MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'genetically'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:00:31 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848163&cid=t_104527_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fgenetically-engineered-or-modified-gmo.html Genetically altered foods are something I've heard a lot about, but not taken as seriously as I should. For me, there is nothing like taking time to look into something in order to write about it to open my eyes to things I haven't seen before. And that's just what happened to me this week. I am still learning how best to put into scientific words what all of this is about, but generally, it is altering the characteristics of an organism by injecting it's DNA with genes or other properties(?) from another organism. This tampering with the natural structure of, for example, corn or soy beans, common foods that are altered in this way, is naturally of concern to those of us who want to eat foods as close to the way God created them as we can in our tainted environment. I went into greater de... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848163 Fri, 20 May 2011 13:35:00 +0100 4848163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225256&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffood-safety-meat-and-dairy-from-cloned-cows%2F2010.12.02 The controversy over the human consumption of meat and dairy products from cloned cows continues. The UK Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, after reviewing the evidence, concluded that there was no substantial difference between meat and dairy from cloned cows compared to conventional cows. However, food products from cloned animals and their offspring remain banned in Europe. Use of offspring of cloned cows, sheep and pigs are legal in the U.S., South America, and Asia. Australia is likely to follow suit in a year or two. The European Union (EU) has an effective ban at the moment, but the policy is under review. The UK is also negotiating with the EU regarding the use of clones. There is not much of a theoretical reason to suspect that cloned animals would present a health r... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225256 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:00:56 +0100 4225256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003438&cid=t_104527_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVIyzP8yQEzA%2F Welcome back, everyone. We hope your weekend was restful and rejuvenating. Now, of course, the routine has returned. Meetings and deadlines, as usual, beckon. What better way to prepare than with a cup of stimulation? So please join us as we indulge. Meanwhile, here are a few items to help you get started. Hope your day goes well and stay in touch… AstraZeneca Prostate Cancer Drug Fails Phase III (TheStreet) Pfizer Plans More Partnerships In Asia (OutsourcingPharma) Sanofi Keeps Genzyme Bid Steady, For Now (Reuters) Merck To Hire 300 At No. Carolina Vaccine Plant (The Herald Sun) Wyeth’s Genetically Modified Baby Formula Causes Protest (Sydney Morning Herald) European Rx Sales To Slow Due To Cost-Cutting (PharmaTimes) Actelion Drug For Brain Hemorrhage Fails In Study (Bloomberg... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003438 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:51:00 +0100 4003438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3934549&cid=t_104527_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Famacupuncturehttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fgenetically-engineered-salmon-soon.html CONCLUSIONIt looks like a done deal folks. With all these questions raised, it is hard to believe the FDA could come to a favorable conclusion on this venture.What do you think?Visit www.americanamericanacupunture.com for more commentaries on controversial medical issues of our time.As a medical physician for over 51 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects, and help your read betwwen the lines. You must come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary. This results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. V... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3934549 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:04:00 +0100 3934549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761406&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F189045%2F Genetically Modified Corn Damages Organs: Agricultural company Monsanto’s genetically modified corn has been linked to organ damage in mammals. Avoid the Franken-corn. (via Organic Jar) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761406 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:58:17 +0100 3761406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2660872&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fs7g-_fgmuVM%2F Here’s another GM issue that’s being close followed, and this time it’s a local (US) issue. Six farmers from the Boulder County in Colorado asked asking permission to plant genetically modified sugar beets on open space land, which are areas of protected or conserved land on which development is indefinitely set aside. The farmers argue that they need to plant GM sugar beets in order to be competitive and stay in business. This year, 95 percent of all sugar beets grown in the US are Roundup Ready, which have been modified to resist the herbicide Roundup. Overspraying with herbicides usually kills both weeds and crops, but the biotech beets can be sprayed with Roundup to kill the weeds and the beets will stay unharmed. After strong arguments from both sides, the Boulder County Food... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2660872 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:48:00 +0100 2660872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657835&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FkHUaI_XIf5Y%2F As much as I can in Genetics and Health, I try to stay away from the controversies of the GM food debate. There is so much that people don’t know, but need to understand about the entire science surrounding genetic engineering of plants and animals. But people’s opinions are so polarized that it’s hard to put sense into the arguments. And that’s where I’m coming from in this, because I got so frustrated when I read this news at the Daily Mail (UK): “Defra trying to ’sneak GM trial under the radar’ despite contamination health fears”. Here’s the thing: Leeds university scientists planted GM potatoes in their experimental fields and published that information on the government website. The GM crops were resistant to nematode worms, a pest that cost British farm... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657835 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:46:11 +0100 2657835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2553188&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FEOHO-pcg--Q%2F The federal court stepped in to ban the genetically modified alfalfa produced by Monsanto Co., pending a thorough review of the crop’s impact on the environment. The ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday leaves Creve Coeur-based Monsanto with two options. It can appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court or hope for regulatory approval after the Agriculture Department completes a comprehensive environmental review. (stltoday.com) Environmental groups and alfalfa-seed farmers sued the government in 2007 over its decision to release GM alfalfa without reviewing how the crop can potentially affect the environment. According to this news, the case marks the “first time a thorough environmental review has been required for regulatory approval of a genetically modified... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2553188 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:22:01 +0100 2553188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512402&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FAR_efJLZ-IU%2F Indian scientists are on their way to creating a different kind of transgenic fish. This fish, a popular variety of carp known as rohu, matures twice as fast and bears more eggs than the regular carp. Extensive tests need to be conducted on it before scientists can release it for production. Not needed, say the creators because it’s not the the usual kind of transgenic organism. Genetically modified plants or animals are known to have genomes bearing foreign genes. One such example is the GloFish, which has a set of genes from other organisms that have been combined to create a new set of genes that make the fish glow. Another example is the transgenic maize Bt corn, which has a bacterial gene inserted into its genome. Transgenic organisms like these need to be tested for bio-safety a... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512402 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:18:00 +0100 2512402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512403&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FQ5pVMnMpo1o%2F This totally sounds like an urban legend and should really be considered as such. But, it is newsworthy. According to a quote through the Examiner, Russian scientists secretly warned Prime Minister Putin about a “critical link” between the H1N1 Influenza virus and genetically modified amylopectin potatoes which are sold in Western countries as french fries. The report goes on to say that the genetically changed protease enzyme in the potatoes is so stored in the host cells (that’s us, humans who eat the fries) that our cells’ contact with an H1N1 virus creates an explosion in the viral envelope. The protein causes an acidic environment for the virus that explodes its envelope and releases the H1N1 RNA and core proteins into the host cell. Majority of cases of H1N1 infections hav... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512403 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:00:00 +0100 2512403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458375&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FRdUHmqA3XeA%2F My heart breaks when I see photos of children suffering from genetic disorders, such as the nine babies from this story. But this story also lauds to the use of genetically modified organisms for producing drugs for treatment. Recently, scientists discovered a new genetic disorder in nine newborn to 2-week old babies. The infants had swollen bone tissues, bone pain and deformity, and rashes that can range in size from small fluid-filled blisters or pustules to blisters that covered the whole body. The researchers immediately realized they were looking at an unrecognized auto-inflammatory syndrome, where recurring episodes of inflammation occur without any pathogens or immune cells triggering the reaction. All nine babies had mutations of IL1RN, a gene involved in the immune response whic... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458375 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:34:11 +0100 2458375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442305&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FzPvv_PX3AKM%2F Supporters and opponents of GMO have been clamoring from a support from the Vatican, for the obvious reasons of elevating GMO into a moral issue. Well, a study from the Vatican strongly endorses genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as providing “better food security” and safe and healthy foods, reports the National Catholic Reporter this week. Although the Vatican itself has not issued an official statement, the Pontifical Academy for Science met this week to discuss the merits of GMO and participants unanimously agreed to endorse GMOs. Unfortunately, no Catholic critic of GMOs was invited to the conference so the endorsement has been viewed as totally biased. In a related news, Boulder County Colorado farmers may now plant genetically modified sugar beets on government land, acco... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442305 Fri, 29 May 2009 11:48:00 +0100 2442305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349269&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FVl2IosUAMQg%2F Proponents of genetically-modified food are fighting an uphill battle in the European Union. Image: sxc.hu Germany has banned a strain of genetically modified corn in the country, citing dangers to the environment as the primary reason. Last month, Luxembourg joined Hungary, France, Austria and Greece in banning Monsanto’s corn strain MON810, even though it is the only strain approved by the European Food Safety Authority. Germany has been using MON810, also known as YieldGuard Corn Borer, for the past five years. But the Agricultural Minister now admits there is reason to believe that MON810 “represents a danger for the environment”. The European Council meets next week and today, Luxembourg announced to vote down a proposal allowing GM rice (Bayer’s LL62) from being made availabl... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349269 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:46:00 +0100 2349269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2263848&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E5%2Fhqv8t1Sk0bg%2Fembedded_player.swf In a quick and driveby post: Experts Agree Giant, Razor-Clawed Bioengineered Crabs Pose No Threat (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2263848 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:18:13 +0100 2263848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2177559&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fw_HkpoNhkVs%2F For the first time, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the release of a drug made from genetically engineered animals, boosting confidence in the science of gene manipulation. The drug ATryn (GTC Biotherapeutics) was approved on February 6 for the prevention of blood clotting events in patients with hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency. ATryn is produced using milk from goats that have been altered to produce extra antithrombin, a natural blood thinner. Hereditary antithrombin deficiency is a genetic condition where the person suffers from serious and recurrent blood clotting, and making them at very high risk for blood clots, organ damage or death. Over 200,000 people in the United States, Canada and Europe are affected by the disease. The FDA’s approval will certainly h... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2177559 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:54:00 +0100 2177559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141410&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F3n76Gcm7zc4%2F Can genetically-modified (GM) food feed the world’s hungry? Are they really safe enough to eat? Will the big GM food farmers push small traditional farming out of business? The usefulness and safety of genetically-modified food crops is as controversial and polarized as ever, and we can never seem to find a common ground. So, the Science Museum in London organized a debate on GM crops and the world food crisis in an attempt to let the public have a clearer understanding of the issues. Ian Sample of the Guardian UK chaired the event with a panel of key scientists debating back and forth with each other and the audience. Sample observes there was only one thing that everyone agreed on. The debate that followed covered some interesting ground, but it seemed easier to identify the problems... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141410 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:34:21 +0100 2141410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2125359&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FwoYHOr3kqfM%2F The number of countries, and land areas, growing genetically modified foods has grown tremendously in the last decade. In recent years, several developing countries like Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and China have become rabid growers of transgenic crops. But North America still remains the world’s biggest grower, and exporter, of GM crops. Recently however, the Office of Inspector General warned the US Department of Agriculture to be prepared to block the influx of GM foods from foreign countries, if they are believed to pose threats to our health, environment or agriculture. The OIG is concerned that many GM products produced by other countries are not approved by the USDA, and GM crops could begin entering the US illegally or without proper declaration or labels. Read the comple... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2125359 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:05:24 +0100 2125359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2027157&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fi0x1sg9QdXs%2F The land of pineapples, bananas and sugarcane, Hawaii seems like an unlikely place to grow corn. But in the last 10 years or so, the Aloha state has been home to genetically modified crops - potatoes, soybeans, wheat, beets, rice, safflower and other food traditionally grown in the mainlands. Scientific American takes another jab at the pros and cons debate on Genetically modified food, in the background of a economically thriving but ecologically isolated Hawaii. Of interest is a report that genetic drift has been found in non-GM papaya seeds that test positive for GM material. The safety of genetically modified food is always a top debate topic. But in the case of Hawaiians, rejection of GM food, in particular taro root crop, has as more to do with its legendary origins and ties with th... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2027157 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:30:40 +0100 2027157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2011175&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FVMF5FyX4uzs%2F This new study is along the lines of vaccine-producing bananas. One of the best uses of genetic engineering of plants is producing rare proteins with medical use in larger quantities. Interleukin-12 is one of those proteins that our bodies produce in regulated quantities, but is very essential for the function of the immune system. Certain immune diseases are the result of having either too little or too much interleukin-12. If scientists can harness enough of the protein for research and therapeutic development, then perhaps certain diseases can be controlled better. New findings published in the journal Biotechnology and Bioengineering found a way for interleukin-12 to be produced artificially inside genetically-modified tobacco in a more efficient way using nutrient mist bioreactors. ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2011175 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:49:51 +0100 2011175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996389&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F467271515%2Fenglands-plan-for-gm-trees-and-possible.html Another one of our weekly guest posts from Jonathan Javitt:A group of researchers from the University of Southampton are hoping to establish a settlement of genetically modified poplar trees on land owned by the Forestry Commission as part of a research project into biofuels. Sounds good on its face – modified trees that may help us solve some of our oil dependency problems. But it’s not that easy. The truth is, these trees would present a whole other set of problems.Clare Oxborrow, A campaigner for the eco-friendly organization, Friends of the Earth, explains the potential problems: “Our concerns with GM trees are even more serious than crops because trees are very long-lived. They are inherently geared up for spreading seeds and pollen because of the way they reproduce. There’s a... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996389 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:16:00 +0100 1996389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1968916&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FTJhI6F4_OCc%2F This report does not provide any basis to conclude otherwise,” said Jerry Hjelle, Ph.D., Vice President of Monsanto’s regulatory group. Tags: austria, genetics and health, GM products, monsantoShare This (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1968916 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:47:38 +0100 1968916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960818&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F450627011%2Ftreacherous-kisses.html Our weekly guest post from Jonathan Javitt, author of Capitol Reflections:Genetically modified (GM) beet sugar is generally used to make Hershey's Kisses – but that will no longer be the case in Brazil. The company recently announced it won't use GM beet sugar in its Brazilian-made products, but Hershey has not made any such promises for its US products. In light of this, a number of consumer watch-dog groups in the US are urging people to take action; several years ago, Hershey told U.S. consumers it would not use genetically engineered sugar. But now genetically modified sugar beets are being planted commercially in the US and Hershey is utilizing sugar made from these plants for their hugely popular “Kisses” candy. Additionally, the nation's largest sugar manufacturer, Crystal... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960818 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:54:01 +0100 1960818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924536&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F415252154%2Fthis-little-piggy-went-to-market-or-not.html We're pleased to have a guest post today by Jonathan Javitt, author of Capitol Reflections, who wrote this for the Women's Bioethics Blog: Imagine a cleaner pig. Thanks to researchers at the University of Guelph in Ontario, you don't have to imagine – they've engineered them. It has nothing to do with their appearance – the look just like any other pig – but the difference can be found in their genetic makeup, specifically in their “cleaner” manure. Your typical pig doesn't have the capacity to break down phytate - found in much of the food that pigs eat – thus going undigested, ending up in their manure and subsequently, in other places as well. It can get into the water supply, leading to algae growth, and it can get into the air – especially when a large number of p... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924536 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:01:42 +0100 1924536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918042&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fjvux56F3-bg%2F Malnourishment in a pregnant woman has a lasting effect on her child’s DNA. This was the implications of a new study on children born during the famine of World War II. Scientists studied the DNA of children who were born to women starved during the 1944 Hunger Winter in the Netherlands. They analyzed a gene called insulin-like growth factor 2 or IGF2, an important growth hormone. Methyl groups that attach to IGF2 very early in fetal development determine how much of the growth hormone is made later, and protect the DNA from damage. The scientists found that those children (now in their 60s)  who were exposed to famine in the first trimester of pregnancy had lesser methyl groups in the IGF2 gene than their siblings of the same sex. Loss of methylation in IGF2 has previously b... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918042 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:00:46 +0100 1918042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1829055&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F09%2Fgenetically-altering-pigs-to-find-cure.html This is an example of how animal research can lead to tremendous alleviation of human suffering. Pigs are being genetically altered to have CF and cloned for use in research. From the story:Cystic fibrosis (CF) is triggered when a person inherits two copies of a faulty gene carried by about one in 25 of the population. The disorder causes widespread damage to internal organs, especially the lungs and gut, by clogging them with thick, sticky mucus.Now a team at the University of Missouri has developed a pig which appears to closely mimic the disease. The striking similarities suggest that the pigs will help improve understanding and may also speed discovery of new treatments.Animal rights activists would say that the pigs lives are as important and valuable as all those people with cystic f... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1829055 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:45:00 +0100 1829055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1811257&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F09%2Fconfusion-fda-to-treat-genetically.html The FDA has decided to regulate genetic engineering of animals. And it looks to be confusing. From the story:The agency has premised the rules on an unusual reading of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, saying that the inserted DNA used to modify an animal can be regulated as a "new animal drug" under the 1938 law from which the agency draws much of its regulatory clout. Under this interpretation, the same gene inserted into two different animals of the same species on separate occasions creates two different entities to regulate, because DNA integrates itself into the genome pretty much at random. However, the offspring of genetically modified animals will be, in regulatory terms, the same thing as their parents... The new regulations are unlikely to have an impact on most bench sci... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1811257 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:21:00 +0100 1811257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1649361&cid=t_104527_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F344365061%2F This report has been causing a stir earlier this week. The good in the evil tobacco? So reports are saying. Okay before we all get too excited…the tobacco plants used are genetically engineered. To make the vaccine, researchers took a sample of a patient’s tumors, which in this trial were made up of B cells (white blood cells that help the body battle disease and infection). They then extracted the gene from the cells that coded for the antigen they needed (to help the immune system recognize the tumors as threats). The key, researchers say, was to make enough of the protein quickly to prompt an immune response. In this case, the scientists achieved this by inserting the gene into a plant microbe known a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Plants are infected with TMV simply by scratch... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1649361 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:00:06 +0100 1649361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1482089&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F301738945%2F The Genetics and Health article Genetically Modified Foods - Pros and Cons is a student’s favourite and has provoked huge debate both for and against GM foods.  With the food crisis looming Jeremy Cooke of the BBC News takes a look at whether our negative attitude to GM Foods may be about to change.  Another reference to help your studies, guys! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7426054.stm Elaine Warburton  www.geneticsandhealth.com Tags: Genetically Modified Foods, GM Foods, GMOsShare This (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1482089 Sat, 31 May 2008 08:00:45 +0100 1482089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1251106&cid=t_104527_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F02%2F22%2Fone-snowflake-at-a-time%2F They say no two snowflakes are alike. I’d argue that there are no two people alike either. That while there may be many similarities between two people, no two people on this earth have the exact same similar life experiences, personalities, upbringing, brains, reasoning, thoughts or emotions. Not exactly an earth shattering revelation, now is it? Except that, until this week, we had long thought that identical twins were genetically identical. Not so, according to new research this week, which showed that due to copy number variations, genetically identical twins are not so much. So now that that long held conventional wisdom has been blown away, we have some revisiting to do. Because researchers for decades have designed studies which looked at whether something was more influe... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1251106 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:36:18 +0100 1251106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1213280&cid=t_104527_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F230552572%2F A team of researchers from Newcastle University has created an embryo from three separate parents by using DNA from one man and two women. The researchers hope that, by using this technique, women with diseases of the mitocondria (”mini organelles that are found within individual cells”) do not pass on diseases such as fatal liver failure, stroke-like episodes, blindness, muscular dystrophy, diabetes and deafness to their children. Reports the BBC: The Newcastle team have effectively given the embryos a mitochondria transplant. We believe we could develop this technique and offer treatment in the forseeable future that will give families some hope of avoiding passing these diseases to their children They experimented on 10 severely abnormal embryos left over from traditio... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1213280 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:51:21 +0100 1213280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173243&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F221584214%2F Much has been written about Genetically Modified (GM) foods in Genetics and Health and many readers have made some perceptive and well argued cases for and against the introduction of GM foods into the food chain as seen in the article Genetically Modified Foods - pros and cons.  Here is a further piece of research making the case for the introduction of GM Foods. A University of Queensland, Australia study ( UQ PhD ) recommends Australian states should not ban commercial production of genetically modified (GM) plants and food as the risks are alarmist and exaggerated. The study found the benefits of GM plants and food outweighed the risks, finding no compelling evidence of harm to humans from GM plants.  GM plants have been trialled in most states with South Australia, Tasmania and We... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173243 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:29:52 +0100 1173243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918091&cid=t_104527_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F163809143%2F Hmm… I will present this to you with no opinion or comments from me. It seems that researchers out of The Bristol Heart Institute in Britain have confirmed the belief that certain patients that have survived heart attacks and heart disease become more naturally pre-conditioned than their healthy counterparts. … Discovered surprising responses of the heart to mock cardiac surgery in a mouse model. When the heart was stopped and restarted — mimicking the conditions used in most heart bypass surgery — scientists found hearts with coronary disease from genetically modified mice were more resistant to damage than hearts without coronary disease. So what do you think? Have you ever heard of this before? The research team detailed their findings in the October issue of th... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918091 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:39:59 +0100 918091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=791363&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F142652894%2F The recent Tour de France drug violations show further evidence that sport is rife with illegal drug taking to enhance performance and achieve that ‘extra mile’.  There are mega bucks at stake alongside the dream of become a World and Olympic champion.  I imagine that if you’ve invested your entire life to your chosen sport the lure of taking banned performance enhancing drugs to help you achieve your dreams is with you night and day. The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) in Montreal, Canada is charged with monitoring the conduct of athletes.  It is working with investigators around the globe to develop a test that would ’out’ competitors for injecting themselves with genetic material capable of enhancing body mass or performance.  At present there ar... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=791363 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 10:40:39 +0100 791363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=780684&cid=t_104527_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F140993037%2F The South of England is reeling with the news that there has been another foot and mouth outbreak, halting the transport of all UK livestock.  The EU has also stepped in with various embargoes.  This comes only a few years after the farming community was nearly decimated from a foot and mouth outbreak in the North of England. It cost the industry nearly US$16 billion. Since the last foot and mouth epidemic was eradicated, farmers have been ultra cautious in hygiene, cleanliness and infection control.  There is growing disquiet within the community from the test results that this strain of foot and mouth is the same as the strains used two week’s previously at both a private lab and government lab only four miles away.  By all accunts these bugs may have travelled from the a... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=780684 Sun, 05 Aug 2007 21:18:17 +0100 780684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=719396&cid=t_104527_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F07%2Fgenetically-modified-skin-cells-fight-cancer%2F Filed under: Childhood Cancers, Research, Daily newsThe process of genetically modifying something is widely believed to be bad (hence the organic movement) but what if genetic modifacation cured cancer? Don't worry, I'm not talking about your food here -- genetic modification of skin cells has been shown to fight a deadly form of childhood cancer. In tests involving mice performed at the University College London's Institute of Child Health, results a promising when genetically modified skin cells are pitted against neuroblastoma. Although rare, the condition is potentially fatal and accounts for 10% of childhood cancer.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cancer Blog) The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=719396 Sat, 07 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 719396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=485752&cid=t_104527_109_f&fid=35044&url=http%3A%2F%2Fadultaddstrengths.com%2F2007%2F03%2F02%2Fadhd-is-treatable-a-point-some-people-forget%2F Healthoma has a blog post titled ADHD is treatable. Great title and great point. via Your ADD/ADHD news ADD blog carnival The causes are linked to genes and to the environment—they are not caused by an excessive intake of sugar or by any other medication. Typically, another family member may have also suffered from it and this is also a sign. Some people especially men with ADHD stay in denial about having ADHD, in some cases they need to be on their 2nd or 3rd wife until they clue in. Or their 4th or 5th job they’ve been fired from/had to quit before getting fired. Adults with ADHD have higher divorce rates and higher rates of maritial instability. Some of the adult ADD clients I’ve coached have high stimulation jobs and excel at work but are on the verge of divorce at home ... Adult ADD Strengths blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=485752 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:07:11 +0100 485752