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news archive January 2004

your information resource in human molecular genetics

2004-01-29

Genetic Screening Recommended to Detect New Neurodegenerative Disorder in Men Over 50
Common and small mutation in the fragile X gene, once thought to have no health effects in male carriers, now linked to tremors, balance problems and memory deficits.
New Method Identifies Human microRNA Targets
Research into the mechanics of microRNAs, tiny molecules that can selectively silence genes, has revealed a new mode of gene regulation that scientists believe has a broad impact on both plant and animal cells.

2004-01-27

Low Free Testosterone Levels Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease in Older Men
Older men with lower levels of free testosterone circulating in their bloodstreams could be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
Transgenic Animals Produced Using Cultured Sperm
Study Opens New Possibilities for Biological Research, Gene Therapy
First U.S. Tuberculosis Vaccine Trial in 60 Years Begins
A new vaccine, made with several proteins from the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), will soon enter the first phase of human safety testing.
Gene Therapy in Salivary Glands
Gene Therapy in Salivary Glands Could Lead to Promising Applications in Oral Diseases

2004-01-26

Perlegen Sciences and Galileo Genomics Form Collaboration to Determine the Genetic Basis of 21 Common Diseases
Both companies announced a collaboration to rapidly develop a Quebec Linkage Disequilibrium Map (QLDM) consisting of approximately 40,000 SNPs chosen to represent the specific patterns of linkage disequilibrium in the Quebec Founder Population.
Researchers develop computer application to 'read' medical literature
The software, called IRIDESCENT, constructs a network of related objects starting with their co-occurrence within MEDLINE abstracts.
European Virtual Institute for Genome Annotation
The Commission of the European Union has awarded 12,000,000 Euro to 24 bioinformatics groups based in 14 countries throughout Europe to create a pan-European BioSapiens Network of Excellence in Bioinformatics.
One dose of "designer" gene therapy may target specific body area
Doctors may soon be able to inject gene therapy intravenously that travels to a specific part of the body.

2004-01-15

Lexicon Genetics has Initiated More Than 40 Drug Discovery Programs from its Genome5000(TM) Program
These drug discovery programs are in the fields of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric and neurological disorders, cancer, immune system disorders and ophthalmic disease.
Ancient DNA mutations permitted humans to adapt to colder climates
Changes in cells’ mitochondria may explain current predispositions to common diseases
Gene May Be Key To Evolution Of Larger Human Brain
Researchers have identified a gene that appears to have played a role in the expansion of the human brain’s cerebral cortex.

2004-01-12

2004-01-09

Research reveals brain has biological mechanism to block unwanted memories
For the first time, researchers at Stanford University and the University of Oregon have shown that a biological mechanism exists in the human brain to block unwanted memories.

2004-01-08

First gene therapy approved
China's medicines authority approved Gendicine, a cancer therapy, after it achieved promising results in a clinical trial.

2004-01-06

Young nerve cells can rewind their developmental clocks
Scientists have identified a gene in the cerebral cortex that apparently controls the developmental clock of embryonic nerve cells.
A viral cure for type 1 diabetes
Viruses can both cause and prevent autoimmune disease.
Gene Worsens Artery Disease
UCLA/USC researchers have linked a variation of a gene called 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) to an increased risk for atherosclerosis, or thickening of the arteries.
"Mad Cow" Mechanism May Be Integral to Storing Memory
Scientists have discovered a new process for how memories might be stored, a finding that could help explain one of the least-understood activities of the brain.