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New breast cancer genetic mutation found in Chinese population and will help refine screening and target drug development

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation associated with a high risk of breast cancer in the Chinese ethnic population. The RECQL mutation was found to be present in 0.54% of Southern Chinese women, suggesting it may be an important factor in genetic screening for women with a family history of breast cancer.

York research points to enhanced detection of Parkinson's

Biologists at the University of York have created a reliable method to detect Parkinson's disease by analyzing fruit flies' visual responses. The study used adapted methods from human vision research and found increased neuronal activity in 'young' flies with Parkinson's mutations, leading to an 85% accurate classification rate.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2015

Capturing cancer

A Harvard University collaboration has developed a 3D model of solid tumors that reflects both their three-dimensional shape and genetic evolution. The model explains why cancer cells share an unusually high number of genetic mutations and how drug resistance evolves, shedding light on tumor growth and evolution.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2015

Mayo Clinic study uncovers key differences among ALS patients

A Mayo Clinic study has identified abnormalities in the levels and processing of ribonucleic acids (RNA) in patients with sporadic and genetic forms of ALS. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest that different factors may contribute to the development of ALS and highlight the need for tailored therapies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 20, 2015

Detroit researchers help identify gene mutation that can trigger lymphoblastic leukemia

A decade-long investigation by Wayne State University and Children's Hospital of Michigan researchers identified a key gene mutation that can trigger acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The mutation affects ETV6, a gene that regulates growth rates in bone marrow, leading to an increased risk of blood cancer.

Evolution is unpredictable and irreversible, Penn biologists show

Researchers found that genetic mutations accepted by evolution are contingent upon previous mutations, making predictions of long-term evolution challenging. The study also revealed that mutations become entrenched and increasingly difficult to revert over time, supporting the idea that evolution is unpredictable and irreversible.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2015

Missing molecule prevents puberty

Researchers discovered a genetic fault preventing SEMA3E from working correctly in two brothers with Kallman Syndrome, leading to the loss of nerve cells regulating sexual reproduction. The study demonstrates a powerful method for identifying genetic causes without relying on large statistical samples.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 18, 2015