Broken genomes behind breast cancers

The first detailed search of breast cancer genomes to uncover genomic rearrangements is published today. The team characterised the ways in which the human genome is broken and put back together in 24 cases of breast cancer.

A Novel Gene Found for Childhood-Onset Asthma

Pediatric researchers have identified a novel gene involved in childhood asthma, in one of the largest gene studies to date of the common respiratory disease. Because the gene, called DENND1B, affects cells and signaling molecules thought to be instrumental in the immune system overreaction that occurs in asthma, the discovery may have singled out an [...]

New genes for lung disease discovered

New genetics study by consortium led by universities of Leicester and Nottingham
Scientists have discovered five genetic variants that are associated with the health of the human lung. The research by an international consortium of 96 scientists from 63 centres in Europe and Australia sheds new light on the molecular basis of lung diseases.

Panda genome unveiled

What’s black and white and read all over? The giant panda genome. All 2.4 billion DNA base pairs of a 3-year-old female panda named Jingjing have been cataloged, researchers report online December 13 in Nature. The information will help researchers understand panda traits such as finicky diets. A thorough understanding of panda genetics may aid [...]

Human Genome reports positive data on lupus drug

NEW YORK — Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline said Monday their experimental lupus treatment passed another key goal on its path to potentially becoming the first new drug for the disease in decades.