The Human Dynasty

In findings published electronically in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers found polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes that are associated with susceptibility to major depression and antidepressant response. Two genes critical for T-cell function in the immune system have been associated with susceptibility for major depressive disorder and antidepressant treatment response: PSMB4 (proteasome beta 4 subunit) and TBX21 (T-bet).

Just because scientific advances now allow individuals to learn their genetic make-up doesn’t mean they should rush into genetic testing in hopes of making revolutionary improvements to their health, cautions a geneticist and practicing physician.

According to some experts, newly born neuronal stem cells in the adult brain may provide a therapy for brain injury. But if these stem cells are to be utilized in this way, the process by which they are created, neurogenesis, must be regulated.

New genetic mutations responsible for impaired fetal movement, which leads to a multitude or problems in later life as well as early spontaneous abortion, have been identified.

Scientists find promiscuous genes in an asexual animal

Although “Viking” literally means “pirate,” recent research has indicated that the Vikings were also traders to the fishmongers of Europe. Stereotypically, these Norsemen are usually pictured wearing a horned helmet but in a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen, investigated what went under the helmet; the scientists extracted authentic DNA from ancient Viking [...]

Researchers may have discovered the precise role of a gene in one of the world’s most common blood disorders, beta-thalassemia, commonly known as Cooley’s anemia.

Jörg Willems has made an important contribution to our understanding of multi-scale problems in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. The effects of a stroke can now be significantly alleviated with a stem cell therapy based on umbilical cord blood.

Researchers have discovered the genetic cause of a type of childhood epilepsy called childhood absence epilepsy, which accounts for 10-12 percent of epilepsy cases in children under age 16. The finding may explain why CAE mysteriously disappears in adulthood. In addition, the study may provide insight into developing treatments and cures for CAE and other forms of epilepsy.

The protein XPD is one component of an essential repair mechanism that maintains the integrity of DNA. Pinpoint mutations of this single protein are responsible for three different human diseases associated with increased risk of cancer and accelerated aging: xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, and trichothiodystrophy. Researchers have now solved the essential structure of XPD, revealing novel insights into the processes of aging and cancer.