Genetics & Molecular Biology

Gauging Heritability Of Childhood-Onset Autoimmune Diseases

Scientists have calculated more precise measurements of heritability--the influence of underlying genes--in nine autoimmune diseases that begin in childhood. The research may strengthen researchers' abilities to better predict a child's risk for ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 14 2015 - 5:53pm

What Do EU Countries Give Up When They Opt-out Of GMO Crops? And For Whom?

A deadline passed on Oct. 3  for countries in the EU to opt out of future "GMO Crop" planting approvals. ...

Article - Steve Savage - Oct 9 2015 - 1:30pm

Gene Facilitating Repair Of Acutely Injured Kidney Found

In the kidney, injured cells can be kicked into reparative mode by a gene called Sox9, according to a new paper.  Sox9 also plays a key role in the normal development of the kidney and the authors found that surviving injured cells switch on the Sox9 gene ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 17 2015 - 8:00am

Biochemists Uncover Structure Of Cellular Memory Mechanism

Calcium is a crucial element in the body that controls thought, movement and other bodily functions. These events are directed by specialized proteins called ion channels that allow the flow of calcium ions in and out of cells and among cell compartments. ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 15 2015 - 7:29am

Natural Antioxidants Show Promise For Use In Preservation Of Meat And Meat Products

Antioxidants are often added to fresh and processed meat and meat products to prevent lipid oxidation (decomposition), stop the development of off-flavors, and improve color stability. Recently food manufacturers have moved towards using natural antioxida ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 19 2015 - 2:11pm

Protein Found In Malaria Could Help Stop Cancer

Researchers have discovered how a protein from malaria could some day help stop cancer. While exploring why pregnant women are particularly susceptible to malaria, they found that the mosquito-borne parasite that causes malaria also produces a protein tha ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 26 2015 - 8:30am

Testing The Internet's Food Claims With Citizen Science

If you'd like to lose a few pounds, poke around the Internet and read about food and farming. Within ten minutes you will likely find that all of your favorite fare is poised to kill you, contributing to dozens of maladies from allergies, to autism, t ...

Article - Kevin M. Folta - Oct 17 2015 - 7:42am

Regrowing Teeth: Yes In Fish So Why Not In Humans?

When a Lake Malawi cichlid loses a tooth, a new one drops neatly into place as a replacement. Why can't humans similarly regrow teeth lost to injury or disease? Working with hundreds of these colorful fish, researchers are beginning to understanding ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 22 2015 - 7:00am

Gene Therapy For Weight Loss Without Bone Loss

Delivering the hormone leptin directly to the brain through gene therapy can aid weight loss without the significant side effect of bone loss, according to new research. Rapid or significant weight loss through dieting can trigger bone loss. Loss of bone d ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 22 2015 - 1:26pm

This Biomarker Portends Premature Death

A single blood test could reveal whether an otherwise healthy person is unusually likely to die of pneumonia or sepsis within the next 14 years. Based on an analysis of 10,000 individuals, researchers have identified a molecular byproduct of inflammation, ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 22 2015 - 4:56pm