Liquid Biopsies Take Step Closer To Diagnoses
A GRAIL funded study shows that a liquid biopsy approach might be able to detect early-stage lung cancer.
Molecular Biology
These Are the Genes That Made Our Brains So Big
Researchers have uncovered some of the genetic changes that explain how our brains got so big.
The Genetic Diversity of Men Collapsed About 7,000 Years Ago, Studies Suggest
Starting about 7,000 years ago, and extending over the next two millennia, recent studies suggest, the genetic diversity of men—specifically, the diversity of their Y chromosomes—collapsed.
Disney Magic Creates Alternative To CRISPR
Interested in novel science and its applications, but sick to death of hearing about CRISPR? Then this story is for you.
Lung ‘On a Chip’ Mimics Deadly Lung Disease
New biotechnology could speed up the development of medicines to treat pulmonary fibrosis, one of the most common and serious forms of lung disease, research shows.
Scientists Fear ‘Reprogrammed’ Stem Cells to Mend Human Hearts is Being Rushed to Market
Japanese scientists now have permission to treat people who have heart disease with cells produced by a revolutionary reprogramming technique, which excites researchers. But some fear the therapy will be rushed to market.
Myriad Genetics to Acquire Counsyl for $375 Million
Myriad Genetics has revealed it is acquiring genetic screening firm Counsyl for $375 million.
These Tests Work Better For Detecting Brain Disorder Risk in Fetuses
Fetuses with a specific, rare chromosomal aberration have a 20% risk of developmental or other brain disorder, new research shows. The work could lead to personalised diagnostics and counselling for pregnant women.
Genomics Pioneer J. Craig Venter Retires from Human Longevity
J. Craig Venter shared on Twitter last week that he is retiring from Human Longevity, and returning to the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) to continue his work.
Weekend Reads
This week’s talking points were how we’re all mosaics, the ‘Jolie Effect’ on breast cancer and that China is taking the lead in genetic testing.
What’s In Your Genome? Parents-To-Be Want to Know
We now have the capacity to quickly and cheaply sequence an individual’s genome and scour it for disease-causing genes. But how much, and what type, of information does a parent-to-be want to know?
Elusive Master Organiser of Human Embryo Growth Seen for the First Time
A new technique reveals the earliest stages of human development without the need for human embryos.
Millions of Proteins Not Found in Nature Have Been Synthezised By Chemists
Chemists have devised a way to rapidly synthesize and screen millions of novel proteins that could be used as drugs against Ebola and other viruses.
Missing Microbes ‘Cause’ Childhood Cancer, Says Leading UK Scientist
A major new analysis reveals for the first time the likely cause of most cases of childhood leukaemia, and that the disease might be preventable.
Some Lizards Have Green Blood That Could Unlock Secrets to Powerful New Medicines
Lurking quietly in the deep dark jungles of New Guinea are a group of lizards who share a rather striking feature: green blood. It’s a rare trait for vertebrates to have, but new insights into this strange blood could lead to innovative medical treatments.
