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Baby's genome deciphered prenatally from parents' lab tests

Researchers successfully sequenced the fetal genome without invasive sampling, enabling the detection of thousands of disorders. They overcame obstacles by applying statistical modeling and technical advances to resolve maternal haplotypes with high accuracy. The breakthrough paves the way for comprehensive prenatal genetic screening.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 6, 2012

Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital experts at American Academy of Neurology meeting

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center presented studies on the impact of large-vessel acute ischemic stroke on cerebral blood vessels and found that dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired after the event, but normalizes by week two. Additionally, they discovered increased regional expression of Lingo-1 in the essential...

Genetic mutations at conception linked to many cases of autism

A recent study by Yale University researchers found that approximately 15% of autism cases in families with a single autistic child are associated with spontaneous genetic mutations. The study analyzed DNA sequencing data from 238 families and identified hundreds of de novo sequence variations linked to an increased risk for autism.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2012

How do cancers become resistant to chemotherapy?

Researchers propose that non-genetic resistance can occur before genetic mutations, changing the approach to designing combination therapies. This new perspective aims to improve outcomes by understanding how cancers evolve and adapt to extreme challenges.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 3, 2012

Iowa State, Ames Lab chemists aid study of mutated plants that may be better for biofuels

A research team including Iowa State University chemists has found that genetic mutations to cellulose in plants can improve the conversion of cellulosic biomass into biofuels. The team discovered that mutated plant cell walls produce less crystalline cellulose, making it easier to break down into fermentable sugars.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2012

How the 'Quarter' Horse won the rodeo

A new study has mapped the genome of a Quarter Horse mare using next-generation sequencing, revealing genetic variants associated with sensory perception, signal transduction, and immunity. The research found that Quarter Horses have more genetic variation than Thoroughbreds, particularly in genes involved in these traits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 16, 2012

Genetic and mechanistic basis for rotor syndrome uncovered

Researchers identified genetic mutations in OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 proteins as the underlying cause of Rotor syndrome, a condition characterized by conjugated bilirubin buildup. Complete deficiency of these proteins can cause hypersensitivity to certain drugs and interrupt conjugated bilirubin reuptake into the liver.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2012

Key genetic error found in family of blood cancers

Researchers have identified a critical genetic mutation in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, which can progress to leukemia. The mutation is found in nearly 9% of patients, increasing the risk of developing acute leukemia by almost three times. The study raises hopes for improved diagnosis and treatment of this blood cancer.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 15, 2011

Not all women in breast cancer families share high risk

A new international study found that women without genetic mutations but closely related to those who do have them are at an average risk of developing breast cancer. This contradicts previous claims that all women in such families share a high risk, according to Professor John Hopper from the University of Melbourne.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 31, 2011

Shake hands with the invisible man

Researchers at Tel Aviv University identified the genetic defect responsible for adermatoglyphia, a rare condition where individuals lack fingerprints. The study found that a skin-specific gene mutation affects fingerprint development, leading to reduced sweat gland function and abnormal fingerprints.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 19, 2011