News by Subject
List and find news items by the subject covered
Subject A-Z
To view a list of news subjects currently covered, please select a subject initial letter from the line below.
News items on 'Gene Analysis'
Genome analysis changes diagnosis
(BBC 24/10/2009)
A critically ill Turkish boy has had his life saved after scientists were able to read his genome quickly and work out that he had a wrong diagnosis. The scientists writing in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, say they completed the analysis of his blood in just 10 days. They were able to see that he had a mutation on a gene that coded for a gut disease and tell his doctors. Clinical tests proved that the boy had the disease and he is now recovering.
Human genome revealed in 3D
(BBC 10/10/2009)
Scientists have worked out the 3D structure of the human genome. Their findings, published in Science magazine, reveal how long strands of DNA code are folded and tightly packed into the nucleus of a human cell. Unfolded, the cell's genome - those strands of DNA code - would be approximately 2m in length. The team showed how this is organised into a tight ball to fit inside a nucleus, which is about one hundredth of a millimetre in diameter.
DNA sequencing in a holey new way
(BBC 06/10/2009)
IBM will announce on Tuesday how it intends to hold DNA molecules in tiny holes in silicon in an effort to decode their genetic secrets letter by letter. Their microelectronic approach solves one of two long-standing problems in "nanopore" DNA sequencing: how to stop it flying through too quickly. The aim is to speed up DNA sequencing in a push toward personalised medicine. IBM's chief executive Sam Palmisano will announce the plans to the Medical Innovation Summit in the US on Tuesday.
Nobel prize for chromosome find
(BBC 05/10/2009)
This year's Nobel prize for medicine goes to three US-based researchers who discovered how the body protects the chromosomes housing vital genetic code. Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Szostak jointly share the award. Their work revealed how the chromosomes can be copied and has helped further our understanding on human ageing, cancer and stem cells.
Key gene 'controls disease fight'
(BBC 13/09/2009)
A master gene that helps mobilise the immune system to fight disease has been discovered by UK scientists. It causes stem cells in the blood to become disease-fighting "Natural Killer" (NK) immune cells. It is hoped the discovery will lead to new ways to boost the body's production of these frontline cells - potentially creating a new way to kill cancer. The Nature Immunology study may also help development of new treatments for type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
(The Scotsman 21/08/2009)
SCIENTISTS are launching a ground-breaking study to find out why some of us can run faster than others - despite doing the same amount of training. The team is asking the 54,000 people taking part in next month's Bupa Great North Run to provide a saliva sample in a bid to find out whether our DNA is linked to race performance. DNA is important for our physical ability and previous work has shown that variations in the protein-building blocks of muscle can influence performance.
Deciphering a person's DNA 'to cost 1000'
(Telegraph 11/08/2009)
The cost of deciphering a person's DNA code will soon fall to the $1000 mark (£620) according to Professor Stephen Quake a prominent American bioengineer. He said the time was "just around the corner" when the cost would fall to retail levels. That would open the door to personalised medicine, tailored to combat an individual's genetic predisposition to certain diseases, as well as the prospect of DNA-based health insurance.
Gene finds 'will fight getting old'
(Mirror 26/05/2009)
Scientists are finding genes that slow the ageing process and will lead to drugs to prevent illnesses ranging from heart disease to Alzheimer's, it will be revealed today. Mutations in insulin and growth factor 1(Igf1) have been found to extend the lifespan of animals such as worms, fruit flies and mice - and appear to play the same role in humans. Professor Linda Partridge said: "By tackling the causes of ageing itself we could treat, or delay, a broad spectrum of conditions."
Experts unveil African gene study
(BBC 01/05/2009)
A group of scientists have unveiled what they say is the most comprehensive study ever of African genes. Published following a decade of study, the researchers say their findings give new insight into the origins of humans. The first humans probably evolved near the South Africa-Namibia border before migrating north, the study says.
Advert
Advert
Advert
| Top 10 Drug Information Leaflets | |
|---|---|
| Co-codamol | |
| Citalopram | |
| Prednisolone | |
| Omeprazole | |
| Metronidazole | |
| Diclofenac | |
| Ramipril | |
| Simvastatin | |
| Flucloxacillin | |
| Mebeverine hydrochloride | |