US Supreme Court: Human DNA is a 'product of nature' and cannot be patented

The US Supreme Court has unanimously rejected a number of patent claims made by Myriad Genetics on isolated forms of two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.... [Read More]

Book Review: An introduction to the Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Disease

A beginner's tour guide through genetics and epigenetics, this booklet covers much of the fundamental biology behind genetic illness and gives a broad overview of some of the biggest challenges currently faced by researchers in the field. It does not assume any previous knowledge, and gives clear, concise summaries of key historical figures and theories, including a very useful glossary at the back.... [Read More]

Event Review: It's All in the Genes - Medical Genetics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Medical genetics has changed how we think about diagnosis and treatment in almost every field of medicine. At an evening event hosted by the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), medical genetics teamed up with obstetrics and gynaecology to explore the impact of genetics on the diagnosis of ovarian and breast cancer.... [Read More]

Crick Cambridge college commemoration

A memorial to Francis Crick has been unveiled at his former college at the University of Cambridge to mark the 60th anniversary of the publication of the structure of DNA... [Read More]

Gene for epilepsy paves way for genetic testing

Researchers in Australia have identified a genetic link to a common form of epilepsy, which could lead the way to genetic testing for this type of the condition.... [Read More]

700 and counting

Welcome to the 700th edition of BioNews. The hyperbole we were planning to use to celebrate this landmark no longer seems appropriate given the sad news of the death of Professor Sir Robert Edwards - or just 'Bob', as he was known - on Wednesday.... [Read More]

Companies hold patents on entire human genome

A new study has reported that the entire human genome may be under patents held by commercial companies.... [Read More]

Patients should get health risk gene information whether they want it or not, says report

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has published a report recommending that patients who have their genomes sequenced should automatically be told of incidental genetic findings.... [Read More]

Cancer genetics: plans for London-based Tumour Profiling Unit unveiled

The planned Tumuor Profiling Unit at The Institute for Cancer Research, London will focus on sequencing the DNA of cancer tumours to help diagnose and monitor different types of cancer, and to also identify those more likely to respond to particular treatments.... [Read More]

DNA turned into digital data storage

Digital information can be reliably stored in DNA, say scientists... [Read More]

Privacy risk: researchers identify 'anonymous' DNA donors

A US team of researchers has shown it is possible to link whole genome sequence data to a specific person, using only publicly available information.... [Read More]

Event Review: Masterpieces of Epigenetics - The Missing Link between Nature and Nurture

'Beautiful science' was how Dr Nessa Carey described epigenetics at the Biochemical Society Annual Symposium Public Lecture, held at the University of Leeds... [Read More]

Rare genetic mutations for bowel cancer discovered

Two rare genetic mutations have been linked to a higher risk of developing bowel cancer... [Read More]

Is homosexuality down to epigenetics?

Homosexuality is inherited, not through genes, but through 'epi-markers', a study based around mathematical modelling suggests... [Read More]

Genetics alone does not explain cancer growth

Genetic mutations are not the only contributing factor in the growth of cancerous tumours, say scientists... [Read More]

Amgen buys personal genomics pioneers deCODE for $415 million

The US biotechnology company Amgen will buy deCODE Genetics, which provides products and services for genome analysis, for $415 million... [Read More]

Whole genome sequencing for NHS cancer patients

The UK Government has announced plans that will allow 100,000 NHS patients to have their whole genome sequenced over the next three to five years, as part of a move to boost economic growth in the life sciences industry... [Read More]

We all carry hundreds of genetic mutations in our DNA

An average person carries roughly 400 potentially damaging mutations in their DNA, say geneticists... [Read More]

Human genetic variation mapped from 1,000 genomes

Over 1,000 people from 14 countries have had their genomes mapped by scientists. The researchers say their study will help them examine genetic variations at the scale of national populations and further identification of the rare genetic variations related to many diseases... [Read More]

Rapid test for genetic diseases in newborns developed

A streamlined method to find disease-causing single gene mutations has been developed to aid diagnosis of critically ill infants... [Read More]