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Predicting cancer patient survival with gene expression data

Researchers develop a method to identify biologically significant cancer subtypes using gene expression data and patient clinical history, showing it's a powerful predictor of patient survival. The approach reduces the chances of including unrelated genes, increasing the probability of identifying clinically relevant subsets of genes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 13, 2004

Scientists unraveling lice genome to halt blood-sucking pest

Researchers at Purdue University have identified the first gene in lice that kills bacteria threatening the insect. The study also found genes involved in digesting human blood and fighting off infections. Understanding lice genetics could lead to novel pest control strategies, potentially benefiting public health.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateOct 31, 2003

Salk news: Gene chips and crop yield

A recent study published in Science has identified nearly 6,000 protein-encoding genes in the tiny mustard weed Arabidopsis, revolutionizing plant genetics research. This breakthrough allows researchers to quickly identify and modify desirable traits in other plants using these genes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2003

Gene mutations that cause hearing loss discovered

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a gene mutation linked to hearing loss, which could lead to new insights into the biology of progressive hearing loss. The discovery is expected to provide new avenues for preventing or treating this common health issue, affecting an estimated 28 million Americans.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 30, 2003

Salk news: Understanding gene function

The Salk Institute's latest study, led by Joseph Ecker, provides a detailed map of Arabidopsis genes and their functions. The team has also identified key molecular pathways involved in ethylene gas signaling, which is crucial for plant growth, yield, and drought tolerance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003

A sex-specific gene for depression

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified a sex-specific gene variant associated with an increased risk of developing severe depression in women. Over 80% of women who inherited the CREB1 variant developed depressive disorders, highlighting the importance of considering sex-specific factors in depression research.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 14, 2003

Seeking comfort from the cold

Researchers identified a new transcriptional regulator of CBF genes, ICE1, which increases cold tolerance in Arabidopsis plants. The discovery is expected to provide a new way to improve the ability of domesticated crops to survive in cold temperatures.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 10, 2003

Fruit fly cells reveal Hedgehog's secrets

Scientists used RNA interference to identify four new genes involved in passing along Hedgehog's signal in fruit fly cells. The study suggests that human versions of these genes may be involved in diseases characteristic of abnormal Hedgehog activity, including birth defects and cancers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2003

International team uses genomic tools to discover gene for childhood genetic disorder

An international team of scientists has identified the LRPPRC gene as the cause of Leigh Syndrome, a devastating childhood disease that affects 1 in 2000 live births. The discovery enables carrier testing and prenatal diagnostic options, providing immediate clinical implications for families affected by the disorder.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2003

New screening method may speed hunt for disease-causing genes

Researchers have developed a new genetic screening method that narrows the pool of candidate genes from thousands to fewer than 100, potentially saving time and money. The technique uses a combination of quantitative trait locus mapping and microarray technology to identify genes with differential expression, which are more likely to b...

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2002

New screening technique may speed hunt for genes

Scientists have developed a new genetic screening technique that narrows the pool of candidate genes from thousands to fewer than 100, potentially speeding up the search for genes responsible for inherited traits. The method combines two established techniques and has been tested on fruit flies, with promising results.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2002

The Lancet neurology press release

The Lancet neurology reviews research on migraine genetics, highlighting the challenges of identifying genes involved in the disorder. The article also examines the implications of private diagnostic testing without physician support, sparking debate about its role in advancing treatment options for neurological diseases.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateAug 14, 2002

Insight into how the body tells time

Researchers have identified 22 genes essential to the operations of the body's internal clock, which synchronize behavior and physiology with a near 24-hour cycle. The study found that these genes influence the expression of other genes throughout the body, controlling behaviors like sleep and wakefulness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2002

Gene linked to testicular cancer

A study by Duke University Medical Center researcher Haifan Lin discovered that 63 percent of men with the overactive form of the hiwi gene are at risk of developing seminoma, a type of testicular cancer. The hiwi gene is highly correlated to seminoma, and its overexpression can lead to an increased risk of testicular cancer.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalOncogene·DateJun 5, 2002