Sex, spines and human evolution
Scientists from Stanford University, California, have compared human and chimpanzee genomes, revealing intriguing differences that may underlie the evolution of our species....
The smallest particle of a substance that has all of the physical and chemical properties of that substance. Molecules are made up of two or more atoms - for example, a molecule of water is made up of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.
by Leo Perfect
Scientists from Stanford University, California, have compared human and chimpanzee genomes, revealing intriguing differences that may underlie the evolution of our species....
US researchers have found a correlation between levels of the brain chemical neuropeptide Y (NPY) and an individual's emotional wellbeing. Mutations in the NPY gene, leading to decreased levels of the molecule, correlated with a decreased ability to deal with stressful situations and an increased susceptibility to depression....
The genetic basis for a previously unexplained medical condition which causes a painful hardening of the arteries has been identified by the US Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP)....
In June 2010, Teachers.TV issued a series of five videos on 'Genetics and Medicine' (1), covering important elements of genetics aimed at school students between the age of 14 and 16 (2)....
by Matt Smart
The Lasker Foundation has awarded UK scientist, Professor David Weatherall from Oxford University its prestigious Lasker-Koshland Award for Special Achievement in Medical Science...
by Matt Smart
Researchers have found a molecule that they believe plays a key role in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - a potentially life-threatening condition that can arise from IVF treatment....
US scientists have identified a genetic trait that is strongly associated with autism. The genetic change does not involve a mutation within the DNA sequence of a gene but instead involves an alteration in the physical structure of the DNA which affects the way a gene is turned on and off. The researchers hope that the new findings will lead to novel ways to diagnose and treat autism....
US scientists have developed a new technique to help them genetically modify bacteria. This new technology may prove to be a crucial step in the eventual creation of a man-made bacterium which, if achieved, would be the first-ever synthetic organism....
Third-generation 'single-molecule' technology has been used for the first time to read a human genome sequence. Professor Stephen Quake, from Stanford University, California, US, is only the eighth person whose genome has been published since the first breakthroughs were made in 2000. When this latest generation of technology is perfected the hope is that it will bring us one step closer to ‘the $1,000 genome' that will open the door to personalised medical treatme...
By Heidi Colleran: An international team lead by UK researchers at the Centre for Neurodegenerative Research (CNR) at Kings College, London, have discovered a genetic variation that prolongs survival in people affected with motor neuron disease (MND). In a study of over 5,000 people in six countries - almost half of...
BioNews, published by the Progress Educational Trust (PET), provides news and comment on genetics, assisted conception, embryo/stem cell research and related areas.