news archive genetic news - October 16, 2009

October 16, 2009

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Gene Wiki: A community-based approach for human gene annotation A recent paper describes the advances of a public online resource for human gene annotation
-	Juggling with White Matter Learning a complex task, such as juggling, which involves visual and movement processes results in changes in the connective white matter in the brain.
-	Variants Associated with Blood Cell Traits Thirty-four new genetic regions are associated with blood cell traits, according to four independent studies published online.
-	Genomic Privacy and Detecting Participation in Genetic Research A new study reports an improved method to infer an individual's membership in experimental datasets, and suggests increased restrictions may be needed.
-	Reprogramming Gene Plays a Role in Cancer The gene SOX2 is activated in lung and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).
-	Variants Associated With Bone Mineral Density Thirteen new genetic loci are associated with bone mineral density.
-	An Atomic View of the Ribosome Nobel Laureate Ramakrishnan and his colleague summarise what studies of the structure and function of the ribosome have revealed and their hopes for the future.
-	Protein Link to Long Life The mitochondrial protein complex prohibitin promotes longevity in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans by influencing fat metabolism.
-	Where is the Heritability? A review article asks what strategies should be explored to illuminate the genetics of complex diseases, and examines potential sources of missing heritability.
-	Scanning and Linking For Autism A double-pronged approach to uncovering genetic variants involved in autism is published.
-	Mapping Diversity A working map of regions of genetic variation across the human genome is reported online.
-	A Personalized Medicine Research Agenda Scientist group found the raw DNA data of direct-to-consumer genetic tests performed by two companies to be accurate, but they spotted inconsistencies between the two companies' disease-risk predictions.
-	Breast Cancer Evolution The genetic evolution of a breast tumour is reported.