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Genetic variant identified that may increase heart disease risk among people with type 2 diabetes

A study led by Harvard School of Public Health identified a novel genetic variant associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The finding suggests that the genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be different among those with and without diabetes.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateAug 27, 2013

23andMe conducts the first genetic study of non-syndromic striae distensae (stretch marks)

A genetic study conducted by 23andMe has identified four genetic markers associated with the development of non-syndromic striae distensae (stretch marks), a skin condition affecting approximately 50-80% of people. The study suggests that elastin, a key component of elastic fibers in the skin, plays a crucial role in the formation of s...

Source23andMe, Inc.·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 22, 2013

How cranberries impact infection-causing bacteria

Researchers at McGill University have found that cranberry derivatives can inhibit bacteria from sticking to surfaces, potentially preventing infections in medical devices such as catheters. The study's findings also suggest that cranberries may play a role in preventing chronic infections, which are a major public health concern.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Journal of Microbiology·DateJul 15, 2013

Getting to grips with migraine

The study found 5 genetic regions linked to the onset of migraine and identified 12 genetic regions associated with migraine susceptibility. The regulation of these pathways may be important to the genetic susceptibility of migraines, which affects approximately 14% of adults and is a debilitating disorder.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 23, 2013

Common gene variants explain 42 percent of antidepressant response

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that common genetic variants explain 42% of individual differences in antidepressant response, providing a significant step towards personalized treatment for depression. The research identified multiple genetic markers involved in predicting response to antidepressants.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 28, 2013

Zeroing in on heart disease

Scientists identify genes involved in cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk by selectively decreasing gene expression using RNA interference. The study provides a new approach for understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and improving its prediction and diagnosis.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 28, 2013

Genes and obesity: Fast food isn't only culprit in expanding waistlines -- DNA is also to blame

A new study reveals that genetic factors significantly contribute to obesity, with DNA influencing body-fat responses to high-fat, high-sugar diets. The research found that genetics account for up to 80% of the variation in body-fat percentage among mice, suggesting a strong link between DNA and fat gain.

Study finds prioritizing rather than canvassing entire plant genome may lead to improved crops

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a new method for prioritizing genes in plant genomes, which has been shown to improve the likelihood of finding critical genes controlling traits such as drought tolerance and grain yield. By applying genetic-analysis methods used to study humans, scientists were able to identify a ...

SourceKansas State University·JournalGenome Research·DateDec 4, 2012