Screening for Alzheimer's Disease?

This week BioNews reports a study that shows a gene variant (APOEe4) known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease is involved in the way our brains function (1). Some headlines stated that 'people could be screened for Alzheimer's disease risk', but at the moment it is not easy to...[Read More]

World's first stem cell trial for stroke patients passes safety test

A pioneering clinical trial to inject stem cells into the brains of disabled stroke patients has been cleared to progress to the next stage after no safety concerns were raised in the first three patients....[Read More]

NHS stem cell services get £4 million cash injection

The UK Government has recently announced a £4 million investment in stem cell services. The funding will enable NHS Blood and Transplant and charity Anthony Nolan to work together to increase UK cord blood collection and expand and improve adult stem cell donor registers...[Read More]

New Alzheimer's disease genes discovered

International scientists including researchers at Cardiff University, UK and the University of Pennsylvania, USA have discovered five genetic variations associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings are published in two papers in the journal Nature Genetics...[Read More]

Gene therapy trial for Parkinson's disease

For the first time, gene therapy has shown promise for people with severe Parkinson's disease. Results from a proof of concept clinical trial in the US were published in the journal Lancet Neurology...[Read More]

Cells grown in lab could help research into Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at Northwestern University, Chicago have transformed stem cells into a key type of brain cell that dies early in Alzheimer's disease. Their findings will allow scientists to study what causes the cells to die in Alzheimer's, potentially paving the way for new treatments....[Read More]

Gene linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease

US scientists have identified a gene which they suggest is associated with Alzheimer's and could help uncover the causes of the disease....[Read More]

Skin disease has inbuilt genetic 'cure'

Scientists have identified genetic changes responsible for the rare skin condition, ichthyosis with confetti (IWC). They also discovered that skin cells from patients with IWC can eliminate the genetic mutation that causes the disease...[Read More]

Flash cooling holds promise for egg storage

Droplet size, temperature and composition can affect the vitrification process, according to research published in PNAS last month. The findings could be used to improve the vitrification techniques used to store biological materials, including eggs for IVF treatment...[Read More]

US single embryo transfers on the rise

The percentage of IVF cycles using elective single embryo transfer has increased since 2007, according to a report released last week....[Read More]

Cholesterol control gene could provide dementia protection

American scientists have found that a genetic variation could be associated with slower memory decline and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The preliminary findings shed light on processes in the brain that could contribute to memory loss and dementia. The work was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last week....[Read More]