An SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) is a single chemical unit (base pair) variation in a stretch of DNA, present in more than 1% of the population. A common SNP is estimated to occur 1 in every 1000 base pairs between any two people.
US researchers have pinpointed a genetic variation associated with abnormal heartbeats, a finding that could help identify people at risk of sudden heart failure. The team, based at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), has shown that different versions of a gene called NOS1AP are linked to unusually long or short 'QT...
Researchers based in the US have identified a genetic variation that substantially increases a person's risk of obesity. The research team, based at the Boston University Medical School in Massachusetts, found that small genetic changes in a region of DNA near a gene called INSIG2, can increase the likelihood of...
The US National Cancer Institute (NCI) has launched a new project to identify genetic factors that influence the risk of prostate and breast cancer. The $14 million 'Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility' (CGEMS) initiative aims to identify common genetic variations associated with the diseases. The scientists will first look at...
Two projects aiming to pinpoint genetic and other influences on health have been launched in the US. The Genes and Environment Initiative (GEI), based at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will look at genetic variations and measure environmental factors such as exposure to toxins. The other initiative is a...
An international team of scientists has published a map of human genetic variation, an achievement they say will speed the search for genes involved in conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The 'HapMap' project, launched in 2002 by the International HapMap consortium, is looking at DNA samples from 270...
It is in patenting gene sequences that the divide between research to address health needs and research for profit is most clear. The extent of US patents granted on human genes is revealed in the 10 October edition of the journal Science. According to Jensen and Murray of the Massachusetts...
US researchers have published a detailed map of key variations in our genetic make-up, information they say will help pinpoint genes involved in many common diseases. The team, based at Californian firm Perlegen Sciences, has identified and studied 1.58 million genetic 'markers' in 71 people from three different populations. The...
An international consortium that aims to catalogue patterns of human genetic variation has dropped restrictions on the use of its data. The 'HapMap' project, launched in October 2002, is looking at DNA samples from 270 people from around the world, to help uncover the genetic differences linked to illnesses such...
An international consortium that aims to catalogue patterns of human genetic variation has published a detailed description of its approach, partly to ensure that all the scientists involved receive credit for their work. The 'HapMap' project, launched in October 2002, is looking at DNA samples from 270 people from around...
The 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA presents a golden opportunity to take stock of what impact this and subsequent discoveries in molecular genetics have had and what it promises for the future of human health and happiness. Genetics is now big business. Worldwide anniversary celebrations...
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