In Denmark, non-invasive screening of pregnant women using ultrasound and blood analysis has reduced the number of children born with Down Syndrome by 50%. The new guidelines have also led to a significant decrease in invasive pre-natal diagnostic procedures, from 11% to around 6% of pregnancies.
A recent study of 583 children born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) found no significant increase in major malformations compared to those born after conventional IVF. The average birthweight and length of pregnancies were comparable to those born after IVF, providing reassurance about the safety of PGD.
Genetic analysis reveals Etruscan immigrants came from Anatolia, specifically southern Turkey. The study confirms Herodotus' theory and provides evidence for a genetic continuity between ancient and modern-day Tuscans.
Researchers have identified a gene, TGBF1, that contributes to otosclerosis, the single most common cause of hearing loss among white adults. The study found that a specific variant of this gene is protective against the disease.