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Spotlight on autism research

UK child psychiatrist Sir Michael Rutter reviews the latest scientific developments in autism research, covering clinical features, genetics, environmental factors, and psychological treatments. Despite substantial gains in knowledge, prevention and cure remain major puzzles in autism research.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 1, 2011

Searching for the soul of the genome

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, develop novel method to detect long-distance chromosomal interactions and find association with CAD risk from altered inflammatory signaling response. The study identifies 33 regulatory elements in the 9p21 interval involved in cellular signaling and response to inflammation.

Researchers identify 5 new genetic variations in total of 11 thought to be important in Parkinson's disease risk

Researchers have identified five additional genetic variations that contribute significantly to Parkinson's disease risk, with 20% of patients carrying high-risk variants being two-and-a-half times more likely to develop PD. The study highlights the importance of common genetic variation in the development of this debilitating condition.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 1, 2011

Certain genetic profiles increase risk of coronary artery disease while others uniquely increase risk of heart attacks in those with coronary disease; blood group O offers protection

A new study identifies genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks. The researchers found that certain genetic profiles increase the risk of CAD and heart attacks in individuals with CAD, while blood group O offers protection against heart attacks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 14, 2011

DNA sequence variations linked to electrical signal conduction in the heart

A study of nearly 50,000 people has identified DNA sequence variations associated with cardiac electrical activity, which may lead to novel approaches to prevent or treat serious rhythm disorders. The findings provide new clues about the biologic pathways that influence cardiac conduction and identify genes and genetic pathways involve...

Albert Einstein College of Medicine researcher among global team investigating genetics of height

A global team of scientists, led by Albert Einstein College of Medicine researcher Robert Kaplan, has identified hundreds of gene variants that influence adult height. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 184,000 people worldwide, proves the effectiveness of genome-wide association studies in explaining observable traits.

4 possible risk factors for ovarian cancer found

A consortium of cancer researchers has identified four chromosome locations with genetic changes that may alter a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer. These findings are based on a large genome-wide association study and could lead to individualized risk assessments for ovarian cancer.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 19, 2010

Use of informatics, EMRs enable genetic study of vascular disease

A team of researchers from Mayo Clinic used electronic medical records (EMRs) to launch a genome-wide association study of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which affects approximately eight million Americans. The study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging EMRs for genetic research, offering advantages over traditional approaches.

SourceAmerican Medical Informatics Association·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateSep 8, 2010

Genetic septet in control of blood platelet clotting

Researchers found a group of seven genes that significantly impact platelet clumping, offering new targets for developing diagnostic tests and treatments for arterial disease. The study used data from two large studies to identify the genetic factors behind blood clotting, providing insights into promoting healing and stalling disease ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 22, 2010

Genetic factors affect risk of vitamin D insufficiency

A genome-wide association study found three genetic variants significantly associated with vitamin D concentrations and risk of insufficiency. Participants with certain genotypes were at two-and-a-half times increased risk of having low vitamin D levels, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in regulating vitamin D status.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 9, 2010

Common genetic threads link thousands of years of Jewish ancestry

Researchers have identified distinct Jewish population clusters with shared Middle Eastern ancestry and variable degrees of European and North African genetic intermingling. The study suggests that Jewishness can be identified through genetic analysis and highlights the importance of understanding the complex history of Jewish migrations.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 3, 2010

Genome-wide association studies need larger sample sizes

A new study found that genome-wide association studies (GWA) have identified several genetic risk factors for common cancers, but their predictive power is limited by small effect sizes. The study suggests that performing GWA studies using larger sample sizes would yield more genetic loci with smaller or very small effects.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 26, 2010