By accident, scientists discover how commonest DNA replication error is corrected

Scientists have discovered the enzyme in our cells which corrects the most frequently occurring mistake in DNA as cells divide...[Read More]

Maternity rights for women using surrogate mothers raised in Parliament

Former shadow health secretary Mr John Healey has called for mothers of children conceived using a surrogate to be given equal maternity pay, leave and rights as other mothers. Currently mothers who use surrogates are entitled to 13 weeks unpaid leave, in contrast to mothers who adopt or conceive themselves, who are entitled to 52 weeks leave with 39 weeks maternity pay....[Read More]

Gene therapy controls epilepsy in rats

Researchers in the US have used gene therapy to reduce the severity of seizures in a rat model of epilepsy. The gene injected into the rats codes for somatostatin, a hormone which is normally found in low levels in people with the condition...[Read More]

Early life factors may impact genes of Glasgow's poorest, study claims

Unhealthy lifestyles associated with social deprivation may have detrimental effects on DNA before birth, say scientists. A study of adults living in Glasgow shows a correlation between deprivation and DNA methylation - a normal process that occurs mainly during embryonic development and regulates gene activity...[Read More]

One or two embryos in IVF? It depends on your age, study says

The transfer of one or two embryos during IVF should be dependent on the age of the mother, according to a UK study...[Read More]

Accidental destruction of sperm samples at Cardiff IVF clinic

Apologies have been issued by a Welsh IVF clinic following the accidental destruction of three patients' sperm samples. The samples, known as straws, were collected from patients undergoing treatments for blood disorders and cancer that may affect their fertility. An investigation is underway as to why no senior staff were informed when the samples were destroyed in March this year...[Read More]

'Wrongful life' - the children who sue for being born

Increasing numbers of Israeli children with birth defects are suing medical professionals for failing to detect abnormalities and allowing them to be born, says the New Scientist. The magazine reports that such is the Israeli Government's concern over the rise in 'wrongful life' lawsuits it has launched an investigation into the validity of the claims....[Read More]

Biopsy of egg DNA to aid IVF

US researchers have developed a way to analyse the viability of human eggs at a genetic level without causing them harm. This technology will help improve the chances of successful IVF for couples with fertility problems...[Read More]

New blood test for familial motor neurone disease to be developed

An international team of scientists has identified a genetic defect responsible for familial motor neurone disease (MND). A region on chromosome 9 was found to be expanded in 40 percent of people with familial motor neurone disease. It is hoped that a blood test for this disease will be available on the NHS in the near future...[Read More]

Genome blueprint of mice helps understanding of human genetics

International researchers have mapped over 55 million genetic variations in the mouse genome in the hopes of better understanding human disease. The genomes of 17 strains of mice were analysed and variations in their DNA, called SNPs, were catalogued...[Read More]