An international consortium today published a third-generation map of human genetic variation, called the HapMap, which includes data from an additional seven global populations, increasing the total number to 11 populations. The improved resolution…
A New jersey researcher has discovered a gene responsible for melanoma, the most aggressive form of malignant skin cancer. Melanoma may appear in places that never see sun, spread to other parts of the body and become lethal. This type of cancer is not generally responsive to chemotherapy. Cancer Institute, in the United States the incidence rate of melanoma has more than doubled in the past 20 years.
A team led by the National Human Genome Research Institute today announced the discovery of the genetic basis of a disorder that causes the most dramatic form of premature aging, a finding that promises to shed new light on the rare disease, as well as on normal human aging. In their study, to be released online next week in the journal Nature, researchers identified the genetic mutations responsible for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), commonly referred to as progeria. Derived from the Greek word for old age, “geras,” progeria is estimated to affect one in 8 million newborns worldwide. There currently are no diagnostic tests or treatments for the progressive, fatal disorder.
The National Human Genome Research Institute said today it has made several key personnel changes, including the appointment of a new scientific director to run its intramural research program, a new director for the extramural program that oversaw the Human Genome Project and new advisors in the Office of the Director.