news archive genetic news - June 2, 2003

June 2, 2003

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Antibodies Mark ‘Mad Cow’ Prion Proteins The finding may lead to new diagnostics and therapy for prion diseases.
-	Combination Vaccine Delivers Double Blow A new vaccine approach that delivers a one-two punch could give the immune system an edge against malaria, AIDS and other exigent diseases in people.
-	Stem Cell Engraftment Success Does Not Ensure Long-Term Survival Only a minority of these established stem cells contribute to long-term hematopoiesis.
-	Study Highlights Potential Danger Of Gene Therapy Viruses carrying the therapeutic gene can become inserted into other genes and damage them.
-	Dioxins Hijack Protein The common environmental toxin, dioxin, can trigger oestrogen-like effects by binding to an alternative receptor.
-	Protein Problems Linked To Common Childhood Cancer The commonest form of childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), may be caused by a defect in the RNA splicing process of cells.
-	Alzheimer's Patients May Benefit From Manic Depressive Medication Lithium, a drug already used to treat manic depression, may also prove to be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease.