Genetics & Molecular Biology

The Gene Genie

I was thinking about how us humans have 25,000 or so genes, and I know nothing about 99.9% of them. And I call myself a molecular geneticist! Wouldn't it be nice to know a little more about the strands of DNA that play a big part in making up who we ...

Article - Timothy Erickson - Apr 10 2007 - 11:52am

The Gene Genie- Random OMIM Search Term Of The Day: "nine"

I rubbed the belly of the Gene Genie, and it revealed unto me that I shall search the OMIM database with the term " nine ". So, let's venture into the unknown expanse of the human genome (cue some Carl Sagan space documentary music). ...

Article - Timothy Erickson - Jul 25 2007 - 10:08am

Gene That Governs Toxin Production In Deadly Mold Found

For the growing number of people with diminished immune systems- cancer patients, transplant recipients, those with HIV/AIDS- infection by a ubiquitous mold known as Aspergillus fumigatus can be a death sentence. The fungus, which is found in the soil, on ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 12 2007 - 11:22pm

How Genetic Malfunction Causes A Form Of Retardation

Researchers have discovered that the genetic malfunction that causes a form of mental retardation called Noonan Syndrome (NS) produces an imbalance in the genesis of two types of cells in the developing embryonic brain. This imbalance, they theorize, coul ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 18 2007 - 12:06pm

Gene Study Shows Three Distinct Groups Of Chimpanzees

The largest study to date of genetic variation among chimpanzees has found that the traditional, geography-based sorting of chimps into three populations—western, central and eastern—is underpinned by significant genetic differences, two to three times gr ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 20 2007 - 12:14pm

The Rhesus Macaque Genome- Can It Help Us Learn About Ourselves?

Just recently Science published the paper describing the latest primate genome- the rhesus macaque genome. (Check out Science's macaque website for some good (and free) articles on the subject.) Sequencing a large genome like this one is resource inte ...

Article - Michael White - May 6 2007 - 1:23am

Adaptive Evolution And Repetitive DNA Elements

Traditionally, the genome has been viewed as a collection of DNA molecules that vary in composition between individuals and species, and variations that generate phenotypic differences have been assumed to occur in a more or less random manner. More recent ...

Article - Ana Ruiz - May 15 2007 - 4:40pm

Comparing Genomes On A Chip

Last fall I had a chance to hear a presentation by Doug Berg, a microbiologist here at Washington University. Berg's work is a great combination of new technology, genomics and evolution, and it happens to also have potential medical relevance. He ...

Article - Michael White - May 6 2007 - 1:20am

Researchers Learn More About Genetic Mutation Linked To Autism

University of Iowa researchers have learned more about a genetic mutation that contributes to autism. The mutation occurred in sperm cells of a father, who does not have autism, but passed the condition on to two of his children. ...

Article - News Staff - May 3 2007 - 5:47pm

Essential Genes Cluster Clue To Order In The Genome

The identification of a cluster of essential genes on mouse chromosome 11 as well as similar clusters on the chromosomes of other organisms – including humans – buttresses the argument that there may be rules as to how genes are structured or laid out on c ...

Article - News Staff - May 3 2007 - 11:43pm