Genetics News February 1, 2007
Posted by Dr. Bertalan Meskó in About me, Blogroll, genetics, Health, Invention, Medicine, Music, Prevention.trackback
Here is my list of the most interesting articles in the field of genetics from the past days:
Dancers show consistent differences in two key genes from the general population: two genes that provide the code for the serotonin transporter and arginine vasopressin receptor 1a. The dancer “type,” clearly demonstrates qualities that are not necessarily lacking but are not expressed as strongly in other people: a heightened sense of communication, often of a symbolic and ceremonial nature, and a strong spiritual personality trait.
A new bill recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would prohibit employers from making hiring/firing and promotional decisions based on genetic information showing a worker may contract a disease in the future, and would also prevent health plans from denying coverage or charging higher premiums using those same genetic tea leaves.
Scientists say the manipulation of a single gene, called Pten, boosted bone density in mice. This research may help in the development of new treatments for osteoporosis and bone fractures.
While US hospitals are reputed to be the most advanced in the world, only in China can patients receive gene therapy, widely believed to be the most promising innovation in cancer treatment. How a German-born businessman turned to China and a controversial gene treatment to tackle his cancer?
And some little facts about my life:
- I got back to work on the English Wikipedia after my exam period (with new plans on reorganizing the medicine collaboration of the week)
- Scienceroll breaks its own stat records (more tan 230 visitors, 350 page views, 36 feed readers in one day).
- I’ve sent a letter to Scienceblogs.com to request for feedback. I’m curious about their opinion on my blog.
- And after the succes of Fighting cancer with video games, I asked HopeLab to let me translate their game into Hungarian as our clinics would use it treating children with leukaemia.
Where did you find that image of the DNA?? Also, great idea translating the fighting cancer video games. It should be translated in many languages and used around the world.
Hello Vanessa! I’ve found it in Wikimedia Commons, but you find the link to the original image below that. It’s in the public domain.