FRIDAY, April 22, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Genetic mutations build up faster in the brain cells of Alzheimer’s disease patients than in other people, new research reveals. The discovery could point the way to new Alzheimer’s treatments. DNA errors called somatic mutations can occur in brain cells as people age.Continue Reading
FRIDAY, April 15, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Cancer patients’ blood type may play a role in their risk for dangerous blood clots, researchers say. Cancer and its treatments increase the risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). That includes deep-vein thrombosis (DVT, a blood clot that typically forms in the deep veinsContinue Reading
WEDNESDAY, April 13, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Strong natural protection against cancer-causing mutations may explain why some longtime smokers don’t develop lung cancer, according to a new study. Researchers compared mutations in cells lining the lungs from 14 never-smokers, ages 11 to 86, and 19 smokers, ages 44 to 81.Continue Reading
THURSDAY, April 7, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Researchers who identified 120 genes linked to schizophrenia say their findings are the strongest ever demonstrating the genetic basis of the psychiatric disorder and could lead to new treatments. “Previous research has shown associations between schizophrenia and many anonymous DNA sequences, but rarelyContinue Reading
THURSDAY, March 31, 2022 (HealthDay News) — The Human Genome Project produced the most complete map of human genetics ever assembled in 2003 — but that map still held many uncharted territories. It did not contain about 8% of the human genome, representing crucial regions and large gaps that haveContinue Reading
TUESDAY, March 29, 2022 (HealthDay News) — An experimental cream-based gene therapy may soon become the first U.S. government-approved means for treating a rare and devastating skin disease that produces “butterfly children.” Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are called butterfly children “because their skin is as fragile asContinue Reading
MONDAY, March 14, 2022 (HealthDay News) — German shepherds are one of the most noble dog breeds on the planet, but they can fall prey to an often deadly swallowing disorder. Now, researchers report they have not only identified a gene variant that explains this susceptibility, but they have alsoContinue Reading
THURSDAY, March 10, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Scientists have developed a single test that can rapidly detect a collection of rare genetic diseases — an advance they hope will shorten the “diagnostic odyssey” that people with these conditions can face. The test diagnoses conditions known collectively as “STR-expansion” disorders, whichContinue Reading
THURSDAY, March 10, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Two groups of indigenous people in the Bolivian Amazon have some of the world’s lowest dementia rates, and that may offer insight on how to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests. Researchers found only about 1% of older Tsimane and Moseten peopleContinue Reading
TUESDAY, March 8, 2022 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday gave the green light to the sale of beef from gene-edited cattle. “Today’s decision underscores our commitment to using a risk and science-based, data-driven process that focuses on safety to the animals containing intentional genomicContinue Reading
MONDAY, Feb. 28, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Who hasn’t had the urge to trace their roots by buying consumer genetic testing kits? But in a new report, researchers warn that you may come across some unexpected, and potentially troubling, information if you discover relatives this way. “If you’re going toContinue Reading
FRIDAY, Feb. 25, 2022 (HealthDay News) — A massive genetic family tree traces the ancestry of all people today. The researchers who created it said it shows how individuals worldwide are related to one another and reveals key events in human evolution, including the migration out of Africa. “Essentially, weContinue Reading
MONDAY, Feb. 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) — An experimental drug may help build bone mass in some adults with a rare brittle-bone disease, a small preliminary study suggests. The disease is called osteogenesis imperfecta. It’s caused by defects in certain genes involved in making collagen — a key protein inContinue Reading
MONDAY, Feb. 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Joshua Akey admits he didn’t care much for dogs in his youth. “My wife, who grew up with dogs, convinced me that we should get a dog our first year in graduate school. I very begrudgingly agreed, and have been a dog personContinue Reading