Genetic variants discovered that increase risk of PCOS
A genome-wide association study has identified three genetic variants associated with increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in Finnish and Estonian women...
BioNews
Biobank
A storage facility used to archive biological samples for use in research. Ranging in size from individual refrigerators to warehouses, biobanks are maintained by institutions such as hospitals, universities, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.
38 articles
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Experts speak out on direct-to-consumer genetic testing
Geneticists in the UK have been speaking out against direct-to-consumer DNA testing after concerns over false positive results...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Gene mutation in genome-edited babies linked to shorter life
The gene mutation that Dr He Jiankui aimed to emulate in the world's first genome-edited babies, has been linked to increased deaths in later life...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Genetics influences whether you are a night owl or early riser
Are you a night owl or a morning lark? The answer is influenced by at least 351 regions of the genome, a recent study has found...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
How do we make genomics everybody's business?
This Progress Educational Trust/Genomics England event concerned the imminent completion of the 100,000 Genomes Project, and the upcoming launch of the new national NHS Genomic Medicine Service...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Book Review: Bioinformation
Since 2011, Polity Books has published a number of books in its 'Resources Series', which have focused on subjects like diamonds, oil and timber. Yet its forthcoming volume marks something of a shift, for its focus is bioinformation...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
AstraZeneca to launch its own 'two million genomes' project
AstraZeneca has signed deals with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and two other institutions to launch one of the largest genome-sequencing efforts yet undertaken...
Image by Alan Handyside via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts a human egg soon after fertilisation, with the two parental pronuclei clearly visible.
Clinic offers sperm donors free IVF for a friend
An IVF clinic in the UK has announced that it will offer sperm donors the chance to nominate a friend or family member for free IVF treatment....
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Video Review: Talking Biopolitics - A Conversation with George Annas and Lisa Ikemoto
Genomic medicine has advanced rapidly in recent years and, with our increasing capacity to collect and store genetic information, it holds not only great promise but also pitfalls, for individuals and communities. This was the topic under discussion in a live video conversation on 7 October, organised by the Center for Genetics and Society...
Image by Peter Artymiuk via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts the shadow of a DNA double helix, on a background that shows the fluorescent banding of the output from a DNA sequencing machine.
Squealing on DNA: the law and secondary uses of genetic information
One of the legally and ethically problematic issues regularly debated in the context of biobanks and tissue repositories is that of its potential for forensic use. When Anna Lindh (the Swedish foreign minister) was murdered in 2003, her killer was subsequently identified by way of matching DNA traces found at the crime scene with data contained on the killer's Guthrie card...