Whole genome sequencing to diagnose kidney disease
24 May, 2017Dr Amali Mallawaarachchi has been awarded a grant by PKD Foundation Australia to support the development of an improved genomic diagnostic tool for individuals with kidney disease.
Altering evolution with gene drive technology — what are the risks?
05 May, 2017With new gene-editing technology that overrides natural selection set to come into use in the next 3–5 years, the Australian Academy of Science claims it is time for Australia to have a national discussion about the implications of this technology.
The genetics of depression: volunteers wanted
10 April, 2017If you're over 18 and you've been treated for clinical depression, you're invited to join a global investigation into the genetic origins of this common and devastating mental illness.
Metabolic biomarkers used to accurately diagnose autism
20 March, 2017US scientists have developed a highly accurate method that analyses metabolic biomarkers to assess whether a child is on the autism spectrum.
The gene that causes sudden death
13 March, 2017Researchers have identified a gene that causes arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy (ARVC) — a genetic disorder that predisposes seemingly healthy young people to cardiac arrest.
Jumping between species helps viruses evolve
10 March, 2017Researchers have discovered that viruses jump between species more often than previously thought — an action which plays a significant role in virus evolution.
Connection to country is in Aboriginal DNA
09 March, 2017According to recent research from the Aboriginal Heritage Project, Indigenous Australians' connection to country is far more than just spiritual in nature.
Redheads at higher risk of Parkinson's and melanoma
07 March, 2017It's no secret that people with ginger hair and pale skin are more at risk of damage from ultraviolet light, but as it turns out, that's not the only thing our redheaded brothers and sisters need to be wary of.
Ice Age 6: the genomic meltdown of the woolly mammoth
06 March, 2017If the Ice Age animated film franchise were to follow the descendants of Manny the mammoth for a few thousand years or so, viewers would see the species suffer a 'mutational meltdown' as a result of its dwindling and increasingly isolated populations.
Synchrotron sheds light on damage control protein
01 March, 2017The protein Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) plays an important role in controlling how a cell responds to damage.
The battle for CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology: what patent applicants need to know
20 February, 2017 by Dr Danny Gelman, Associate, Griffith HackThis article provides a brief overview of the CRISPR gene-editing technique and analyses the patent strategies employed by the two lead groups claiming this technique.
Meet the cocaine-resistant mice
17 February, 2017Scientists have genetically engineered a mouse that does not become addicted to cocaine, adding to the growing field of evidence that suggests habitual drug use is more a matter of genetics and biochemistry than just poor judgement.
The genes that predict your risk of hair loss
15 February, 2017Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified almost 300 genetic regions involved in the common condition of male pattern baldness.
How the pitcher plant became predatory
14 February, 2017An international research team has sequenced the genome of the Australian pitcher plant and, in doing so, discovered a key to the mystery of how the plant became carnivorous.
Are you genetically susceptible to lung disease?
09 February, 2017 by Adam FloranceA collaborative study has identified 43 new genes that may help those individuals most susceptible to deadly lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, airway inflammation and airway narrowing.
