Complex genetics of autism unveiled |
13 June 2011 - by Dr Lux Fatimathas |
American researchers have linked hundreds of spontaneous genetic mutations to the group of psychological syndromes called autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)... [Read More] |
Muscular dystrophy screening should be NHS priority, says expert |
13 June 2011 - by Sarah Pritchard |
The NHS must be prepared to screen every newborn baby for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) – the most severe form of muscular dystrophy – in three years time, says a leading UK geneticist who explains that promising treatments are close to becoming a reality... [Read More] |
MP's report on fertility treatment provision highlights significant failings |
13 June 2011 - by Toby Stead |
A recent report by UK politicians has found widespread inconsistencies in the provision of fertility treatment by the NHS... [Read More] |
New fertility test kit for men developed |
13 June 2011 - by Kyrillos Georgiadis |
A new fertility test for men which can detect DNA damage in sperm has been developed in the UK. The test, called SpermComet, could save couples undergoing fertility treatment both time and money, since it will allow clinics to fast-track patients to the most appropriate treatment, say its developers... [Read More] |
Hormone levels and IVF success, new links found |
13 June 2011 - by Dr Kimberley Bryon-Dodd |
US researchers have found a link between an ovarian hormone called anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and IVF success. The findings suggest AMH testing could help clinicians tailor doses of ovary-stimulating drugs to improve women's egg production and likelihood of pregnancy... [Read More] |
IVF just as successful for Hispanic women, suggests study |
13 June 2011 - by Dr Rosie Morley |
Some reports suggest that women from particular ethnic backgrounds have a lower chance of IVF success. However, a new study from the US shows that for Hispanic women at least, the chances of becoming pregnant via IVF treatment are exactly the same as for... [Read More] |
Scientists discover gene linked to 'werewolf syndrome' |
13 June 2011 - by Mehmet Fidanboylu |
Scientists from China and the USA have identified a genetic region linked to 'werewolf syndrome', a condition that causes excessive hair growth. The condition also known as hyper-trichosis is very rare - fewer than 100 cases have ever been recorded worldwide... [Read More] |
Stem cells used to successfully treat damaged heart muscle in mice |
13 June 2011 - by Dr Sophie Pryor |
A naturally occurring protein can activate stem cells in mouse hearts, producing new muscle cells to replace the tissue damaged by a heart attack, UK scientists have found... [Read More] |
Scottish company uses new method in adult stem cell banking |
13 June 2011 - by Nishat Hyder |
A Glaswegian company has recently launched a new stem cell banking service which offers adults the opportunity to bank stem cells using a newly approved method of extraction and isolation... [Read More] |
New MRSA strain not picked up by current genetic tests |
13 June 2011 - by Dr Gabrielle Samuel |
A group of British and Danish scientists has identified a new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has been found in cows and their milk. The new strain is also known to have infected 27 people in the UK and 24 in Denmark... [Read More] |
IVF pioneer to be knighted |
13 June 2011 - by Dr Vivienne Raper |
IVF pioneer Professor Robert Edwards has been awarded a knighthood in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours. The knighthood follows Professor Edwards' Nobel Prize in Medicine win last year for his work developing this fertility treatment. His work led to the birth of Louise Brown, the first so-called 'test tube' baby, in July 1978... [Read More] |