| Genes hint at schizophrenia complexity |
| 1 August 2008 - by Ailsa Stevens |
| Three independent studies have identified gene variants which contribute significantly to schizophrenia risk, taking steps towards understanding the cause of this highly complex condition which affects 1 in 100 people. Two of the three gene variants discovered were rare, but conferred 12 and 15 percent higher risks... [Read More] |
| Stem cells and neurons generated from ALS patients' skin cells |
| 4 August 2008 - by Dr Rachael Panizzo |
| Scientists at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Columbia University Medical Center in the US have reprogrammed the skin cells of two patients with amyloid lateral sclerosis (ALS), making induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The stem cells were then used to generate motor neurons - the nerve... [Read More] |
| Gene variant links migraine and stroke risk |
| 4 August 2008 - by Stuart Scott |
| A gene variant previously thought to increase the risk of migraine in women has been shown, in fact, to have a mildly protective effect, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology. However, the study also shows that if women go on to develop migraines... [Read More] |
| IVF successes break new reproductive ground |
| 4 August 2008 - by MacKenna Roberts |
| Despite IVF being used for thirty years, fertility treatments are still breaking new ground to assist couples struggling to conceive children - in multiples. Recently the first US babies conceived using frozen eggs were born in Minnesota and now quadruplets have been born in California to two mothers... [Read More] |
| More research needed for link between soy foods and sperm count |
| 4 August 2008 - by Dr Charlotte Maden |
| A US study recently found a potential negative link between soy food intake and sperm concentration, as we reported in BioNews last week. But now soy producers around the world have disputed the findings, and are calling for more research in the area. The study, published last... [Read More] |
| HTA to consult on new code of practice for human tissue |
| 4 August 2008 - by Dr Karen Devine |
| The UK's Human Tissue Authority (HTA) has announced the launch of a consultation programme on a new code of practice for the storage of human tissue. This is the first code of practice to apply to the storage of tissue specifically for research purposes and includes stem... [Read More] |
| IVF birth problems due to infertility not technology |
| 4 August 2008 - by Dr Rebecca Robey |
| The increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at birth observed in babies conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) may be the result of parent's underlying infertility problems rather than the technology itself, a new study has revealed. In a report published in The Lancet, researchers found... [Read More] |
| South Korea rejects Hwang's application to continue human stem cell research |
| 4 August 2008 - by Antony Starza-Allen |
| The South Korean Health Ministry has rejected a licence application to carry out stem cell research made by the company owned by disgraced stem cell scientist, Hwang Woo-Suk, citing 'ethical problems'. The Suam Biotech Research Foundation had requested approval last December to resume its research on human... [Read More] |
