Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

EpiCept launches Ceplene in Germany

EpiCept Corporation today announced the commercial launch of Ceplene (R) (histamine dihydrochloride) in Germany. The launch is being conducted by Meda AB, as part of an exclusive commercialization agreement for Ceplene signed by the two companies in January 2010.

21 May 2010

New study reveals PTPN2 gene loss causes bone cancer

In patients with leukemia, the formation of white blood cells in the bone marrow is disrupted. This makes leukemia patients particularly susceptible to infections, because properly functioning white blood cells ensure protection against intruders such as viruses and bacteria.

21 May 2010

Lawmakers probe consumer genetic testing kits

After Pathway Genomics proposed selling genetics tests directly to consumers without Food and Drug Administration approval and "despite concerns" about accuracy, lawmakers have launched an investigation and requested information about the products according to letters sent to three firms by a House panel, The Washington Post reports.

20 May 2010

NewLink Genetics to present Phase 2 data of HyperAcute-Pancreas immunotherapy for resected pancreatic cancer

NewLink Genetics Corporation today announced that preliminary data from its Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the effect of HyperAcute®-Pancreas immunotherapy in patients with resected pancreatic cancer will be presented during a poster session at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2010 Annual Meeting held June 4-8, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. A summary of the company's ASCO presentation is below.

20 May 2010

PET scanning provides great insight into immune response

A commonly used probe for Positron Emission Tomography scanning and a new probe developed by researchers at UCLA reveal different functions in diverse cells of the immune system, providing a non-invasive and much clearer picture of an immune response in action.

19 May 2010

AmbryScreen test launched to identify severe childhood diseases

Ambry Genetics announced today at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists annual clinical meeting the launch of AmbryScreen, a genetic screening test used to identify carriers of some of the most severe and common childhood diseases affecting pan-ethnic populations.

19 May 2010

Researchers identify cancer gene that could help fight paediatric glioma

Researchers have identified an important cancer gene that could lead to more effective drugs being developed to fight paediatric high grade glioma, a disease which currently has a poor prognosis.

19 May 2010

Causes and treatment options of mental disorders need to be reassessed: JAMA commentary

It is time to reassess mental disorders, recognizing that these are disorders of brain circuits likely caused by development processes, according to a commentary in the May 19 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on mental health.

19 May 2010

Lentigen receives NIH STTR grant for Hunter syndrome lentiviral gene therapy

Lentigen Corporation, a biotechnology company specializing in the development and manufacture of lentiviral gene delivery technologies, announced today that it has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) small business technology transfer (STTR) grant for a program on "Lentiviral Gene Therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis."

19 May 2010

Study confirms genetic overlap for susceptibility to COPD and lung cancer

New research shows genes that make smokers more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema, are also closely linked to an increased likelihood of developing lung cancer, according to studies presented today at the American Thoracic Society's annual meeting.

18 May 2010

University of Leeds researchers identify natural defence mechanism against heart disease

A natural defence mechanism against heart disease could be switched on by steroids sold as health supplements, according to researchers at the University of Leeds.

18 May 2010

Population Diagnostics receives NINDS grant for identifying genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease

Population Diagnostics, Inc. ("PDx"), a private company with a novel approach to revealing the genetic causes of disease and predicting drug response, announced today it has been awarded a federal grant to identify the genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease. Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health, the project is being led by Eli Hatchwell, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University Medical Center and a co-founder of PDx.

18 May 2010

Ambry Genetics launches AmbryScreen test for genetic screening of severe, common childhood diseases

Ambry Genetics announced today at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists annual clinical meeting the launch of AmbryScreen™, a genetic screening test used to identify carriers of some of the most severe and common childhood diseases affecting pan-ethnic populations.

18 May 2010

Berman Institute experts available for comment on direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic test kits

Journalists covering the recent announcement by Pathway Genomics that it will sell health-related genetic marker tests to consumers—and the subsequent decision by Walgreens to postpone sales of the kits pending clarification of their legal status—are invited to interview Berman Institute experts Joan Scott or Gail Javitt.

17 May 2010

UC researchers explore dynamics of bacterial evolution

Researchers found that as dominant members of the population surrendered to host immune defenses, they were replaced by a hyperaggressive, mutant minority population that thrived and took over the abandoned community to become the new majority.

15 May 2010

Genetic tests should be received through appropriate health care professionals, says AMP

In response to recent announcements about consumer genetic tests being made available in retail drugstores, the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) today reiterated its position that these tests should be provided to the public only through the services of appropriate health care professionals that order tests from laboratories that are certified by CLIA for highcomplexity testing.

15 May 2010

National study of factors related to unmet health needs among homeless people

The vast majority of homeless adults surveyed in a national study had trouble accessing at least one type of needed health care service in the preceding year, according to a study that will appear in the July American Journal of Public Health and is now available online.

15 May 2010

Oxygen levels induce X chromosome inactivation in female cells: Study

Oxygen levels in the lab can permanently alter human embryonic stem (ES) cells, specifically inducing X chromosome inactivation in female cells, according to Whitehead Institute researchers. Human ES cells have been routinely created and maintained at atmospheric levels of oxygen, which is about 20%. Cells in the body are usually exposed to only 1-9% oxygen.

14 May 2010

Children with epilepsy say their quality of life is comparable to that of healthy siblings

Children with epilepsy often face multiple challenges - not only seizures but learning, cognitive and school difficulties, side effects from medication, and, not surprisingly, social stigma from their peers.

14 May 2010

Researchers determine how cells regulate chromosome/microtubule interface

Whitehead Institute researchers have determined a key part of how cells regulate the chromosome/microtubule interface, which is central to proper chromosomal distribution during cell division.

14 May 2010

Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

EpiCept launches Ceplene in Germany

New study reveals PTPN2 gene loss causes bone cancer

Lawmakers probe consumer genetic testing kits

NewLink Genetics to present Phase 2 data of HyperAcute-Pancreas immunotherapy for resected pancreatic cancer

PET scanning provides great insight into immune response

AmbryScreen test launched to identify severe childhood diseases

Researchers identify cancer gene that could help fight paediatric glioma

Causes and treatment options of mental disorders need to be reassessed: JAMA commentary

Lentigen receives NIH STTR grant for Hunter syndrome lentiviral gene therapy

Study confirms genetic overlap for susceptibility to COPD and lung cancer

University of Leeds researchers identify natural defence mechanism against heart disease

Population Diagnostics receives NINDS grant for identifying genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease

Ambry Genetics launches AmbryScreen test for genetic screening of severe, common childhood diseases

Berman Institute experts available for comment on direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic test kits

UC researchers explore dynamics of bacterial evolution

Genetic tests should be received through appropriate health care professionals, says AMP

National study of factors related to unmet health needs among homeless people

Oxygen levels induce X chromosome inactivation in female cells: Study

Children with epilepsy say their quality of life is comparable to that of healthy siblings

Researchers determine how cells regulate chromosome/microtubule interface

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