First CRISPR-Based Therapies For Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia Approved In The UK

A giemsa stained blood smear from a person with beta thalassemia (Credit: Dr Graham Beards, Wikimedia Commons)

The gene-therapy-based treatment called Casgevy was recently approved in the UK, making it the first time that a treatment based on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool has been authorized for …read more Continue reading First CRISPR-Based Therapies For Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia Approved In The UK

Thousands of Fanzor DNA cutters that may outperform CRISPR identified

Following on from the discovery of programmable DNA-cutting enzymes known as Fanzors, scientists have found that a diverse range of species possess these genetic ‘scissors’, which presents a massive opportunity in the development of new medicines, gene… Continue reading Thousands of Fanzor DNA cutters that may outperform CRISPR identified

Targeted gene therapy helps completely paralyzed mice walk again

A complete spinal cord injury results, tragically, in total paralysis of all limbs and muscles below the injury site. But now, scientists at EPFL have demonstrated in mice a new gene therapy that can regenerate nerves and restore the ability to walk.Co… Continue reading Targeted gene therapy helps completely paralyzed mice walk again

New gene-editing tool reduces unintended mutations by more than 70%

Researchers have found that splitting the gene editor used in traditional CRISPR technology creates a more precise tool that can be switched on and off, with significantly less chance of causing unintended genome mutations. They say their novel tool ca… Continue reading New gene-editing tool reduces unintended mutations by more than 70%

Study finds 68 new genes linked to cardiovascular disease risks

A high resting heart rate, which is generally considered anything above 100 beats per minute (bpm), has been linked to an elevated risk of serious cardiovascular conditions such coronary artery disease and stroke. And while the cause of a high resting … Continue reading Study finds 68 new genes linked to cardiovascular disease risks

Hope for chemo-resistant cancer therapy with new gene discovery

For the first time, researchers have pinpointed two genes – NEK2 and INHBA – that are resistant to chemotherapy for head and neck cancers, and found that by silencing them, treatment can be far more effective.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceT… Continue reading Hope for chemo-resistant cancer therapy with new gene discovery

Naked mole-rat’s ‘longevity’ gene extends lifespan and health of mice

They weigh about an ounce, spend their lives underground in sub-Saharan Africa and are unlikely to be making the shortlist for any cute animal calendars, but the naked mole-rat continues to show scientists it has incredible age-resistant biology beneat… Continue reading Naked mole-rat’s ‘longevity’ gene extends lifespan and health of mice

Naked mole-rat’s ‘longevity’ gene extends lifespan and health of mice

They weigh about an ounce, spend their lives underground in sub-Saharan Africa and are unlikely to be making the shortlist for any cute animal calendars, but the naked mole-rat continues to show scientists it has incredible age-resistant biology beneat… Continue reading Naked mole-rat’s ‘longevity’ gene extends lifespan and health of mice

Gene therapy targeting sodium successfully reverses chronic pain

The National Institute of Health estimates that 100 million Americans, or around a third of the US population, live with a chronic pain condition. While the economic burden, more than US$500 billion annually, is well documented, increasingly studied is… Continue reading Gene therapy targeting sodium successfully reverses chronic pain

Humans may soon grow new teeth, with promising drug trial set

Some sharks get a new set of teeth every few weeks, while crocodiles can go through thousands of chompers in their long lifetimes. Yet the ability to endlessly replace our pearly whites is something that’s eluded us and nearly all other mammals. By the… Continue reading Humans may soon grow new teeth, with promising drug trial set