Single gene can make you appear more trustworthy

Variations in a single gene may have considerable impact on whether people come across as trustworthy and kind, scientists say. Furthermore, the snap judgments we make about people's kindness after only a brief contact may accurately correspond to whether or not they possess the more 'social' gene variant...[Read More]

Direct-to-consumer genetic test results are questionable, research suggests

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests provide an inaccurate prediction of disease risk and offer little benefit to consumers, scientists claim...[Read More]

DNA affecting the severity of cystic fibrosis discovered

Two genetic regions that might explain some differences in disease severity in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have been identified by US and Canadian researchers. The two regions contain genes that can modify lung function...[Read More]

Lower IVF success in women of African origin linked to autoimmunity, suggests study

A genetic predisposition towards autoimmune disease may be associated with lower pregnancy rates in IVF, a US study suggests. The findings offer a possible explanation for differences in IVF treatment outcomes between different ethnic groups....[Read More]

New genetic markers for heart disease discovered

An international research consortium has discovered 13 new genetic markers and confirmed ten previously identified markers associated with heart disease. The study, one of the world's largest, more than doubles the known genetic risk factors for coronary artery disease, a common cause of heart attacks and strokes....[Read More]

Study claims genetic link to unfaithfulness

American researchers suggest a genetic element to an individual's sexual behaviour. A genetic variant of the dopamine receptor gene, DRD4, was found to be more common in people displaying higher rates of sexual promiscuity and infidelity....[Read More]

Science 'express concern' over publication of 'flawed' longevity gene paper

Serious doubts have been raised over the validity of a study on the genetic basis on longevity published in the journal Science....[Read More]

The Irish are different - genetically

The genome of an Irish man has been fully sequenced for the first time, and reveals a unique 'Irish genetic signature'. Professor Brendan Loftus from the Conway Institute at University College Dublin, who led the study, hopes that the findings will contribute to the understanding of genetic diversity...[Read More]

Psychosis-related gene variant linked to creativity in healthy people?

A variant of the neuregulin 1 gene associated with an increased risk of psychosis, may positively affect the creative capacity of healthy people, scientists from Semmelweis University in Hungary suggest in a recent article in Psychological Science. However, the limitations of this small study mean that more research will be necessary to confirm this preliminary finding....[Read More]

Gene clue to sweet cravings

Canadian researchers, based at University of Toronto, have discovered a genetic variation which may help to explain why some people have a sweet tooth, causing them to consume more sugary foods and drinks in their diet. The findings, published online last week in the journal Physiological Genomics...[Read More]

US FDA  to subject blood-thinning drug to genetic test

In the first move of its kind, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - the agency responsible for regulating food, drugs and biological medical products - has recommended a genetic test prior to the prescription of a drug, Warfarin, in order to gauge potential patient response. Warfarin, sold...[Read More]

Genes influence emotional memory

Neuroscientists in Switzerland have identified a gene that influences the recall of emotionally charged memories. Dominique de Quervain, and colleagues, at the University of Zurich published a study in Nature Neuroscience last week reporting that subjects with the gene variant ADRA2B performed better on recall tests for...[Read More]

Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing: When Rights Clash

Consumers' ability to obtain laboratory test services directly and without a medical order is increasing. Is this a good thing? Direct to consumer, otherwise known as direct access, clinical testing has been permitted for many years in some, but not in all states within the US. This disparity suggests that...[Read More]

Genes may affect nicotine patch success

Women smokers with a particular genetic variation are more likely to benefit from nicotine patches when trying to quit than others, a new UK study suggests. Researchers at the University of Oxford studied 445 women and 307 men who had been heavy smokers, who were given either nicotine or control...[Read More]

Putting genes in their place

The 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA presents a golden opportunity to take stock of what impact this and subsequent discoveries in molecular genetics have had and what it promises for the future of human health and happiness. Genetics is now big business. Worldwide anniversary celebrations...[Read More]