MetaFilter posts tagged with genetics and disease

DIY DNA research

jacalata — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:29:15 -0800

Hugh Reinhoff has sequenced his daughters DNA at home attempting to diagnose her unique genetic mutation. Although most parents don't have his background, he also started a website to bring together the parents of children with undiagnosed disorders, and doctors who are interested in the area. At least one family has found their answers through the community already.

retrovirally transforming pancreatic cells from adult mice into insulin-producing beta cells

kliuless — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:51:39 -0800

Scientists Repurpose Adult Cells - "Scientists have transformed one type of fully developed adult cell directly into another inside a living animal, a startling advance that could lead to cures for a variety of illnesses and sidestep the political and ethical quagmires associated with embryonic stem cell research." [nature abstract, nature writeup, audio announcement]

Poor Devils

parudox — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:04:29 -0800

Devil facial tumor disease has ravaged the population of Tasmanian Devils in the last decade. DFTD is a transmissible cancer, i.e. the tumor cells themselves (which differ genetically from their host animal) are the agent responsible. The disease is spread by biting and other contact, and the resulting grotesque tumors interfere with feeding and lead to starvation. Poor immune response may be partially responsible. This is actually not the only such disease: canine transmissible venereal tumor is an analogue that has been known to be contagious since the 19th century. (CTVT, however, gets a proper immune response.) Wikipedia: DFTD, CTVT. The evidence for this method of transmission is quite recent. Here are the studies referenced in the articles: Allograft theory: Transmission of devil facial-tumour disease. (Nature wants your money, though.) Transmission of a fatal clonal tumor by biting occurs due to depleted MHC diversity in a threatened carnivorous marsupial. Clonal Origin and Evolution of a Transmissible Cancer.

Gay Germ Theory

missbossy — Mon, 03 Oct 2005 22:18:09 -0800

What if being gay were a disease?

That means no Planet of the Apes II, I guess

111 — Wed, 15 Jan 2003 23:03:41 -0800

Going bananas. The only fruit to ever appear on a Velvet Underground album cover (not to mention the title of a J. D. Salinger short story) may be on its way to extinction. Facts: I) total disappearance could occur within a decade; II) bananas are the staple diet for half a billion people and III) current genetic tampering mean that, even if the fruit doesn't quite disappear, it will taste and look different (Guardian article here). Feeling nostalgic already? Visit the stylish Banana Museum or give someone you love the Enchanted Banana of Happiness (not what you're thinking). first link via Fark

caraig — Thu, 07 Jun 2001 11:49:34 -0800

A success for gene therapy to help hemophiliacs is announced. This is a first, but only time will tell if the treatment has a lasting effect and can be repeated. So far it's worked for only four of the six patients in the trial. The NY Times explains the research.