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 'genetics'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:47:26 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174611&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcancer-drug-demonstrates-no-survival-benefit-receives-fda-approval%2F2011.08.29 Recently, the FDA announced its approval, upon accelerated review, of a new drug, Adcetris (brentuximab) for patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has relapsed after bone marrow transplant and for some patients with T-cell anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This interests me for a lot of reasons, among them that I used to work in the field of lymphoma immunology and spent some time in my life studying molecules like CD30, the protein to which the new antibody binds. First, a mini-primer on the disease and numbers of patients involved: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medical Lessons* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174611 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:00:19 +0100 5174611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174696&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FohBL2o3t4hU%2Fgene-z-ipod-based-tablet-performs-genetic-analysis-on-micrornas.html Researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) developed a low cost device which is able to perform genetic analysis on microRNAs. The device, which is called Gene-Z, operates with an iPod Touch or Android-based tablet and can be charged using solar energy. This makes it a perfect tool to use in low-income and resource-limited countries.  It makes it possible to screen for cancer markers in rural areas where the pathology department is far out of reach or non-existent. Syed Hashsham, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at MSU, worked together with Reza Nassiri of the Institute of International Health. He demonstrated the Gene-Z at the NIH Cancer Detection and Diagnostics Technologies for Global Health Conference last week. Nassiri said in the press release: “Cancer is e... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174696 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:58:05 +0100 5174696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169561&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F08%2Fthe-challenge-of-obesity.html For those interested in epidemiology, chronic disease, and obesity. This week's edition of the Lancet has a series of four articles and several commentaries that review the economics, epidemiology, social, and policymaking issues affecting obesity that are well worth reading in full. The take away message is that this is an extremely complicated area. There is an emphasis by the authors and commentators that correction of obesity will take government action. Government action in this area tends to resolve around police actions, and taxation. Taxation policies have worked to a significant extent in reducing tobacco consumption in Europe. However, smoking is not a survival necessity whereas eating is. We have to be very careful about the use of police power for public health policy with the ... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169561 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:05:04 +0100 5169561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140181&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F18%2Fu-k-researchers-launch-clinical-trial-of-mercaptopurine-6-mp-in-women-with-hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancer%2F A Cancer Research UK-funded clinical trial of a new drug for patients with advanced breast or ovarian cancer due to inherited BRCA gene mutations has been launched at the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre at the University of Oxford. A Cancer Research UK-funded trial of a new drug for patients with advanced breast or ovarian cancer [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140181 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:07:56 +0100 5140181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139927&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F987bkahCASg%2Fdual-color-sted-microscopy-resolves-living-cell-interactions-at-80nm.html Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED), an optical microscopy technique not limited by light diffraction, has become an indispensable tool for studying cellular function at a resolution unattainable with traditional optical methods.  Yet, there has been a considerable limitation using STED to study dynamic interactions because one needs to use different colors to label the players, but until now STED has been monochromatic. Researchers from Yale University with the help of New England Biolabs have developed a method of attaching specialty dyes to proteins that turn out to be compatible for doing dual color STED microscopy. From an Optical Society announcement: The key to their success was in overcoming the challenges in labeling target proteins in living cells with dyes optimal for two-colo... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139927 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:29:56 +0100 5139927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118924&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F11%2Fgene-transfer-therapy-destroys-tumors-in-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-patients-holds-promise-for-ovarian-cancer%2F Penn researchers have shown sustained remissions of up to a year among a small group of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with genetically engineered versions of their own T-cells. This genetically-modified “serial killer” T-cell approach could provide a tumor-attack roadmap for the treatment of lung and ovarian cancer, myeloma and melanoma as well. [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118924 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:11:37 +0100 5118924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118597&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-v7ZpnrS1Qc%2F Serial Killers: Genetically engineering certain immune-system cells to identify and then destroy a certain protein found on leukemia cells can put patients into sustained remission from their cancer, the WSJ reports. Research on three people published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Science Translational Medicine shows that the treatment has harsh side effects, however, and much larger studies are needed to prove that it works. The genetic immunotherapy will also be studied in other cancers. Identifying Variations: Scientists have published in the journal Nature an analysis of the genetics behind multiple sclerosis, finding 29 genetic variations associated with the disease and shoring up the notion that it is an autoimmune disorder, the Los Angeles Times’ Booster Shots blo... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118597 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:49:11 +0100 5118597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118807&cid=t_91995_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fresearch-byte-intelligence-highly.html Click on image to enlarge- iPost using BlogPress from Kevin McGrew's iPad (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118807 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:35:00 +0100 5118807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107554&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F08%2Fpredictive-genetic-testing-in-youth.html An article printed in this week's Journal of Pediatric Psychology has an interesting discussion from the University of Michigan on the value of predictive testing for genetic abnormalities in youth. Comment: Despite the discussion of the value of genetic tests or lack of it one cannot at this time test everybody for everything. There is no discussion of the problem of obtaining accurate family histories of disease in the population at large. At some point in the future care givers may in fact obtain sufficiently accurate family histories to make such testing useful. It is might be better to look for potential genetic abnormalities in parents and grandparents then ensure that preconceptual counseling takes place. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107554 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:30:13 +0100 5107554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107829&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F07%2Finherited-mutations-in-rad51d-gene-confer-susceptibility-to-ovarian-cancer%2F Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have discovered that women who carry a faulty copy of a gene called RAD51D have almost a 1-in-11 chance of developing ovarian cancer. The finding that inherited mutations in the RAD51D gene confer susceptibility to ovarian cancer was reported in a study published online in Nature Genetics on August 7, 2011. Cancer [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107829 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:57:32 +0100 5107829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103482&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F05%2Fin-depth-review-the-cancer-genome-atlas-reports-on-landmark-analysis-of-high-grade-serous-ovarian-cancer%2F An analysis of genomic changes in high grade serous ovarian cancer provides the most comprehensive and integrated view of cancer genes for any cancer type to date. Ovarian serous adenocarcinoma tumors from 489 patients were examined by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network and its analyses are reported in the June 30, 2011 issue [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103482 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:24:26 +0100 5103482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086240&cid=t_91995_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fgenetics-at-a-snp.html – There are genetic variants, SNPs, associated with a tendency to have almost any physical trait such as baldness, athleticisim, green eyes, red hair, obesity, alcohol dependence, type 2 diabetes and many other diseases, even the amount of earwax one produces. There are also SNPs associated with the presence of metabolic enzymes or the lack thereof that mean an individual is more or less responsive to a given pharmaceutical or other therapeutic agent. There are often variations between human populations, so a SNP that is common in one geographical or ethnic group may be much rarer in another. Now, UK researchers have developed a very simple technique for finding SNPs that could revolutionise testing for genetic disease markers and more… Related Posts:Top Ten MutantsSpectroscop... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086240 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:36:38 +0100 5086240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086303&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FJtI7DFfG7oM%2Fself-heating-cartridge-enables-low-cost-point-of-care-dna-amplification.html We recently described the OpenPCR project which is expected to make previously costly and difficult procedures like DNA amplification more accessible. Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have opened the possibility of even more accessible molecular diagnostics by developing a self-heating, disposable microfluidic cartridge for isothermal nucleic acid amplification. Made out of the phase change material polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the cartridge (38 mm x 19 mm x 17 mm) consists of amplification chambers containing at least one thermal battery composed of magnesium iron alloy. When exposed to water, the magnesium exothermically produces hydrogen gas (released through vents in cartridge), magnesium hydroxide, and – of course – heat that can be used for the DNA amplificat... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086303 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:05:28 +0100 5086303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086558&cid=t_91995_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNoWxngWGoxw%2F In a closely watched case, a federal appeals court upheld the right of Myriad Genetics to patent two human genes that form the basis of a widely used genetic test for breast and ovarian cancers. The ruling reverses a lower court decision and gives Myraid the right to patent two so-called isolated human genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2 - that account for most inherited forms of breast and ovarian cancers. Many women with a familial history undergo genetic testing to determine if they have the mutations on their BRCA genes. The info helps decide on treatment or prevention, such as increased surveillance, preventive mastectomies or ovary removal. Women who test positive using Myriad’s gene test, which is called BRACAnalysis, have an 82 percent higher risk of breast cancer and a 44 percent higher... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086558 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:20:41 +0100 5086558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077933&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F-8WJ--lhs9Q%2F This study sheds light on important ‘SNPs’ or genetic variations within an individual’s DNA, associated with long-term, chronic eating disorders. These variations suggest genetic predictors for patients who may be particularly susceptible to eating disorders and whose illnesses are most difficult to treat effectively. The study’s lead researcher, Cinnamon Bloss, Ph.D., explains that ultimately, the study could help treatment of patients with long-term illness stemming from some of these genetic factors: Anorexia and bulimia likely stem from many different causes, such as culture, family, life changes and personality traits But we know biology and genetics are highly relevant in terms of cause and can also play a role in how people respond to treatment. Understanding the genetic... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077933 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:53:47 +0100 5077933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077688&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcan-pharmacogenomic-tests-help-to-improve-public-health%2F2011.07.29 Adverse drug events are a serious public health problem. Consider the following facts: an estimated 82% of American adults take at least one medication and 29% take five or more; 700,000 emergency department visits and 120,000 hospitalizations are due to adverse drug events annually; $3.5 billion is spent on extra medical costs of adverse drug events annually; at least 40% of costs associated with adverse drug events occurring outside hospitals can be prevented. How can genomics help? Pharmacogenomics is the study of genetic variation as a factor in drug response, affecting both safety and effectiveness. The intended applications of pharmacogenomics research include identifying responders and non-responders to medications, avoiding adverse events, optimizing drug dose and avoiding unnece... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077688 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:00:10 +0100 5077688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069558&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FvWpxKTmjjgw%2Fthe-luminex-100200-used-in-outbreak-management-of-infectious-diseases.html The Luminex 100/200 is a diagnostic detection platform based on the principles of flow cytometry. The system enables you to measure up to 100 analytes in a single microplate well, using small sample volumes. The system delivers fast and cost-effective bioassay results in different formats including nucleic acid assays, receptor-ligand assays, immunoassays and enzymatic assays. There are already several tests available for the detection of pathogens and last week the new respiratory viral assay xTAG RVP Fast got FDA clearance. The xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) gives clinical laboratories a diagnostic tool to help manage their patients with influenza-like symtoms. It targets simultaneously eight respiratory pathogens like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza A & B,... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069558 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:46:57 +0100 5069558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069562&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fon-Mvmcq690%2Fpowerful-new-lab-on-a-chip-device-could-redefine-genetic-analysis.html Scientists at the University of British Columbia have invented a lab-on-a-chip that could reduce the cost of genetic analysis while improving its speed and sensitivity. Roughly the size of a nine-volt battery, the unit directs fluid carrying cells through tiny tubes and valves, ultimately isolating the cells into separate chambers. Once the cells are separated, their genetic material can be removed and replicated for future study. Standard genetic tests present composite data based on thousands, or even millions, of cells. By contrast, the new lab-on-a-chip can analyze cells individually. This functionality comes in handy in cancer diagnosis because a single tumor can include a combination of various cancer cells and normal cells. “[Using standard genetic tests is] like trying to trying ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069562 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 04:38:12 +0100 5069562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062320&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FS9awISloQBU%2Fthe-ion-personal-genome-machine-pgm-expands-moores-law-thanks-to-moore.html Scientists at Ion Torrent Systems, a Life Technologies company, published details of the DNA sequencing technology of the Ion Personal Genome Machine (PGM) in Nature last week. This technique consists of an integrated circuit which is able to perform non-optical DNA sequencing. Data is obtained by directly sensing the ions produced by template-directed DNA polymerase synthesis using all-natural nucleotides on the ion chip, which consists of 1.2 million sensors of tiny wells.  Ion now features the fastest prep to data analysis workflow of about 8 hours, conveniently about the amount of time a lab tech spends at work on an average day. In the Nature paper they describe the sequencing of different bacteria and the whole genome of Intel co-founder and author of Moore’s law, Dr G. Moore. ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062320 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:49:06 +0100 5062320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050789&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F52wkT56_010%2Fnew-swath%25e2%2584%25a2-acquisition-on-tripletof-5600-system.html The AB SCIEX TripleTOF™ 5600 System is a groundbreaking mass spectrometry technology that is the fastest and most sensitive high-resolution mass spectrometer for qualitative and quantitative analysis. This system represents a significant advancement in mass spectrometry, combining on a single platform the quantitative capabilities typically associated with triple quadrupoles and the qualitative capabilities of a high-resolution, accurate-mass system. The TripleTOF 5600 System is designed to enable new and better ways for scientists to conduct mass spectrometry experiments for a broad range of life science applications, such as discovering new drugs, detecting biomarkers, and aiding in food safety and environmental analysis. The TripleTOF 5600 System delivers new innovations like the SWAT... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050789 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:06:34 +0100 5050789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051269&cid=t_91995_155_f&fid=38409&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropathologyblog.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fgenetics-of-psp-further-elucidated.html In this study, each copy of the G version of rs8070723 in MAPT was associated with about 5.5 times lower odds of the disease. (Source: spittoon.23andme.com) (Source: neuropathology blog) neuropathology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051269 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:42:00 +0100 5051269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057537&cid=t_91995_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Frestless-legs-syndrome-could-be-in-your.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057537 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:29:00 +0100 5057537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049193&cid=t_91995_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Frestless-legs-syndrome-could-be-in-your.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049193 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:29:00 +0100 5049193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028132&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FfmlbwyxGghw%2F Sibling centenarians Helen ‘Happy’ Reichert, 109, with her brother Irving Kahn, 105. New York centenarians are the starting point for a nationwide effort to figure out the genetic and lifestyle elements contributing to long, healthy lives. As our colleagues at the WSJ’s Metropolis blog report, geneticist Nir Barzilai, of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has spent more than a decade studying the factors that help people maintain a good quality of life even past the 100-year mark. Specifically, he’s studied 500 Ashkenazi Jews, because they are relatively genetically homogeneous. As Metropolis reports: Barzilai and his team at Einstein’s Institute for Aging Research have so far discovered three uncommon genotype similarities among the centenarians: one gene... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028132 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:06:06 +0100 5028132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008352&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fxqi-hvs8Lng%2Fopenpcr-do-it-yourself-open-source-pcr-kit-now-shipping.html The folks at OpenPCR project have just announced they have started shipping the first batch of OpenPCR kits for your at-home DNA replication pleasure. The OpenPCR is a computer controlled 16 well PCR machine for the lab bench or a workshop/garage, with its own built-in screen. A DIY Xerox machine for DNA built mostly with off the shelf components and free schematics, which does thermal cycling as well as boiling, cooling, and freezing (4C) samples. From the first prototype, development of the OpenPCR took only 14 months, funded through Kickstarter with 158 people bringing in a total of $12,121. It costs $512 (compared to $3000 for a traditional PCR machine), but you will need to assemble it yourself from the package of parts using tools and instructions that are included. Some of the sugge... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008352 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:00:25 +0100 5008352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008357&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F06Iv0nHEVMM%2Fpolymer-based-gene-therapy-for-brain-cancer-eliminates-need-for-viral-vector.html Gene therapy has been around as a promising new treatment for a while now, however it is plagued with safety concerns because of the use of viral vectors, and a lack of efficiency with non-viral vectors. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have developed a technique that delivers gene therapy into human brain cancer (glioblastoma) cells using non-viral nanoparticles that can be freeze-dried and stored for up to three months prior to use. The team tested various commercially available DNA-binding polymers, identifying polymers efficient in delivery to glioblastoma cells but also in healthy cells, as well as polymers that affect only glioblastoma cells and brain tumor stem cells without affecting healthy cells. A second advantage of these poly(beta-amino ester) nan... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008357 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:05:40 +0100 5008357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968925&cid=t_91995_155_f&fid=38409&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropathologyblog.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fi-have-discovered-my-apoe-status.html I just got my ApoE results back from 23andMe.com.  When I ordered the test, the first question I posed to readers was whether it was wise to even find out whether or not I have the epsilon 4 allele. One commentator, "Agent 86", quoted the ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus for guidance on this issue. In 135 AD, Epictetus argued that one should emotionally separate oneself from those things which are not one's own -- i.e., those things that over which one has no control. Therefore, had he known what a gene was at the time, Epictetus would have counted one's genome as among those things that is not one's own. As such, knowing his ApoE status would have been of no consequence either way to Epictetus. I do find it rather easy to take this Epictetusian attitude toward my ApoE status. But ... neuropathology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968925 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:29:00 +0100 4968925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968531&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F06%2Fdiscoveries-in-mitochondria-open-new-field-of-cancer-research.html Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center have revealed novel mechanisms in mitochondria that have implications for cancer as well as many other age-related diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, heart disease and hypertension. This discovery has pioneered the formation of a whole new field within epigenetics research ripe with possibilities of developing future gene therapies to treat cancer and age-associated diseases (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968531 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:35:32 +0100 4968531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952843&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-study-supports-previous-evidence-that-autism-is-triggered-in-utero%2F2011.06.21 Science has found no evidence that vaccines cause autism; but the true cause(s) of autism have not yet been determined. So far the available evidence has pointed towards a largely genetic cause with possible interaction with environmental factors. A new study supports that interpretation. It also supports previous evidence that autism is triggered prior to birth, rather than at the time of vaccinations. Schmidt et al. published a study in Epidemiology on May 23, 2011, entitled “Prenatal Vitamins, One-carbon Metabolism Gene Variants, and Risk for Autism.” It was a population-based case control study of 566 subjects comparing a group of autistic children to a matched control group of children with normal development. They looked at maternal intake of prenatal vitamins in the 3 months bef... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952843 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:00:43 +0100 4952843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953387&cid=t_91995_155_f&fid=38409&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropathologyblog.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fwhats-wrong-with-finding-out-and.html In a recent blog post, I stated that I intended to publish my ApoE status on the blog when I get the results back from 23andMe.com. I was surprised to find that some people objected to this. One associate said that by publishing information about my genetic status, I would be "normalizing" the dissemination of information that should be confidential. That sets a bad precedent for the use of personal genomic data. Another individual emailed me the following suggestion: "Instead of posting your results, maybe you would consider instead the value of not doing so at the request of an 'anonymous' reader and keeping the information private in order to stimulate debate about finding out about a disease process for which there is no cure." Finally, "jd" commented in the original post about the wis... neuropathology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953387 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:48:00 +0100 4953387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902384&cid=t_91995_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F05%2Fsunday-news-round-up-if-this-is-may-edition%2F The local newspaper is covering genetic tests for breast cancer, privacy, gene tests patents, cost, and the fears some people have about getting tested. Iris Carmen at Jezebel has a piece, “The Fight For Abortion Access For Military Women,” that is really about barriers in the military that prevent women from reporting sexual assault, the institutional difficulties faced by women servicemembers who become pregnant, and their lack of access to abortion coverage and providers. Via the CDC’s National Prevention Intervention Network (@cdcnpin) Follow @CDCNPIN@CDCNPINCDC NPIN #30years ago today, @CDCMMWR reported on 1st cases of what became known as #AIDS. http://ow.ly/59vq3 about 23 hours ago via webReplyRetweetFavorite The link in the tweet goes to the actual June 5, 1... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902384 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:49:56 +0100 4902384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902644&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F04%2F2011-asco-women-with-brca-gene-mutations-can-take-hormone-replacement-therapy-safely-after-ovary-removal%2F Women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which are linked to a very high risk of breast and ovarian cancer, can safely take hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) to mitigate menopausal symptoms after surgical removal of their ovaries, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which are linked [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902644 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:16:50 +0100 4902644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893704&cid=t_91995_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fn-glycosylation-could-this-be-the-cause-of-ms%2F A dear friend is in the office of General Council for the University of California system and he was excited to pass along some information on Multiple Sclerosis research just coming out of UC Irvine this week. It’s an important step to answering a question I asked of our community (serendipity; really!) last week about what causes MS. According to the in-depth study just published in Nature Communications of the biology behind the mouse “model” of MS and will likely be a platform from which to launch new research into a complex interaction of genetics, environment and an individual’s reactions to them which causes “Dysregulate N-glycosylation” – an improper manufacture of important cell sugars. The study concludes that the already suspect deficiency of Vitamin D – a hormon... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893704 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:41:28 +0100 4893704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862950&cid=t_91995_155_f&fid=38409&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropathologyblog.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fpopulation-prevalence-of-apoe4-gene.html Regarding the Alzheimer genotype, I just did a little research regarding the prevalence of the ApoE epsilon 4 allele (the allele that predisposes to Alzheimer disease). Depending on the study you read, about 20% of the population has at least one epsilon 4 allele, while about 2% have two epsilon 4 alleles. As you'd expect, having two is worse than having one in terms of Alzheimer risk. I should add that the epsilon 4 allele also predisposes to a worse outcome in recovery from traumatic brain injury and is also over-represented among those football players who suffer from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It's important to note that this data applies only to those of European ancestry. The rates of other ethnic groups are different. I saw one study showing, for example, that the rate o... neuropathology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862950 Wed, 25 May 2011 18:32:00 +0100 4862950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862658&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FQ4QOwNDEvEc%2Fbd-max-open-molecular-platform-coming-to-u-s.html BD has released its BD MAX bench-top molecular system that can run both BD developed assays and ones created in the laboratory. As such it can be a powerful tool in detecting emerging new pathogens. The BD Max automates the testing process by enabling technicians to simply load user-defined primers/probes to reagent strips along with a group of samples and walk away. The system’s simplified user-defined protocols allow technicians to mix different samples and assays within a single run. BD MAX is the first and only fully automated, bench-top molecular system designed to perform a broad range of molecular tests. This includes in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays, but also user-defined protocols and life science research applications. The BD MAX System gives clinical laboratory professiona... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862658 Tue, 24 May 2011 18:23:38 +0100 4862658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852969&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F7QOhcAc-2zI%2Fdna-sequencing-beating-moores-law.html Although Moore’s Law mainly applies to computing hardware, predicting a doubling of computing power every two years, DNA sequencing cost has followed a similar pattern for many years, approximately halving each two years. However since January 2008 there has been a break in that trend, with sequencing costs rapidly declining after that date. This applies to both the cost per megabase of DNA sequence and the total cost per genome. Data from the National Human Genome Research Institute, including the graph shown above, show that sequencing a whole genome costs little more than 10,000 dollars where it cost about 100,000,000 at the start of the millennium. At this rate it will not be long before a whole genome will go for less than 1,000 dollars. Yet despite these amazing advancements, a... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852969 Mon, 23 May 2011 05:30:35 +0100 4852969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841885&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-genetic-biomarker-predicts-taxane-drug-induced-neuropathy%2F A new study has identified the first genetic biomarkers for taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy, a potentially severe complication of taxane chemotherapy that affects nerves in about one-third of patients with cancer receiving such treatment. ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances in Targeted Therapies, Screening, and Personalized Medicine The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) today highlighted [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841885 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:39:33 +0100 4841885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841470&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FUVPUfba99ew%2F This article was originally published on msnbc.com on May 17th. Related posts:Genetic Test Kits for Sale Over the Counter: Good or Bad Idea? Take our Poll Long Live the Greeks…But Will They Prosper? Have Your Cake and Live It Too (Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care) Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841470 Thu, 19 May 2011 13:05:58 +0100 4841470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813234&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FZc4Li-umAbg%2F There are tons of reasons why people don’t take the medications they’ve been prescribed, including side effects, cost and complicated drug regimens. A couple of different approaches to improving adherence are in the news today. The first is Script Your Future, a multi-year public-education campaign spearheaded by the National Consumers League and supported by health-industry companies, government agencies, nonprofits and others. It’s aimed chiefly at patients with diabetes, respiratory diseases including asthma and cardiovascular disease, all of which affect big swaths of the U.S. population and can be particularly troublesome when not treated correctly. The campaign emphasizes the consequences — such as poor health and quality of life — that can spring from s... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813234 Wed, 11 May 2011 19:47:03 +0100 4813234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775415&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F05%2Fmedical-costs-for-youth-with-diabetes-more-than-9000-a-year.html "Young people with diabetes face medical costs that are six times higher than their peers without diabetes," said Ann Albright, Ph.D., R.D., director of CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation. "Most youth with diabetes need insulin to survive and the medical costs for young people on insulin were almost 65 percent higher than for those who did not require insulin to treat their diabetes." Comment: Early diagnosis and intervention can iimit the cost but this is a lifetime issue for these children. For families without insurance this cost may be insurmountable. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775415 Mon, 02 May 2011 13:36:34 +0100 4775415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771076&cid=t_91995_107_f&fid=38577&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbiosingularity.com%2F2011%2F04%2F22%2Fcan-hobbyists-and-hackers-transform-biotechnology%2F For most of us, managing our health means visiting a doctor. The more serious our concerns, the more specialized a medical expert we seek. Our bodies often feel like foreign and frightening lands, and we are happy to let someone with an MD serve as our tour guide. For most of us, our own DNA [...] (Source: Biosingularity) Biosingularity blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771076 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:21:06 +0100 4771076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742592&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2011%2F04%2F22%2Fvisiting-direct-to-consumer-genetic-companies%2F When I had a free test at Navigenics and Pathway Genomics, I had a chance to visit the Navigenics HQ as well in San Francisco. Now Daniel MacArthur visited the 23andMe and Complete Genomics HQs. I was graciously received by Shirley Wu, who gave me the grand tour, and various members of the 23andMe science team (especially Nick Eriksson and Tom Do) then uncomplainingly put up with my questions for what must have seemed like hours. The visit reinforced my overall impression of the company: this is a group of very smart people working with an increasingly impressive customer data-set on some seriously interesting problems. Their recently announced discovery of two novel genetic regions associated with Parkinson’s disease (due for publication in the near future) is a taste of what’s to com... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742592 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:19:37 +0100 4742592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734446&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2011%2F04%2F20%2Fopening-your-genome-to-the-public%2F Ramūnas Janavičius, a clinical geneticist (MD) and blogger at Cancer Genetics, just made his genomic data open to the public. The Personal Genome project did the same with 10 volunteers. An excerpt from the entry of Ramunas: Today is a good day. I can not imagine a better day than personal birthday (and forthcoming DNA Day) to share my personal genome scan information, which you can find in this blog HERE* [GenomeScan_RJv2]. This is quite low density profile generated through 23andMe v.2 genotyping on Illumina Hap550+ array while a year ago. He shared his genomic data under Creative Commons 3.0 license. Though it would be better to see his genomic raw data, but the Excel file with the SNP variants is also very interesting. The first commenter pointed out that he doesn’t have curly ... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734446 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:04:47 +0100 4734446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723784&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FkWOH3STMOUc%2F Direct-to-consumer genetic tests are controversial, with Congress last year scrutinizing their scientific accuracy and marketing practices. There’s also a philosophical debate raging about whether the public is ready for the type of information currently available about the risk of certain diseases. But what about kids? A study published online in Pediatrics finds that some parents, at least, are willing to have their children tested to see their genetic risk of developing adult-onset diseases and conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and certain forms of cancer. With a few exceptions, the information you can get from these tests isn’t particularly definitive. It might indicate you have an above average chance of developing heart disease, but that doesn... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723784 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:20:04 +0100 4723784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723910&cid=t_91995_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Ffive-feisty-science-books-on-davids-desk.html Five super science books landed on my desk during the last week or two, everything from a Haynes manual for the Space Shuttle to hacking life and from astrobiology to the discovery of Lucy by way of the fact of evolution. The Fact of Evolution – Opponents of evolution are wont to say it's "just" a theory, as if that somehow implies it's a fiction or not proven. Scientists often dislike talking in plain or making absolute, definitive statements. But, science writers and some scientists really don't mind telling it like it is. Forget the wishy-washy word "theory" with its non-scientific baggage, this is the Fact of Evolution. The onus is on opponents to prove otherwise by coming up with evidence for their own "theory". Biopunk: DIY Scientis... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723910 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:00:33 +0100 4723910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658352&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007993.html The US military is funding research to predict who will get sick when suddenly transported to high altitude locations (e.g. by parachuting onto a mountain). The latest round of research will try to verify an earlier round that identified 6 genetic variants that appear to predict who will do worse at high altitude. Robert Roach, who directs the Altitude Research Center at the University of Colorado, performed a similar test last year, taking 28 research subjects to a simulated altitude of 16,000 feet by putting them in a special chamber that mimics the effect of a low-oxygen environment. A blood test, screening for those six genetic elements, was able to predict with 96% accuracy which of the 28 would fall... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658352 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4658352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653290&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007993.html The US military is funding research to predict who will get sick when suddenly transported to high altitude locations (e.g. by parachuting onto a mountain). The latest round of research will try to verify an earlier round that identified 6 genetic variants that appear to predict who will do worse at high altitude. Robert Roach, who directs the Altitude Research Center at the University of Colorado, performed a similar test last year, taking 28 research subjects to a simulated altitude of 16,000 feet by putting them in a special chamber that mimics the effect of a low-oxygen environment. A blood test, screening for those six genetic elements, was able to predict with 96% accuracy which of the 28 would fall... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653290 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4653290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642654&cid=t_91995_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fa-fix-of-five-fresh-science-stories-2.html Incognito – If the conscious mind – the part you consider you – is just the tip of the iceberg, what is the rest doing? In this sparkling and provocative new book, renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman navigates the depths of the subconscious brain to illuminate surprising mysteries.  (9781847679383): David Eagleman Biopunk: DIY Scientists Hack the Software of Life – The most revolutionary discoveries in science and technology often emerge from out-of-the-way places, forged by brilliant outsiders with few resources besides boundless energy and great ideas. That describes the "biohacking" movement now in its early, heady days. In the next few years, companies will start selling libraries of genetic LEGOs that amateur scientists will use to build ... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642654 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:00:04 +0100 4642654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636621&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F25%2Ftherapeutic-response-to-the-angiogenesis-inhibitor-sunitinib-in-ovarian-clear-cell-cancer%2F A group of international researchers reported sustained responses in two ovarian clear cell cancer (OCCC) patients with chemotherapy-resistant disease, who were treated with the anti-angiogenesis inhibitor sunitinib (Sutent®). The researchers emphasize the growing realization that OCCC is molecularly and clinically distinct as compared to other forms of ovarian cancer, and note significant common scientific characteristics [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636621 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:57:20 +0100 4636621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631543&cid=t_91995_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F03%2F24%2Fnew-genetic-data-added-to-curetogether-research%2F   I read recently about the idea of a “data donor” – someone who decides to donate their data to disease research rather than the more customary financial contribution. In the future, as people gather more and more information about themselves, and learn the value of this data, I think that data donorship will become widespread. At CureTogether, we’ve just added the ability for our members to upload their 23andMe genetic data to add to the research we’re doing. People are already eagerly adding their genetic data, and once we have enough genomes, we can start making discoveries towards understanding how our genes influence what symptoms we have and what treatments work for us. In the screenshot above, you can see the interface for uploading your 23andMe d... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631543 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:48:56 +0100 4631543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615331&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2011%2F03%2F21%2Fgene-expression-profiles-in-peripheral-blood-for-the-diagnosis-of-autoimmune-diseases%2F It’s a pleasure to share the great news that we just published our review in Trends in Molecular Medicine under the title, Gene expression profiles in peripheral blood for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. We looked at the literature and wrote about whether peripheral blood can be used for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases or the prediction of the effectiveness of therapies. We also came up with a decision tree and a set of proposed guides in order to facilitate inter-disciplinary collaborations. The paper is not publicly available, but if you are interested, I’d be happy to send it to you via e-mail. Gene expression profiling in clinical genomics has yet to deliver robust and reliable approaches for developing diagnostics and contributing to personalized medicine. Owing... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615331 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:59:28 +0100 4615331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615140&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F03%2Faltered-gene-protects-some-african-americans-from-coronary-artery-disease.html ScienceDaily (Mar. 17, 2011) — A team of scientists at Johns Hopkins and elsewhere has discovered that a single alteration in the genetic code of about a fourth of African-Americans helps protect them from coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in Americans of all races. Specifically, the study showed that otherwise healthy African-American men and women with the alternative genetic code had a fivefold reduction in the likelihood that their arteries would narrow or clog. (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615140 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:25:10 +0100 4615140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605985&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2FRltCYzZI5qs%2F Here’s the schedule for the Tools session we’re having on Friday at Asilomar. I hope to be able to post everyone’s slides after the meeting as well. (Source: Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics) Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605985 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:00:13 +0100 4605985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592623&cid=t_91995_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FB3U_aR7LtY8%2Fdiabetes-genetics-how-is-diabetes-inherited.php An estimated 2.5 to 3 million Americans have type 1 diabetes. My father was one of them. Diagnosed around age 10, he spent most of his life injecting insulin into his arms, stomach and legs. Eventually, his eye sight and heart could no longer function properly, and he passed away when I was in high school.Around this time, I was introduced to the subject of genetics. I thought back to all those check-ups at the Joslin clinic (now Joslin Diabetes Center) and realized that genetics was the reason everyone watched me and my sister so closely. Genetics was the reason my family was so scared when I starting gaining too much weight in middle school and freaked out every time my foot fell asleep or I was thirsty. Genetics.The loss of my father and timely introduction to genetics drove my decision... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592623 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:05:07 +0100 4592623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570693&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2FyY_MSXUH4SI%2F [From Kevin McCluskey at the FGSC] I am pleased to send this invitation to the Neurospora Luncheon which will be held Wednesday at the Fungal Genetics Conference. It will take place in the Chapel and box lunches will be available. This luncheon is for everyone who works with Neurospora or who wants to work with Neurospora. Please come and hear what is going on and share your opinions. It is especially important that Post-docs and students come to these meetings. Neurospora Business Meeting 26th FUNGAL GENETICS CONFERENCE Asilomar 2011 Wednesday, March 16, 12:15 pm – 2:00+ pm 12:15 pm Announcement of Perkins Award recipients for 2011 12:25 pm FGSC and Neurospora meeting update- Kevin McCluskey 12:30 pm Fungal Genetics Reports update- Matt Sachs 12:35 pm Neurospora e-news- Kathy Borko... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570693 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:03:04 +0100 4570693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566273&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1007-Think-its-just-in-your-genes-Think-again.html Genetic determinism is not only one of the most insidious philosophies that society has swallowed whole, but also one of the most ignorant.  Genetic determinism is everywhere.  How many times have you heard someone say, "It's in my genes.  I can't help it!"  Scientists everywhere seem to find a gene for everything from promiscuity to being a ruthless dictator.  Companies are now selling the idea that you can tell everything about your children, all of their future strengths and weaknesses, from a simple DNA test.The premise that we are no more than the sum of the genes we inherited from our parents is not only a dangerous reduction of humanity to a simple sequence of letters, but it is outright wrong.  Wrong both morally and scientifically.  Science is quickly learning tha... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566273 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:09:01 +0100 4566273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560519&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F07%2F2011-sgo-annual-meeting-ovarian-cancer-abstracts-selected-for-presentation%2F The March 2011 supplemental issue of Gynecologic Oncology sets forth the ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer-related medical abstracts selected by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists for presentation at its 42nd Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer™, which is being held in Orlando, Florida from March 6-9, 2011. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) is hosting its 42nd Annual [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560519 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:39:54 +0100 4560519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560492&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2FplHRsGu_AH8%2F Discussion   (Source: Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics) Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560492 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:24:39 +0100 4560492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4545144&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F03%2Fyork-university-researchers-identify-genetic-process-that-may-underlie-ovarian-cancer-chemoresistance%2F York University researchers have identified a genetic process that may allow ovarian cancer to resist chemotherapy. York University researchers have zeroed in on a genetic process that may allow ovarian cancer to resist chemotherapy. Researchers in the York University Faculty of Science & Engineering studied a tiny strand of our genetic makeup known as a microRNA [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4545144 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:05:55 +0100 4545144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517166&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-importance-of-diagnosing-birth-defects%2F2011.02.24 Birth defects, particularly those of the blood vessels, account for the majority of infant deaths, especially after the first week of life. Congenital heart disease (CHD) — meaning defects of the heart – is responsible for one-third of deaths between birth and the first year of life. Therefore, the diagnosis of CHD is critical in order to plan life-saving treatments, such as the proper place for the delivery, the type of delivery, and its timing. If it’s known in advance that an unborn baby has a heart problem and is delivered in a hospital that provides special care, its survival and future health will increase dramatically. Who’s at risk for having CHD and which expectant moms should have further evaluation? Families who have a history of CHD — especially ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517166 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:49 +0100 4517166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517200&cid=t_91995_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fcc8fbeQ__8g%2Fbreast-cancer-oncogene-znf703.html Much of gene research is over my head, but the discovery of a new breast cancer oncogene, ZNF703, is exciting.  It appears to have been discovered by two independent research groups (references below) and published alongside one another in the same journal EMBO Molecular Medicine today this past week. The only other breast oncogene that I am aware of is Her2 which has been very helpful in identifying which patients are most likely to respond to Herceptin.  This greatly helps in tailoring therapy to the individual. The first group of researcher scientists used ‘microarray technology’ which allows large numbers of tissue samples to be tested simultaneously, picking up subtle differences in gene activity between normal cells and cancer cells. The researchers had already identi... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517200 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:14:00 +0100 4517200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507281&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-human-genome-turns-10%2F2011.02.22 The human genome has been around for a bit more than ten years, but on February 15, 2001, the first complete human genome sequence was published. This was nothing short of a revolution within medicine. Since then, great advancements have been made in our understanding of genetics and its associations with human traits and diseases. Nature is celebrating this tenth birthday with a special titled “Human Genome at Ten.” In it, multiple papers reflect on what we learned and discovered, what is still unknown, and what we can expect for the near future. Best of all, Nature has packaged the special in a free iPad app for everyone to read, which features interactive graphs, videos, and audio commentaries. Nature special: The Human Genome at Ten… iTunes link: Nature Human Genome S... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507281 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:00:52 +0100 4507281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455245&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FZu5fi_j3Fkw%2F Among the "imperatives" the authors list: making genomics-based diagnostics routine, much like a blood panel is now. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455245 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:01:25 +0100 4455245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455048&cid=t_91995_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fresearchers-probe-family-for.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455048 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:52:00 +0100 4455048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455282&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F02%2Finsurance-coverage-for-pain-management-treatment-often-inadequate.html The New York Times reported that "given the prevalence of chronic pain -- often defined as recurrent pain that lasts more than three to six months -- you might expect that by now medical science would have figured out how to alleviate it and that health insurers would routinely cover its treatment." Unfortunately, insurance coverage for many types of "pain management treatment is often inadequate, say advocates and physicians who treat it." Medication and interventional therapies are "more likely to be routinely covered than physical or behavioral therapy." Moreover, pain management is "complicated, and patient response to therapies varies considerably." (Source: Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG) Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455282 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:16:02 +0100 4455282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450389&cid=t_91995_122_f&fid=35068&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrainwindows.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F08%2Fquick-picks-brainbow-flies%2F Nature methods published two papers which extend brainbow-like techniques of stochastic multicolored neuronal labeling into fruit flies.  Nature’s summary explains the two methods.   dBrainbow expression examples     The first technique, called dBrainbow, was developed by Julie Simpson, a neuroscientist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Farm Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, and her colleagues2. This method uses enzymes called recombinases to randomly delete some of the colour-producing genes from the string, leaving different genes next to the promoter regions in different cells. Individual cells are therefore uniquely coloured and so can be easily distinguished… The second technique, called Flybow, was developed by Salecker and ... Brain Windows blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450389 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:05:00 +0100 4450389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438976&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2FMn7UdT-_Fcg%2F For those of you building tools or heavily accessing fungal genome data, I am working to try and collect more resources about what is available and help coordinate access to common datasets. To this end I have organized a lunchtime session at the 2011 Fungal Genetics conference at Asilomar with the participation of several groups who provide genome browsers and data mining tools. The session is currently scheduled for the lunch on Friday, March 18 for those going to the conference. There is also a mailing list to coordinate the topics in the session.  I am hoping the list will be a place for dialogues to share ideas, information about fungal genomics resources, and eventually better coordination of access to tools and data for the community.   (Source: Fungal Genomes and Comparati... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438976 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:17:15 +0100 4438976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433195&cid=t_91995_122_f&fid=35068&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrainwindows.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F02%2Foptical-control-of-gene-expression-in-mammalian-cells%2F Trying to start a reboot of the posts here on Brain Windows. Lots of great stuff has come out since the last regular posting period, and unfortunately I don’t have the time to cover it all. One of the most exciting papers of the last few months was Rapid blue-light–mediated induction of protein interactions in living cells published in Nature Methods. This paper reports the  logical extension of previous technologies for photoactivatable transcription we previously covered here, here, and here. There are two key technical improvements in the system from the Tucker Lab.  First, the genetic light switch, a cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) interaction with cryptochrome-interacting basic-helix-loop-helix protien (CIB1), is activated by blue light rather than the red light of previous switches ... Brain Windows blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433195 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 03:44:55 +0100 4433195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429047&cid=t_91995_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fspectroscopynow-february-1-issue.html Valentine’s Day science – Spring may not quite be in the air, but Valentine's Day is on the way and love is certainly on the minds of researchers in the US. A small functional magnetic resonance imaging has been used to investigate love. The study revealed brain activity in 10 women and 7 men when they looked at photos of their spouses to whom they had been married an average of 21 years. The results? Apparently, love lasts. Grapes of worth – The position in which a grape in a bunch matures on the vine seems to influence the production of different metabolites more than the specific genetic clone from which the vine is raised, according to new NMR data. Researchers have turned to NMR spectroscopy to help them analyse and characterise the chemistry of grape berries. T... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429047 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:09:50 +0100 4429047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419182&cid=t_91995_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fspectroscopynow-february-1-issue.html Valentine’s Day science – Spring may not quite be in the air, but Valentine's Day is on the way and love is certainly on the minds of researchers in the US. A small functional magnetic resonance imaging has been used to investigate love. The study revealed brain activity in 10 women and 7 men when they looked at photos of their spouses to whom they had been married an average of 21 years. The results? Apparently, love lasts. Grapes of worth – The position in which a grape in a bunch matures on the vine seems to influence the production of different metabolites more than the specific genetic clone from which the vine is raised, according to new NMR data. Researchers have turned to NMR spectroscopy to help them analyse and characterise the chemistry of grape berries. T... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419182 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:09:50 +0100 4419182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4386271&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-peddling-of-genetic-tests%2F2011.01.22 In a recent issue of the British Medical Journal (BMJ), journalist Ray Moynihan wrote: “Beware the fortune tellers peddling genetic tests.” (Subscription required for full access.) Excerpts: “For anyone concerned about the creeping medicalisation of life, the marketplace for genetic testing is surely one of the latest frontiers, where apparently harmless technology can help mutate healthy people into fearful patients, their personhood redefined by multiple genetic predispositions for disease and early death. … Again a tool that’s proved useful in the laboratory has escaped like a virus into the marketplace, incubated by entrepreneurs, lazy reporters, and the power of our collective dreams of technological salvation, this time in the form of personalised medici... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4386271 Sat, 22 Jan 2011 23:00:22 +0100 4386271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377571&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpersonal-genetic-testing-psychological-and-behavioral-effects%2F2011.01.20 In conclusion, personal genetic testing does not seem to generate a lot of distress, although the study was clearly limited by a high dropout percentage of 44 percent and the self-selection of participants who opted to do the test. Article in New England Journal of Medicine: Effect of Direct-to-Consumer Genomewide Profiling to Assess Disease Risk Flashback: An Interview with Navigenics… *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377571 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:00:21 +0100 4377571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377540&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007842.html Maybe some day you won't friend someone on Facebook without first checking for genetic compatibility. A paper published in PNAS finds that dopamine receptor gene DRD2 seems to cause people to befriend those who also have the same genetic variant whereas with another gene called CYP2A6 the opposite seems to be the case. With one gene, called DRD2, which has been associated with alcoholism, they found clusters of friends with the very same marker. Another gene called CYP2A6, which has a suspected role in the metabolism of foreign bodies including nicotine, appeared more divisive. People with this gene seemed to steer clear of those who also carry the gene. DRD2's previous known association with alcoholism might give a clue to... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377540 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4377540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349659&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F14%2Fcaris-life-sciences-launches-molecular-profiling-service-for-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F Caris Life Sciences announces the launch of a new molecular profiling service for ovarian cancer patients Caris Life Sciences, Inc. (Caris), a leading biosciences company focused on enabling precise and personalized healthcare through the highest quality anatomic pathology, molecular profiling, and blood-based diagnostic services, announced the launch of a new, Caris Target Now™ molecular profile [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349659 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:11:53 +0100 4349659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338183&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2011%2F01%2F12%2Fhealth-2-0-news-from-microsoft-surface-to-gene-machine%2F New Visualization Tool Gives Real-Time View of What Scientists Are Reading Introducing Microsoft Surface 2.0—our vision for healthcare infographic – Social Media in 2010 year end review Great Story About Value of Healthcare Information The ER doctors were able to effectively treat her because she had her digital device which provided them all of her medications, conditions, allergies (she is allergic to latex). Because of this rare condition and her acute distress she was told by the doctors had she not had this device there would have been adverse events, medical errors and it would have been fatal. Taking DNA Sequencing to the Masses and Gene Machine Audaciously named the Personal Genome Machine (PGM), the silicon-based device is the smallest and cheapest DNA decoder ever t... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338183 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:17:20 +0100 4338183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322530&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2011%2F01%2Fusing-cassava-to-address-vitamin-a-deficiency.html In ScienceDaily today:  The roots of cassava (Manihot esculenta) serve as the primary source of carbohydrates in the diets of people in many arid regions of the world, including more than 250 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. A collaborative effort led by Professor Peter Beyer from Freiberg University in Germany, studied a naturally arising variant of cassava with yellow roots in order to understand the synthesis of provitamin A carotenoids. This work beautifully combines genetics with biochemistry and molecular biology to deepen our understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis. "It paves the way for using transgenic or conventional breeding methods to generate commercial cassava cultivars containing high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, by the exchange of a single amino acid alrea... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322530 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:15:32 +0100 4322530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318328&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FVf7qikM2ErY%2F By Sharon Terry. A peek into the past can reveal a lot about your future. Family health history is the story of diseases that run in your family. It is one part of the entire history of your family. Along with culture, values, environment, and behaviors, family health history influences the way you live your life. Learning about your family health history can help you make healthy choices: It is a cheap, easy way to improve your own health and the health of your family. Share the information you gather with your healthcare provider to further reduce your risk of disease and create a partnership around your health. Check out the Does It Run In the Family? toolkit in English and Spanish! “A Guide to Family Health History” explains the importance of family health history, how to collect ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318328 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:05:46 +0100 4318328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314006&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhenrietta-lacks-and-her-immortal-cells%2F2011.01.05 If you like science, true history, and an engaging story, pick up the new book by journalist Rebecca Skloot, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and prepare for a great read. I knew nothing about the young black woman whose cells were taken back in 1951 by a scientist at Johns Hopkins Hospital and how those cells have revolutionized modern cell biology and research. The HeLa (named after HEnrietta LAcks) cells were taken as she lay dying on the “colored” ward at Johns Hopkins Hospital of aggressive cervical cancer at age 30. Everyone who studies basic cell biology has heard of HeLa cells because they were the first human cell line to be successfully grown in culture and they are alive today. HeLa cells were sent to researchers all across the globe and have been... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314006 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4314006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309731&cid=t_91995_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2F0jsuLEOeh8g%2F Big Think Interview with Nora Volkow The Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse is interviewed about the scientific and social causes and courses of substance use disorders, and why they shouldn’t be criminalized. Includes transcript. See also: Volkow and others give lectures on addiction neurobiology at a 2006 symposium at the Picower Institute. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309731 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:30:18 +0100 4309731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309611&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Falzheimers-disease-to-test-or-not-to-test%2F2011.01.03 The medical profession’s ability to diagnose far exceeds its ability to effectively treat the conditions discovered. Consider arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, strokes, emphysema, and many cancers. When a physician orders a diagnostic test, ideally it should be to answer a specific question, rather than a buckshot approach. A chest X-ray is not ordered because a patient has a cough. It should be done because the test has a reasonable chance of yielding information that would change the physician’s advice. If the doctor was going to prescribe an antibiotic anyway, then why order the chest X-ray? Physicians and patients should ask before a test is performed if the information is likely to change the medical management. In other words, is a test being ordered bec... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309611 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:00:00 +0100 4309611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302143&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2010%2F12%2Fyour-genome-in-minutes.html From Sciencedaily  Scientists from Imperial College London are developing technology that could ultimately sequence a person's genome in mere minutes, at a fraction of the cost of current commercial techniques. The research suggests that scientists could eventually sequence an entire genome in a single lab procedure, whereas at present it can only be sequenced after being broken into pieces in a highly complex and time-consuming process. Fast and inexpensive genome sequencing could allow ordinary people to unlock the secrets of their own DNA, revealing their personal susceptibility to diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes and cancer. Medical professionals are already using genome sequencing to understand population-wide health issues and research ways to tailor individualised treatme... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302143 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:02:21 +0100 4302143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300526&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007791.html 64 height-associated variants identified. To search for genetic variants associated with adult height, researchers performed a complex genetic analysis of more than 100,000 individuals. "We set out to replicate previous genetic associations with height and to find relevant genomic locations not previously thought to underpin this complex trait" explains Dr. Brendan Keating, also from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The authors report that they identified 64 height-associated variants, two of which would not have been observed without such a large sample size and the inclusion of direct genotyping of uncommon single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A SNP is a variation in just one nucleotide of a genetic sequence; think of it as a spelling change affecting just one letter in an unc... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300526 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4300526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300570&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2010%2F12%2Fprotein-involved-in-cystic-fibrosis-also-plays-role-in-emphysema-chronic-lung-disease.html A team of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center researchers has discovered that a protein involved in cystic fibrosis (CF) also regulates inflammation and cell death in emphysema and may be responsible for other chronic lung diseases. The findings, published online in the December issue of The Journal of Immunology, pave the way toward new treatments to prevent lung damage caused by infections or cigarette smoke in emphysema. The protein, called CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), is already well known for its role in transporting chloride in and out of cells. In CF, the protein’s chloride-carrying ability is absent due to genetic mutations, resulting in the buildup of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, which causes lung infections and breathing problems. Commen... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300570 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:05:44 +0100 4300570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298767&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F29%2Fuh-biochemist-works-to-revolutionize-ovarian-cancer-treatment-by-unleashing-the-power-of-micrornas-nanotechnology%2F The day when an ovarian cancer patient can treat her tumor with a single, painless pill instead of a toxic drug cocktail is the ultimate goal of the pioneering research of a University of Houston (UH) scientist.  Preethi Gunaratnee, assistant professor in the department of biology and biochemistry, is studying a class of tiny genetic [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298767 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:01:17 +0100 4298767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288628&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2010%2F12%2F25%2Fphylo-a-human-computing-framework-for-comparative-genomics%2F Phylo - A Human Computing Framework for Comparative Genomics is an interactive game that lets you contribute to science. I’ve been playing with that for a while. The Problem: Genetic sequences are difficult to understand and so to decipher their structure, we need to compare them to detect any similar regions they may have. Similar regions may indicate important elements of our genetic code. We have several genomes to align and we call this the multiple alignment problem. The Game: We abstract the multiple alignment problem to a game where the goal will be to align words made by pieces of different color instead of letters representing the genetic code (A,C,G,T). (Source: ScienceRoll) ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288628 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 09:58:09 +0100 4288628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281458&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F13CHHaMWHLg%2F I am preparing to read through the abstracts submitted for the 26th Fungal Genetics Conference in choosing talks for my session and I wondered if there were any changing trends in the topics over the years. While I won’t put up the Wordle for this year’s abstracts till the booklet is published, I thought I’d see how the topics trended in the last few years for some of these meetings. Will be fun to do this for a few more years back to see whether real trends emerge. The data is a little cleaned up but the text included institution and individual names so things like university and department show up as prominent in some of these graphs. Here is the Neurospora 2010 meeting (wordle page) 2010 Neurospora abstracts Wordle   Neurospora 2008 (wordle page) 2008 Neurospora... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281458 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 05:46:20 +0100 4281458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4275319&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FqYG_X1fEqzE%2F By Patrice Milos. Well, it seems as though I’ve made a habit of annual posts to Disruptive Women in Health Care, and in hindsight the timing seems just about right as we attempt to trace the path of innovation in genomic technologies and their application to health care.  By stepping back, once a year, I use the opportunity to reflect on the rapid pace of technology development in the area of DNA sequencing and pose the question – “Does this rapid pace translate into something meaningful for patients?”  Hopefully as you read this synopsis you’ll come away with an understanding that technology alone isn’t enough, but the emergence of new critical success factors suggests the answer is yes! “We’ve discovered the secret of life." - Francis Crick Indeed from just one yea... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4275319 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:14:54 +0100 4275319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259133&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-you-afford-to-find-out-if-you-are-at-high-risk-for-breast-cancer%2F Let’s face it: Women who test positive for either of the genetic mutations for breast cancer have an unenviable disadvantage. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer risk among the general population is about 12 percent, while about 60 percent of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 will develop breast cancer — that’s five times the risk. Also, the average age for the general population to develop breast cancer is 60, yet the average age of onset in those with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer is in the 40s. If you are in one of these groups, you need to know it. Genetic testing is the only way to determine if you are in either of these high-risk groups. I am a huge advocate for testing since it saved Sister’s life; she had an early hysterectomy that discovered s... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259133 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:16:56 +0100 4259133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259099&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F8l5NA-BbBsM%2F If you’ve waited till the deadline, well here it is. Get your registration and abstracts in to the Fungal Genetics 2011 meeting by Dec 14th or you’ll miss out an week of fungal genetic fun in March. A great slate of speakers is already lined up with an banquet keynote by Dr Salomon Bartnicki-Garcia and many of opportunities for you to present your work through the chosen abstracts for talks and the poster sessions. (Source: Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics) Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259099 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:02:32 +0100 4259099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251110&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhumans-and-food-why-we-love-ice-cream%2F2010.12.11 Scientists know that our perceptions about taste and texture drive our food preferences. They know quite a lot about the role of taste in this regard, and the results of some recent experiments have shed new light on the role of texture as well, particularly as it relates to foods containing starch. Starch is a major component of potatoes, rice, corn, wheat and the enormous variety of foods derived from them. It is also added to many other products from maple syrup to pudding. In fact, starch accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the calorie content in the average Western diet, and more than that in many Asian and third-world diets.  Humans begin digesting starch in the mouth, where the salivary glands secrete an enzyme known as amylase. This enzyme breaks down starch and other complex carboh... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251110 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:00:13 +0100 4251110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249178&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FUNH0qZYESKA%2F photo: Thinkstock Check out this post about genetics by Emily Tan on Lemondrop. Before you call your friend a ho for her one-night stands or a prude for not kissing on the first date, her actions might be something that’s been embedded in her DNA. According to a new study, DRD4, the same gene that’s been linked to alcoholism and obsession with horror flicks, is linked to people’s tendency to cheat or have one-night stands. Researchers from Binghamton University gathered and studied the sexual history and relationships of 181 young adult volunteers as well as took cheek DNA samples to find the presence of DRD4. The results showed that those with certain types of the gene also had more one night stands and infidelity experiences. Keep reading on Lemondrop. Post from: Bliss... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249178 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:30:34 +0100 4249178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4238060&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F8t7CGdV2eQ4%2F Does DNA determine if your fella cheats on you? If your guy’s a sleazebag, he may want to blame genetics. (via Vitamin G) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4238060 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:19:57 +0100 4238060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225256&cid=t_91995_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=4175920&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F16%2Fdana-farber-researchers-oncomap-the-way-to-personalized-treatment-for-ovarian-cancer%2F Researchers have shown that point mutations – mis-spellings in a single letter of genetic code – that drive the onset and growth of cancer cells can be detected successfully in advanced ovarian cancer using a technique called OncoMap. The finding opens the way for personalized medicine in which every patient could have their tumor screened, [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175920 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 07:24:47 +0100 4175920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164524&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftalk-to-patients-before-running-tests%2F2010.11.14 The Associated Press ran a provocatively-titled piece recently, “Family health history: ‘best kept secret’ in care”, which noted how a geneticist at the Cleveland Clinic discovered that asking about family members and their history of breast, colon, or prostate cancer was better than simply doing genetic blood testing. Surprising? Hardly. This is what all medical students are taught. Talk to the patient. Get a detailed history and physical. Lab work and imaging studies are merely tools that can help support or refute a diagnosis. They provide a piece of the puzzle, but always must be considered in the full context of a patient. They alone do not provide the truth. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Saving Money and Surviving the H... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164524 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0100 4164524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159242&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstem-cell-researchers-turn-skin-into-blood-could-help-cancer-treatment%2F2010.11.12 From The Australian: Stem cell researchers have found a way to turn a person’s skin into blood, a process that could be used to treat cancer and other ailments, according to a Canadian study published today. The method uses cells from a patch of a person’s skin and transforms it into blood that is a genetic match, without using human embryonic stem cells, said the study in the journal Nature. Wow. Very cool. I wonder if hopefully someday this could be a replacement for random blood donation? *This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159242 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:50 +0100 4159242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159505&cid=t_91995_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVTV6k-WcgJY%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is our regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Seyfarth Shaw added Steven Lipman as of counsel to its Boston office. He spent 10 years with the US Patent & Trademark Office, rising from patent examiner to senior attorney for the Assistant Commissioner for Patents. He also served with t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159505 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:55:12 +0100 4159505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159429&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F11%2Fnew-assay-test-predicts-that-50-of-ovarian-cancers-will-respond-to-in-vitro-parp-inhibition%2F U.K. researchers develop a new test that could be used to select ovarian cancer patients who will benefit from a new class of drugs called “PARP inhibitors.” U.K. researchers have developed a new test that could be used to select which patients with ovarian cancer will benefit from a new class of drugs called “PARP [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159429 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:19:19 +0100 4159429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151716&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007636.html Does a variant of a gene that cleans up neurotransmitter dopamine more effectively make its carriers more altruistic? Do you like to do good things for other people? If so, your genes might be responsible for this. At least, the results of a study conducted by researchers of the University of Bonn suggest this. According to the study, a minute change in a particular gene is associated with a significantly higher willingness to donate. People with this change gave twice as much money on average to a charitable cause as did other study subjects. The results have now been published in the journal Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience (doi: 10.1093/scan/nsq083). The researchers working with the psychologist Professor Dr. Martin Reuter... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151716 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4151716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139212&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FUT4Lzw8DqeM%2F Scientists have long been confounded about why a small group of HIV patients -- about one in 300 -- can naturally fight the virus, even though they aren’t being treated with drugs. The answer, it turns out, lies in the genes. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139212 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:01:44 +0100 4139212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134087&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2010%2F11%2F04%2Fmost-doctors-are-behind-the-learning-curve-on-genetic-tests%2F My old friend, Steve Murphy, MD shared a recent USA Today article with me in which he is also featured. A few excerpts: “The majority of people we see have a very strong family history of X, Y or Z disease,” says Murphy, who’ll be 34 this week. He doesn’t bring up genetic testing until after taking a detailed personal and family medical history and assessing such risk factors as cholesterol and blood pressure. “I tell them there are lots of ways to dig deeper. Then I also tell them the limitations.” On the other hand, Topol says, doctors have ordered 250,000 $100 tests for a gene called KIF6, tests that were aggressively marketed. One KIF6 variation was thought to raise heart disease risk by up to 55%, but, Topol says, a study this month in the Journal o... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134087 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:00:17 +0100 4134087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125281&cid=t_91995_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FDM-zpZVqQwk%2F In a surprising move, the US Justice Department late last week filed a brief indicating the federal government does not support issuing patents on human genes by arguing these are part of nature. The friend-of-the-court filing was made in a closely watched lawsuit over patents held by Myriad Genetics on two genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2 - that are linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Last year, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation sued Myriad, the University of Utah Research Foundation and the US Patent & Trademark Office. They charged that Myriad’s refusal to license its patents broadly meant that women who fear they may be at risk of breast or ovarian cancers are prevented from having anyone but Myriad look at the genes in question. Ea... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125281 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:59:35 +0100 4125281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4122023&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F31%2Festrogen-replacement-therapy-speeds-growth-of-er-ovarian-cancer-increases-risk-of-lymph-node-metastasis%2F Estrogen therapy used by menopausal women causes “estrogen receptor positive” (ER+) ovarian cancer to grow five times faster, according to a new study being published by researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center in the November 1 issue of Cancer Research. Estrogen therapy used by menopausal women causes so-called “estrogen receptor positive” (ER+) ovarian cancer to grow [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4122023 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:41:17 +0100 4122023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4121957&cid=t_91995_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fresearch-byte-genetics-adhd-reading.html In this study, we examined to what extent this covariation could be attributed to “generalist genes” shared with general cognitive ability or to “specialist” genes which may specifically underlie processes linking inattention symptoms and reading difficulties. We used multivariate structural equation modeling on IQ, parent and teacher ADHD ratings and parent ratings on reading difficulties from a general population sample of 1312 twins aged 7.9–10.9 years. The covariance between reading difficulties and ADHD inattention symptoms was largely driven by genetic (45%) and child-specific environment (21%) factors not shared with IQ and hyperactivity-impulsivity; only 11% of the covariance was due to genetic effects common with IQ. Aetiological influences shared among all phenotypes ex... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4121957 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 17:00:00 +0100 4121957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4121691&cid=t_91995_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdts.podtrac.com%2Fredirect.mp4%2Ftwit.cachefly.net%2Fvideo%2Ffib%2Ffib0069%2Ffib0069_h264b_640x368_256.mp4 I joined Marc Pelletier on episode 60 of Futures in Biotech for a conversation with Malcolm Whiteway about one of the most powerful genetic model systems: Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Download FiB #69 (46 MB .mp3, 95 minutes) Download video (231 MB .mp4) (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4121691 Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:00:17 +0100 4121691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118863&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FTMNo1cXBBp4%2F Wall Street Journal health blogger Katherine Hobson will take questions from readers in a live chat on Monday, Nov. 1 about the TEDMED conference in San Diego.  Ask your questions now. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118863 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:27:37 +0100 4118863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118786&cid=t_91995_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F29%2Fjournal-of-neurology-neurosurgery-psychiatry-2010-vol-81-no-11%2F This article provides a detailed analysis of systemic energy homeostasis in HD patients in relation to disease characteristics. Filed under: Diabetes, Long Term Conditions, Neurological Diseases and Disorders Tagged: Diabetes, Genetics, Huntington's Disease, Neurology, Weight Loss (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118786 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:46:34 +0100 4118786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4117955&cid=t_91995_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fsleepy-gene-worsens-effects-of-sleep.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4117955 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:01:00 +0100 4117955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119475&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Ffor-personalized-medicine-cpmc-is-gold.html Ok,So I just wrapped up a meeting with some, well, nearly all of the most brilliant minds in Pharmacogenomics. Where was I? Yes, on the cover of USA Today's life section.....But where was I really?Conference? No.VC event? No.I was at the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative (CPMC) Pharmacogenomics Advisory Group meeting.Yes, that sleepy 'Ol Cell Line joint in Camden New Jersey.I am certain you all know about the CPMC now. But in case you have been sleeping. Coriell is climbing the mountain, gaining collaborators, building camps. They are essentially doing all the hard work of study analysis so that you don't have to.Brilliant if you ask me. Who in the world has the time or money to cull data, looking for important findings?Google funded "projects", Academic Programs and Not For Prof... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119475 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 02:43:00 +0100 4119475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119125&cid=t_91995_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FgK2ziCQUOsU%2F Check out this post from Deborah Huso on AOL Health. For those of us who always look admiringly at colleagues who seem to be able to breeze through anything regardless of whether they’ve had three hours of sleep or 10, there may be genetic clues as to why some people require loads of caffeine to power through the workday and others don’t. A new study points to the possibility that gene variants may determine everything from how easily we fall asleep to how many times we wake up in the night. Research led by Dr. Namni Goel, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, set out to explain why some people function better on less sleep than others. The study, published in the most recent edition of Neurology, didn’t exactly answer that question, but i... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119125 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:14:26 +0100 4119125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098282&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2FIeaOlWr6irQ%2F Time to get those abstracts polished, and register for Fungal Genetics 2011 at the Asilomar conference center. The registration site is now open and you have till Dec 14 to register and submit your abstract.  Don’t delay, this is a great meeting and it can fill up.  The topics presented are a broad range of evolutionary, genetics, molecular, developmental biology of fungi and industrial applications of fungi, teaching mycology and genetics. Hope you can make it! (Source: Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics) Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098282 Sat, 23 Oct 2010 07:16:08 +0100 4098282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098285&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Funregulated-dtcg-saved-my-life.html Ok, so if Ellen Matloff hasn't flipped her bobbed haircut, 99245 without 60 min of MD care-insurance billing head yet, then this story will make her and the rest of the counselors who get mad when untrained MDs do BRCA testing flip out.A woman's husband on DNADay takes advantage of 23andMe's rock bottom 99 USD fee. Clearly intended to double their database.....which it didOnly to have her HUSBAND open her results andWHAMMO! You are a BRCA1 carrier! Mazel Tov! Not exactly the "fun" he had been looking for when he saw that flyer.....Why does Myriad market to doctors? Their stance "We are missing a ton of BRCA mutations out there"I agree.So you would think I am happy that an unregulated DTCG testing company that the FDA pilloried finds a medically valid BRCA1 mutation that wasn't suggested by... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098285 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:11:00 +0100 4098285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4097874&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Flightweights-unite-youre-less-likely-to-become-an-alcoholic%2F photo: Thinkstock If you’re tipsy after one glass of wine, there’s no need to be embarrassed. You’re less likely to become an alcoholic than your shot-pounding friends. A new study suggests that people who are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol have a gene that protects them from becoming an alcoholic. That’s great news for those of you who are done for after one margarita. Just think: Your whole adult life you may have cursed your inability to have more than a few cocktails.  Not only are you safe from possible future health problems, but think of the dough (and the calories) you’ve saved on rounds of drinks out with friends. Researchers say that the discovery of this gene will change the way research on alcoholism is done. How high is your tolerance? ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4097874 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:26:20 +0100 4097874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082023&cid=t_91995_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F19%2Fbritish-journal-of-ophthalmology-2010-vol-94-no-10%2F British Journal of Ophthalmology 2009 (Vol. 94, No.10) content page Fade Fave: Determination of a gene and environment risk model for age-related macular degeneration Fade Skinny: They have recently identified an association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and genetic variants in the serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade G, member 1 (SERPING1) gene. In the current study we interrogated the genomic region in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the SERPING1 gene, and modelled the contribution to disease of known genetic and environmental AMD risk factors. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Genetics (Source:... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082023 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:29:20 +0100 4082023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065534&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2010%2F10%2F13%2Finherited-health-building-family-trees%2F More than a year ago, I wrote about AccessDNA which now changed focus and became Inherited Health. Jordanna Joaquina, MS, CGC; Director of Genetics and Co-Founder of Inherited Health shared what kind of changes they implemented into the site: We have created an easy to use and secure tool that allows people and their biological relatives to collectively create and update their family health history together We then analyze the family history information to create a Personal Health Guide, which identifies hereditary disease risks and provide actionable guidance about how to lower these risks for each family member We also provide a Summary of the family health history that can be printed and shared with doctors and helps avoid repeatedly filling out health history forms at doctors office a... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065534 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:32:26 +0100 4065534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055743&cid=t_91995_90_f&fid=34474&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCasesBlog%2F%7E3%2Fnw4dTAbhoSA%2Fshort-telomeres-lead-to-chromosomal.html Telomeres are essential to preserve the integrity of the genome. Critically short telomeres lead to replicative cell senescence and chromosomal instability and may thereby increase cancer risk. Leukocyte telomere length was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 787 participants free of cancer at baseline in 1995 from a prospective, population-based study in Italy. The follow-up period was 10 years. Human chromosomes (grey) capped by telomeres (white). Image source: Wikipedia, public domain. 11.7% of participants developed cancer (incidence rate, 13.3 per 1000 person-years). Short telomere length at baseline was associated with incident cancer independently of cancer risk factors (hazard ratio [HR] 1.60). Compared with participants in the longest telomere length gr... Clinical Cases and Images - Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055743 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:13:32 +0100 4055743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036846&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2010%2F10%2F06%2Fthe-era-of-personalized-medicine%2F It’s spectacular how fast this industry is changing. One example is Diagenic which offers peripheral blood-based diagnostic tests for breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease (though it’s gene expression based). And now Medgadget reported about a new solution designed by Progenika BioPharma for Familial Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency. In collaboration with AMT, Progenika Biopharma has developed the LPLchip which detects mutations in the LPL gene, and has now received CE approval. The chip can detect 120 different mutations in a sample of blood or saliva, enabling identification of patients who may benefit from gene therapy. So far, the picture for Glybera is looking good, with three studies showing a decrease in the incidence of pancreatitis, one of the most important complica... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036846 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:22:02 +0100 4036846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040534&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007552.html A study on consumer preferences of twins found many preferences are at least partially inherited. "We examine a wide range of consumer judgment and decision-making phenomenon and discover that many—though not all of them—are in fact heritable or influenced by genetic factors," write authors Itamar Simonson (Stanford University) and Aner Sela (University of Florida, Gainesville). The authors studied twins' consumer preferences to determine whether or not certain behaviors or traits have a genetic basis. "A greater similarity in behavior or trait between identical than between fraternal twins indicates that the behavior or trait is likely to be heritable," the authors explain. The preference for a sure gain versus a gamble has a substantial genetic component. Not surprising. Utilitarian ve... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040534 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4040534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040533&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007553.html If you seek out intense thrills you can probably blame (or thank) your genes. Sensation seeking has been linked to a range of behavior disorders, such as drug addiction. It isn't all bad, though. "Not everyone who's high on sensation seeking becomes a drug addict. They may become an Army Ranger or an artist. It's all in how you channel it," says Jaime Derringer, a PhD student at the University of Minnesota and the first author of the study. She wanted to use a new technique to find out more about the genetics of sensation seeking. Most obvious connections with genes, like the BRCA gene that increases the risk for breast cancer, have already been found, Derringer says. Now new... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040533 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4040533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031199&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007545.html People with impaired serotonic neurotransmitter synthesis have greater risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children whose mothers are genetically predisposed to have impaired production of serotonin appear more likely to develop attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in life, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Would tryptophan or serotonin supplementation cut the risk of developing ADHD as a child? Anne Halmøy, M.D., of University of Bergen, Norway, and colleagues studied 459 adult outpatients with ADHD, 97 of their family members and 187 control individuals recruited from across Norway. Participants provided blood samples for gene sequencing along with information about psych... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031199 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4031199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036610&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F007545.html People with impaired serotonic neurotransmitter synthesis have greater risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children whose mothers are genetically predisposed to have impaired production of serotonin appear more likely to develop attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in life, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Would tryptophan or serotonin supplementation cut the risk of developing ADHD as a child? Anne Halmøy, M.D., of University of Bergen, Norway, and colleagues studied 459 adult outpatients with ADHD, 97 of their family members and 187 control individuals recruited from across Norway. Participants provided blood samples for gene sequencing along with information about psych... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036610 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4036610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025618&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fadhd-is-it-genetic%2F2010.10.02 British scientists announced that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to deleted or duplicated DNA segments (copy number variants), which leads to developmental difference in the brains of children with the condition. Researchers scanned genomes of 366 children with ADHD and compared them with 1,047 unrelated, ethnically matched control subjects. They reported full results in The Lancet. Rare copy number variants were almost twice as common in children with ADHD compared to the other children. Researchers commented to Reuters that there was a significant overlap between copy number variants found in ADHD and elements of the genome linked to autism and schizophrenia, specifically in a region on chromosome 16. *This blog post was originally published at AC... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025618 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 19:00:00 +0100 4025618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025778&cid=t_91995_151_f&fid=35797&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewrecovery.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fgenetics-dna-causation-unravels.html In several earlier posts here, I quoted from scientific journals reporting on the findings of modern genetic research -- or rather, the surprising absence of such findings.  For the first time ever, science has the tools to find out exactly where the genes are that we have long believed underly major diseases.  What the tools are telling us is that the supposed genetic causality isn't there, or it's much weaker than previously thought.  We can now say with confidence that the "alcoholism gene" does not exist; that the genetic contribution to alcoholism, such as it is, is spread over an as yet unknown number of genes, each of which has only a minute influence, and that this influence is profoundly mixed up with and moderated by environmental factors. Now the current issue of ... New Recovery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025778 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 03:11:00 +0100 4025778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018234&cid=t_91995_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2FxElpb4wC7Vo%2F The news today is all agog about the racily-titled Rare chromosomal deletions and duplications in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a genome-wide analysis. Not exactly a title that screams of exploding helicopters and sex scenes, but the media are excited. This is because it’s a Lancet paper that claims to have found the first evidence of a genetic basis to ADHD. I must confess to being not sexy enough to be a true geek. Therefore I don’t feel I have the scientific expertise to critique the findings. Though such failure to understand the research hasn’t stopped Oliver James from blathering on about it. So, let’s do what we always do when we don’t have anything insightful to say. It’s time for a caption competition. The Daily Mail has illustrated ... Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018234 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:12:23 +0100 4018234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018142&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F202679%2F Inherited ADHD: A new study suggests that ADHD is genetic. (via CNN) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018142 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:45:04 +0100 4018142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4001768&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F3_02Va1bBV4%2F The Fungal Genetics Policy committee and conference organizers Linda Kohn and Steve Osmani have posted the preliminary program for the 26th Fungal Genetics Conference to be held in March 15-20, 2011.  Mark your calendars and get those abstracts in shape as the submissions open on Oct 27 and close in early December. This meeting fills up – be prepared to sign up well before the deadline. There is also a contest for the logo for this year’s conference.  You can see previous ones and you are encouraged to submit something to appear on T-shirts and the program.  I believe these can be submitted to Kevin McCluskey or the Fungal Genetics Policy Committee. In addition to the plenary speakers & concurrent sessions, there will be workshops for several fungal research communities ... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4001768 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:06:51 +0100 4001768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999178&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2010%2F09%2F24%2Fwhole-genome-sequencing-in-diagnostics%2F Using whole genome sequencing in diagnostics has been an issue for years, and as the cost of sequencing is rapidly declining, it seems it can pave the way for personalized medicine. A new research published in Genome Biology, Evolution of an adenocarcinoma in response to selection by targeted kinase inhibitors, just proves this point: Adenocarcinomas of the tongue are rare and represent the minority (20 to 25%) of salivary gland tumors affecting the tongue. We investigated the utility of massively parallel sequencing to characterize an adenocarcinoma of the tongue, before and after treatment. We conclude that complete genomic characterization of a rare tumor has the potential to aid in clinical decision making and identifying therapeutic approaches where no established treatment protoco... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999178 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:39:33 +0100 3999178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999294&cid=t_91995_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FvYNUU0WT-Hs%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is something that’s become a regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that AVEO Pharmaceuticals hired Michael Bailey as chief commercial officer. Before joining the drugmaker, he worked at Synta Pharmaceutials as senior vp of business development and chief commercial officer, and previously led... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999294 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:24:55 +0100 3999294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987032&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FEx8o3bDbKAo%2F Genetically modified pig may be coming to a menu near you. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987032 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:35:09 +0100 3987032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976484&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FfGg0EgryP4U%2F Also: sex ed stats from the CDC; Genzyme says Fabrazyme rationing will end next year; maternal mortality drops. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976484 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:28:03 +0100 3976484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965418&cid=t_91995_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FoPskSFLzMHg%2F Molecular biologists working with a team of anthropologists have discovered a new gene that is set to revise the theories of social structure in humans. The team initially embarked on an ambitious project to discover when humans and our early ancestors formed hierarchies whereby the members in key organisational positions began to become underproductive social malignancies with the sole aim of self perpetuation at the expense of functional individuals. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965418 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 07:51:03 +0100 3965418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946655&cid=t_91995_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phsa.ca%2FNR%2Frdonlyres%2F825EDD83-D53B-433C-8012-C7737B89CA50%2F0%2FHuntsmanedit.mp3 British Columbian researchers discover that approximately one-half of clear-cell ovarian cancers and one-third of endometrioid ovarian cancers possess ARID1A gene mutations, as reported today in the New England Journal of Medicine. British Columbian researchers discover that approximately one-half of ovarian clear-cell cancers (OCCC) and one-third of endometrioid ovarian cancers possess ARID1A (AT-rich interactive domain 1A [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946655 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:28:12 +0100 3946655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993043&cid=t_91995_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fstreptomyces-genetic-elements.html%23unique-entry-id-196 from Jutta Vogelmann, Wolfgang Wohlleben and Günther Muth writing in Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology:Antibiotic producing actinomycetes contain a huge variety of different plasmids, distinguished in size, topology, replication mechanism and copy number. Some are able to integrate into the chromosome by site specific recombination. With the exception of the huge linear plasmids, Streptomyces plasmids encode only functions involved in replication, stable maintenance and conjugative transfer. The Streptomyces conjugation system is unique, requiring a single plasmid-encoded protein, TraB. TraB is a hexameric ring ATPase with similarity to the septal DNA translocator proteins FtsK/SpoIIIE which are involved in chromosome segregation during cell division and sporulation. T... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993043 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3993043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993042&cid=t_91995_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fstreptomyces-differentiation.html%23unique-entry-id-197 : The Properties and Programming of Diverse Cell-typesfrom Keith F. Chater writing in Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology:Streptomyces colonies are complex differentiated organisms, generated from a single ovoid spore by filamentous growth and branching. Eventually, much of this biomass is converted to large numbers of spores in long chains on specialised aerial hyphae. During colony development, different cellular compartments have different physiology and metabolism, and exoskeletal and cytoskeletal elements bring about different morphological changes. These cellular differentiating processes are underpinned by a large number of regulatory genes, often operating in cascades. During the transition from biomass accumulation to reproductive development, antibiotics are made, s... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993042 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3993042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946452&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fjamas-breast-and-ovarian-cancer-article-getting-the-facts-straight%2F2010.09.08 Journalist Andrew Holtz has been a colleague for longer than probably either one of us wants to remember. He is currently one of our story reviewers on HealthNewsReview.org. In fact, he was one of the reviewers on four stories we analyzed last week on the same study. He thought there were some important take-home messages that rose above the walls of our formal systematic review, so he wrote this guest blog post, and we thank him for it: The Sept. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association included an article that is likely to have a strong influence on the advice given to women who have a very high risk of breast and ovarian cancer linked to mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Of the four stories we reviewed, only the AP report scored well on our review criteria. I kno... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946452 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:00:38 +0100 3946452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3914965&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FQmtS4MCBy_0%2F At the Minnesota State Fair, families can sign up to give DNA samples for a research study. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3914965 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:44:59 +0100 3914965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915033&cid=t_91995_99_f&fid=35342&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.vcu.edu%2Fcbuttery%2F2010%2F08%2Fno-magic-bullet-against-alzheimers-disease.html From the NYT: The National Institutes of Health appointed a jury of 15 medical scientists with no vested interests in Alzheimer’s research. The studies included research on nearly everything proposed to prevent the disease: exercise, mental stimulation, healthy diet, social engagement, nutritional supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs or those that lower cholesterol or blood pressure, even the idea that people who marry or stay trim might be saved from dementia. And they included research on traits that might hasten Alzheimer’s onset, like not having much of an education or being a loner. The outcome: so far, nothing has been found to prevent or delay this devastating disease, despite the hundreds of studies sponsored by various interest groups.  Comment; part of the proble... Dr. Buttery's Public Health BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915033 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:35:28 +0100 3915033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889071&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F_truHkx89tY%2F Also: Low demand so far for high-risk pools; egg recall; "junk" DNA linked to disease. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889071 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:39:46 +0100 3889071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885345&cid=t_91995_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-dna-dilemma%2F2010.08.19 Mary Carmichael of Newsweek had a great series of articles focusing on direct-to-consumer genetic testing. An excerpt: I’ve been following DTC genetics since 2007, when wide scanning first became available to the public. Since then, a number of writers have gotten wide-scale genetic tests and expounded on the results. Indeed, I sometimes wonder if I’m the last science reporter on earth with virgin genes. (Technical virgin: My doctor gave me a cystic fibrosis carrier test when I was pregnant.) Initially, I put off getting a full-genome scan because I wasn’t sure how useful such a test would be. I had no particular reason to take one, save curiosity. I wouldn’t expect to find anything serious and potentially life-altering like the Huntington’s disease gene in my results, because ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885345 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:08 +0100 3885345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876833&cid=t_91995_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2010%2F08%2F17%2Fdna-dilemma-on-newsweek%2F Mary Carmichael at Newsweek had a great series of articles focusing on direct-to-consumer genetic testing. An excerpt: I’ve been following DTC genetics since 2007, when wide scanning first became available to the public. Since then, a number of writers have gotten wide-scale genetic tests and expounded on the results. Indeed, I sometimes wonder if I’m the last science reporter on earth with virgin genes. (Technical virgin: My doctor gave me a cystic fibrosis carrier test when I was pregnant.) Initially, I put off getting a full-genome scan because I wasn’t sure how useful such a test would be. I had no particular reason to take one, save curiosity. I wouldn’t expect to find anything serious and potentially life-altering like the Huntington’s disease gene in my results, because... ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876833 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:57:08 +0100 3876833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913181&cid=t_91995_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2FeT2dmf2qgs8%2F Genetic Contribution to Variation in Cognitive Function in Twins Using neuroimaging to examine cognitive function in twins, results show that their brain functioning is more similar than that of non-twin siblings. Based on Genetic contribution to variation in cognitive function: An fMRI study in twins, Koten et al, Science, 2009. This short documentary is a strong entry in the Gene Screen BC 2010 science video contest. Winner will be announced Sept. 8. Pubcast DOI: 10.4016/20743.01. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913181 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:32:07 +0100 3913181