disease affecting young adults. Back in 1972, the...
Premature birth gene identified
A gene variant more common in black women than those of European descent has been identified as contributing to increased risk of premature birth. Rates of premature birth are two to three times higher amongst black women than other racial groups, with an increased risk of 'premature...