Health Problems

Gene plays critical role in noise-induced deafness

In experiments using mice, a team of UC San Francisco researchers has discovered a gene that plays an essential role in noise-induced deafness. Remarkably, by administering an experimental chemical—identified in a separate UCSF lab in 2013—that acts on the pathway linking this gene to hearing loss, they found that they could prevent noise-induced deafness in […]

Health Problems

Gene signature predicts outcome after spinal cord injury

Scientists have determined a gene signature that is linked to the severity of spinal cord injury in animals and humans, according to a study in the open-access journal eLife. The discovery of key genes that are switched on or off in response to spinal cord injury could inform the development of biomarkers that predict recovery […]

Health News

Lab test may identify dangerous gene mutations, study finds

The technique is aimed at easing a frustrating problem in genetic testing.  (AP) NEW YORK –  Scientists say they’ve found a new way to help determine whether specific genetic abnormalities are likely to make people sick, a step toward avoiding a vexing uncertainty that can surround DNA test results. Researchers used genetic engineering to create […]

Health News

Preterm birth: The ‘Nodal’ gene under the microscope

Preterm birth is a major global public health problem. Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely and many will suffer from neurodegenerative disorders, including cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, impaired vision, and behavioural problems. Premature delivery (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is induced by contractions in the expectant mother but causes behind this mechanism remain […]

Personal Health

Better statistical methods to understand gene interactions leading to cancer development

Research led by Hui-Yi Lin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biostatistics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health, has developed another novel statistical method for evaluating gene-to-gene interactions associated with cancer and other complex diseases. The Additive-Additive 9 Interaction (AA9int) method is described in a paper published in Bioinformatics. “This method can identify combinations […]