Category: Genetics

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2007 this year has gone to three scientists working in the US and the UK for their work on the genetic modification of embryonic stem cells. Their discoveries led to the creation of powerful “gene targeting” technologies that are now used extensively in research and therapy.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2007 this year has gone to three scientists working in the US and the UK for their work on the genetic modification of embryonic stem cells. Their discoveries led to the creation of powerful “gene targeting” technologies that are now used extensively in research and therapy.

US scientists have shown that the deadly strain of bird flu H5N1 that has so far killed 201 of the 329 people it has infected worldwide since 2003 is gradually evolving to a pandemic form that will spread easily from human to human.

US scientists have shown that the deadly strain of bird flu H5N1 that has so far killed 201 of the 329 people it has infected worldwide since 2003 is gradually evolving to a pandemic form that will spread easily from human to human.

Researchers in the United States and Sweden have identified a genetic region associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disease of the joints that affects an estimated 2.1 million Americans. The U.S. arm of the study involved a long-time collaboration between intramural researchers of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and other organizations.

Researchers in the United States and Sweden have identified a genetic region associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disease of the joints that affects an estimated 2.1 million Americans. The U.S. arm of the study involved a long-time collaboration between intramural researchers of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and other organizations.

Researchers in the United States and Sweden have identified a genetic region associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disease of the joints that affects an estimated 2.1 million Americans. The U.S. arm of the study involved a long-time collaboration between intramural researchers of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and other organizations.

The launch of the US National Children’s Study was official yesterday when it awarded 22 contracts to new study centres, following the pledge by Congress earlier this year to fund the largest study ever conducted into the genetic and environmental factors that impact American children’s health.

Scientists have discovered a causal link between the gene for a small protein involved in the formation of blood vessels and the development of some forms of Motor Neurone Disease. Published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, the findings could provide a basis for developing methods for halting the progression of some forms of the disease.

Genzyme Corp. (Nasdaq: GENZ) announced that it has received approval to market Elaprase(R) (idursulfase) in Japan for the treatment of Hunter syndrome. Elaprase is an enzyme replacement therapy developed by Shire Human Genetic Therapies Inc., and Genzyme is commercializing the product in Japan and other Asia Pacific countries under an agreement with Shire. Genzyme intends to launch Elaprase this quarter, following reimbursement approval.