http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/human_biology/ Read the latest research on human biology. Learn about comparative biology and human genetics. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/human_biology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525165224.htm Scientists have described the three-dimensional atomic structure of a human protein bound to a piece of RNA that "guides" the protein's ability to silence genes. The protein, Argonaute-2, is a key player in RNA interference, a powerful cellular phenomenon that has important roles in diverse biological processes, including an organism's development. Fri, 25 May 2012 16:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525165224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525140146.htm Scientists have long known that cancer cells can proliferate by deleting both copies of the tumor suppressor genes that would otherwise kill them. Now research shows they can also grow by deleting single copies of the genes, especially when clusters of those genes appear randomly on a chromosome. The discovery sheds new light on tumorigenesis and explains why large genomic deletions show up so often in cancer cells. Fri, 25 May 2012 14:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525140146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524215249.htm A new type of male contraceptive could be created thanks to the discovery of a key gene essential for sperm development. The finding could lead to alternatives to the conventional male contraceptives that rely on disrupting the production of hormones, such as testosterone. These treatments can cause side effects such as irritability, mood swings and acne. Thu, 24 May 2012 21:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524215249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123207.htm Researchers have found that detailed knowledge about your genetic makeup -- the interplay between genetic variants and other genetic variants, or between genetic variants and environmental risk factors -- may only change your estimated disease prediction risk for three common diseases by a few percentage points, which is typically not enough to make a difference in prevention or treatment plans. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm Scientists found that loss of the ADA gene directly contributes to B cell tolerance problems and that these defects are mostly corrected after gene therapy. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161323.htm A new and unexpected role for RNA is identified: the defence of genome integrity and stability. New research shows that an until now unknown class of RNA -- the newly christened DDRNA -- plays a key role in activation of the molecular alarms necessary to safeguard our genome when DNA damage from internal or external factors occurs. Wed, 23 May 2012 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115047.htm Scientists have successfully protected laboratory animals from lethal hantavirus disease using a novel approach that combines DNA vaccines and duck eggs. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102956.htm Scientists have identified a gene expression fingerprint associated with very low pregnancy rates in semen donors with normal seminal quality. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102146.htm Researchers have gained new insights into the mechanisms of heart disease. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522200627.htm For the first time scientists have succeeded in taking skin cells from heart failure patients and reprogramming them to transform into healthy, new heart muscle cells that are capable of integrating with existing heart tissue. Tue, 22 May 2012 20:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522200627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522180620.htm With the successful completion of the Human Genome Project, research attention is increasingly focusing on proteins. Versatile products produced from genetic templates, proteins are principle actors in both the maintenance of health and the onset of illness. Protein microarrays are a means of bridging the gap between analysis of the nucleotide sequences that make up DNA and the proteome -- the universe of proteins built from the amino acids coded for by genes. Tue, 22 May 2012 18:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522180620.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152655.htm Rapid DNA sequencing may soon become a routine part of each individual's medical record, providing enormous information previously sequestered in the human genome's 3 billion nucleotide bases. Recent advances in sequencing technology using a tiny orifice known as a nanopore are covered in a new a article. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152430.htm Up to half of all prostate cancer cells have a chromosomal rearrangement that results in a new "fusion" gene and formation of its unique protein — but no one has known how that alteration promotes cancer growth. Now, researchers have found that in these cancer cells, the 3-D architecture of DNA, wrapped up in a little ball known as a chromatin, is warped in such a way that a switch has been thrown on thousands of genes, turning them on or off to promote abnormal, unchecked growth. Researchers also found that new chromosomal translocations form, further destabilizing the genome. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135307.htm Biomedical engineers have developed a microfluidic chip to test for latent tuberculosis. They hope the test will be cheaper, faster and more reliable than current testing for the disease. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114911.htm Scientists have determined the genome sequences of a dozen strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria known to be resistant to vancomycin, an antibiotic of last resort. The researchers demonstrated that resistance arose independently in each strain, and identified shared features among the strains that may have helped them acquire vancomycin resistance and evade human immune defenses. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522084524.htm Researchers have achieved, for the first time, the generation of neuronal cells from stem cells of Fragile X patients. The discovery paves the way for research that will examine restoration of normal gene expression in Fragile X patients. Tue, 22 May 2012 08:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522084524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163747.htm An inexpensive "orphan drug" used to treat sleep disorders appears to be a potent inhibitor of cancer cells, according to a new study. The novel approach, using groundbreaking technology that allows rapid analysis of the genome, has broad implications for the development of safer, more effective cancer therapies. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104633.htm Scientists have found a better way to 'spell check' gene sequences. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120520133921.htm A collaborative expedition into the deep genetics of prostate cancer has uncovered a distinct subtype of the disease, one that appears to account for up to 15 percent of all cases, say researchers. Sun, 20 May 2012 13:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120520133921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132832.htm A large survey of human genetic variation shows that rare genetic variants are not so rare after all, and offers insights into human diseases. A team of scientists studied 202 genes in 14,002 people -- one of the largest ever in a sequencing study in humans. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132804.htm Researchers have identified the mechanism by which protein Zds1 regulates a key function in mitosis, the process that occurs immediately before cell division. The research opens the door to developing targeted and direct therapies against cancer. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143635.htm Scientists have taken a first step toward understanding how rare genetic differences among people contribute to leading chronic illnesses. One-letter DNA code changes occur frequently in human genomes, but each variant is usually found in only a few individuals. This phenomenon is consistent with the population explosion of the past 5,000 years. Studying the evolution of rare genetic variants and their health impact is critical as low cost, rapid sequencing enters clinical use. Such information would help doctors interpret personal genomes. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132059.htm Scientists have used a new technique to map 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in DNA from human and mouse embryonic stem cells, revealing new information about their patterns of distribution. These studies have revealed that these DNA modifications play major roles in fundamental life processes such as cell differentiation, cancer and brain function. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131957.htm The team created a catalogue of all the mutations in the genomes of the 21 breast cancer genomes. They identified entirely new mutational processes that drive breast cancer development, including one remarkable process defined by localized regions of hypermutation found in most of the breast cancers. This phenomenon has never been seen before. They also found that, once many mutations have accumulated in a cell, the cell then diverges into different subgroups, one of which is destined to become the aggressive, dominant, breast cancer tumor. These findings have implications for our understanding of how breast cancers develop over the decades before diagnosis in adults. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131655.htm Over the past decade, research in the field of epigenetics has revealed that chemically modified bases are abundant components of the human genome and has forced us to abandon the notion we've had since high school genetics that DNA consists of only four bases. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152349.htm Researchers have described nine new genes that drive the development of breast cancer. This takes the tally of all genes associated with breast cancer development to 40. Wed, 16 May 2012 15:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140012.htm Researchers have transplanted a set of human genes into a zebrafish and then used it to identify genes responsible for head size at birth. This finding also is related to some cases of autism and possibly schizophrenia and childhood obesity. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515181256.htm A new study suggests that the guidelines governments use to determine when to evacuate people following a nuclear accident may be too conservative. Tue, 15 May 2012 18:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515181256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515104735.htm Researchers have created an ultrasensitive biosensor that could open up new opportunities for early detection of cancer and "personalized medicine" tailored to the specific biochemistry of individual patients. Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515104735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm Scientists have discovered that mice that lack a gene called Snf2l have brains that are 35 percent larger than normal. The research could lead to new approaches to stimulate brain regeneration and may provide important insight into developmental disorders such as autism and Rett syndrome. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070441.htm A DNA-covered submicroscopic bead used to deliver genes or drugs directly into cells to treat disease appears to have therapeutic value just by showing up, researchers report. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070307.htm Scientists have identified how skeletal muscle stem cells respond to muscle injury and may be stimulated to improve muscle repair in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe inherited disease of muscle that causes weakness, disability and, ultimately, heart and respiratory failure. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514204050.htm A new study consisting of inducing cells to express telomerase, the enzyme which -- metaphorically -- slows down the biological clock -- was successful. The research provides a "proof-of-principle" that this "feasible and safe" approach can effectively "improve health span." Mon, 14 May 2012 20:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514204050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134307.htm A study has identified microRNA-3151 as a new independent prognostic marker in patients with acute myeloid leukemia that has normal-looking chromosomes. High levels of this microRNA in cancer cells indicates patients will experience shorter remissions and survival periods. Additionally, the microRNA is encoded within a gene called BAALC, which itself is an independent marker of poor survival when overexpressed in these patients. Mon, 14 May 2012 13:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104856.htm Scientists have identified the genetic cause of a birth defect known as Hamamy syndrome. Their findings lend new insights into common ailments such as heart disease, osteoporosis, blood disorders and possibly sterility. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120513144630.htm Scientists have discovered that a protein known as Cdt1, which is required for DNA replication, also plays an important role in a later step of the cell cycle, mitosis. The finding presents a possible explanation for why so many cancers possess not just genomic instability, but also more or less than the usual 46 DNA-containing chromosomes. Sun, 13 May 2012 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120513144630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133733.htm Scientists have just shown that lung cancer molecular subtypes correlate with distinct genetic alterations and with patient response to therapy. These findings in pre-clinical models and patient tumor samples build on their previous report of three molecular subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer and refines their molecular analysis of tumors. Fri, 11 May 2012 13:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511122322.htm Regenerating sensory hair cells could form the basis for treating age- or trauma-related hearing loss. One way to do this could be with gene therapy that drives new sensory hair cells to grow. Researchers have shown that introducing a gene called Atoh1 into the cochleae of young mice can induce the formation of extra sensory hair cells. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511122322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104205.htm New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: Differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510142001.htm A new study is shedding light on the molecular details of PARP-1, a DNA damage-detecting enzyme that when inhibited has been shown to be effective in fighting cancer and other diseases. Thu, 10 May 2012 14:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510142001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122857.htm The movement of genetic materials, such as RNA and ribosomes, from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is a critical component in a cell's ability to make the proteins necessary for essential biological functions. Until now, it was believed the nuclear pore complex was the sole pathway between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm for these materials. New evidence reveals a novel budding mechanism, similar to the process used by some viruses, capable of exporting large ribonucleoprotein particles from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122853.htm Scientists have made a key discovery in cell signaling that is relevant to the fight against melanoma skin cancer and certain other fast-spreading tumors. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122809.htm Scientists have discovered that one enzyme corrects more than one million faults in DNA replication. And, it corrects the most common mistake in mammalian DNA. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122806.htm A recently evolved pattern of gene activity in the language and decision-making centers of the human brain is missing in a disorder associated with autism and learning disabilities, a new study shows. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510114107.htm Imagine being able to control genetic expression by flipping a light switch. Researchers are using light-activated molecules to turn gene expression on and off. Their method enables greater precision when studying gene function, and could lead to targeted therapies for diseases like cancer. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510114107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113859.htm A review article that examines what's known about regenerative biology and applies it to regenerative medicine. Perhaps this knowledge could one day be used to regrow lost body parts. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113717.htm Joubert Syndrome is a condition that affects brain development and manifests itself through delayed psychomotor development, abnormal coordination of eye movements and respiratory abnormalities. Since Dr. Marie Joubert and her colleagues described it for the first time in 1969, a number of related genes have been identified in various populations, but the causal gene of the Quebec form of the syndrome has remained until now unknown. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100353.htm To better understand the cause of ADHD and to identify methods to prevent and treat it, researchers have developed a new form of specially bred mouse that mimics the condition. Thu, 10 May 2012 10:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100046.htm Around 100 billion neurons in the human brain enable us to think, feel and act. They transmit electrical impulses to remote parts of the brain and body via long nerve fibres known as axons. This communication requires enormous amounts of energy, which the neurons are thought to generate from sugar. Axons are closely associated with glial cells which, on the one hand, surround them with an electrically insulating myelin sheath and, on the other hand support their long-term function. Scientists have now discovered a possible mechanisms by which these glial cells in the brain can support their associated axons and keep them alive in the long term. Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509180048.htm Techniques used by researchers to analyze a simple marine worm and its resident bacteria could accelerate efforts to understand more complex microbial communities such as those found in humans. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509180048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm For the first time, scientists have transplanted brain cancer patients' own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not been given the transplants, and a third patient remains alive with no disease progression almost three years after treatment. Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123651.htm Researchers have discovered a molecule that inhibits the action of estrogen. This female hormone plays a key role in the growth, maintenance and repair of reproductive tissues and fuels the development of endometrial and breast cancers. The molecule, discovered in animal studies, could lead to new therapies for preventing and treating estrogen-related diseases in humans. Wed, 09 May 2012 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509105306.htm Scientists have described a new family of six genes whose function regulates the movement and position of mitochondria in neurons. Many neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s and various types of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, are caused by alterations of genes that control mitochondrial transport, a process that provides the energy required for cell function. Wed, 09 May 2012 10:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509105306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508220120.htm Researchers have gained important new insights into how our sense of hearing works. Their findings promise new avenues for scientists to understand what goes wrong when people experience deafness. Tue, 08 May 2012 22:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508220120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508173513.htm Researchers have found the location and effect of abnormal heart proteins that can cause cardiac failure, a discovery that points to potential new ways to treat the most costly health problem in the world. Tue, 08 May 2012 17:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508173513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103919.htm Advanced high-speed gene-sequencing has been used in the clinical setting to find diagnoses for seven children out of a dozen who were experiencing developmental delays and congenital abnormalities for mysterious reasons. Tue, 08 May 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103911.htm Fears that sex-linked chromosomes, such as the male Y chromosome, are doomed to extinction have been refuted in a new genetic study which examines the sex chromosomes of chickens. Tue, 08 May 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507101802.htm Scientists have discovered and elucidated the function of conserved cell division proteins in yeast. Mon, 07 May 2012 10:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507101802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160115.htm Eye color may be an indicator of whether a person is high-risk for certain serious skin conditions. A new study shows people with blue eyes are less likely to have vitiligo. Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm For a virus like influenza, the key to success isn't in overpowering the immune system, it's in tricking it. Scientists have now identified a novel mechanism by which influenza viruses hijack key regulators of the human body's normal antiviral response in order to slip by it undetected. The results they describe have major implications for our understanding of the biology of the seasonal influenza virus and its pathogenesis. The research also suggests a possible target for a new class of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. Sun, 06 May 2012 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm