news archive genetic news - September 8, 2003

September 8, 2003

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Bioengineers Develop Humanized Yeast Bioengineers at Dartmouth have genetically engineered yeast to produce humanized therapeutic proteins to address the manufacturing crunch currently confronting the biopharmaceutical industry.
-	Sharper MicroPET Imaging Researchers have removed some of the fogginess from PET images of small laboratory animals with a new scanner that is eight times sharper than before.
-	454 Life Sciences Completes First Whole Genome Sequence Using Novel Technology Complete Adenovirus sequence submitted to GenBank(R) generated by first sequencing method designed to sequence whole genomes not genes
-	Organizational Changes Needed at NIH Greater Resources, Authority, and Flexibility Should Be Given to NIH Director, Says National Academies’ Report
-	Study Provides New Insights into Emerging Theory of Gene Regulation Findings by Clements et al. bolster the emerging theory that something like a code is responsible for orchestrating genetic activity.
-	Cloak of Human Proteins Gets HIV Into Cells Three Johns Hopkins researchers propose, for the first time, that HIV and other retroviruses can use a Trojan horse style of infection, taking advantage of a cloak of human proteins to sneak into cells.
-	New Compound Library to Speed Drug Discovery Making drugs is a difficult and costly business. Before companies spend exorbitant amounts on clinical trials, they have spent significant time and money identifying the best drug candidates. B. Stockwell has developed a possible shortcut.
-	New Blood Test Uncovers Individual Risk for Lung Cancer Smokers carrying a newly found genetic marker are 5-10 times more likely to fall victim to the disease than other smokers; 120 times more than nonsmokers who don't carry the marker