Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Hepatitis C cured in co-infected HIV patients

A phase III clinical trial shows that a combination drug therapy cures chronic hepatitis C in the majority of patients co-infected with both HIV and hepatitis C. The new all-oral regimen sofosbuvir and ribavirin has cure rates of up to 92% for treatment-experienced patients, offering a transformative step in treating this population.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJul 19, 2014

First large-scale PheWAS study using EMRs provides systematic method to discover new disease association

Researchers used genotype data from 13,835 individuals to perform the first large-scale phenome-wide association study (PheWAS), discovering 63 previously unknown SNP-disease associations. The study validated known associations across hundreds of previous studies and found genes associated with multiple diseases or traits.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 25, 2013

Type 2 diabetes: New associations identified between genes and metabolic markers

Scientists from Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen discovered new associations between two major Type 2 diabetes risk genotypes and altered plasma concentrations of metabolic products. The study, published in PLOS ONE and Metabolomics, reveals specific metabolic effects, particularly for the TCF7L2 genotype.

Deodorants: Do we really need them?

Research found that over 75% of people with the ABCC11 gene variant don't produce under-arm odour but use deodorant. However, only a quarter of these individuals realize they don't produce odour and don't use deodorant, while three quarters do. The study suggests that socio-cultural norms play a significant role in deodorant usage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJan 17, 2013

The mu opioid receptor genotype may be a marker for those who drink for alcohol's rewarding effects

A new study reveals that the mu opioid receptor genotype is associated with the pleasant and stimulating effects of alcohol, but not its sedative effects. Individuals with a specific mutation in this gene respond more strongly to alcohol's rewarding effects, which may help predict their risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.

Everyday evolution

A study from the University of Toronto Mississauga discovered that insect interaction can cause rapid evolutionary changes in plants, with populations diverging significantly in as few as three to four generations. This suggests that insects play a crucial role in plant evolution and diversity.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012

Vitamin B12 supplements may help treat hepatitis C

A pilot study found that adding vitamin B12 to standard hepatitis C virus treatment significantly boosts the body's ability to keep the virus at bay, especially in patients with genotype 1 HCV or high viral loads. The treatment strengthened the rate of sustained viral response by 34%.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateJul 17, 2012

Genetic variants, tobacco exposure and lung cancer risk

A study published in JNCI found a strong association between genetic variants rs1051730-rs16969968 and objective measures of tobacco exposure, indicating that lung cancer risk is largely mediated by level of tobacco exposure. The research used data from six independent studies to analyze self-reported cigarette consumption and plasma o...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 25, 2012

Studies show that CYP2D6 genotype does not predict tamoxifen benefit

Two studies found that CYP2D6 genotypes associated with reduced enzyme activity do not predict clinical responsiveness to adjuvant tamoxifen therapy among postmenopausal women. This challenges the conventional hypothesis that poor metabolizers experience fewer side effects and may receive less benefit from tamoxifen.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 6, 2012

Consuming fish during pregnancy improves offspring's cognitive development and prosocial conduct

A study by the University of Granada found that infants born to mothers who consumed more fish during pregnancy scored higher in verbal intelligence and fine motor skill tests, and presented increased prosocial behavior. Fish oil is a primary source of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain development.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2012

Investigational compound PEG-interferon lambda achieved higher response rates with fewer flu-like and musculoskeletal symptoms and cytopenias than PEG-interferon alfa in Phase IIb study of 526 treatment-naive hepatitis C patients

In a Phase IIb study of 526 treatment-naive hepatitis C patients, PEG-Interferon lambda achieved higher rates of rapid virologic response and complete early virologic response compared to PEG-Interferon alfa. The study also showed fewer flu-like symptoms and cytopenias in the PEG-Interferon lambda arms.

SourceTogoRun·DateApr 2, 2011

'Stupid strategies' could be best for the genes

A study published in Ecology Letters found that seemingly mindless survival strategies can be more effective than adapting to changes. This 'multiplier effect' states that individuals will thrive in their optimal environment if they follow what their parents did, leading to the success of their genes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 28, 2011

Study of UK TB patients shows that some recover more quickly if their antibiotics are supplemented with high-dose vitamin D

A new study found that supplementing antibiotics with high-dose vitamin D can significantly reduce the time needed for TB bacteria to clear from sputum culture by almost a week in patients with specific genetic profiles. The treatment improved response in those with the tt genotype of the TaqI vitamin D receptor polymorphism.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 5, 2011

Gene variation among kidney donors associated with graft failure

A recent study published in JAMA has identified a significant association between gene variation in kidney donors and increased risk of graft failure. The researchers found that donors with certain genetic variants had poorer graft survival rates, highlighting the potential for genetic biomarkers to predict transplant outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 6, 2010

Personalized medicine in warfarin therapy

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a rapid and accurate method to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect warfarin dose, enabling personalized treatment for patients. This new approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects associated with warfarin therapy.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateFeb 25, 2010