Tag Archives: Genetics

Mitochondrial gene replacement in primate offspring and embryonic stem cells

Researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center have successfully replaced damaged and diseased mitochondria (and, likewise, their mtDNA) with healthy mitochondria with no apparent side effects in Macaca mulatta. This has strong implications for future treatment and prevention of mitochondrial DNA associated diseases. Original Publication in Nature : Mitochondrial gene replacement in primate offspring [...]
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Molecular Decay Of Enamel-specific Gene In Toothless Mammals Supports Theory Of Evolution

Biologists report new evidence for evolutionary change recorded in both the fossil record and the genomes (or genetic blueprints) of living organisms, providing fresh support for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The researchers were able to correlate the progressive loss of enamel in the fossil record with a simultaneous molecular decay of a gene, called [...]
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Spare Gene Is Fodder For Fishes’ Evolution

Scientists have suspected that spare parts in the genome — extra copies of functional genes that arise when genes or whole genomes get duplicated — might sometimes provide the raw materials for the evolution of new traits. Now, researchers report that they have discovered a prime example of this in fish. Read More
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First Genetic Link Between Reptile And Human Heart Evolution Found

Scientists have traced the evolution of the four-chambered human heart to a common genetic factor linked to the development of hearts in turtles and other reptiles. The research shows how a specific protein that turns on genes is involved in heart formation in turtles, lizards and humans. Read More
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Baylor researchers find fat cell blocker

A newly discovered molecule dubbed “fatostatin” has been implicated in stopping the pathway that is responsible for fat cell production, as well as cholesterol retention and insulin resistance. Studies in mice show positive results for controlling the negative effects of weight gain. Read more
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Genetic Cause For Type Of Deafness Identified; Discovery Could Lead To New Therapies For Progressive Hearing Loss

Scientists have discovered a genetic cause of progressive hearing loss. The findings will help scientists better understand the nature of age-related decline in hearing, and may lead to new therapies to prevent or treat the condition. Read more
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Another Step Towards a Personal Genomics Revolution

Stanford Professor Stephen Quake announced today that he sequenced his own genome at a cost of only $48,000, with the help of only two other people, and in just a few weeks. Despite the fact that the machine he used retails for about a million dollars, this is a large step towards a future of [...]
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5 Great Online Tools for Biologists

Biology (and its related fields) are less and less frequently sciences that must only be studied in the field. There are a great number of resources online that can aid biologists and researchers in expanding the productivity of their research. Here are 5 great online tools for biologists and researchers. 1. BLAST Database The NCBI [...]
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