No right to DNA tests after conviction: US court Jun 19, 2009
Osborne's court-appointed lawyer had originally refused the genetic testing, fearing it would prove his client's guilt. He only allowed a less precise test to go ahead which showed that the DNA of Osborne, an African-American, matched only 15 percent of the population. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
High court says convicts lack right to DNA testing Jun 19, 2009
But Chief Justice John Roberts, in his majority opinion, said the states have moved quickly to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by advances in genetic testing ... Dissenting liberal justices and advocates for prisoners who seek genetic testing complained that the court is penalizing a small group of inmates who lack access to a simple test that would conclusively show their innocence, or reaffirm their guilt. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
No Benefit in Testing for Genes Linked to Leg Clots Jun 18, 2009
TUESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- There's no proof that genetic testing can help prevent the potentially dangerous blood clots called deep vein thrombosis, a new U.S. government report shows ... But Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) researchers reviewed available scientific literature and said there's not enough evidence to conclude that genetic testing for the two gene mutations in adults with a history of blood clots helps prevent deep vein thrombosis or improves other... (MEDLINEplus)
Study: 'Depression Gene' Doesn't Predict the Blues Jun 17, 2009
Currently, no such test exists, although several genetic testing companies, including and , do use genetic markers to tell customers which antidepressant drugs they are more likely to respond to. "My concern is that these tests are being marketed to the public as if there is no question about it," says Merikangas, speaking generally about direct-to-consumer genomic tests that purport to offer people any truly predictive health advice. (Time.com)
AMP urges inclusion of molecular diagnostic tests in comparative effectiveness research Jun 17, 2009
gov; the development and adoption of standards for the collection and storage of data from genetic testing laboratories in order to facilitate interoperability among databases; and a requirement that data from technologies and tests being assessed be generated from CLIA-, CAP-, ISO-, or FDA- certified institutions. Additionally, AMP wrote that in order to routinely incorporate information that relates patient outcomes to genetic variations into clinical care, there is a need to jointly fund... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
'Depression gene'? Maybe not Jun 17, 2009
The study stirred interest in genetic testing for depression risk. Since then, researchers have tried to replicate the gene finding in more than a dozen studies. (News & Observer)
People With Huntington's Report Discrimination Jun 16, 2009
Family members who already knew they carried the mutation reported the highest levels of discrimination, although getting the genetic testing was not associated with more discrimination, the study noted ... Despite advances in genetic testing, fear of discrimination has prevented some from having the testing done or participating in genetic research, the authors explained ... Given that much of the discrimination seems to come from within the family, "clearly, there is a need to shift the... (MEDLINEplus)
Genetically Elevated Levels Of Lipoprotein Associated With Increased Risk Of Heart Attack Jun 16, 2009
"Although this study certainly provides interesting mechanistic insights into the biology of lipoprotein(a) in the context of MI and suggestive evidence regarding the potential benefit of decreasing lipoprotein(a) early in life, clinicians may ask: 'How will these results affect current approaches for prediction, prevention, and treatment of my patients?' At present, the clinical implications remain quite limited. These results do not provide the necessary evidence that genetic testing of the... (Science Daily)
Global Testing Shows No Variation in Swine Flu Virus Jun 6, 2009
"We have tested isolates from a wide geographic area, from the Americas, Europe, from Asia and New Zealand and we are not seeing variations in isolates from the genetic testing we do here," Dr. Anne Schuchat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's interim deputy director for science and public health program, said during a press conference. While infections caused by the virus continue to be relatively mild and patients recover quickly, health officials have warned that the virus could... (MEDLINEplus)
Risks of sharing personal genetic information online need more study, Stanford bioethicists say Jun 5, 2009
As the cost of DNA sequencing drops, the genetic testing industry is expanding rapidly. Lee estimates that nearly 100 companies around the world now provide some form of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. (EurekAlert!)
Cepheid Receives Health Canada License for Xpert(R) HemosIL(R) FII & FV Test Jun 3, 2009
The company's systems enable rapid, sophisticated genetic testing for organisms and genetic-based diseases by automating otherwise complex manual laboratory procedures. The company's easy-to-use systems integrate a number of complicated and time-intensive steps, including sample preparation, DNA amplification and detection, which enable the analysis of complex biological samples in its proprietary test cartridges. (Canada Newswire)
Texting, worker-leave, Pinnacol bills among 55 signed into law Jun 2, 2009
HB 1338 prohibits insurance companies from using genetic testing for setting premiums or blocking individuals from obtaining insurance. bmook@bizjournals. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Pitt melanoma researchers present novel findings at ASCO May 31, 2009
Genetic testing could someday allow doctors to identify which patients will respond to standard chemotherapy and which patients won't, leading to improved treatments for both groups. "The genes that we isolated in this study could be potential targets for new therapies down the road," explained Dr. Tawbi. (EurekAlert!)
Expert urges testing for genetic disorders May 29, 2009
Most rabbis and Jewish family services are good resources for Jewish genetic testing. We embrace the idea of being informed of facts and realities that can help a young couple plan a future together, says Park Synagogue s Rabbi Joshua Skoff. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Europe To Coordinate Unique Biobanks May 29, 2009
(June 28, 2007) Genetic testing holds great promise for the future. Information generated by genetic testing may provide information that leads to new treatments for common diseases such as heart disease and. (Science Daily)
Warnex Enters Into Agreement in Principle for the Acquisition of Molecular World Inc. May 28, 2009
Warnex's medical laboratories division focuses on genetic and biochemical testing for the healthcare industry and has extensive expertise in genetic testing for human identification, molecular diagnostics, and pharmacogenetics. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
First comprehensive guidelines for managing medullary thyroid carcinoma published in Thyroid journal May 28, 2009
The American Thyroid Association () has compiled 122 evidence-based recommendations that cover a range of clinical topics, including diagnosis and therapy for early disease, genetic testing, surgical management, post-surgical treatment and monitoring, management of persistent or recurrent MTC and metastatic disease, and long-term follow-up. The guidelines also propose directions for future research on MTC.. (EurekAlert!)
Genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer risk may be greatly underutilized May 22, 2009
Although a test for gene mutations known to significantly increase the risk of hereditary breast or ovarian cancer has been available for more than a decade, a new study finds that few women with family histories of these cancers are even discussing genetic testing with their physicians or other health care providers ... "Testing for BRCA1 and 2 mutations has been around a long time and should be a good indicator of whether genetic testing is making its way into regular medical practice," says... (EurekAlert!)
Fast, Affordable Tool For Finding Gene 'On-off' Switches May 22, 2009
Research into gene function has been done for years with worms and fruit flies, whose short life spans and rapid reproduction make genetic testing relatively inexpensive, McManus said. But in mammals, studying the function of individual genes can often cost a laboratory 100,000 or more in basic materials and require complex technology to run. (Science Daily)
MIT, spinout sue Navigenics over patents May 21, 2009
and its spinout LLC teamed up to file a patent infringement lawsuit Tuesday against personalized genetic testing firm The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, seeks $75 million in damages for E8 and MIT.. Access to the filing does not include details of the case nor the nature of the filing. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Cystic Fibrosis: Sodium Channel Blocker Shows Promise As Potential Treatment For CF May 20, 2009
27, 2009) Three reports describing advances in cystic fibrosis genetic testing appear in the latest issue of The Journal of Molecular. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Babies Born To Native High-altitude Mothers Have Decreased Risk Of Low Birth Weight May 20, 2009
The researchers determined Andean ancestry through a combination of three methods: genetic testing, interviews and surnames. The research focused on the uterine artery, which dilates to increase blood flow to the fetus during pregnancy. (Science Daily)
Genetic marker may predict early onset of prostate cancer May 16, 2009
"Genetic testing for prostate cancer is not yet clinically well characterized as it is for breast, ovarian cancer and colon cancer," Giri says. "Markers such as this one are useful because they may help clinicians distinguish between men who are at risk for earlier onset of disease where intensive screening approaches can be discussed. Men who do not carry genetic markers of risk may not need such screening measures.". (EurekAlert!)
Should parents share the results of BRCA1/2 genetic testing with their children? May 15, 2009
Should parents share the results of BRCA1/2 genetic testing with their children ... Should parents share the results of BRCA1/2 genetic testing with their children. (EurekAlert!)
Lawsuit Looks to 'Take Down' Patents on Human Genes May 15, 2009
This week, that practice came under a full-bore legal assault when groups representing more than 100,000 doctors and researchers, working together with lawyers at the and the , filed suit against the PTO and Myriad Genetics, a Utah-based genetic testing company ... And, Ravicher adds, researchers who do get such permission -- and then perform genetic testing on patients as part of their research -- aren't allowed to share the test results with their patients. (Law.com)
15-Point Test Gauges Alzheimer's Risk May 15, 2009
"But, as far as the screening tests, I don't think we can order MRI and genetic testing on everybody who starts getting older.". And the simpler parts of the system, Palm added, are already routinely used in screening for Alzheimer's. (MEDLINEplus)
Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis Delayed Almost 2.5 Years In Boys May 15, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 14, 2009) Boys show signs of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) for 2 ; years before they obtain a diagnosis and disease-specific treatment, about the same length of delay children have endured for the past 20 years despite advances in genetic testing and treatment. A simple and inexpensive blood test for any boy with symptoms and signs of motor delays and abnormalities could speed up the process while pilot studies on newborn screening are conducted. (Science Daily)
Perceived cancer risks may not reflect actual risks or prevention needs May 15, 2009
Risk for gastrointestinal cancers, the focus of the current study, is established through family and personal histories of gastrointestinal cancers and/or colorectal polyps, as well as genetic testing ... "We examined clinical cancer prevention needs among individuals seeking gastrointestinal risk evaluation, including in our assessment their estimated personal risk, risk beliefs, and interest in genetic testing." ... Those at moderate-to-high or high risk are offered additional prevention... (EurekAlert!)
ACLU -- Myriad Genetics lawsuit will become landmark case May 15, 2009
D., Editor in Chief of the peer reviewed journal, Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers (), which is the official journal of the Genetic Alliance, says the "patenting of human genes is a bad idea and that healthcare in the U.S. would be enhanced if the ACLU suit prevails." Dr. Berns is also Director of the University of Florida Genetics Institute in Gainesville. William Warren, partner at the Sutherland law firm, thinks the ACLU, in this case, is barking up the wrong tree. (EurekAlert!)
Lawsuit filed over gene patents May 14, 2009
" More than 192,000 U.S. women get diagnoses each year, and about 5 to 10 percent of those cases are a hereditary form of the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 -- short for breast cancer 1 and breast cancer 2 -- are involved in many cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, the institute said. "A woman's lifetime chance of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene," according... (CNN -- Health)
Dogene patents spur or stifle science? May 14, 2009
They wanted to offer genetic testing to all women at risk but could not afford to do so. Some hospitals began to flout the Myriad patents and offered the tests anyway. (MSNBC -- Health)
DNA suit pits patients against patents May 14, 2009
A patent was also granted to a single company for genetic testing on long QT syndrome, which can lead to heart arrhythmias and sudden death, and to the HFE gene, linked to hereditary hemochromatosis, a condition in which iron accumulates in the blood and can cause organ damage. Doctors and scientists have complained about both patents. (MSNBC -- Health)
ACLU Challenges Patents on Breast Cancer Genes May 13, 2009
Many women with a history of breast and ovarian cancer in their families opt to undergo genetic testing to determine if they have the mutations on their BRCA genes that put them at increased risk for these diseases ... "Women whose doctors recommend genetic testing should be able to find out whether they have the gene mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancer so that they are able to make choices that could save their lives, and these patents interfere with their ability to do so," said... (PR Newswire)
Breast Cancer Action Sues to End Gene Patenting May 13, 2009
Since 1998, when BRCA1 & 2 were first patented, BCA has maintained that the patenting of human genes interferes with patients' access to genetic testing and medical care. "The time has finally arrived for the courts to decide who owns our genes," said Barbara Brenner, executive director of Breast Cancer Action. (PR Newswire)
Missouri family seeks more newborn testing May 12, 2009
Genetic testing revealed Krabbe, which strikes about 1 out of 100,000 newborns in the United States and is generally fatal before age 2. The condition causes the nervous system to deteriorate, triggering muscle spasms, irritability, loss of development skills, mental retardation, blindness and early death. (North County Times)
Alzheimer's series a learning tool for Shriver May 9, 2009
Q: In the last few years, there have been some advances in research toward Alzheimer's, including predictive genetic testing. Through your experience with your father, has it led you to take such a test. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Gene Test Determines Risk Of Heart Surgery Complications May 8, 2009
Therefore, the researchers suggest that "perhaps, more suitable hemodynamics could be achieved in LL patients were they given vasopressin rather than noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and acute kidney injury might be attenuated by avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass and nephrotoxic medication." Larger clinical trials are necessary to show whether patients need to undergo genetic testing prior to heart surgery to determine their risk for shock and kidney failure. Journal reference. (Science Daily)
Work with genes in making choices May 5, 2009
DeBusk says genetic testing for food needs is in its infancy. Will there be 6 million different diets. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Australian, UK WWI dead to get military funeral May 5, 2009
Genetic testing will hopefully allow at least some of the men to be identified, and all will be given a full military funeral, 94 years after they lost their lives in a doomed assault on German lines, on July 19, 1916. "This is a way of honouring their service and sacrifice of those who went before us," said the Australian army project manager, Lieutenant Colonel James Brownle, on the eve of the operation. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Pigs infected with A/H1N1 flu in Canada May 3, 2009
Genetic testing shows the pigs in Alberta were infected with the same virus responsible for cases in Mexico and other countries around the world. Official confirmation of the pigs' infection is expected at a news conference scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Ottawa. (Xinhuanet, China)
Africans have world's greatest genetic variation May 2, 2009
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, AP Science Writer Randolph E. Schmid, Ap Science Writer. Fri May 1, 2:18 am ET. (Yahoo News)
Autism Linked to Genes That Govern How the Brain Is Wired Apr 30, 2009
"You always ask yourself, Is it me? Is it him her ex-husband ? I had my kids late in my mid-30s. Was I on the birth control pill too long? I never did drugs. I don't smoke. I can't figure out . That's why I wanted to do the genetic testing.". Related. (Time.com)
Sick student leads to school closure as swine flu arrives in Phoenix Apr 30, 2009
TGen is using its state-of-the-art genetic testing systems at its Flagstaff facility to identify the potentially deadly virus. We ve been working on influenza the last couple of years, developing tools and assays to be able to identify different strains of influenza, to quantify the amounts of virus in different samples, and also to look for anti-viral resistance markers, said David Engelthaler, director of programs and operations for TGen North in Flagstaff. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Expanded genetic testing plan endorsed Apr 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009. (04-27) 16:03 PDT Carson City, Nev. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Expanded genetic testing plan endorsed by Nevada legislative panel Apr 28, 2009
Associated Press - April 27, 2009 7:15 PM ET. (AP) - Authorities wouldn't need a court order to get a DNA sample from anyone convicted of a felony, under a bill approved Monday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Clinical Diagnostic Lab Testing Market to Grow Over 90% through 2017 Apr 15, 2009
An increase in genetic testing, esoteric testing, consumer driven healthcare, aging demographics and expanded access to healthcare are among the key factors contributing to strong market growth. Washington G-2 Reports' Lab Industry Strategic Outlook: Market Trends & Analysis 2009 also shows other key factors contributing to the rapid evolution of the clinical diagnostic lab testing industry -- for instance, the M&A wave that hit the industry over the past two years --settling in 2009. (PR Newswire)
Dog dynamics Apr 12, 2009
New advances in canine genetic testing of DNA through blood sampling are taking the guesswork out of determining the mix. These tests are now available to the public for a fee. (Helena Independent Record)
Study Examines Power Of Exercise To Prevent Breast Cancer Apr 12, 2009
However, participants will not be required to undergo genetic testing ... Unlike surgery, exercise is a low-cost intervention with few side effects, so Schmitz is hopeful that the study results will offer risk-reduction tools to a larger swath of high-risk women, including minorities and other groups that may be underserved or lack access to genetic testing or proper early screening ... Young women may not even want to approach the issue of getting genetic testing yet, but may want to do... (Science Daily)
'Faulty genes' Apr 10, 2009
"But hopefully genetic testing - knowing about the disease - will prevent what happened to my brother happening to me or my children" ... I met Claudia, Stephanie and Chris at the University of California Medical Center in San Francisco, which has a dedicated genetic testing department ... The genetic testing experience of Claudia and her children is a world away from the sort of online DNA profiles on offer. (BBC News -- Health)
Do-it-yourself DNA testing: Helpful or harmful? Apr 10, 2009
Welcome to the brave new world of genetic testing ... People clearly approve of genetic testing ... But while the business of do-it-yourself genetic testing is booming, experts say this new frontier of medicine isn't ready for prime time. (MSNBC -- Health)
Recession spurs egg and sperm donations Apr 8, 2009
Screening involves physical, psychological, and genetic testing. If accepted, the woman undergoes hormone injections, then a surgical procedure to remove her eggs. (Boston Globe)
Welsh pine marten DNA 'different' Apr 7, 2009
The trust now want to hear from anybody who may have a stuffed pine marten or skin, bones or skulls which came from Wales to enable more genetic testing to be carried out. John Messenger from the trust said the researchers had had a hunch the Welsh pine marten might be different after looking at collections of skins in its collection. (BBC News -- Science)
Mistaken identity: twins switched at birth win payout Apr 3, 2009
Genetic testing later confirmed the hospital's error. In 2002, both families took legal action against the Polish state seeking damages for all three girls, now aged 25. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Pistachio recall widens amid fears Apr 2, 2009
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday that it was conducting genetic testing of samples to see if there were a link between pistachios and several illnesses reported by consumers. The Western Pistachio Association said on Wednesday that its growers and processors are working to ensure the safety of their inventories and would keep testing shipments going forward. (MSNBC -- Health)
Sperm Banks Can Be Sued Under Product Liability Laws, Federal Judge Rules Apr 2, 2009
Further genetic testing showed that Donna Donovan was not a Fragile X carrier and that Donor G738 was a carrier. But Donna Donovan claims that doctors at Idant continued to assure her that Brittany's developmental problems were not related to Fragile X and couldn't possibly be the result of the sperm that was purchased through Idant. (Law.com)
Heartbeat away from making medical history Apr 2, 2009
Sophisticated genetic testing in the US has confirmed a diagnosis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a rare electrophysiological disorder of the heart triggered by strenuous exercise or acute emotion. Now doctors at the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick are keen to examine this "live specimen" in the hope it will further understanding of the condition, which is one of several genetic cardiac arrhythmias that kill children and teenagers without warning. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Arizona pistachios are safe, says Cochise grower Apr 2, 2009
The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links. There are about 2,200 acres of pistachios in Arizona, Graham said. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Recently Identified Genetic Heart Disorder Often Deadly For Young Patients Apr 1, 2009
"The early experience with the distinctive natural history and prognosis of patients with LAMP2 mutations establishes the importance of molecular diagnosis and underscores the utility of genetic testing.". Journal reference. (Science Daily)
Spit -- Crystal Ball to Your Future Offspring? Apr 1, 2009
offers relatively inexpensive and simple genetic testing for the masses. For a $399 fee the company will map your and tell you if you're predisposed to as many as 90 different conditions, such as lupus or lactose intolerance. (ABC News)
'Experimental Man' tests modern medicine Mar 29, 2009
What do you think of the boom in personal genetic testing companies. I find it fascinating. (Boston Globe)
Learn where your puppy was raised Mar 28, 2009
"Responsible breeders ... work on breeding healthier dogs," the American Kennel Club says, so ask what genetic testing has been done on the sires and dams. For instance, genetic testing can indicate which dogs are prone to produce puppies that will have hip and joint problems. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Roberta A. Pagon Receives Lifetime Award in Genetics from March of Dimes Mar 27, 2009
org has grown to become an important international resource for genetic testing information. The site promotes the appropriate use of genetic testing in patient treatment and personal decision-making. (PR Newswire)
Danon Disease Can Be Quickly Fatal Mar 26, 2009
Heart experts stress the importance of genetic testing and diagnosis ... The finding "establishes the importance of molecular diagnosis and underscores the utility of genetic testing," they concluded. (MEDLINEplus)
Bosh made first move in court, lawyer says Mar 26, 2009
" Late last November, after his daughter was born, Bosh filed a motion requesting a court order for genetic testing to confirm he was the father, another routine step. "In a case like this, I always advise my client to establish paternity," Hance said. "It can be deemed offensive to the other party, and I say to my clients, 'Blame me if you have to, but you need to get this done. It's just the way it is. (Globe and Mail -- Sports)
TMC experts to fight pediatric eye cancer Mar 26, 2009
In addition, the center will perform genetic testing, an important element because retinoblastoma is often hereditary. Retinoblastoma affects about 350 infants and children in the United States each year and is the most common malignant tumor of the eye in children. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
