Issue 559 (24 May 2010)

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Making the most of genomics for health

24 May 2010 - by Dr Philippa Brice

The 2008 'House of Lords Science and Technology Committee Report' on Genomic Medicine failed to adequately reflect the realities of genomics and health, according to a new report released on 18th May 2010...[Read More]

The perils of creating synthetic life

24 May 2010 - by Dr Gabrielle Samuel

As an ex-genetic researcher I was incredibly excited to hear in last week's news that researchers at the J Craig Venter Institute, US, have successfully constructed the first self-replicating, synthetic bacterial cell....[Read More]

Waking dormant eggs may boost fertility

24 May 2010 - by Victoria Kay

A US study on mice has given hope to women with reduced fertility, including those receiving treatment for cancer. If transferable to humans, it seems activating dormant eggs could increase the chances of conception....[Read More]

Genes discovered that may increase longevity

24 May 2010 - by Tamara Hirsch

Scientists have identified several genetic variants linked to living a long life. The right 'suite' of so-called 'Methuselah' genes could offset the ill effects of smoking, drinking and poor diet, the new research shows....[Read More]

IVF becoming more efficient than sex in the over-30's

24 May 2010 - by Rosemary Paxman

IVF could become the routine method of conception for 30-40 year olds within a decade, scientists predict...[Read More]

First synthetic cell created in a laboratory

24 May 2010 - by Dr Lux Fatimathas

For the first time artificial life has been created in a laboratory, in the form of a bacterium. US researchers have chemically synthesised the DNA of the simple bacterium Mycoplasma mycoides...[Read More]

Oldest UK woman to have IVF cancels her treatment

24 May 2010 - by Harriet Vickers

A 59 year-old woman has backed out of IVF treatment at the last minute, as she feels the risks at her age are too great...[Read More]

Report on the recommendations for the future of genomic medicine released

24 May 2010 - by Ben Jones

The UK's Foundation for Genomics and Population Health (PHG Foundation) has called for the Government to improve its policies for using genomic medicine to treat patients...[Read More]

Fertile and infertile sperm could soon easily be distinguished

24 May 2010 - by Sophie Pryor

German researchers have developed a new way of measuring the quality of human sperm cells by creating a chemical 'signature'...[Read More]

Book Review: The Language of Life - DNA and the Revolution in Personalised Medicine

24 May 2010 - by Naomi Moskovic

The author of this book was head of the Human Genome Project at the time when the pioneering work to sequence the human genome was carried out. Furthermore, the cover of the paperback carries an endorsement of his work from no less than Barack Obama. So this is an important book...[Read More]