Top stories this month
Researchers in the US have created the first ever viable human embryonic stem cells from adult tissue via ‘cloning’, whilst in the UK the House of Lords debated and ultimately upheld the new NHS commissioning regulations that came into force in April.
First human embryonic stem cells created from adult tissue
House of Lords debates NHS commissioning
Opinion: ACMG clarification on incidental findings
Following our critique last month of the ACMG’s new guidelines on disclosing incidental findings to patients, PHG Foundation Chairman Ron Zimmern and Communications Director Philippa Brice address shortcomings in the clarification released by the ACMG this month.
ACMG issues clarification over incidental findings guidance
Research regulation and funding
UK funders have issued a joint statement of concern over possible restrictions new EU regulations could place on research, whilst in the US the New York Times reports an unprecedented ‘arms race’ amongst institutions aiming to position themselves for an anticipated impending revolution in genomic healthcare.
Funders fear new EU data regulations could block research
US institutions in genomic ‘arms race’
Genes, disease and medicine
The UK conducts its first clinical trials of gene therapy to treat heart failure, new research shows that atherosclerosis is a product of an interplay between an individual’s genome, microbiome and diet, and a new collaborative Institute based at Oxford sets out to dramatically cut the costly high failure rate of medicines during stage 2 clinical trials.
First UK trials of gene therapy for heart failure
Genome, microbiome and diet linked with atherosclerosis
New Institute aims to reduce failure rate of clinical trials
Molecular genetics
New research suggests that huge groupings of gene regulators dubbed ‘super-enhancers’ may be the chief controllers of cell characteristics, and a new device set to begin commercial production could purify human DNA from fluid samples in as little as two minutes.
Gene ‘super-enhancers’ may define cell types
Hand-held probe could isolate human DNA in 2-3 minutes
Public involvement
A UK focus group study finds that women appear unlikely to alter their decisions to attend mammography in light of the high rate of over-diagnosis highlighted by last year’s independent Marmot review, and a US study finds that many participants in the Personal Genome Project make themselves easily identifiable by either intentionally or inadvertently uploading personal details to their online profiles.
Women’s screening decisions unaffected by over-diagnosis
Personal Genome Project participants often identifiable
New reviews and commentaries
Our selection of interesting recent articles
Events
Translational Research in Genomic Medicine – two day course in Atlanta, Georgia
Other news
NHS regulator wants ‘swift change’
Cancer researchers revisit ‘failed’ clinical trials
Breast cancer drugs should be offered to healthy but high risk women, US panel concludes
Radioactive bacteria attack cancer
Cancer patients could have treatment chosen by computer rather than a doctor
Study indicates genetic changes arise abruptly in prostate cancer
Patients will be able to stop their data being shared – Hunt
Genome Arabia project launches to ID disease-causing mutations in middle eastern populations
MicroRNA fine tune gene expression in breast cancer, study says
Researchers devise ‘genetic correction’ to improve PSA test ability to gauge prostate cancer risk
Evidence does not support routine PSA testing, say experts
Genetic mutation causing port wine stain birthmarks discovered
Non-inherited mutations account for many heart defects
Four new genetic risk factors for testicular cancer identified
Experts weigh in on ethical considerations for NIPT testing at Biology of Genomes panel
Myriad to replace BRCA analysis, other hereditary cancer tests with MyRisk panel
Australian IVF doctor not liable for failing to warn about the risk of a hereditary condition
Clock genes linked to depression
