Tag: DNA
Stress Causes Grey Hairs
A study carried out by Duke University Medical Center, and funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute has just been published in the peer reviewed journal Nature. The study investigated the affect of adrenalin on DNA and any damage caused. If you read the newspaper though you could be forgiven for thinking that the study [...]
Pear Shaped Genes
A newly published report in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Genetics has led theDaily Express to report that a ladys shape is all down to her genes. This according to a large scale study involving 200,000 people who were investigated in 61 separate studies. “Curvy women can ditch the diet – after scientists found that a [...]
Newly Found Gene Mutations May Aid Heart Treatments
New genetic variants related to high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease have recently been discovered by scientists from the Institute of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins. The recently discovered 29 DNA sequence variants add to the already discovered 300 or so genes related to cardiovascular diseases. The researchers believe that the new research will [...]
Optimism May Be Partly in Your Genes
Genes may have input to Optimism and Self-Esteem Findings recently published online in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences appear to explain why some peoples glass is always half full, while other folks glass is always half empty. If you always look on the bright side it may be that you have lots [...]
What you Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer
Are you familiar with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and what that causes? Are you familiar with DNA repair mechanisms? Do you know what this has to do with ovarian cancer? Are you aware that ovarian cancer is the most common cause of gynecologic cancer death? The average lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is reported [...]
In Some Respects, Research Contradicts the Paleo Diet
Familiar with the paleo diet? Then you know this diet excludes grains and legumes. Do you think this is okay? If you’re somewhat familiar with the paleo diet, you may have noticed some controversy. No matter what diet you look at, there appears to be problems. Really, who’s right and who’s wrong. Actually, it’s just [...]
Methylcobalamin and its side effects
Methylcobalamin is known more commonly as vitamin B12 and is found in a number of food products. Some people also chose to take it as a supplement but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects that come with this substance. What is methylcobalamin? Methylcobalamin is known more simply as vitamin B12 [...]
H1N1 Flu
H1N1 flu, or swine flu, is a respiratory tract infection caused by the H1N1 virus. The infection generally occurs in pigs. Humans infections happen occasionally, and can spread from person to person on contact with the respiratory fluids. Causes The H1N1 virus is a small living particle that consists of an outer shell which protects [...]
Testing for Ca 125
Ca 125 testing can be done to determine the presence of cancer cells. It is currently specifically used to find ovarian cancer cells. Ca 125 is a cancer antigen, a protein found at elevated levels in most ovarian cancer cells as well as some other cancers and, in small amounts, normal tissue. Ca 125 is [...]
The bark of the cascara sagrada what you need to know
Just because its natural doesnt mean its good for you. The cascara sagrada tree, also known as the California buckthorn, has a long history of medicinal uses in the Native American community. The dried bark was frequently used to treat constipation and this use continues today. In 2002 the use of cascara sagrada was banned, [...]
Bacterial artificial
In order to analyze the DNA sequence – and specifically in the human genome sequencing – scientists used bacterial artificial chromosomes. Using this method is one way in which sufficient material for analysis can be found. The bacterium known as Escherichia coli – or E. Coli which is familiar to many as the source of [...]
Can mobile phones cause brain cancer?
In recent years mobile phones have been accused of causing or accelerating the growth of cancerous cells that result in the development of brain cancer. This has triggered extensive research in order to find out if there is any truth behind it. The radiation rays produced by mobile phones have recently become the target of [...]
Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice has been used in ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian cultures to prevent and treat a variety of conditions. The glycoproteins and polysaccharides present in aloe vera are known to present immense medicinal value. Uses Aloe vera juice is usually made from whole aloe plant or from the green parts of the plant [...]
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing may be carried out to establish if a person has a genetic disease or condition or is at risk of developing one. Certain groups of people who would want genetic tests carried out may be those with a family history of an illness/disease, have concerns on passing on a genetic disease to children [...]
How Does Antiretroviral Therapy Work?
Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, refers to the treatment of retroviral infections, such as HIV, with drugs by slowing down the virus’ growth instead of killing it altogether. The Life Cycle of HIV – The virus makes it around inside the bloodstream. – The virus attaches itself to a cell. – The virus leaves all of [...]
What Is A Tumor Suppressor Gene?
Cells are microscopic but yet contain vast dictionaries of information. Scientists and geneticists are just beginning to learn the language of genes. One of the reasons why scientists are so concerned about genes is because many illnesses are caused by faulty or mutated genes. Problems with a tumor suppressor gene, for example, can predispose a [...]
What Is a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor?
5,000 to 10,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST.) Most people have never heard of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This is because it was only discovered in the 1990s. Before that, GIST was thought to be a variation of stomach or liver cancer. Now that it is possible to diagnose [...]
Comprehending Post Translational Modifications
Post translational changes take place to recently formed proteins and play an important role in whether or not cells function as they should in different parts of the body. The inner workings of cell is extraordinary when a person takes into account all the things that has to happen in a certain amount of time [...]
Phone Cancer: Is it real?
Can your cell phone really cause you to suffer from phone cancer? The possible development of brain tumors from mobile phones has been a topic of debate for years. As the use of cell phones has increased dramatically over the last few years, the question as to whether or not there is an actual safety [...]
Human Leukocyte Antigen Test
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) test helps detect antigens on the surface of the leukocytes, or white blood cells. It is used to test the compatibility between the tissues of the recipients and donors prior to transplantation. Principle Human leukocytes express specific substances on their surface called the HLA antigens. The type of antigens depends [...]