Issue 664 (09 July 2012)

Welcome to BioNews by email, the free weekly news digest of the top stories in assisted conception, genetics, embryo/stem cell research and related areas, published by the Progress Educational Trust. Sent to registered subscribers each week, BioNews by email is aimed at informing debate in these areas by providing balanced and timely summaries of the week's news and developments alongside comment, reviews and recommendations of selected topical conferences, events and more. It also contains job advertisements from the relevant sectors.

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23 and You? Genome research, direct-to-consumer genetics and informed consent

09 July 2012 - by Dr Megan Allyse

When US based, direct-to-consumer genetic testing company 23andMe announced last month that it had obtained a patent on a method for determining predisposition to Parkinson's disease, it highlighted, perhaps inadvertently, a growing area of unresolved tension between clinical, commercial and research interests.... [Read More]

Better regulation for fertility treatment: a review of the options

09 July 2012 - by Professor Alison Murdoch

Government intends to save money by improving the efficiency of regulatory bodies. Providers of fertility treatments also favour more efficient regulation as it would help them improve their own services. This common purpose - the need for improved efficiency - is reflected in the consultation announced by the government; the central question is how it should be achieved... [Read More]

IVF single embryo transfers have better chance of survival

09 July 2012 - by Dr Gabrielle Samuel

Single embryo transfer reduces the risk of death within a month of birth for babies conceived via IVF, according to an Australian study... [Read More]

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for cancer risk during IVF is feasible, study indicates

09 July 2012 - by Sarah Guy

It is now scientifically feasible to use preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) during IVF to screen embryos for genes associated with high cancer risk, scientists say... [Read More]

Coffee and saturated fats not good for IVF success, studies say

09 July 2012 - by Rosie Beauchamp

Drinking more than five cups of coffee a day or having a diet with too much saturated fat could adversely affect the chances of success of fertility treatment... [Read More]

Amniotic fluid could provide alternative to embryonic stem cells

09 July 2012 - by Sophie Pryor

Stem cells taken from amniotic fluid can be reprogrammed into a more versatile state similar to embryonic stem cells (ES cells) without the introduction of extra genes, UK scientists have found. The discovery offers hope that these cells could be banked for therapeutic use, research and drug screening... [Read More]

Genetic regions that are major risk factors for osteoarthritis identified

09 July 2012 - by Helen Brooks

Scientists have identified eight regions of the genetic code associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis... [Read More]

Fetal genome sequenced using only a blood sample from the mother

09 July 2012 - by Dr Lux Fatimathas

US researchers have for the first time sequenced the genome of a fetus using only a blood sample from the mother. It is hoped this new form of non-invasive sampling could allow doctors to screen for a range of genetic diseases prenatally, with minimal risk to the fetus... [Read More]

Two gene variants linked to breast size also linked to breast cancer

09 July 2012 - by Ruth Saunders

Two novel gene variants linked to breast size may also also influence the risk of breast cancer, according to a study carried out by US genetics company 23andMe.... [Read More]

Level of IVF funding in UK among lowest in Europe

09 July 2012 - by Julianna Photopoulos

The funding of fertility treatment in the UK is among the lowest in Europe, according to a new study presented at the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology's annual meeting in Istanbul... [Read More]

Book Review: The Embalmer's Book of Recipes

09 July 2012 - by Dr Amy Strange

If you can get past the gruesome eye on the cover, you enter into a world of love, mathematics, farming and death, woven together in Ann Lingard's 'The Embalmer's Book of Recipes'... [Read More]

Book Review: Bring It On Baby - How to Have a Dudelike Pregnancy

09 July 2012 - by Dr Rachael Panizzo

From natural childbirth to infertility, breastfeeding to immunisations, there are few areas of pregnancy and childcare that are free from judgment and well-meaning advice.... [Read More]