News tagged with genetic testing

Related topics: genetic variation , patients , ovarian cancer , breast cancer , genetic information



Genetic testing

Genetic testing allows the genetic diagnosis of vulnerabilities to inherit diseases, and can also be used to determine a person's ancestry. Normally, every person carries two copies of every gene, one inherited from their mother, one inherited from their father. The human genome is believed to contain around 20,000 - 25,000 genes. In addition to studying chromosomes to the level of individual genes, genetic testing in a broader sense includes biochemical tests for the possible presence of genetic diseases, or mutant forms of genes associated with increased risk of developing genetic disorders. Genetic testing identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Most of the time, testing is used to find changes that are associated with inherited disorders. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Several hundred genetic tests are currently in use, and more are being developed.

Since genetic testing may open up ethical or psychological problems, genetic testing is often accompanied by genetic counseling.

This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


Cold plasma successful against brain cancer cells

For the first time, physicists from the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), biologists and physicians demonstrated the synergistic effect of cold atmospheric plasma - a partly ionized ...

Cancer created May 23, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Returning genetic incidental findings without patient consent violates basic rights, experts say

Informed consent is the backbone of patient care. Genetic testing has long required patient consent and patients have had a "right not to know" the results. However, as 21st century medicine now begins to use the tools of ...

Genetics created May 16, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 3 | with audio podcast

First prospective trial shows molecular profiling timely for tailoring therapy

A clinical trial has shown that patients, and their physicians, are eager to jump into next-era cancer care—analysis of an individual's tumor to find and target genetic mutations that drive the cancer. Results of the study, ...

Cancer created May 15, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

World first clinical trial supports use of Kava to treat anxiety

(Medical Xpress)—A world-first completed clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava, a medicinal South Pacific plant, significantly reduced the symptoms of people suffering anxiety.

Psychology & Psychiatry created May 13, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 1

Genetic test helps predict risk of prostate cancer recurrence

(Medical Xpress)—Prostate cancer ranks as the most common internal malignancy diagnosed in men in the United States, but often does not require extensive treatment.

Cancer created May 10, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Cases question diagnostic criteria for inherited diabetes

(HealthDay)—Two patients diagnosed with a genetic form of non-insulin-dependent diabetes developed diabetic ketoacidosis years later, even though a history of diabetic ketoacidosis is normally an exclusion ...

Diabetes created May 09, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Gene test may help guide prostate cancer treatment

A new genetic test to gauge the aggressiveness of prostate cancer may help tens of thousands of men each year decide whether they need to treat their cancer right away or can safely monitor it.

Genetics created May 08, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

FDA approves genetic test for lung cancer drug

The Food and Drug Administration says it approved a genetic test from Roche to help doctors identify patients who can benefit from a lung cancer drug made by Genentech.

Medications created May 14, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Geneticists find causes for severe childhood epilepsies

(Medical Xpress)—Using a state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technique, UA researchers have discovered genetic mutations underlying seizure disorders in previously undiagnosed children.

Neuroscience created May 07, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast