The genes are composed of DNA and are carried on the chromosomes. Genes direct the production of all the molecules that form the structures that of a cell. Genes determine the inherited characteristics that distinguish one individual from another. Each human has an estimated 90,000 genes.
Studies provide new insights into the genetics of obesity and fat distribution – An international consortium has made significant inroads into uncovering the genetic basis of obesity by identifying 18 new gene sites associated with overall obesity and 13 that affect fat distribution.
UNC researchers identify genetic patterns that may predict osteoarthritis — Findings could serve in drug development trials and medical management of osteoarthritis patients – Scientists from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and Interleukin Genetics, Inc. announced findings from a large clinical study to evaluate the role played by genetic factors in the worsening of osteoarthritis.
Largest genetic study of asthma points towards better treatments — Genetic variants increase susceptibility to asthma – An international study looking at DNA from over 26,000 people has identified several genetic variants that substantially increase susceptibility to asthma in the population.
Preventive cancer surgeries save women’s lives — Genetic testing is critical for women with family history of ovarian and breast cancers – A new study underscores the importance for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer to get genetic counseling and testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that make them more likely to develop lethal breast or ovarian cancer, says a Northwestern Medicine oncologist.
First genetic link to common migraine exposed — Genetic variant may increase susceptibility to migraine triggers – Researchers have produced new insights into the triggers for migraines attacks. They have identified the first-ever genetic risk factor associated with common types of migraine.
New Parkinson’s gene is linked to immune system – A hunt throughout the human genome for variants associated with common, late-onset Parkinson’s disease has revealed a new genetic link that implicates the immune system and offers new targets for drug development.
Novel ‘antisense’ therapies protect primates from lethal Ebola and Marburg viruses – Treatments targeting specific viral genes protected monkeys infected with deadly Ebola or Marburg viruses, revealed in a new research.
Researchers discover genetic link between immune system, Parkinson’s disease – A team of researchers has discovered new evidence that Parkinson’s disease may have an infectious or autoimmune origin. “Common genetic variation in the HLA region is associated with late-onset sporadic Parkinson’s disease” appears online in Nature Genetics.
Cigarette smoke causes harmful changes in the lungs even at the lowest levels — First study to show alteration in the function of genes in the lungs resulting from secondhand and low-level smoking – Casual smokers may think that smoking a few cigarettes a week is “no big deal.” But according to new research from physician-scientists at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, having an infrequent smoke, or being exposed to secondhand smoke, may be doing more harm than people may think.
Scientists identify 95 genetic variants associated with cholesterol, triglycerides – Researchers have discovered or confirmed 95 regions of the human genome where genetic variants are associated with blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are major indicators of heart disease risk.
Genes and Pesticide Exposure Interact to Increase Men’s Risk for Parkinson’s Disease – Genetic mutations and workplace exposure to some insecticides together appear to be associated with an increased risk for Parkinson’s disease among men, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Study evaluates association of genetic factors and brain imaging findings in Alzheimer’s disease – By investigating the association between genetic loci related to Alzheimer’s disease and neuroimaging measures related to disease risk, researchers may have uncovered additional evidence that several previously studied genetic variants are associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and also may have identified new genetic risk factors for further study, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
