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Policy and regulation
A web-based international guide to stem cell treatments aimed at potential consumers has been launched (28 June) while debates over funding and regulation of research using stem cells derived from embryonic or adult sources continue (11 July). Public views of symethetic biology in the UK have been found to be broadly favourable (21 June), and in the US regulators have been moving swiftly to take on direct-to-consumer genetic tests (17 June).
Biobanking and genetic research projects
Building on rapid genome sequencing methods, projects to sequence 10,000 human genomes (25 June) and to investigate the genetics of heart problems (23 June) have been launched. Other new initiatives include a project to investigate human genetics and health in African populations (29 June), and one involving a paediatric population that plans to provide patient feedback over time (18 June). We also report on recent developments in biobanking to support long-term genetic research in Europe (8 July).
Genetic testing and screening
A new technique for screening IVF embryos to detect chromosomal abnormalities has been reported (5 July) and spit testing is being used in an attempt to boost recruitment of potential bone marrow donors (3 July), but concerns have been raised over commercial genetic tests for autism (2 July).
Genetics and disease
New research suggests that Huntingdon’s Disease may be twice as common as previously supposed (30 June), and that male carriers of BRCA2 mutations associated with hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer of greater than 8% (7 July). In common disease, new genetic variants associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes have been identified (30 June).
New reviews and commentaries
Our selection of recent articles of interest (11 July)
Other recent news and research
Gene linked to obesity-related diabetes
AMA Pledges to 'Support' Personalized Medicine Under Updated Policy Guidelines
Draft Bill Proposes FDA Create New Division to Review 'Advanced Personalized Diagnostics'
Modified blood cells could resist HIV
Frozen blood a source of stem cells
Subtle mutations in immune gene may Increase risk for asthma
Genes predict living beyond 100
Simple test could detect Down's
‘Jumping genes’ make each person unique
Study reveals new function for pseudogenes and noncoding RNAs
Genetic septet controls blood clotting
Genome work may advance fight against lice
Gene fault increases blood clot risk in breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen
Gene mutations linked to rare, inherited bone disorder
AIDS gene therapy may help cancer, HIV
Gene linked to autoimmune diseases
GAPPNet™ Launches New Online Genomic Products
New personalized medicine hub
On a mission to sequence the genomes of 100,000 people
It's time for legislators to look more closely at familial searches of DNA databases
New type of human stem cell is developed
Scientists find genes linked to testicular cancer
Success of hepatitis C drugs may depend on gene variant
See also the Genomics & Health Weekly Update from the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics and the GenInfo Monthly Newsletter from HumGen.
For our events listing, go to http://www.phgfoundation.org/events
Full listing of new additions to our website at: http://www.phgfoundation.org/whats_new.php
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