Genetics

Dolly’s Creator Granted Human Cloning License

The scientist who created Dolly the sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal, was granted a license Tuesday to clone human embryos for medical research.…    

“Taste” gene may explain some of kids’ food choices

Genetic variations in the sensitivity of taste buds to bitter flavors may help explain why some kids are vehemently opposed to vegetables, a study…    

Middle-age spread owes a lot to genes - study

Middle-aged men may be able to lay a hefty share of the blame for their expanding bellies on their parents, study findings suggest.

…    

Human embryonic stem cell lines found contaminated

Stem cell lines from human embryos, which are grown with animal-derived cells, have become contaminated with a product that human cells are genetically unable…    

New gene could be a master switch for cancer

Scientists have discovered a new cancer-causing gene that they believe could be a molecular master switch for the disease.

Dubbed the Pokemon…    

Low-LDL gene quite common in African Americans

Researchers have identified two genetic mutations that are fairly common in individuals of African descent and are associated with a 50 percent reduction in…    

Gene therapy improves Alzheimer’s in mouse study

Gene therapy might one day be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, new experiments in mice suggest.

The study found that…    

Genes, low iron tied to restless legs in kids

Family history and iron deficiency appear to play important roles in childhood restless legs syndrome, according to a new study.

Restless legs…    

Genetic variation tied to osteoarthritis

A variant of the gene that controls production of a cartilage component increases susceptibility to osteoarthritis, Japanese researchers report

Dr. Shiro…    

Nanoparticles could improve gene therapy

Tiny particles of silica can act as DNA carriers, providing a non-viral method of gene therapy, new research shows.

The idea of…    

Gene therapy helps kids with immune disorder

A type of gene therapy helps restore a working immune system to children with a genetic disease called x-linked severe combine immune deficiency (SCID-X1),…    

Gene therapy curbs fibroids, in mice

Experiments in mice show that treating uterine fibroids with gene therapy that inactivates the fibroid’s estrogen receptors causes them to shrink. This might lead…    

Genetic factors influence female infidelity

Genetic factors appear to play a role in influence female infidelity and the number of sexual partners women have, British scientists said on Wednesday.…    

Biotech firm wants to breed allergy-free cats

The biotechnology revolution is shaking up the pet world.
First came a cloned cat. Then came the fish genetically engineered to glow.…    

Mice thrive without chapters of the book of life

It’s called the book of life, but mice—and perhaps humans—can still thrive even when chapters are missing, scientists said on Wednesday.

The…    

UN urged to ignore Bush plea for human cloning ban

Britain’s national academy of science urged the United Nations on Monday to ignore a call by President Bush to ban all forms of human…    

Harvard seeks permission to clone human embryos

Harvard University researchers said on Wednesday they were seeking permission to use cloning technology to make human stem cells.

They plan to…    

Genetic factors influence male homosexuality - study

Genetic factors, along with cultural and early experiences, influence male homosexuality, Italian scientists said on Wednesday.

Researchers at the University of Padua…    

Scientists identify “Jekyll and Hyde” cancer gene

French and American scientists said Wednesday they have identified a “Jekyll and Hyde” type of cancer gene that could lead to better ways to…    

New genetic link found to SIDS

A collection of genes involved in early development may help explain why black babies are more at risk of sudden infant death syndrome than…    

Gulf War syndrome may be in the genes

Chronic fatigue among Gulf War veterans seems to be associated with a particular variant of the DCP1 gene, according to new research.

…    

Gene profile predicts leukemia relaps

Altered expression of genes—either turned on or off abnormally—is a hallmark of cancer. Researchers have now found that differences in the expression of a…    

Gene defect found in some SIDS cases

A faulty gene may be responsible for some cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib or cot death, U.S. researchers…    

Exercise cuts fall risk for women with thin bones

Exercises that boost strength and agility may help elderly women with brittle bones lessen their odds of falling, a new study suggests.

…    

UK Nobel Laureate wants genetic bias ban

A Nobel Prize winning scientist has called on the British government to introduce legislation to prevent discrimination on the basis of people’s genetic make-up,…