Human Epigenome project launched
The International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC), launched in Paris last week, plans to map 1,000 reference epigenomes within a decade...
BioNews
Genetic variant
A relatively common (present in more than 1% of the population) alternative version of a DNA sequence. Some variants are associated with particular traits and disorders, but many have no observable effect on appearance or health.
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'Embryo destroyed' stories came from nowhere
Newspaper stories claiming that fertility regulators in the UK have allowed embryos to be destroyed for 'minor disorders' are unrelated to decisions taken at a recent regulatory meeting. Stories last week said the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) had allowed doctors to routinely screen out more than 100 genetic disorders using PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis). But, according to HFEA sources, the list of genetic disorders approved for PGD...
New genetic markers for diabetes-related traits uncovered
An international team of 174 research centres has identified 13 new gene variants associated with blood glucose and insulin, with five linked to Type-2 diabetes. The findings - published last week in the journal Nature Genetics -raise hopes of better treatments for the condition....
deCODE is back
The pioneering genetics research company, deCODE, reemerged last week as a private company with new financial backing. Based in Reykjavik, Iceland, the original company deCODE Genetics, Inc led the way internationally in genetic testing and diagnostics for over a decade. With unique access to genetic information from Iceland's isolated population, the biotech firm has made important discoveries, such as identifying gene variants associated with common conditions ...
More genetic markers for prostate cancer found
Three studies, published in the journal Nature Genetics, have uncovered ten genes that affect a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. The researchers hope that the discoveries will form the basis of a test that will predict men's chances of developing prostate cancer, as well as providing...