News tagged with genetic testing

Final chapter to 60-year-old blood group mystery

Researchers have solved a 60-year-old mystery by identifying a gene that can cause rejection, kidney failure and even death in some blood transfusion patients. In this study, published in Nature Genetics online ...

Genetics created Apr 07, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (9) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Scientists find new gene markers for cancer risk

A huge international effort involving more than 100 institutions and genetic tests on 200,000 people has uncovered dozens of signposts in DNA that can help reveal further a person's risk for breast, ovarian ...

Genetics created Mar 27, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 1

Researchers suggest some emerging infectious diseases may have been around a long time

(Medical Xpress)—A genetics research team led by Pardis Sabeti of Harvard University has published a paper in the journal Science, suggesting that some infectious diseases that are thought to be relati ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Nov 09, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast report

Genetically engineered bacteria could help in Crohn's and colitis

(Medical Xpress)—A new study in mice has shown that genetically engineered bacteria can protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes a host of conditions including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Medical research created Nov 02, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (5) | comments 0 | with audio podcast report

Genetic error linked to rare disease that causes chronic respiratory infections

(Medical Xpress)—Scanning the DNA of two people with a rare disease has led scientists to identify the precise genetic error responsible for their disorder, primary ciliary dyskinesia. 

Genetics created Oct 16, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Discovery may shed light on why some HIV-positive patients have more virus

(Medical Xpress)—Biologists at UC San Diego have unraveled the anti-viral mechanism of a human gene that may explain why some people infected with HIV have much higher amounts of virus in their bloodstreams ...

HIV & AIDS created Sep 24, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

First evidence for genetic cause for Barrett's oesophagus found

Genetic variations that are linked with the onset of Barrett's oesophagus (BE), a pre-cancerous condition of the lower end of the gullet, have been identified for the first time. The discovery of variations in regions on ...

Genetics created Sep 09, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Alzheimer's risk gene disrupts brain function in healthy older women, but not men

A team led by investigators at the Stanford University School of Medicine has found that the most common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease disrupts brain function in healthy older women but has little impact on ...

Alzheimer's disease & dementia created Jun 12, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

'Liquid Biopsy': Blood test gives 'real-time' picture of cancer

(Medical Xpress) -- A simple and cost-effective blood test could be used to monitor how a patient is responding to treatment and detect genetic faults in their cancer as they happen, according to a Cancer Research UK study.

Cancer created May 31, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Mystery gene reveals new mechanism for anxiety disorders

A novel mechanism for anxiety behaviors, including a previously unrecognized inhibitory brain signal, may inspire new strategies for treating psychiatric disorders, University of Chicago researchers report.

Genetics created May 15, 2012 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Genetic test identifies eye cancer tumors likely to spread

(Medical Xpress) -- Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed a genetic test that can accurately predict whether the most common form of eye cancer will spread to ...

Ophthalmology created May 14, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Scientists discover elusive platelet count and limb development gene

Researchers have identified an elusive gene responsible for Thrombocytopenia with Absent Radii (TAR), a rare inherited blood and skeletal disorder. As a result, this research is now being transformed into ...

Genetics created Feb 26, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | 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

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

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

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.

For more information about Genetic testing, read the full article at Wikipedia.
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