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Cold sore linked to mutation in gene, study suggests

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found a link between cold sore susceptibility and a mutated gene, revealing why some people are more prone to the virus that causes them. The study identifies IL28b as the affected gene, which plays a crucial role in mounting an immune response against the herpes simplex virus.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 16, 2013

Who benefits from vitamin D?

A recent University of Eastern Finland study found that individuals whose expression of certain genes was not altered by vitamin D supplementation may already have a sufficient level of serum vitamin D or be disturbed in their vitamin D utilization. The researchers believe this approach can help identify potential beneficiaries of long...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2013

Bacterial blockade

Harvard scientists have identified a pair of genes that allow certain gut bacteria to break down a widely prescribed cardiac drug into an inactive compound. The researchers found that these genes are expressed when the bacteria are exposed to the drug, and that they play a key role in converting the drug into its inactive form.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2013

How mice teach us about disease

A large new resource of mouse lines has been created to study human diseases, revealing new functions for well-known genes and unexpected associations with traits like body weight. The project provides a wealth of freely available clinical and biological information to aid in the development of new therapies.

Unusual comparison nets new sleep loss marker

Scientists have identified a human gene, ITGA5, that becomes more active after sleep deprivation, offering a potential new marker for detecting sleep loss. The discovery was made through cross-translational research with fruit flies, which allowed the researchers to identify genes in humans and then test them in flies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 3, 2013

Genes behind obesity mapped in large-scale study

A large-scale study identified seven new gene loci linked to obesity, showing a significant overlap with genetic mechanisms causing milder forms of overweight. The research included over 260,000 participants and demonstrated that extreme obesity shares similar genetic factors as normal or slightly elevated BMI.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 7, 2013

Researchers find genetic cause for body tremors

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a genetic cause for Essential Tremor (ET), a common movement disorder characterized by involuntary shaking. The study's findings provide new insights into the disease mechanism and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 2, 2012

Discovery of a gene that causes Joubert Syndrome

Researchers identified C5ORF42 as the gene causing Joubert Syndrome in French Canadian families in the Lower St. Lawrence region of Quebec. The study, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, provides a genetic basis for the syndrome and allows family members to assess their children's genetic risks with a simple DNA test.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 10, 2012

New epilepsy gene located in dogs

A new epilepsy gene has been discovered in dogs, specifically in Belgian Shepherds, which is associated with a seven-fold increased risk of epilepsy. The research also suggests that other genetic risk factors may be present in the breed, and ongoing studies aim to identify the specific gene causing epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2012