Banking on cord blood fear factor Jul 22, 2008
It's available to anyone who needs it for conditions ranging from cancer and leukemia to conditions such as severe aplastic anemia, sickle cell disease and other genetic disorders. Pediatricians urge public donationThe American Academy of Pediatrics last year urged parents to privately bank their babies blood only if they had an older child with cancer or a genetic disease that could benefit from a siblings donation. (MSNBC -- Health)
Insurance Cancellation Questions Could Spread Beyond California Jul 21, 2008
A recent article in the WSJ focused on some Mennonite families who sought medical care for their children who were born with genetic disorders. The Mennonites were uninsured they rely either upon themselves or their communities to provide financial and emotional support when needs arise. (Wall Street Journal Blogs)
Bank of America promotes 2 at US Trust subsidiary Jul 18, 2008
Biotechnology company said it will pay New Jersey-based PTC Therapeutics Inc. $100 million upfront to license rights to a developing treatment for genetic disorders. The deal gives Cambridge-based Genzyme rights to market PTC124 outside the United States and Canada. (Boston Globe)
Security beefed up at Sariska Jul 17, 2008
This follows doubts raised on the logic behind bringing the tigers from the same reserve at the back drop of constant breeding leading to genetic disorders among the cubs. Bookmark / Share. (India Times)
Apert's Syndrome: Why Kids Of Older Dads Are More Likely To Have Some Genetic Disorders Jul 16, 2008
This evolutionary explanation, which has been proposed but rarely tested, may hold true for other genetic disorders such as achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, as that condition is also linked to a single gene substitution. "I think it raises the possibility that there might be a larger class of genetic diseases that are the result of a selective advantage when the mutation occurs," Arnheim said. (Science Daily)
Mutant testis cells behind genetic disorder have survival advantage Jul 15, 2008
Study may explain why kids of older dads are more likely to have some genetic disorders, and why those disorders are more common than expected ... This evolutionary explanation, which has been proposed but rarely tested, may hold true for other genetic disorders such as achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, as that condition is also linked to a single gene substitution. (EurekAlert!)
RNA Emerges From DNA's Shadow Jul 14, 2008
Jacobson pointed out that there are about 2400 human genetic disorders resulting from mutations that cause genes to be incompletely read, including cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. A drug based on the molecule is now entering trials that could lead to it becoming generally available. (Science Daily)
Taking a Chance: Harrington set for stem cell treatment Jul 13, 2008
The doctor, who performs umbilical-cord blood transplants in children with leukemia and genetic disorders, said the cells must be given intravenously or injected into the fluid around the brain to be effective on brain damage. The catch is that after Adam returned home, he gained his sight for the first time, something a Miami-area eye doctor had deemed nearly impossible before the treatment. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Firm thrives making drugs for rare conditions Jul 13, 2008
The medicines are not cures for genetic disorders, but can only stave off some of the damage caused by the diseases. Naglazyme costs an average of $350,000 a year, and Kuvan costs an average of $70,000 a year. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Advice on kids, cholesterol triggers heaps of confusion Jul 13, 2008
Perhaps the academy could sponsor a database or study so pediatricians could report experiences with children who are on statins because they suffer from genetic disorders that spur dramatically high cholesterol levels. Hidden agendas. (Yahoo News)
Transplant brother back at school Jul 13, 2008
XLP is one of the world's rarest fatal genetic disorders and is believed to affect only about 100 families. Bookmark with. (BBC News)
Tumor Suppressor That Manages Cellular Cleaning And Recycling Proceses Identified Jul 8, 2008
"The report provides new insights into understanding some human diseases with compromised autophagic and endosomal trafficking, including cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle), myopathy (a neuromuscular disease), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (genetic disorders of nerve cells) and Danon Disease )a genetic disorder characterized by heart problems)," Liang says. The findings warrant further study into whether the UVRAG-mediated trafficking activity contributes to its tumor suppression... (Science Daily)
Hospital bills overwhelm Amish Jul 5, 2008
"If things continue at this rate, hospital bills will overwhelm this community's ability to pay, and these peoples' whole way of life will be lost forever," said Dr D. Holmes Morton, founder of the Clinic for Special Children, a hospital in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, that specialises in genetic disorders in Amish children. He told The Wall Street Journal that hospital bills were inflated, and he has called on local hospitals to offer half-price discounts to uninsured Amish and Mennonites. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
The Ethics of Testing Embryos for Disease Jul 1, 2008
The cells from each embryo are tested for genetic disorders, and any embryo that is found to be free of the screened disorders is implanted in the mother's womb via in vitro fertilization. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis has given hope to families with long histories of genetic disease. (ABC News)
* Ferry recovery called off because of pesticide leak Jun 28, 2008
Officials identified the pesticide as Endo Sulfan which has been blamed for causing mental and genetic disorders, skin diseases and even cancer in rural communities in India, media reports said. Pesticide. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Local researchers cast new light on genetic mutations Jun 28, 2008
The research shed new light on how some mutated-protein productions are avoided, as well as how future treatments for certain genetic disorders can be done. Nuclear pre-messenger RNAs are the raw materials for mRNAs, containing both the non-coding sections called introns, and code-containing sections called exons, Cheng told a press conference. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Toxic find halts Philippine dive Jun 28, 2008
Exposure to endosulfan, an insecticide, has been blamed for mental and genetic disorders, skin diseases and nervous disorders, and even death. Vice-President Noli de Castro said the consignment aboard the ferry had been bound for pineapple plantations of Del Monte Philippines. (BBC News -- Science)
Read more... Jun 26, 2008
Winners in previous years include organizations that provide medical and dental care for the underserved, services for cancer patients, access to care for chronic illness, and services for children with genetic disorders. To qualify for a GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT award, applicants must provide access to community healthcare services (primary mission) in the Pennsylvania counties of Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia; have a total annual operating... (PNN Online)
Breathless in her praise for the pie Jun 24, 2008
Pre-loved denims worn, donated and signed by A-listers including Cameron Diaz, Keith Urban and Jackie Chan will go on show today in Denim Gold, an exhibition to raise money for research into genetic disorders such as cancer, epilepsy and cleft lip. The denim duds were also signed and painted by Australian artists as part of the Jeans for Genes campaign, a fund-raiser for the Children's Medical Research Institute. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
The Squeeze on Drug-Maker Shire Jun 20, 2008
" The Basingstoke, U.K.-based company does have a number of good products besides its ADHD treatments. Those include two drugs for ulcerative colitis, whose sales surpassed $225 million last year. Others treat rare genetic disorders in competition with products from Genzyme (). Last year's sales of Shire's genetic therapies totaled about $325 million. But ADHD drugs are Shire's moneymakers. Sales of Adderall XR have grown nearly 20% a year and surely contributed most of last year's cash earnings... (SmartMoney)
Fertility DNA checks discouraged Jun 12, 2008
Embryos can be screened for genetic disorders. Embryo chromosome screening should not be offered to women to improve their chances of an IVF baby, expert guidelines say. (BBC News -- Health)
India's Deadly Chemical Addiction Jun 10, 2008
But these usually mundane topics have taken on a tragic twist, involving couples failing to conceive, children being born with genetic disorders, people of all ages succumbing to cancer. Nadar Singh, the village headman, says there have been some 20 cancer-related deaths during the last five years in Jhajjal, a village of only 3,200. (Time.com)
Saturday marks first Batten Disease Day Jun 7, 2008
The federal government provides 3 million a year for Batten Disease research, Johnston said, but that is not nearly enough since the disease encompasses 10 separate genetic disorders. One treatment may be effective for one form but not for another, he said. (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
Genetically Low HDL Not Tied to Heart Disease Jun 6, 2008
Studying patients with genetic disorders that lower HDL cholesterol without increasing harmful triglycerides is an "ideal" way in which to assess the consequences of isolated, lifelong low HDL cholesterol levels, they note in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "The principal finding," they say, is that mutations in ABCA1 associated with "substantial, lifelong lowering of plasma levels of HDL cholesterol, but not with corresponding higher levels of plasma triglycerides or... (MEDLINEplus)
* Lorenzos Oil child gave hope to thousands Jun 4, 2008
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies that cause damage to the myelin sheath, a membrane that surrounds nerve cells in the brain. Sufferers accumulate high levels of fatty acids in the brain and adrenal cortex because they do not produce the enzyme that breaks them down. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Human Genomics and Proteomics Jun 2, 2008
The journals affiliation with the FINDbase database offers a distinct opportunity to widen access to essential reference information on population-specific mutation data across a range of genetic disorders. The journal will publish high quality original and review articles comprising research on human genomics and proteomics. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
More girls than boys benefit from breastfeeding, Hopkins Children's research shows Jun 2, 2008
It has recognized Centers of Excellence in 20 pediatric subspecialties including cardiology, transplant, psychiatric illnesses and genetic disorders. For more information, please visit. (EurekAlert!)
Why are instruction manuals always so difficult to understand andfollow? May 31, 2008
For better or worse, our DNA comes equally from our mother and our father, and our traits, including genetic disorders, are inherited in a number of patterns. There are specific DNA tests that can tell you more - always provided you also have the DNA of the ancestors you're concerned about. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Common Genetic Variant Tied to Lung Cancer Risk May 29, 2008
Alpha1-antitrypsin (AT) gene deficiencies are among the most common genetic disorders in the United States, affecting at least 10 million Americans. An estimated 11 percent to 12 percent of lung cancer patients in the study carried the defective gene variants, said the study authors, who published their findings in the May 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. (MEDLINEplus)
My cousin, my love May 24, 2008
In fact, the chance of a child inheriting genetic disorders rises from around 2% in the general population to 4% if the parents are cousins ... "If you marry a first cousin and you also have a recessive condition, it does raise the likelihood that you will be at risk of your child being affected by that condition," says Alastair Kent, director of the Genetic Interest Group, a support group for all families affected by genetic disorders. (Guardian Unlimited -- Society)
Kill it before it kills you May 24, 2008
Some genetic disorders (such as Down's syndrome) increase the risk of developing acute leukemia. The risk of developing AML (acute mylogenous leukemia) increases in people who have other diseases affecting the bone marrow, exposure to the chemical benzene, or exposure to certain cancer treatment drugs. (Deccan Herald)
Torn between "Two Lovers" May 22, 2008
I, as a Jew, tested positive for a whole host of genetic disorders, and I started to think about it. The genetic counselor told me a story about how she would have to talk to these couples who were both Jewish, who had both tested positive for for example, which means that any child they had would be dead by the age of 4 -- it's an incurable disease -- and how hard it was for the couples. (Salon)
Alarm over UK hybrid embryo research May 21, 2008
The scientific arguments in favor of the research have been "overhyped," King said, and offer no hope of a cure for those suffering with genetic disorders. "Very little, I think, will come out of it and I think hopes are being raised that will be cruelly disappointed," King said. (CNN -- Health)
Winners and losers in funding for drugs May 18, 2008
The drugs are for different forms of a group of rare genetic disorders known as mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs). These are caused by the abnormal storage of waste proteins in the body because of an enzyme deficiency. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Call to offer genetic screening for married cousins May 18, 2008
Doctors in Bradford have identified more than 150 recessive genetic disorders among the children. The diseases, which can affect the brain, heart, eyes, skin and other organs, arise only when both parents carry a gene for a disease. (guardian.co.uk)
Inheriting riskDoes first cousin marriage mean worse health for the children? May 17, 2008
The contentious issue of first-cousin marriage is set to hit the headlines with a heated debate over their impact on genetic disorders in Britain ... Professor Bittles explains that within some communities even non-cousin marriages carry higher risks of these rare genetic disorders because those involved are from the same "biraderi" or clan. (BBC News -- UK)
Gene Therapy Clinical Trial Yields Promising Results For Batten Disease May 15, 2008
Dr. Crystal is a world leader and pioneer in the use of gene therapy to treat a number of genetic disorders and diseases. The gene in question -- CLN2 -- is mutated in children with the disease, causing a deficiency in the enzyme TTP-1, which is responsible for ridding cells of the central nervous system of waste materials. (Science Daily)
Parsis may be silenced by success May 14, 2008
It has resulted in genetic disorders and increased infertility. Conservatives argue that the problem the community confronts is not one of numbers but of protecting the purity of the community; hence their opposition to intermarriages. (Asia Times Online)
* [ HEALTH ] Politics clouds debate over health risk to cousins who marry May 13, 2008
Muslim doctors in the UK dispute claims that first-cousin marriages have led to a significant increase in rare genetic disorders. PHOTO: EPA. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Folic Acid, B Vitamins Not Linked To Reduced Risk Of Cardiovascular Events In High-risk Women May 8, 2008
"... B vitamin supplements cannot currently be recommended for the prevention of CVD events (with the exception of rare genetic disorders) and there is no role for routine screening for elevated homocysteine levels. However, ongoing clinical research should provide further evidence on whether there may be any role for homocysteine-lowering B vitamin supplements in CVD prevention and for the overall importance of homocysteine as a CV risk factor.". Reference for editorial: JAMA.... (Science Daily)
Are There Missing Pieces to the Human Genome Project? May 6, 2008
Eichler believes that the findings gleaned from these eight genomes and 17 others that he plans to analyze could help fill in gaps in the reference genome, which would make the sequence more helpful in the study of complex genetic disorders such as heart disease, diabetes and. "There's a saying that goes, 'It's the sequence, stupid,'" Eichler says. (Scientific American)
* Bush to sign first major civil rights act of 21st century May 3, 2008
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California secretly tested workers for sickle cell trait and other genetic disorders from the 1960s through 1993; workers were told it was routine cholesterol screening. Sickle cell anemia almost exclusively afflicts black people. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Anti-Genetic Testing Bill Passes May 3, 2008
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California secretly tested workers for sickle cell trait and other genetic disorders from the 1960s through 1993; workers were told it was routine cholesterol screening. In another incident, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. paid 36 employees $2. (Time.com)
Raytheon CEO got $15m in compensation last year Apr 23, 2008
The Cambridge-based maker of treatments for rare genetic disorders said it will seek permission from Chinese authorities to build a 200,000-square-foot building at a cost of about $90 million. Genzyme hopes to open the center in 2010 in Beijing's Life Science Park, a hub for academic and government research centers as well as for biotech firms. (Boston Globe)
Antenatal Tests Apr 23, 2008
These tests detect a susceptibility to or presence of genetic disorders in the foetus. As they are invasive they carry a small risk to the foetus. (Suite101.com)
S. Jersey man accused of selling sick puppies Apr 21, 2008
Puppy mill dogs, bred en masse like livestock, often carry genetic disorders that shorten their lives or result in the animals becoming infirm and crippled. Many also have diseases that are easily spread to other animals. (NJ.com)
Families: Insurance should cover autism Apr 17, 2008
Among the multiple genetic disorders some 30 in all autism is the only condition that is excluded from (health) insurance coverage, state Rep. Jeff Grisamore, R-Lee's Summit, told members of the House Committee on Health Care Policy on Tuesday afternoon. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Gene may link autism to muscle disorder Apr 14, 2008
Mitochondrial diseases are a set of genetic disorders in which energy-producing structures in cells are impaired. The disease is often triggered by an illness, such as a high fever, which can result in severe muscle weakening. (MSNBC -- Health)
* Death before life Apr 8, 2008
If a genetic or chromosomal abnormality was the cause of a stillbirth, the risk of recurrence can vary from 1 percent if the baby had an extra chromosome to as high as 50 percent for genetic disorders like familial DiGeorge syndrome. In subsequent pregnancies, the woman could undergo prenatal testing to determine whether the fetus was free of the problem. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
CombiMatrix Launches BAC HD Scan: Diagnostic for Over 125 Genetic Disorders Including Autism Spectrum Disorder Apr 8, 2008
The new test is designed to interrogate specific genes and genomic regions associated with over 125 known genetic disorders while enabling screening for unexpected abnormalities with an industry-best average resolution of 432 Kb across the entire genome ... The BAC HD Scan(tm) test simultaneously interrogates all of the known genomic markers currently associated with ASD as well as those associated with over 125 additional genetic disorders. (Primezone Releases)
Genetic Disorders & DNA Sweeps Apr 3, 2008
Genetic Disorders & DNA Sweeps: Scanning of Human Genome Uncovers Genes Linked to Disease ... Genetic Disorders weeps ... Genetic Disorders & DNA Sweeps. (Suite101.com)
Asian American Families Appear to Choose Sons, Study... Apr 2, 2008
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine say assisting patients in choosing the sex of their offspring to avoid serious sex-linked genetic disorders is ethical, but they discourage sex selection for personal and family reasons, such as family balancing. Nevertheless, while many countries prohibit sex selection techniques without a medical purpose, the United States does not. (Fox News)
Asians in U.S. using technology to have sons Apr 1, 2008
Family balancing discouraged by U.S. doctorsThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine say assisting patients in choosing the sex of their offspring to avoid serious sex-linked genetic disorders is ethical, but they discourage sex selection for personal and family reasons, such as family balancing. Nevertheless, while many countries prohibit sex selection techniques without a medical purpose, the United States does not. (MSNBC -- Health)
US drugmaker Genzyme Corp. to expand in Ireland, create 170 jobs Apr 1, 2008
Genzyme specializes in making drugs for use in fighting rare genetic disorders, kidney disease and cancer and helping organ-transplant recipients. It employs more than 10,000 people worldwide. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Boy, 6, battlescancer, raises$900 for hospital Mar 30, 2008
St. Jude's research focuses on cancers, acquired or inherited immune deficiencies, infectious disease and genetic disorders. Current research includes work on gene therapy, bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, viruses and pediatric AIDS.. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Cardinal to meet embryo experts Mar 29, 2008
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Saturday, 29 March 2008, 04:53 GMT. (BBC News -- UK)
Australian Charity Events Mar 24, 2008
Jeans for Genes Day aims to raise awareness of genetic disorders. Fundraising benefits the Children s Medical Research Institute to assist with genetic research projects and support for families of children born with genetic disorders. (Suite101.com)
A Bone Marrow Disease With a Brighter Prognosis Mar 24, 2008
Finally, some genetic disorders have been linked to it. Symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cells in shortage. (Health-Finder)
Home genetic test accuracy can vary Mar 23, 2008
Offit says once self-ordered test results are relayed, individuals receiving the results may not also receive counseling regarding appropriate medical interventions for prevention and early detection of genetic disorders. Some states, such as New York, require genetic testing for disease risk must be requested by a licensed healthcare professional and must be performed in an approved clinical laboratory, Offit says. (United Press International)
Genomic Medicine Coming: Health Professionals, Public Unprepared Mar 21, 2008
"The greatest public health benefit of advances in understanding the human genome will likely occur as genomic medicine expands from its focus from rare genetic disorders to inclusion of more common chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and cancer," the authors provide as background information in the article. "With genomics discoveries relating to common chronic diseases, numerous genetic tests may emerge that hold promise for significant changes in the... (Science Daily)
Structure Reveals How Cells 'Sugar-coat' Proteins Mar 17, 2008
Failure of glycosylation, as the "sugar-coating" process is known, can lead to a variety of genetic disorders characterized by neurological problems including seizures and stroke-like episodes, feeding disorders, and possibly even some forms of muscular dystrophy. "We studied one enzyme involved in glycosylation, the one that recognizes the protein sequence and adds the sugar chains to the protein as it is being synthesized by the cell," said William J. Lennarz of Stony Brook University, a... (Science Daily)
Handheld DNA Detector Mar 17, 2008
Clinicians and medical researchers too could use it to diagnose genetic disorders and study problems in genetics. Such a sensor might also be used to spot the weapons of the bioterrorist or in criminal forensic investigations. (Science Daily)
FCC overlooks diversity issue Mar 9, 2008
The myth of men being able to father children well into their 80s must give way to realities such as: chromosomal damage to sperm as men age causing birth defects such as Down Syndrome, undiagnosed hormonal conditions causing testicular failure, genetic disorders like Klinefelter's Syndrome, and many more that affect men's reproductive health. A man's biological clock ticks just as loudly as a woman's and the sooner men realize that they too must get serious at a younger age, if they want to... (Boston Globe)
Acute Pulmonary Embolism Mar 6, 2008
Please for full text and personal services. Volume 358:1037-1052. (New England Journal of Medicine)
VIDEO from Medialink and Shire plc: Rare Diseases Must Be Top of the Health Agenda Feb 29, 2008
Fabry disease is one of a group of 45 similar genetic disorders, known collectively as lysosomal storage disorders. European Rare Disease Day is designed to improve the understanding, care and treatment of these kinds of diseases to improve the lives of those affected by them. (PR Newswire)
