Biotechnology News

A scientist tests blood samples for HIV. Scientists have isolated two genes which may prevent people from contracting HIV or at least slow the rate at which they develop AIDS, a new study published in the journal AIDS has found.(AFP/File/Noah Seelam)

Two genes may prevent HIV infection: Canadian research centre

AFP - Thu Jul 17, 10:40 AM ET

CHICAGO (AFP) - Scientists have isolated two genes which may prevent people from contracting HIV or at least slow the rate at which they develop AIDS, a new study has found.

  • A scientist works at a gene therapy laboratory in Indiana, United States. French researchers believe that gene therapy -- tested on lab animals -- shows promise in combatting the tragic neurogenerative disease known as Huntington's.(AFP/File/Jeff Haynes)
    Gene therapy opens new frontier in fight against Huntington's AFP - Tue Jul 15, 8:42 AM ET

    PARIS (AFP) - French researchers on Tuesday said that gene therapy, tested on lab animals, showed promise in combatting the tragic neurogenerative disease known as Huntington's.

  • A farmer tends her crop of vegetables growing amid fields of wheat in Dujiangyan in late May in southwest China's Sichuan province. China has said it must urgently step up the development of genetically modified crops as it faces mounting challenges to feed its 1.3 billion people due to shrinking arable land and climate change(AFP/File/Frederic J. Brown)
    China to urgently boost GM crop development AFP - Thu Jul 10, 12:19 PM ET

    BEIJING (AFP) - China has said it must urgently step up the development of genetically modified crops as it faces mounting challenges to feed its 1.3 billion people due to shrinking arable land and climate change.

  • Michigan stem cell research proposal advances AP - Tue Jul 8, 4:06 AM ET

    LANSING, Mich. - Supporters of a ballot measure that would loosen Michigan's restrictions on embryonic stem cell research took a big step toward placing it on the November ballot.

  • This undated illustration shows the DNA double helix. A group of US researchers laid out the foundations Monday for a new online library on human genetics stored within the existing framework of open-access encyclopedia Wikipedia.(AFP/HO/File)
    Wikipedia opens online library on human genes AFP - Mon Jul 7, 9:39 PM ET

    WASHINGTON (AFP) - A group of US researchers laid out the foundations Monday for a new online library on human genetics stored within the existing framework of open-access encyclopedia Wikipedia.

  • This file picture shows a genetically modified corn crop near Paillet. A review of the European Union's procedures for vetting genetically modified crops does not imply the policy will undergo far-reaching change, a French environment minister said Friday.(AFP/File/Jean-Pierre Muller)
    No revamp of EU rules on GMO crops: ministerial meeting AFP - Fri Jul 4, 1:32 PM ET

    PARIS (AFP) - A review of the European Union's procedures for vetting genetically modified crops does not imply the policy will undergo far-reaching change, a French environment minister said Friday.

  • A medical assistant sorts test tubes filled with materials for DNA testing in a file photo. (Michaela Rehle/Reuters)
    Big haul of Crohn's genes shows disease complexity Reuters - Sun Jun 29, 1:20 PM ET

    LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists have linked 32 genetic variations to Crohn's disease, a bowel disorder, highlighting the complexity of many common diseases and the difficulties facing researchers seeking treatments.

  • A voter drops off an absentee ballot at the Franklin County Election Board at the Franklin County Memorial Building in March 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. Genes can affect whether people tend to vote in elections or not, according to a US study released this week that suggested that the urge to cast a ballot is inherited.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Eric Thayer)
    Genes affect voter participation: study AFP - Sat Jun 28, 12:18 PM ET

    WASHINGTON (AFP) - Genes can affect whether people tend to vote in elections or not, according to a US study released this week that suggested that the urge to cast a ballot is inherited.

  • A hummingbird is seen in a handout photo courtesy of the Field Museum. (Field Museum/Stephanie Ware/Handout/Reuters)
    New bird family tree reveals some odd ducks Reuters - Thu Jun 26, 6:54 PM ET

    CHICAGO (Reuters) - The largest study ever of bird genetics has uncovered some surprising facts about the avian evolutionary tree, U.S. researchers said on Thursday, including many that are bound to ruffle some feathers.

  • An undated illustration showing the DNA double helix. Individual human genomes change throughout a person's life influenced by environmental or nutritional factors which may explain why illnesses such as cancer come with age, a study said Tuesday.(AFP/HO/File)
    Human genome changes with age AFP - Tue Jun 24, 4:16 PM ET

    WASHINGTON (AFP) - Individual human genomes change throughout a person's life influenced by environmental or nutritional factors which may explain why illnesses such as cancer come with age, a study said Tuesday.