Add BrightSurf on Google Email

HOXA11 shows its strength in the pelvis

The study found that mice lacking HOXA11 had no uterosacral ligaments, highlighting the gene's importance in their development. In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreased HOXA11 expression was linked to weakened connective tissue and increased levels of a degradation mediator.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 2008

New gene test for prostate cancer at hand

Researchers have identified a new gene test that can identify men with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The study found that men carrying a combination of known risk genes are four to five times more likely to develop the disease, providing a potential breakthrough in early detection and treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 17, 2008

Feinstein researchers develop new genetic method and identify novel genes for schizophrenia

Scientists at the Feinstein Institute have identified nine genetic markers that can increase a person's risk for schizophrenia. The study used a new mathematical approach to analyze genetic information, providing evidence of a recessive inheritance pattern. This discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2007

Liquid crystal phases of tiny DNA molecules point up new scenario for first life on Earth

Researchers at CU-Boulder and University of Milan found that short segments of DNA can assemble into liquid crystal phases with 'self-orient' properties, paving the way for a new scenario on the origin of life. The discovery was made by observing how short DNA segments could condense into droplets in which conditions are favorable for ...

Red hair and freckles...

Scientists discovered that at least one percent of Neanderthals in Europe had red hair, a finding based on genetic analysis. This rare trait was linked to the mc1r gene mutation, causing lighter skin and more freckles.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2007

Scientists uncover Inca children's countdown to sacrifice

Researchers analyzed hair samples from child mummies found in the Andes, revealing a 'fattening up' process before sacrifice. The children were likely chosen from peasant backgrounds and had their status raised through diet changes and symbolic cutting of their hair.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2007

Risk genes for multiple sclerosis uncovered

A comprehensive study has identified new genetic risk factors for multiple sclerosis, suggesting a link to autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed genomic data from over 12,000 people and confirmed the involvement of immune system genes in MS.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 29, 2007

Fossil DNA illuminates life

Researchers found genetic material from plants and insects in ancient ice cores, contradicting previous theories about southern Greenland's climate. The discovery provides evidence of forest cover and mild winters, dating back around 450,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2007

Invasion of the island bats

A study published in Journal of Biogeography reveals that Caribbean bat species have reversed colonized the continent from which they originated, defying conventional wisdom. This finding highlights the dynamic relationship between islands and the Americas, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts in the West Indies.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 8, 2007

Genes may determine success of hip replacement surgery

Research suggests that genetic variations in MMP1 and vitamin D synthesis genes are associated with a higher risk of complications after hip replacement surgery. Patients with specific genetic variations were more likely to experience aseptic loosening and deep infection.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMar 14, 2007

Blood tests may be possible for mental health conditions

Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a link between genetic information in white blood cells and mental health conditions like panic disorder. The study found distinct patterns of gene expression in individuals with and without panic disorder, which could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateMar 6, 2007

Mistaken identity? When a white marlin may not always be a white marlin

A team of scientists has confirmed the existence of an enigmatic billfish species, the roundscale spearfish, which overlaps with the distribution of the white marlin. The discovery raises concerns about the true numbers of threatened white marlin populations and suggests that recent population assessments may have been overestimated.

Simple 2-gene test sorts out similar gastrointestinal cancers

Researchers developed a simple and accurate two-gene test that distinguishes between gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) with near perfect accuracy. The Top Scoring Pair analysis approach has potential for wider application in individualized diagnosis and treatment of other types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2007

Uncovering DNA's 'sweet' secret

Biochemist Martin Egli and his team solved the X-ray crystal structure of homo-DNA, an artificial analog of DNA with a six-carbon sugar backbone. The study shows that fully hydroxylated six-carbon sugars are too bulky to produce a stable base-pairing system capable of carrying genetic information as efficiently as DNA.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2006

UB scientist publishes first human microbiome analysis

A team of researchers led by UB microbiologist Steven R. Gill analyzed the DNA of microbes in the human distal gut using metagenomics. The study found significant differences between two microbial communities from healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of understanding the interactions between human and microbial genomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2006