ScienceDaily (July 24, 2012) Researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) have developed a new method of repairing bone using synthetic bone graft substitute material, which combined with gene therapy, can mimic real bone tissue and has potential to regenerate bone in patients who have lost large areas of bone from either disease or trauma.

The researchers have developed an innovative scaffold material (made from collagen and nano-sized particles of hydroxyapatite) which acts as a platform to attract the body's own cells and repair bone in the damaged area using gene therapy. The cells are tricked into overproducing bone producing proteins known as BMPs, encouraging regrowth of healthy bone tissue. This is the first time these in-house synthesised nanoparticles have been used in this way and the method has potential to be applied to regenerate tissues in other parts of the body.

Professor Fergal O'Brien, Principal Investigator on the project explained: "Previously, synthetic bone grafts had proven successful in promoting new bone growth by infusing the scaffold material with bone producing proteins. These proteins are already clinically approved for bone repair in humans but concerns exist that the high doses of protein required in clinical treatments may potentially have negative side effects for the patient such as increasing the risk of cancer. Other existing gene therapies use viral methods which also carry risks."

"By stimulating the body to produce the bone-producing protein itself, using non-viral methods these negative side effects can be avoided and bone tissue growth is promoted efficiently and safely," Professor O'Brien said.

The research is the result of a collaborative project carried out between the Tissue Engineering Research Group led by Professor Fergal O'Brien and Dr. Garry Duffy in the Department of Anatomy, RCSI; Professor Kazuhisa Bessho, Kyoto University, Japan, and Dr. Glenn Dickson, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland and consists of a multi-disciplinary research effort between cell biologists, clinicians and engineers. Results of this study were recently published in the journal Advanced Materials with Dr. Caroline Curtin, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Anatomy, RCSI, as first author.

Bone grafts are second only to blood transfusions on the list of transplanted materials worldwide with approximately 2.2 million procedures performed annually (1) at an estimated cost of $2.5 billion per year (2). At present, the majority of these procedures involve either transplanting bone from another part of the patient's own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). However, these procedures have a number of risks such as infections or the bone not growing properly at the area of transplantation. Therefore there is a large potential market for bone graft substitute materials such as the innovative scaffolds being developed by the RCSI team and their collaborators.

While the biomaterials developed in this project have undoubted potential for bone repair with the capability to act as a superior alternative to existing bone graft treatments, this gene delivery platform may also have significant potential in the regeneration of other degenerated or diseased tissues in the body when combined with different therapeutic genes. This is currently a major focus of ongoing research in the Tissue Engineering Research Group which has a particular interest in using the platform to deliver genes that promote the formation of blood vessels (using angiogenic genes) in the regeneration of tissues which suffer from compromised blood supply such as heart wall tissue which has been damaged following a heart attack.

This research was funded by the European Research Council under the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme and a Science Foundation Ireland, President of Ireland Young Researcher Award.

(1) Lewandrowski KU, Gresser JD, Wise DL, Trantol DJ. Bioresorbable bone graft substitutes of different osteoconductivities: a histologic evaluation of osteointegration of poly(propylene glycol-co-fumaric acid)-based cement implants in rats. Biomaterials 2000; 21:757-764.

(2) Desai BM (2007) Osteobiologics. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ) 2007; 36:8-11.

More here:
Regenerating bone tissue using gene therapy: New method may work with other tissues as well

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

25 July 2012 Last updated at 00:05 ET By Susan Watts Newsnight Science editor, BBC News

Scientists behind Olympic Team GB are working on genetic tests to understand why some athletes are prone to injury, BBC's Newsnight has learned.

Tendon injuries and stress fractures are common in elite athletes, but how and why they happen is less clear.

University College London's Prof Hugh Montgomery says they have found a gene they think strongly influences the risk of stress fracture and more will come.

It is hoped the research will allow training to be individually tailored.

Diet, repetitive strain and loading are all known to play a part, and scientists say there is clearly a strong genetic element.

Director of the Institute for Human Health and Performance at University College London, Prof Montgomery carried out groundbreaking work on genes and fitness in the 1990s, most notably the "ACE" gene, thought to be linked to endurance.

"If we understood that genetic component we would have a much better understanding of the patho-physiology - the disease processes that let that happen," says Prof Montgomery.

He has been working closely with the English Institute of Sport (EIS), which aims to apply the latest in sports science and medicine for the benefit of Britain's Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

EIS's Director of Sport Science, Dr Ken van Someren, told Newsnight he is keen to apply the latest genetics discoveries.

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Team GB trials injury gene tests

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Public release date: 25-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Caroline McCall cmccall5@mit.edu Massachusetts Institute of Technology

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- In the days following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, methane-eating bacteria bloomed in the Gulf of Mexico, feasting on the methane that gushed, along with oil, from the damaged well. The sudden influx of microbes was a scientific curiosity: Prior to the oil spill, scientists had observed relatively few signs of methane-eating microbes in the area.

Now researchers at MIT have discovered a bacterial gene that may explain this sudden influx of methane-eating bacteria. This gene enables bacteria to survive in extreme, oxygen-depleted environments, lying dormant until food such as methane from an oil spill, and the oxygen needed to metabolize it become available. The gene codes for a protein, named HpnR, that is responsible for producing bacterial lipids known as 3-methylhopanoids. The researchers say producing these lipids may better prepare nutrient-starved microbes to make a sudden appearance in nature when conditions are favorable, such as after the Deepwater Horizon accident.

The lipid produced by the HpnR protein may also be used as a biomarker, or a signature in rock layers, to identify dramatic changes in oxygen levels over the course of geologic history.

"The thing that interests us is that this could be a window into the geologic past," says MIT postdoc Paula Welander, who led the research. "In the geologic record, many millions of years ago, we see a number of mass extinction events where there is also evidence of oxygen depletion in the ocean. It's at these key events, and immediately afterward, where we also see increases in all these biomarkers as well as indicators of climate disturbance. It seems to be part of a syndrome of warming, ocean deoxygenation and biotic extinction. The ultimate causes are unknown."

Welander and Roger Summons, a professor of Earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences, have published their results this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

A sign in the rocks

Earth's rocky layers hold remnants of life's evolution, from the very ancient traces of single-celled organisms to the recent fossils of vertebrates. One of the key biomarkers geologists have used to identify the earliest forms of life is a class of lipids called hopanoids, whose sturdy molecular structure has preserved them in sediment for billions of years. Hopanoids have also been identified in modern bacteria, and geologists studying the lipids in ancient rocks have used them as signs of the presence of similar bacteria billions of years ago.

But Welander says hopanoids may be used to identify more than early life forms: The molecular fossils may be biomarkers for environmental phenomena such as, for instance, periods of very low oxygen.

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Newfound gene may help bacteria survive in extreme environments

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Public release date: 25-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Amy Stone a.f.stone@sheffield.ac.uk 01-142-221-046 University of Sheffield

A University of Sheffield academic is helping a team of citizen scientists to carry out crucial research into European genetic heritage.

Citizen Scientists are not required to have a scientific background or training, but instead they possess a passion for the subject and are increasingly being empowered by the scientific community to get involved in research.

Dr Andy Grierson, from the University of Sheffield's Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), has helped a team of citizen scientists from Europe and North America to identify vital new clues to tell the story of Europe's genetic history.

Dr Grierson explained: "Understanding European history since man first arrived on the continent is a huge challenge for archaeologists and historians.

"One way that scientists can help is by studying the genetics of European men. All men carry a Y chromosome that they inherit from their father, which has been passed down the generations from father to son for thousands of years. So most men in Europe will share common ancestry at some point in the past, and we are able to investigate this shared ancestry using genetic studies of the Y chromosome.

"However, up until recently, there have not been many genetic clues on the Y chromosome to allow scientists to be certain about identifying different populations."

The team has addressed this problem by downloading human genome data obtained by the 1000 Genomes Project from the Sanger Centre in Cambridge. Then, working on their home computers, they managed to extract 200 novel genetic variants from Y chromosomes of the most numerous group of western European men.

By determining the patterns of these markers in each of the 1000 Genomes Project samples, the team was able to draw up a new family tree for the majority of men in Western Europe.

Continued here:
Citizen science helps unlock European genetic heritage

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/j69n56/genetic_testing_ma) has announced the addition of the "Genetic Testing Market Report: 2012 Edition" report to their offering.

The genetic testing market segment represents the highest growth opportunity compared to other segments within the molecular diagnostics market. The growth of the market is backed by increasing prevalence of genetic diseases, aging population, and rising awareness. Vast application areas including newborn screening, prenatal and preimplantation testing is also expected to add to the future growth of the market.

The technological advancements of genetic testing are expected to break new grounds in the field of personalized medicine as genetic testing helps not only in the better diagnosis of genetic diseases but also aids in selecting the best medication depending on the DNA structure of the patient to ensure superior drug response.

Direct to customer (DTC) genetic testing is one of the major trends in the market, which is expected to bring positive changes in the popularity of genetic testing. However, the quality, accuracy, and proper interpretation of test results of DTC genetic testing continue to challenge the future growth of the market. Furthermore, the risk of genetic discrimination and psychological consequences of genetic testing are also expected to hinder the growth of the market in the coming years.

Publication Overview:

The current report analyzes the genetic testing market. It discusses the drivers and challenges prevailing in the genetic testing market. It presents the competitive conditions prevailing in the market, along with the profiles of major players.

Key Topics Covered:

Genetic Testing: An Introduction

- Types of Genetic Testing

Excerpt from:
Research and Markets: Genetic Testing Market Report: 2012 Edition

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

SALT LAKE CITY, July 24, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (MYGN) today announced that it will issue financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and fiscal year 2012 following the close of market on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.

The Company will also host a conference call on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 4:30 P.M. Eastern to review the financial results. Participating on the call will be: Peter Meldrum, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Capone, President of Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc. and Jim Evans, Chief Financial Officer.

To listen to the call, interested parties may dial 800-403-7802 or 303-223-2680. All callers will be asked to reference reservation number 21600202.

The conference call will also be available through a live webcast at http://www.myriad.com.

A replay of the call will be available two hours after the end of the call for seven days and may be accessed by dialing 800-633-8284 or 402-977-9140 and entering reservation number 21600202.

About Myriad Genetics

Myriad Genetics is a leading molecular diagnostic company dedicated to making a difference in patient's lives through the discovery and commercialization of transformative tests to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions and assess risk of disease progression and recurrence. Myriad's portfolio of molecular diagnostic tests are based on an understanding of the role genes play in human disease and were developed with a commitment to improving an individual's decision making process for monitoring and treating disease. Myriad is focused on strategic directives to introduce new products, including companion diagnostics, as well as expanding internationally. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: http://www.myriad.com

Myriad, the Myriad logo, BRACAnalysis, Colaris, Colaris AP, Melaris, TheraGuide, Prezeon, OnDose, Panexia and Prolaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-F, MYGN-G

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Myriad Genetics to Announce Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2012 Results on Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Europes drugs regulator has for the first time recommended a gene therapy for approval.

Glybera, a treatment for patients who cannot produce enough of an enzyme that is crucial for breaking down fat, was backed by the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). This recommendation must be endorsed by the European Commission before the treatment becomes available, but it would be unusual for the commission to reject the recommendation.

Gene therapy involves transferring genes into patients to treat disease. Glybera uses a virus that is injected into the patient to deliver a working copy of a gene for producing lipoprotein lipase (LPL). LPL deficiency is very rare, affecting no more than one or two people in every million.

Back in 2004, China became the first country to approve a gene-therapy product for commercial use, with a treatment for cancer. But Europe and the United States have yet to endorse any gene therapies, and the field has been plagued by safety issues, including carcinogenicity.

Jrn Aldag, chief executive of UniQure, the Amsterdam-based company that owns Glybera, says that the announcement from the EMA is an overdue signal to the gene-therapy community that things are changing. It unlocks the potential, he told Nature. You will see more investment coming.

Timothy Cot, former head of the Office of Orphan Products Development at the US Food and Drug Administration, and who is now an independent consultant, says that the approval is "astounding, fantastic news. It puts Europe at the forefront.

Glybera had previously received negative opinions from both the CHMP and the EMA Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT), which advises on cutting-edge treatments. However, after re-evaluating the treatment in just those patients who experience severe or multiple attacks of pancreatitis as a result of LPL deficiency, the CAT gave a positive opinion in June, and this has now been endorsed by the CHMP.

Tomas Salmonson, acting chairman of the CHMP, said in a statement that the established ways of assessing the risks and benefits of Glybera had been challenged by the rarity of the condition and uncertainties in the data.

The evaluation of this application has been a very complex process, but the use of Glybera in a more restricted indication than initially applied for, which targets the patient population with greatest need for treatment, and additional analyses by the [CAT] committee have added to the robustness of the data provided and allowed the CHMP to conclude that the benefits of Glybera are greater than its known risks, he said.

The CHMP recommendation was eventually given only under an exceptional circumstances designation. This allows a treatment to be approved in the absence of large-scale clinical trials, and is used for therapies targeting diseases that affect only small numbers of patients for which large-scale trials are almost impossible. Glybera has been tested on 27 patients in three studies. UniQure will have to set up a registry to monitor what happens to patients taking the treatment, and this will be reviewed by the EMA.

Follow this link:
Europe nears first approval for gene therapy

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Cambridge gene therapy developer bluebird bio said today it has completed a $60 million Series D financing round, which will be used to advance the companys clinical programs in severe genetic disorders, including childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

In this round, new investors Deerfield Partners, RA Capital, Ramius Capital Group and two undisclosed blue chip public investment funds joined existing investors ARCH Venture Partners, Third Rock Ventures, TVM Capital and Forbion Capital Partners. In addition, Shire PLC joined the round as a strategic investor.

With the proceeds from this funding and based on early clinical proof of concept results, bluebird bio said it will initiate a Phase 2/3 clinical study in CCALD in both the United States and Europe in 2012, as well as a second U.S.-based Phase 1/2 study in beta-thalassemia in 2013.

In addition, the company expects to initiate a more extensive sickle cell disease development program and invest in manufacturing, clinical and commercial infrastructure to support the upcoming clinical trials and pre-commercial launch activities.

More:
Gene therapy co. bluebird bio raises $60M

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

For one brief moment, the black and yellow Ottawa jersey draped over Matt Bollig's chest made him look like he was just another football player in a room full of them. But that moment slid away as his jersey slid to his lap, revealing his white back brace and forcing his teammates and a slew of other supporters to face a tough reality.

Tough for everyone except Bollig, that is. The Braves' junior quarterback hasn't stopped believing he can regain movement in his legs since his weight room injury last week occurred.

"I'm going to make it through this," said Bollig, a high school football standout from Chanute, Kan. "I don't want to boast or anything, but I'm going to make it through this."

The 20-year-old will take that unbridled optimism to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colo., where he began spinal cord rehabilitation on Tuesday. Before he left, doctors, teammates, coaches, friends, and family waited in line in an overflowing hospital room to say their goodbyes.

That send-off party included more surprise guests: Chiefs Ambassadors Tony Adams, Anthony Davis, Ken Kremer, and Bill Maas.

In a speech he delivered to Bollig's supporters, Maas said he knew playing career could end at any time, and was saddened to hear about a local player who had football taken away too soon.

"We go through the fear of something of this nature happening to one of us," said Maas on behalf of the Ambassadors. "I want you to know that your football brethren, from the Kansas City Chiefs to Ottawa to Chanute are all going to be pulling for you in your rehab."

The four former players also presented Bollig with a host of Chiefs gifts, including a special No. 6 jersey.

It wasn't Ryan Succop's No. 6 jersey, either. Bollig wore the number at Ottawa, and the Chiefs made sure he received his own number before taking on the next stage of his recovery in Denver.

"It was pretty amazing," said Bollig, a life-long Chiefs fan. "There's a video of me at my first birthday party and in the background, the Chiefs game is on. That means a lot to me. I grew up with the Chiefs."

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Chiefs visit local college QB with spinal cord injury

Recommendation and review posted by sam

ScienceDaily (July 24, 2012) In Spider-Man's latest adventure, scientists delve into the field of regenerative medicine as they work to re-grow a human limb. Koudy Williams, D.V.M., a self-described "Spider-Man geek" and real-life regenerative medicine researcher, says the plot of the latest comic book and movie isn't as far-fetched as some people might think.

"We're working on long-term projects to regenerate fingers and limbs," says Williams, a professor at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's Institute for Regenerative Medicine. "But we have safer ways to do it than the researchers in Spider-Man."

Several of the science themes in Spider-Man's latest adventure -- from working to harness the body's natural regenerative powers to making use of natural materials such as the silk in spiderwebs -- are happening today in regenerative medicine laboratories, Williams said. Regenerative medicine is a relatively new field of science that works to replace or repair damaged or diseased tissues and organs.

In the latest adventure, a scientist attempts to re-grow his missing arm by combining human genes and genes from a salamander, which has a natural ability to re-grow its limbs. When the experiment goes awry, the scientist becomes a lizard villain.

"When I was watching the movie, I said to myself, 'We do that -- sort of,'" said Williams. "We do study the regenerative abilities of salamanders and other animals and we try to harness the body's innate ability to regenerate itself. But we would never combine human and animal genes -- we have much safer methods."

Williams said real-life researchers take three approaches in their efforts to repair and replace organs. One is to build, or engineer, replacement organs in the lab using a patient's own cells and an organ-shaped mold or scaffold to support cells as they grow. Bladders, urine tubes and sections of windpipes have all been built in this way and implanted in humans. A second method is to inject healing cells into a diseased organ. The third approach -- most like the science portrayed in Spider-Man -- is to use drug-like molecules to promote healing from within.

"The body has the capacity to heal naturally," says Williams. "When there's an injury, cells release substances known as chemokines that attract other cells to promote healing. That's how a broken bone repairs itself and the outer layer of the eye re-grows if it is scratched. In regenerative medicine, our aim is to boost this natural healing power.

"The body knows what it needs to heal. We work to see if we can improve on it. This is most like what scientists in the Spider-Man movie were doing. Our projects include evaluating the use of natural materials to speed up nerve regeneration, heal diseased kidneys and improve one of the current options for heart valve replacement."

Just like in the Spider-Man comic book and movie, researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and colleagues at other institutions have a long-term project to re-grow fingers and limbs to help wounded military personnel. "We're years away from being able to bioengineer an arm, or even a finger," Williams said. "But we're working on the component parts, including muscle, bone, fat, skin and tendons, and part of our work will be to use the body for the regeneration process."

Williams calls Spider-Man a "science genius" for determining the best substance for the web-like substance he shoots out from a device he made. "He figured out something that would carry his weight and be elastic so he could swing from rooftop to rooftop."

Originally posted here:
Spider-Man adventure similar to actual science

Recommendation and review posted by sam

Newswise WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. July 24, 2012 In Spider-Mans latest adventure, scientists delve into the field of regenerative medicine as they work to re-grow a human limb. Koudy Williams, D.V.M., a self-described Spider-Man geek and real-life regenerative medicine researcher, says the plot of the latest comic book and movie isnt as far-fetched as some people might think.

Were working on long-term projects to regenerate fingers and limbs, says Williams, a professor at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centers Institute for Regenerative Medicine. But we have safer ways to do it than the researchers in Spider-Man.

Several of the science themes in Spider-Mans latest adventure from working to harness the bodys natural regenerative powers to making use of natural materials such as the silk in spiderwebs are happening today in regenerative medicine laboratories, Williams said. Regenerative medicine is a relatively new field of science that works to replace or repair damaged or diseased tissues and organs.

In the latest adventure, a scientist attempts to re-grow his missing arm by combining human genes and genes from a salamander, which has a natural ability to re-grow its limbs. When the experiment goes awry, the scientist becomes a lizard villain.

When I was watching the movie, I said to myself, We do that sort of, said Williams. We do study the regenerative abilities of salamanders and other animals and we try to harness the bodys innate ability to regenerate itself. But we would never combine human and animal genes we have much safer methods.

Williams said real-life researchers take three approaches in their efforts to repair and replace organs. One is to build, or engineer, replacement organs in the lab using a patients own cells and an organ-shaped mold or scaffold to support cells as they grow. Bladders, urine tubes and sections of windpipes have all been built in this way and implanted in humans. A second method is to inject healing cells into a diseased organ. The third approach most like the science portrayed in Spider-Man is to use drug-like molecules to promote healing from within.

The body has the capacity to heal naturally, says Williams. When theres an injury, cells release substances known as chemokines that attract other cells to promote healing. Thats how a broken bone repairs itself and the outer layer of the eye re-grows if it is scratched. In regenerative medicine, our aim is to boost this natural healing power.

The body knows what it needs to heal. We work to see if we can improve on it. This is most like what scientists in the Spider-Man movie were doing. Our projects include evaluating the use of natural materials to speed up nerve regeneration, heal diseased kidneys and improve one of the current options for heart valve replacement.

Just like in the Spider-Man comic book and movie, researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and colleagues at other institutions have a long-term project to re-grow fingers and limbs to help wounded military personnel. Were years away from being able to bioengineer an arm, or even a finger, Williams said. But were working on the component parts, including muscle, bone, fat, skin and tendons, and part of our work will be to use the body for the regeneration process.

Williams calls Spider-Man a science genius for determining the best substance for the web-like substance he shoots out from a device he made. He figured out something that would carry his weight and be elastic so he could swing from rooftop to rooftop.

Go here to read the rest:
Research in Spider-Man Adventure Similar to Actual Science

Recommendation and review posted by sam

THE multiple-birth Booroola gene has been around a long time.

And while it might be named after a property near Cooma, NSW, where it was identified in 1959, its origins are far away.

In the Indian province of West Bengal, where the tiny Garole, a veritable micro sheep (up to 15kg adult ewe), endowed this remarkable quirk in its DNA strand on the rest of the sheep world.

Of course, once DNA becomes involved, the story quickly becomes mired in scientific gobbledegook.

But in a nutshell, the Booroola, or Fec B gene, can, in one generation, fast track your flock from lambing anywhere between the Merino average (75-80 per cent) and prime-lamb averages of 100-plus per cent to 200 per cent.

And more.

At Booroola, near Cooma, lambing rates have touched 270 per cent.

CSIRO researchers in 1959 quickly realised it was one major gene doing all the good work and the race to isolate the Booroola gene was on.

Jump forward 50 years to Cavendish in southwest Victoria, where former DPI researcher and veterinarian Leo Cummins and his wife, Liz, have achieved 202 per cent in their May scanning results.

Leo said he first came across the Booroola gene when he was doing his PhD at Armidale in NSW in the 1970s. It has fascinated him since for its ability to produce more without needing more land, more sheep and more expense.

Read this article:
Booroola gene lifts lambing rates

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

In my last post,Doing the Undoable, I discussed the rapid development of genetics, particularly genetic engineering. Having the video presentation of Juan Enriquez available helped get the point across. Today, Im going to look at a related area that also raises the possibility of sudden and unexpected change in the not-so-distant future (anytime from tomorrow on).

Once again, Im assisted by the work of another commentator who, like Mr. Enriquez, provides a good overview of other changes that are already underway, but whose impact has yet to be felt by most of us, at least knowingly.

I am referring to an article in Foreign Policy magazine by Dr. Vivek Wadhwa, director of research at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization at Duke University and fellow at the Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.

Published on July 17th of this year, it is titled, The Future of Manufacturing Is in America, Not China. Thats a nice provocative title. I will provide a link to the full article (its not that long and free of most technical jargon), but first Ill use his words to briefly summarize four important areas where advances have led him to choose that title.

It all sounds very exciting, full of potential for good things. Dr. Wadhwas summarizes his argument reflected in his articles title when he says, All of these advances play well into Americas ability to innovate, demolish old industries, and continually reinvent itself. The Chinese are still busy copying technologies we built over the past few decades. They havent cracked the nut on how to innovate yet.

Yes, it sounds great, but hold on a minute. Like all things human, the potentially good comes coupled with the potentially bad. I have two very basic concerns.

The first is true of so much that I read these days, including a lot that is written on what the Eurozone has to do to deal with its problems. Oddly enough, those varied European solutions have something in common with the idea that Foxconn plans to install one million robots within three years to do the work that its workers in China presently do. It has found even low-cost Chinese labor to be too expensive and demanding. Too many commentators on the Eurozone today forget that all the zones nations are functioning democracies.

China obviously is not, but even casually following Chinas internal political and economic trends provides plenty of evidence that non-democratic states also have to consider the feelings and fears of their citizens. We are continuously told that the Chinese Communist Party fears uprisings among the people. There is more than one way to vote and get your voice heard.

So Foxconn will replace Chinese workers with robots. Great. That ought to make folks happy in China. But hold on, theres good news. We can do the same in the US! Wonderful, now we have a means of massively increasing US unemployment too! Pardon the sarcasm. Im sure Dr. Wadhwa is well aware that robots will replace human workers who may not be able to find replacement jobs easily or at all. His relatively short article is focused on the good news, so he doesnt try to address problems that might result.

But one sentence stands out as unacceptable to me.The Chinese are still busy copying technologies we built over the past few decades.They havent cracked the nut on how to innovate yet.

Go here to read the rest:
Debunking The Myth That Chinese Can't Innovate

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Public release date: 24-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Cathia Falvey cfalvey@liebertpub.com 914-740-2165 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, July 24, 2012Hundreds of colleges and universities around the world are offering courses and even graduate degrees in ecopsychology and other forms of environmentally focused psychology. Ecopsychology examines the psychological, spiritual, and therapeutic aspects of human-nature relationships, concern about environmental issues, and responsibility for protecting natural places and other species. Educators are increasingly recognizing the value of integrating psychology and environmental content to help students appreciate the link between their own well-being and that of the natural world around them. Innovative strategies and techniques for exploring the intersection of these disciplines in the classroom are featured in a special issue of Ecopsychology, a peer-reviewed, online journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. (http://www.liebertpub.com), the issue is available free online at Ecopsychology (http://www.liebertpub.com/eco) website.

As an introduction to the special focus issue of the Journal, the editorial entitled "Teaching Environmentally Focused Psychology (http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/eco.2012.0062)" says that "so-called 'environmental problems' are really human behavioral problems." Numerous resources are now available to help teachers introduce students to the concept of the interdependence between their physical and psychological health and that of the planet, including the subdisciplines of ecopsychology, environmental psychology, and conservation psychology.

This special issue of Ecopsychology highlights a variety of approaches that incorporate traditional classroom instruction, inquiry-based learning, experiential learning, and teaching in field settings. It describes unique stand-alone courses and recommendations of activities and assignments that educators can incorporate into existing psychology and environmental science curricula.

"Our special issue, 'Teaching Ecopsychology and Environmentally-focused Psychology (http://online.liebertpub.com/toc/eco/4/2),' is one of the first surveys of its kind, and its examples of timely and innovative environmental psychology pedagogy will be a resource and inspiration for educators and students worldwide," says Editor-in-Chief Thomas Joseph Doherty, PsyD, Graduate School of Counseling, Lewis & Clark College (Portland, OR).

###

About the Journal

Ecopsychology (http://www.liebertpub.com/eco) is a peer-reviewed journal that explores the relationship between environmental issues and mental health and well-being. The Journal examines the psychological, spiritual, and therapeutic aspects of human-nature relationships, concern about environmental issues, and responsibility for protecting natural places and other species. It provides a forum for international dialogue among experts from a range of disciplines: psychology and healthcare; environmental conservation, sociology, anthropology, and environmental studies; and related areas such as ecology, landscape restoration, eco-spirituality, and social and environmental justice movements. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed at the Ecopsychology (http://www.liebertpub.com/eco) website.

About the Publisher

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Ecopsychology -- a major new area of study

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Public release date: 24-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Vicki Cohn vcohn@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 x2156 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, July 24, 2012A naturally occurring line of immunodeficient pigs can support the growth of human tumors injected under their skin, offering a promising new large animal model for studying human cancers and testing new drugs and treatment strategies. The ability of human melanoma cells and pancreatic carcinoma cells to grow in these pig models is described in an article in BioResearch Open Access, a new bimonthly peer-reviewed open access journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (http://www.liebertpub.com). The article is available free online at the BioResearch Open Access website (http://www.liebertpub.com/biores).

Mathew Basel and colleagues, Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) and Iowa State University (Ames), highlight the advantages that pig disease models offer, as they are anatomically and physiologically more closely related to humans than traditional rodent animal models. As a result, findings from studies in large animal models such as pigs are more likely to translate into similar outcomes in humans. The authors present their findings in the article "Human Xenografts Are Not Rejected in a Naturally Occurring Immunodeficient Porcine Line: A Human Tumor Model in Pigs" (http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/biores.2012.9902).

"This novel animal model has the potential to become a highly useful model in cancer research studies, in addition to providing significant opportunities for drug discovery and other translational applications," says Editor-in-Chief Jane Taylor, PhD, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

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About the Journal

BioResearch Open Access (http://www.liebertpub.com/biores) is a bimonthly peer-reviewed open access journal that provides a new rapid-publication forum for a broad range of scientific topics including molecular and cellular biology, tissue engineering and biomaterials, bioengineering, regenerative medicine, stem cells, gene therapy, systems biology, genetics, biochemistry, virology, microbiology, and neuroscience. All articles are published within 4 weeks of acceptance and are fully open access and posted on PubMedCentral. All journal content is available online at the BioResearch Open Access website (http://www.liebertpub.com/biores).

About the Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers (http://www.liebertpub.com) is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Tissue Engineering, Stem Cells and Development, Human Gene Therapy and HGT Methods, and AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 70 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. website (http://www.liebertpub.com).

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Novel pig model may be useful for human cancer studies

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Public release date: 24-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jia Liu liujia@genomics.cn BGI Shenzhen

Research in the growing field of genomics which could lead to a new generation of personalised medical treatments will be boosted by an initiative that brings together scientific expertise from China and Edinburgh.

A memorandum of understanding signed between the University of Edinburgh and BGI, the world's largest genomics organisation, will aim to build on both institutions' strengths in genomics.

It will aim to enhance researchers' scientific understanding of the building blocks with which people and other living organisms are made.

The partnership will lead to an expansion of genomics research in Edinburgh, including analysing hereditary information encoded in our DNA, which could help assess risks for particular diseases.

It comes at a time of increasing interest in how better understanding of genes, through DNA sequencing facilities, will help to develop personalised medicines.

Genomics also plays an important role in looking at how livestock can be bred with resistance to diseases to help produce food sustainably for a growing global population.

The agreement between the University of Edinburgh and BGI will explore how research at three genomics facilities in Edinburgh GenePool Genomics Facility in the School of Biological Sciences, ARK Genomics at the Roslin Institute and the Genetics Core at the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility and the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine could be enhanced through collaboration with BGI.

As one of the world's largest genomics organisations, BGI has developed an integrative structure of research innovation, platform development and industrial application. BGI is actively building links with research leaders all over the world, with the aim of promoting the advancement of innovative biology research, molecular breeding, healthcare and related fields.

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Scots link-up with China to boost genetic research

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Transgenomic, Inc. (TBIO) today announced that National Government Services, the designated Medicare fiscal intermediary in Connecticut, has confirmed coverage for its proprietary Clopidogrel Genetic Absorption Activation Panel (C-GAAP, formerly PGxPREDICT:Clopidogrel). As a result of this coverage, the 48 million Americans currently covered by Medicare will have access to this genetic test. The C-GAAP is a clinically validated diagnostic test that identifies patients with genetic variations in CYP2C19, a gene whose effect is described in clopidogrels label, and ABCB1, a gene that is unique to Transgenomics panel and is covered by issued and pending patents owned by Transgenomic.

The effectiveness of clopidogrel, the most widely prescribed antiplatelet drug used to reduce the risks of heart attack, stroke and death, is dependent on a patients ability to absorb the drug through their intestine and then activate the drug by enzymes produced in the liver. Two genes, ABCB1 and CYP2C19, encode proteins critical for this absorption and activation. Patients with dysfunctional CYP2C19 and ABCB1 genes treated with clopidogrel exhibit a 50% increase in major adverse cardiovascular event rates than do patients with normal CYP2C19 and ABCB1 genetic function. The seriousness of this problem prompted the FDA to add a black box warning to clopidogrels label in 2010 to alert physicians and patients about this cardiac risk and the usefulness of genetic testing in guiding treatment strategies. Subsequently, professional medical societies, including the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, have issued practice guidelines recommending the consideration of genetic testing for patients at high-risk for poor clinical outcomes.

Transgenomics C-GAAP is a simple saliva test that identifies patients who cannot completely absorb or activate clopidogrel due to reduced function of CYP2C19 or ABCB1. C-GAAP analyzes markers in both genes to identify patients who are at a genetically increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events due to diminished effectiveness of clopidogrel. Approximately 50% of patients taking clopidogrel have markers in CYP2C19 or ABCB1 indicative of reduced absorption or reduced activation of clopidogrel.

Confirmation of Medicare coverage is a major commercial milestone for Transgenomic and an important step toward widespread use of C-GAAP, said Craig Tuttle, Chief Executive Officer of Transgenomic. Medicare is the largest U.S. payor and currently covers approximately 75% of the patients for whom the C-GAAP test would be ordered. Acceptance by Medicare removes a significant barrier for physicians and allows for a more rapid adoption of this important genetic test. There are approximately 6 million new patients that are prescribed clopidogrel each year. Half of those patients have genetic variations in CYP2C19 or ABCB1 which will limit the effectiveness of clopidogrel therapy. C-GAAP provides their physicians the additional clinical information that can help them choose the most effective treatment alternative to reduce their patients risk of a major adverse cardiac event. It will also help patients feel comfortable with their physicians therapy selection.

About Transgenomic, Inc.

Transgenomic, Inc. (www.transgenomic.com) is a global biotechnology company advancing personalized medicine in cancer and inherited diseases through its proprietary molecular technologies and world-class clinical and research services. The Company has three complementary business divisions: Transgenomic Pharmacogenomic Services is a contract research laboratory that specializes in supporting all phases of pre-clinical and clinical trials for oncology drugs in development; Transgenomic Clinical Laboratories which specializes in molecular diagnostics for cardiology, neurology, mitochondrial disorders, and oncology; and Transgenomic Diagnostic Tools which produces equipment, reagents, and other consumables that empower clinical and research applications in molecular testing and cytogenetics. Transgenomic believes there is significant opportunity for continued growth across all three businesses by leveraging their synergistic capabilities, technologies, and expertise. The Company actively develops and acquires new technology and other intellectual property that strengthens its leadership in personalized medicine.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements of Transgenomic within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those with respect to management's current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, including the ability of the Company to grow its involvement in the diagnostic products and services markets. The known risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting these forward-looking statements are described from time to time in Transgenomic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any change in such factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to in such statements. Accordingly, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to all statements contained in this press release. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release and Transgenomic does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

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Transgenomic Announces Medicare Coverage for Clopidogrel (Plavix®) Response Test

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

July 24, 2012

- Dr Craig Venter Genetic entrepreneur

His team - and any other contenders - will be given 30 days to work out the full DNA code of 100 centenarians at a cost of no more than $1,000 per genome.

The race will start in September 2013.

Under the rules of the Archon Genomics X Prize, teams have until next May to register for the competition.

Dr Rothberg's team from Life Technologies Corporation in California is the first to formally enter the race.

Being able to sequence the full human genome at a cost of $1,000 or less is regarded as a milestone in science.

It is seen as the threshold at which DNA sequencing technology becomes cheap enough to be used widely in medicine, helping in diagnosis and in matching drugs to a patient's genetic make-up.

One hundred people aged 100 have donated their DNA for the project.

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Genetic entrepreneur to compete in Genomics X Prize

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

LAMB producers can increase profit by greater use of genetics without downgrading eating quality.

That's the view of Kangaroo Island lamb producer and Nuffield scholar, Andrew Heinrich.

"I was concerned that we were going too lean, but now I am very confident we are going down the right track," Mr Heinrich said.

The Parndana producer will present the findings of his Nuffield scholarship study into the future of lamb production at the annual conference of the Grassland Society of Southern Australia in Launceston this Friday, July 27.

He said the study, into how more efficient genetics could achieve improved carcass quality in sheep, was prompted by his worry about pushing too hard in genetics.

But an international review has convinced him the prime lamb industry can become more profitable through measurement without changing eating quality.

Mr Heinrich runs a wool, prime lamb and cattle operation along with a White Suffolk stud on 820ha near the centre of Kangaroo Island.

The property supports about 6000 grown sheep, including a self-replacing Merino flock of 1400 ewes along with 1200 wethers.

Mr Heinrich said his main aim was to lower micron while increasing wool cut; breeding sheep to be worm resistant and measuring carcass traits to increasing carcass yields.

The farm uses rotational grazing of perennial grasses and sub clover and matches livestock feed demand to pasture production.

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Focus on lamb genetics

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

What a milestone. After three decades of development, European regulators have recommended approval for the first commercial gene therapy in Europe and the US.

The therapy is for a rare genetic condition called lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD). People with the disorder can't break down globules of fat in the bloodstream called chylomicrons. As a result, these clog up blood vessels in the gut and pancreas, often resulting in agonising visits to intensive care. The only existing treatment is for those with LPLD to avoid fat in food altogether.

In healthy people, muscle cells make an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase, which breaks down chylomicrons. People with LPLD lack the enzyme because of defects in the gene that makes it. The new treatment, called Glybera, works by replacing this gene with a healthy copy. Doctors inject into patients' upper leg muscles a harmless virus that permanently implants a working gene into muscle cells, theoretically enabling patients to make the enzyme indefinitely.

"Patients with LPLD are afraid of eating a normal meal because it can lead to acute and extremely painful inflammation of the pancreas," says Jrn Aldag, the chief executive officer of uniQure BV, the company that has developed the therapy in Naarden, the Netherlands. "Now, for the first time, a treatment exists for these patients that not only reduces this risk, but also has a multi-year beneficial effect after just one treatment," he says.

Aldag says that although the treated people can't risk eating lots of fatty food, they are likely to make around 5 to 10 per cent of the enzyme that a healthy person would make, which is enough to clear the fat they take in from a healthy diet. The treatment is still effective in people who trialled the injections six years ago.

Aldag also said the news was good for gene therapy generally. "This is phenomenal, because the promise of gene therapy is clear," he says. "It allows you to restore the natural function of the body and bring a long-term effect to patients, many of them with very severe diseases."

Although several experimental trials of gene therapy are under way, some of them for more than a decade, uniQure is the first in the West to win regulatory approval for a commercial treatment.

The only other gene therapy available commercially is Gendicine, which was approved in China in 2004 to treat cancer.

On 20 July, experts at the European Medicines Agency recommended that Glybera be approved. The European Commission will have the final say within three months however, it usually follows the EMA's advice.

Although the disease affects only one or two people in every million, the treatment is valuable because no other options exist. When the company tested the treatment in 27 patients, it reduced fat concentrations in blood within one to three months, and reduced the frequency of pancreatic pain attacks by 50 to 60 per cent.

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Europe's first gene therapy approval anticipated

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WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Regenerative medicine company Histogenics Corporation, announced today the completion of a $49 million round of financing. The syndicate was led by Sofinnova Ventures with participation from additional new investors Split Rock Partners, BioMed Ventures and FinTech GIMV Fund, L.P. Existing investors ProChon Holdings BV, Altima Partners, Foundation Medical Partners, Inflection Point Capital and Boston Millennia Partners also participated in the financing. Proceeds will be used to complete the ongoing Phase 3 clinical program for lead product candidate NeoCart, which is currently enrolling patients. NeoCart is an autologous neocartilage tissue implant that utilizes the patients own cells to regenerate cartilage in patients suffering from cartilage lesions in the knee. Funds will also support efforts to obtain regulatory clearance in the European Union for product candidate VeriCart, a single-step, cell-free collagen scaffold uniquely designed to be used in conjunction with the patients own stem cells, to repair small cartilage defects frequently observed in meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament repair procedures. Garheng Kong, MD, PhD of Sofinnova Ventures and Josh Baltzell of Split Rock Venture Partners will join Histogenics Board of Directors. Arnold Freedman of Boston Equity Advisors served as the exclusive placement agent.

Patrick ODonnell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Histogenics, commented, We believe the quality of the investors and the significant level of commitment demonstrated in this financing speak to the potential of our product candidates to transform the treatment of cartilage injury with the goal of returning patients to their pre-injury level of activity. Each year, 1.8 million active adults and elite athletes undergo arthroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of painful cartilage defects in the knee. With continued positive clinical results, we believe our Phase 3 product candidate, NeoCart, has considerable potential as a much-needed treatment alternative for a significant portion of these patients. The successful completion of this financing fully funds the Company to reach key clinical and commercial milestones for NeoCart and VeriCart and allows us to focus our full attention on continued successful clinical and regulatory execution.

Garheng Kong, MD, PhD, General Partner of Sofinnova Ventures added, NeoCart has the potential to dramatically change the way knee cartilage injuries are treated. Current treatments for knee cartilage damage frequently do not produce the lasting effects that individuals need to avoid serious knee pain and improve functionpreventing them from getting back to their active, daily lives. Published data have shown that patients treated with NeoCart experienced a very durable response that is sustained throughout a period of four years or more. Sofinnova is pleased to support Histogenics efforts to receive approval for NeoCart and address this unmet clinical need.

About NeoCart NeoCartis an autologous bioengineered neocartilage grown outside the body using the patients own cells for the regeneration of cartilage lesions. NeoCart recently entered a Phase 3 clinical trial after reporting positive Phase 2 data, in which all primary endpoints were met, and NeoCart was found to be generally well tolerated.

About VeriCart VeriCart is a single step, off-the-shelf, cell-free collagen scaffold, specifically designed for cartilage applications, which when reconstituted with the patients own bone marrow or augmenting marrow stimulation procedures, is intended for the improved repair of cartilage tissue. VeriCart is currently in development.

About Histogenics Histogenics is a leading regenerative medicine company that combines cell therapy and tissue engineering technologies to develop highly innovative products for tissue repair and regeneration. In May of 2011, Histogenics acquired Israeli cell-therapy company ProChon BioTech. Histogenics flagship products focus on the treatment of active patients suffering from articular cartilage derived pain and immobility. The Company takes an interdisciplinary approach to engineering neocartilage that looks, acts and lasts like hyaline cartilage. It is developing new treatments for sports injuries and other orthopedic conditions, where demand is growing for long-term alternatives to joint replacement. Histogenics has successfully completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials in which the NeoCart autologous tissue implants effectiveness is compared to that of standard microfracture surgery. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company is privately held. For more information, visitwww.histogenics.com.

About Sofinnova Ventures Sofinnova Ventures has over 40 years of experience building start-ups and later stage companies into market leaders. With $1.4 billion under management, the firm applies capital and expertise to build companies from inception to exit. Sofinnova closed its life science-focused $440M, SVP VIII, in late 2011. The firms investment team of MDs and PhDs has significant scientific, operational and strategic experience, and specializes in financing later stage clinical products. The Sofinnova team partners with entrepreneurs to address patients unmet medical needsand has had a string of recent exits through companies, including Movetis, Preglem, Amarin, Vicept and Intellikine.

About Split Rock Partners Split Rock Partners, with offices in Minneapolis and Menlo Park, seeks emerging opportunities in healthcare as well as software and internet services. Since 2005, Split Rock has raised $575 million over two funds. Representative companies backed by Split Rock's team include Ardian, Atritech, DFine, Entellus, eBureau, Evalve, Guardian Analytics, HireRight, Intacct, LowerMyBills, MyNewPlace, QuinStreet (QNST), SPS Commerce (SPSC) and Tornier (TRNX). Additional information about the firm can be found atwww.splitrock.com.

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Histogenics Closes $49 Million Series A Fundraising to Support Commercial Development of Transformational Cartilage ...

Recommendation and review posted by sam

24 July 2012 Last updated at 02:28 ET By Helen Briggs BBC News

A race to unlock genetic clues behind living to 100 is set to begin next year, after a US team announced it will compete for the $10m Genomics X Prize.

Genetic entrepreneur Dr Jonathan Rothberg is entering the challenge to identify genes linked to a long, healthy life.

His team - and any other contenders - will be given 30 days to work out the full DNA code of 100 centenarians at a cost of no more than $1,000 per genome.

The race will start in September 2013.

Under the rules of the Archon Genomics X Prize, teams have until next May to register for the competition.

Dr Rothberg's team from Life Technologies Corporation in California is the first to formally enter the race.

Being able to sequence the full human genome at a cost of $1,000 or less is regarded as a milestone in science.

It is seen as the threshold at which DNA sequencing technology becomes cheap enough to be used widely in medicine, helping in diagnosis and in matching drugs to a patient's genetic make-up.

If they can do a human genome in two hours with one little machine, it's just stunning. We have come a long way.

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DNA race to unlock ageing secrets

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

CLEARWATER, FL--(Marketwire -07/23/12)- Biostem U.S., Corporation, (HAIR) (HAIR) (Biostem, the Company), a fully reporting public company in the stem cell regenerative medicine sciences sector, enters into an agreement with Pizarro Hair Restoration Clinics to offer The Biostem Method of stem cell hair re-growth treatments.

Biostem U.S., Corporation announced today that it has entered into a contractual affiliate agreement with Dr. Marina Pizarro and her multi-location practice, Pizarro Hair Restoration Clinics http://www.DrPizarro.com. Additionally, Dr. Pizarro will serve as the Medical Director for the company.

Dr. Pizarro's Orlando, Florida office will serve as the national training center for future Biostem U.S. affiliates.

Dwight Brunoehler, Chief Executive Officer for Biostem, stated, "We have been seeking the right partner to become our first affiliate. We have also been seeking a qualified Medical Director as well as a first rate training facility to accommodate the many requests for affiliation that we have received nationwide from physicians wanting to offer our services to their clientele. The Company is extremely fortunate to have filled these multiple needs in one place. Dr. Pizarro's impeccable credentials and extensive experience rank her among the best in her field. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship."

According to Dr. Pizarro, "I have been following the discovery and development of hair re-growth technology on the cellular level for some time. Biostem's unique approach using Platelet Rich Plasma along with other proven treatments has shown to be highly effective for many qualified male and female patients. I am excited to be able to offer this service to my patients, and to be on the ground floor of this growing industry."

Dr. Marina Pizarro holds the distinction of being the first female hair transplant physician in the industry and belongs to the elite group of surgeons who have performed over 30,000 hair transplant procedures in their careers. She received her Medical Degree from Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico in 1985. After completing her residency in Orlando, Dr. Pizarro worked with world renowned hair transplant surgeon Dr. Constantine Chambers building one of the largest hair restoration practices in history. After five years, and performing thousands of procedures around the world while lecturing at hair restoration conventions, Dr. Pizarro opened her first two facilities in Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 specializing in hair transplantation for both men and women. She currently has three facilities in Florida with the addition of her clinic in Tampa. Dr. Pizarro is a member of The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.

About Biostem U.S., Corporation:

Biostem U.S., Corporation (HAIR) is a fully reporting Nevada corporation with offices in Clearwater, Florida. Biostem U.S. is a technology licensing company with proprietary technology centered on providing hair re-growth using human stem cells. The company also intends to train and license selected physicians to provide Regenerative Cellular Therapy treatments to assist the body's natural approach to healing tendons, ligaments, joints and muscle injuries by using the patient's own stem cells. Biostem U.S. is seeking to expand its operations worldwide through licensing of its proprietary technology and acquisition of existing stem cell related facilities. The company's goal is to operate in the international biotech market, focusing on the rapidly growing regenerative medicine field, using ethically sourced adult stem cells to improve the quality and longevity of life for all mankind.

The company's Board of Directors is headed by Chairman, Scott Crutchfield, who also acts as Senior Vice President of World Wide Operations for Crocs, Inc. (CROX) and includes Crocs, Inc. original member, Steve Beck.

For further information on Biostem U.S., Corporation can be obtained through http://www.biostemus.com or by contacting Fox Communications Group at 310-974-6821.

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Biostem U.S., Corporation Enters Into Medical Affiliate Agreement With Pizarro Hair Restoration Clinics

Recommendation and review posted by sam

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/bvnrbc/rna_mirna_rnai_a) has announced the addition of the "RNA (Mirna, Rnai & Sirna) Therapy in Oncology Drug Pipeline Update 2012" report to their offering.

Potentially any disease-causing gene, cell type or tissue can be targeted with miRNA, RNAi or siRNA, including those not 'druggable' with small molecules or protein-based therapies.

There are today 49 companies plus partners developing 69 RNA (miRNA, RNAi & siRNA) drugs in 91 developmental projects in cancer. In addition, the accumulated number of ceased drugs over the last years amount to another 24 drugs. Rna (Mirna, Rnai & Sirna) Therapy In Oncology Drug Pipeline Update lists all drugs and gives you a progress analysis on each one of them. Identified drugs are linked to 49 different targets. These targets are further categorized on in the software application by 23 classifications of molecular function and with pathway referrals to BioCarta, KEGG and NetPath.

How May Drug Pipeline Update Be of Use?

- Show investors/board/management that you are right on top of drug development progress in your therapeutic area.

- Find competitors, collaborations partners, M&A candidates etc.

- Jump start competitive drug intelligence operations

- Excellent starting point for world wide benchmarking

- Compare portfolio and therapy focus with your peers

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Research and Markets: RNA (Mirna, Rnai & Sirna) Therapy in Oncology Drug Pipeline Update 2012

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

ScienceDaily (July 23, 2012) New research conducted by neuroscientists from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) published in Nature Medicine has identified a new gene involved in epilepsy and could potentially provide a new treatment option for patients with epilepsy.

The research focussed on a new class of gene called a 'microRNA' which controls protein production inside cells. The research looked in detail at one particular microRNA called 'microRNA-134' and found that levels of microRNA-134 are much higher in the part of the brain that causes seizures in patients with epilepsy.

By using a new type of drug-like molecule called an antagomir which locks onto the 'microRNA-134' and removes it from the brain cell, the researchers found they could prevent epileptic seizures from occurring.

Professor David Henshall, Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI and senior author on the paper said 'We have been looking to find what goes wrong inside brain cells to trigger epilepsy. Our research has discovered a completely new gene linked to epilepsy and it shows how we can target this gene using drug-like molecules to reduce the brain's susceptibility to seizures and the frequency in which they occur."

Dr Eva Jimenez-Mateos, Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI and first author on the paper said "Our research found that the antagomir drug protects the brain cells from toxic effects of prolonged seizures and the effects of the treatment can last up to one month."

Epilepsy affects 37,000 in Ireland alone. For every two out of three people with epilepsy their seizures are controlled by medication, but one in three patients continues to have seizures despite being prescribed medication. This study could potentially offer new treatment methods for patients.

The research was supported by a grant from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). Researchers in the Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, RCSI, clinicians at Beaumont Hospital and experts in brain structure from the Cajal Institute in Madrid were involved in the study.

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New epilepsy gene identified; possible new treatment option

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith