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.
Preparing for successful aging — Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging – It’s never too early or too late to start working toward the goal of improving brain health. So perhaps the New Year is the perfect time to consider how one achieves a long and satisfying life.
Citrus surprise: Vitamin C boosts the reprogramming of adult cells into stem cells – Famous for its antioxidant properties and role in tissue repair, vitamin C is touted as beneficial for illnesses ranging from the common cold to cancer and perhaps even for slowing the aging process.
Leprosy susceptibility genes reported in New England Journal of Medicine paper — Largest genome-wide association study of an infectious disease – In the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of leprosy and the largest GWAS on an infectious disease, scientists at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and 26 institutes in China identified seven genes that increase an individual’s susceptibility to leprosy.
University of Michigan (U-M) study reveals lack of diversity in embryonic stem cell lines – The most widely used human embryonic stem cell lines lack genetic diversity, a finding that raises social justice questions that must be addressed to ensure that all sectors of society benefit from stem cell advances, according to a University of Michigan research team.
Researchers discover new ‘golden ratios’ for female facial beauty – Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder but also in the relationship of the eyes and mouth of the beholden. The distance between a woman’s eyes and the distance between her eyes and her mouth are key factors in determining how attractive she is to others.
NIH-funded study unveils potential genetic links to lung disease risk — New genes for lung disease discovered, New genetics study by consortium led by universities of Leicester and Nottingham – Scientists have discovered five genetic variants that are associated with the health of the human lung. The research by an international consortium of 96 scientists from 63 centres in Europe and Australia sheds new light on the molecular basis of lung diseases.
Studies quantify radiation doses, cancer risks from CT scans — Variable doses of radiation raise safety concerns for CT procedures. – Radiation doses from common CT procedures vary widely and are higher than generally thought, raising concerns about increased risk for cancer, according to a new study led by UCSF imaging specialists.
Secondhand smoke exposure in childhood increases lung cancer risk later in life – Children exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke have an increased risk of developing lung cancer in adulthood, even if they never smoked.
Mayo Clinic and collaborators find vitamin D levels associated with survival in lymphoma patients – A new study has found that the amount of vitamin D in patients being treated for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was strongly associated with cancer progression and overall survival.
How nutrition affects healthy aging — The correct combination of proteins is decisive for healthy aging, not reducing the calories in our diet. – A new study of the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing could help to understand the positive effect of dietary restriction on healthy ageing.
Balancing protein intake, not cutting calories, may be key to long life – Getting the correct balance of proteins in our diet may be more important for healthy ageing than reducing calories, new research funded by the Wellcome Trust and Research into Ageing suggests.
Common pain relief medication may encourage cancer growth – Opiate-based painkillers like morphine can stimulate the growth and spread of cancer cells, revealed by researchers.
