news archive genetic news - March 30, 2004

March 30, 2004

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Genes Appeared Before "Junk" DNA NIST-Led Research De-mystifies Origins of ‘Junk’ DNA’
-	International Sequencing Consortium Launches Online Resource New Web Site Promotes Sharing of Large-Scale Sequencing Information
-	Visualizing the Central Dogma Researchers Create First Movie Starring DNA, RNA, and Protein
-	Study Offers New Model for Breast Cancer Mice were engineered to form early stage breast tumors like those found in humans
-	From A To T, In A Dish For the first time, embryonic stem cells were "taught" how to become T lymphocytes without the need for an embryo or a thymus. This could aid efforts to grow large quantities of T cells for immunotherapeutics.
-	Long-Lasting Craving For Cocaine Paper suggests that recovered drug addicts may develop drug cravings more quickly than previously thought.
-	Vitamin C Corrects Nerve Disease Scientists report that a dose of Vitamin C could help alleviate the symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).
-	Drug Shows Promise Against Lou Gehrig Disease Researchers describe a drug that slows the disease in a mouse model of ALS.
-	Scientists Discover New Human Coronavirus Scientists report the discovery of a new coronavirus, a group of viruses that includes the culprit behind severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
-	Reduced Lipoxin Linked To Damaged Cystic Fibrosis Lungs These findings suggest administration of synthetic lipoxins might prove to be a beneficial therapy for lessening the lung pathology seen in patients with cystic fibrosis.
-	RNA Interference Boost To Understanding Gene Function Two groups have made libraries producing RNA fragments that cause RNA interference (RNAi), in the hope that these libraries will help to pinpoint the functions of key genes in disease.
-	Stem Cells Not The Cure For A Broken Heart Two studies shed doubt on the reported ability of certain transplanted stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue.
-	Glioma Gene Identified Researchers have identified a gene that may be involved in the development of certain aggressive brain tumours.
-	Development Gene Is Double-Edged Sword The Bmi1 gene promotes cell growth in the developing brain, but may also prompt tumour development.
-	Double Anti-Cancer Whammy The drug rapamycin may prove to be a useful adjunct to chemotherapy.