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Geisinger Genomics Director Says EHRs Key to Effective use of Genetic Information

Newswise DANVILLE, Pa. Geisinger Health Systems director of the Genomic Medicine Institute believes that making a patients genetic test results available in the electronic health record (EHR) is a win for patients and for their doctors. But he is also clear that much work needs to be done before its a reality.

Insights of several research teams actively engaged in integrating genomic medicine into the electronic health record, including an editorial co-authored by Marc S. Williams, MD, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, and Joseph Kannry, MD, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, are featured in the October 2013 issue of Genetics in Medicine.

In the editorial the prominent pair of genomics researchers state that: "Successfully integrating genomics into clinical care requires a vision, a strategy that will achieve the vision, and an actionable implementation plan."

The research led by Drs. Williams and Kannry and many other members of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)-funded Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) network explores a variety of issues related to including genetic information in Electronic Health Records (EHR) including storage and representation of the information, education about use of the information at the point of care and solutions to concerns about privacy, confidentiality, access and portability.

If we believe that there is information in the genome that is going to lead to more effective and safer therapies, we need to solve these issues, said Dr. Williams. We are basically trying to build a bridge over a canyon, and you cant leave out any of the key structural elements and expect the bridge to hold together. We really need to solve these problems if we want to move to what some people are calling precision medicine."

Genetic tests can now tell us whether we are at increased risk of various cancers, heart or kidney disease, asthma and a number of other conditions. Or, whether you will respond to certain medicines or be harmed by side effects linked to your genetic code.

But harnessing that information to benefit individual patients and prevent illnesses in others will require that doctors have access to genomic information for each patient. As health records are converted to digital form, the most likely place to store and retrieve genomic information will be EHR. But when and how that happens will depend on having good models to build upon.

In addition to the contributions that derive from the research and experiences of individual sites that comprise the eMERGE Network additional perspective is provided by a commercial EHR vendor and by the Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research network, another NHGRI funded research consortium.

About Geisinger Health System Geisinger Health System is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development of innovative care models such as ProvenHealth Navigator and ProvenCare. As the nations largest rural health services organization, Geisinger serves more than 2.6 million residents throughout 44 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. The physician-led system is comprised of more than 19,500 employees, including a 1,000-member multi-specialty group practice, six hospital campuses, two research centers and a 448,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an estimated $6.1 billion positive impact on the Pennsylvania economy. The health system and the health plan have repeatedly garnered national accolades for integration, quality and service. In addition to fulfilling its patient care mission, Geisinger has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research and community service. For more information, visit http://www.geisinger.org, or follow the latest Geisinger news and more on Twitter and Facebook.

About Marc S. Williams, MD Marc S. Williams, MD, FAAP, FACMG is the director of Geisingers Genomic Medicine Institute. Before joining Geisinger, Dr. Williams was director of the Intermountain Healthcare Clinical Genetics Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Geisinger Genomics Director Says EHRs Key to Effective use of Genetic Information

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Apothecary Genetics Introduction – Video


Apothecary Genetics Introduction
http://www.apothecarygenetics.com The Apothecary® Genetics company started growing in the early 90 #39;s in Gig Harbor, Washington and has become one of the lead...

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Apothecary Genetics Introduction - Video

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NewLink Genetics Corp (NLNK) Sees Hammer Chart Pattern: Time to Buy?

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NewLink Genetics Corp (NLNK) Sees Hammer Chart Pattern: Time to Buy?

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Atossa Genetics to Present at the 2013 Aegis Capital Healthcare Conference

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Sep 24, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), The Breast Health Company, announced today that Kyle Guse, Chief Financial Officer & General Counsel, will present the Company's products, services and business strategy at the 2013Aegis Capital Healthcare Conference on Friday, September 27, 2013, beginning at 9:45 am Pacific Time.The conference will be held at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Management will be available for one-on-one meetings with the investment community during the conference. Please contact Aegis conference organizers if you would like to arrange a meeting.

About Atossa Genetics, Inc.

Atossa Genetics, Inc. is focused on preventing breast cancer through the commercialization of patented, FDA-designated Class II diagnostic medical devices and, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health, Inc. (NRLBH), patented, laboratory developed tests.The lead test is called the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, which can detect precursors to breast cancer up to eight years before mammography.

The NRLBH is a CLIA-certified high-complexity molecular diagnostic laboratory located in Seattle, Washington.

For additional information, on Atossa and the NRLBH, please visit http://www.atossagenetics.com and http://www.nrlbh.com. For further information on the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, please visit http://www.getforecyte.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated or estimated future results, including the risks and uncertainties associated with actions by the FDA, regulatory clearances, responses to regulatory matters, Atossa's ability to continue to manufacture and sell its products, the efficacy of Atossa's products and services, the market demand for and acceptance of Atossa's products and services, performance of distributors and other risks detailed from time to time in Atossa's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation its periodic reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q, each as amended and supplemented from time to time.

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Atossa Genetics to Present at the 2013 Aegis Capital Healthcare Conference

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Leading Stem Cell Clinic in California, TeleHealth, Now Offering 3 Different Stem Cell Therapy Treatments

Orange County, CA (PRWEB) September 23, 2013

The leading regenerative medicine clinic on the West Coast, TeleHealth, is now offering three different types of stem cell therapy injections. The California stem cell treatments are predominantly covered by insurance, and performed by Board Certified stem cell doctors. For more information and scheduling, call (888) 828-4575.

The stem cell treatments are excellent for joint arthritis, tendonitis, ligament injuries, and spinal arthritis along with degenerative disc disease. Initial research with small studies has shown regenerative medicine treatments are working well for degenerative conditions, such as the recent study out of the Hospital for Special Surgery.

One of the treatments offered is bone marrow derived stem cell injections. These are outpatient procedures that involve harvesting the patient's own bone marrow, processing it, and injecting into the area of concern at the same setting. These bone marrow stem cell injections have very low risk and the potential for helping regenerate damaged cartilage and soft tissue from such conditions as achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis and tennis elbow.

The second procedure offered is platelet rich plasma therapy. This procedure involves a simple blood draw from the patient, and the blood is centrifuged for approximately 15 minutes. This separates the blood into concentrated platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the problem area. This material then calls in the body's stem cells to facilitate further repair. At times PRP is used in conjunction with bone marrow derived stem cell injections.

The third procedure utilized is fat derived stem cell injections, which has the same indications as bone marrow derived.

TeleHealth sees patients from a broad area of the west coast and offers Board Certified doctors providing treatment. To seek treatment with the premier stem cell therapy clinic, call (888) 828-4575.

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Leading Stem Cell Clinic in California, TeleHealth, Now Offering 3 Different Stem Cell Therapy Treatments

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Data on Cytori's Cell Therapy – Analyst Blog

Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. ( CYTX ) provided preliminary data from a study evaluating a potential treatment for scleroderma based on the company's cell therapy. The investigator-funded, open-label, pilot study is being conducted on patients with cutaneous systemic scleroderma in France.

12 patients were administered Cytori's cell therapy, injected into their fingers. Safety and hand function improvement are the primary endpoints of the study which were measured by the Cochin hand functional scale at six months.

At the end of the two month follow-up period, no infection, ischemic complications or serious adverse events were observed. Moreover, there was a significant improvement in the Cochin hand function disability scale.

As far as secondary endpoints are concerned, there was a significant improvement in scleroderma health assessment questionnaire score and in Raynaud's Severity Score. Also, there was a significant improvement in hand pain when measured by the visual analog pain scale.

Cytori is focused primarily on the development of treatments for cardiovascular disease and soft tissue injuries and burns based on its proprietary cell therapy formulation. The company's cell therapy is based on the formulation of stem and regenerative cells derived from a patient's own adipose (fat) tissue (ADRCs). The company has also designed the Celution System, a tissue processing system, to access the cells from a patient during the surgery procedure.

We note that last month Cytori's Celution System gained approval from the Australian regulatory body for commercial use for autologous re-implantation or re-infusion of a patient's ADRCs.

The company is currently conducting Athena, a multi-center, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study for evaluating its cell therapy in 45 patients with chronic ischemic heart failure. The company expects to complete patient enrollment in the fourth quarter of this year. 6-month top-line data from the study is expected in the first half of next year.

Cytori carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Companies that currently look well-positioned include Gilead Sciences Inc. ( GILD ) and Actelion Ltd. ( ALIOF ) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Jazz Pharmaceuticals ( JAZZ ) with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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CYTORI THERAPEU (CYTX): Free Stock Analysis Report

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Data on Cytori's Cell Therapy - Analyst Blog

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Data on Cytori's Cell Therapy

Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (CYTX) provided preliminary data from a study evaluating a potential treatment for scleroderma based on the companys cell therapy. The investigator-funded, open-label, pilot study is being conducted on patients with cutaneous systemic scleroderma in France.

12 patients were administered Cytoris cell therapy, injected into their fingers. Safety and hand function improvement are the primary endpoints of the study which were measured by the Cochin hand functional scale at six months.

At the end of the two month follow-up period, no infection, ischemic complications or serious adverse events were observed. Moreover, there was a significant improvement in the Cochin hand function disability scale.

As far as secondary endpoints are concerned, there was a significant improvement in scleroderma health assessment questionnaire score and in Raynauds Severity Score. Also, there was a significant improvement in hand pain when measured by the visual analog pain scale.

Cytori is focused primarily on the development of treatments for cardiovascular disease and soft tissue injuries and burns based on its proprietary cell therapy formulation. The companys cell therapy is based on the formulation of stem and regenerative cells derived from a patients own adipose (fat) tissue (ADRCs). The company has also designed the Celution System, a tissue processing system, to access the cells from a patient during the surgery procedure.

We note that last month Cytoris Celution System gained approval from the Australian regulatory body for commercial use for autologous re-implantation or re-infusion of a patients ADRCs.

The company is currently conducting Athena, a multi-center, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study for evaluating its cell therapy in 45 patients with chronic ischemic heart failure. The company expects to complete patient enrollment in the fourth quarter of this year. 6-month top-line data from the study is expected in the first half of next year.

Cytori carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Companies that currently look well-positioned include Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) and Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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Data on Cytori's Cell Therapy

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A boost for cellular profiling

Public release date: 22-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Rachel Steinhardt rsteinhardt@licr.org 212-450-1582 Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research

New York, NY and Stockholm, Sweden -- A team of researchers affiliated with Ludwig Cancer Research and the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report in the current issue of Nature Methods a dramatically improved technique for analyzing the genes expressed within a single cell -- a capability of relevance to everything from basic research to future cancer diagnostics.

"There are cells in tumors and in healthy tissues that are not present in sufficient numbers to permit analysis using anything but single-cell methods," explains senior author, Rickard Sandberg, PhD. "This method allows us to identify rare and important subpopulations of cells in all sorts of tissues. We can also use it to tease apart, more rigorously than ever before, how the expression of unique suites of genes transform cells from one state to another as, say, an embryo develops into an organism, or a tumor becomes metastatic."

Traditional approaches, which depend on the collective analysis of gene expression in millions of cells at once, tend to obscure biologically significant differences in the genes expressed by specialized cells within a particular kind of tissue. Single-cell analysis of gene expression overcomes this limitation. The leading method for such analysis -- Smart-seq -- was developed in 2012 by the biotechnology firm Illumina, together with Sandberg's laboratory.

To develop the new technique, named Smart-seq2, Sandberg's team conducted more than 450 experiments to improve upon their initial method. The new procedure consistently captures three to four times as many RNA molecules, which often translates into 2,000 more genes per cell than current methods allow. It also captures far more full-length gene sequences, a steep challenge in such studies, which often capture only partial sequences of expressed genes. This will permit researchers to conduct a more granular analysis of how subtle differences between the same genes in different people -- known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (or SNPs) -- contribute to differences in biology and disease.

The new method is likely to be of great value to cancer research. Identifying rare sub-populations of cells in tumors and understanding their role in the survival and progression of cancers can provide invaluable information for the development of diagnostics and targeted therapies. A study recently published by Ludwig researchers described, for example, how certain subpopulations of cells in melanomas can be pushed into a drug-susceptible state and then destroyed by chemotherapy. More such strategies might be devised as researchers get a better handle on the cellular species found in different types of tumors, and the patterns of gene expression that define them.

Because Smart-seq2 relies on off-the-shelf reagents, it costs roughly a twentieth as much as the commercialized kit, which should allow researchers to conduct sophisticated analyses of single cells on a much larger scale. It can also be improved further by the scientific community, since its constituent components and rationale are both open to the public.

Armed with the more effective and affordable Smart-seq2, Sandberg's lab is now moving ahead on projects that require a large-scale, single-cell gene expression analysis. "Now all researchers can do their own single-cell gene expression analysis by buying the components of the process described in this paper and assembling their own kits," says Sandberg.

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A Cure For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? New Treatment Could Erase Haunting Memories

Neurologists believe they have come a step closer to being able to erase unshakable haunting memories.

In research sounding like the plot of a sci-fi film, a group of researchers believe they have found the gene which performs the role of memory extinction.

The process, which occurs when new memories overwrite old ones, is being treated as the key to eventually being able completely to delete painful memories.

The research could lead to medical advances and the successful treatment of those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or sufferers tormented by earlier experiences.

Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in America conducted the study.

They say that if a way can be found to amplify the activity of the gene, known as Tet1, it could change lives.

The research echoes the 2004 Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet film, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind in which memories are wiped.

As part of their study, the researchers compared learning behaviour of mice with the Tet1 to mice who had their version of the gene inhibited, or as the scientists put it, "knocked out".

Both sets were trained to fear a certain cage by giving them a mild electric shock each time they were placed inside.

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A Cure For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? New Treatment Could Erase Haunting Memories

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Memory-Erasing Gene Discovered In Mice

In research sounding like the plot of a sci-fi film, neurologists believe they have come a step closer to being able to erase haunting memories.

A group of US researchers believe they have found the gene which performs the role of memory extinction.

The process, which occurs when new memories overwrite old ones, is being treated as the key to eventually being able completely to delete painful memories.

The research could lead to medical advances and the successful treatment of those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or sufferers tormented by earlier experiences.

Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology who conducted the study say that if a way can be found to amplify the activity of the gene, known as Tet1, it could change lives.

The research echoes the 2004 Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet film, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind in which memories are wiped.

As part of their study, the researchers compared learning behaviour of mice with the Tet1 to mice who had their version of the gene inhibited, or as the scientists put it, "knocked out".

Both sets were trained to fear a certain cage by giving them a mild electric shock each time they were placed inside.

Mice whose Tet1 was "knocked out" learned to associate the cage with the shock, just like the normal mice, but when the researchers put the mice back in the same cage without delivering the shock, the two groups behaved differently.

To the astonishment of scientists, mice with the Tet1 gene did not fear the cage, because their memory of being hurt had already been replaced by new information.

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Memory-Erasing Gene Discovered In Mice

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Alzheimer’s Disease: Landmark Gene Discoveries Open Up New Therapeutic Opportunities

Boston, MA (PRWEB) September 23, 2013

In a paper recently published in the prestigious journal Neuron, Harvard Medical School/Mass General Hospital Geneticist Dr. Rudy Tanzi, together with lead author, Dr. Jaehong Suh and their team, identified two rare mutations in the human gene called "ADAM10" that lead to the most common, late-onset variant of Alzheimer's. Tanzi's research suggests that the ADAM10 gene makes an enzyme called alpha-secretase, which cleaves the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) to prevent the formation of beta-amyloid, the toxic protein that triggers brain pathology in Alzheimer's disease.

This landmark genetic discovery by Tanzi, who is also Research Consortium Chair at Cure Alzheimer' Fund, further supports the widely-held "Amyloid Hypothesis" and suggests specific new therapeutic approaches to stopping Alzheimer's disease.

In their study, Tanzi and Suh first identified two new human gene mutations in ADAM10 and then inserted them into Alzheimer's mouse models to track their effects in the brain. Subsequently, the team was able to demonstrate how the mutant genes diminish alpha-secretase activity leading to increased levels of beta-amyloid, the main component of senile plaques in Alzheimers disease.

These findings are the first to document novel Alzheimer's gene mutations in animal models since the mutations in the original four Alzheimer's genes -- APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, and APOE -- were discovered in the 1990s.

Furthermore, the effects in mouse brains strongly suggest that diminished alpha-secretase activity owing to the ADAM10 gene mutations causes Alzheimer's and therefore supports ADAM10 as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of the disease. "If we can find or develop a drug to safely increase alpha-secretase activity," said Tanzi, "that would decrease the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and slow down or even stop the onset of the disease."

Cure Alzheimers Fund President and CEO Tim Armour said, "These discoveries are validation of the aggressive gene-centric approach long supported by Cure Alzheimer's Fund. With this new data, we have two more important pieces filling out the large puzzle of how Alzheimer's disease develops in the human brain. It's that much closer to a complete picture, and brings us that much closer to a cure."

About Cure Alzheimers Fund

The Cure Alzheimers Fund is governed by a board of directors; administered by a small, full-time staff; and guided scientifically by a Research Consortium. Cure Alzheimer's Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Cure Alzheimers Fund has supported 72 projects in 51 laboratories of leading Alzheimers researchers in the US and abroad.

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Alzheimer’s Disease: Landmark Gene Discoveries Open Up New Therapeutic Opportunities

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U of M research uncovers gene's contribution to asthma susceptibility

Public release date: 23-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Miranda Taylor tayl0551@umn.edu 612-626-2767 University of Minnesota Academic Health Center

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (09/23/2013) -- New research from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has uncovered the role gene ORMDL3 plays in the disease asthma. ORMDL3, a gene recently linked to asthma susceptibility, has now been linked to the body's ability to recruit inflammatory cells during an airway allergic reaction. Study findings appear today in the journal Nature Communications.

U of M researchers including Srirama Rao, Ph.D., (P. Sriramarao), CVM professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and associate dean for research, as well as professor in the U of M Medical School's Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, has identified a function of how ORMDL3 regulates the recruitment of inflammatory cells to airways, thus causing airway inflammation, in a mouse model.

Sung Gil Ha, Ph.D., a CVM post-doctoral fellow and the study's lead author, and colleagues have identified factors that up-regulate the ORMDL3 gene in specific white blood cells such as eosinophils during allergic asthma. Eosinophils are white blood cells intended to help protect the body from parasites; however, in the case of certain types of inflammation including exposure to allergens, instead of providing protection, they can cause tissue damage leading to asthma or other allergic disorders.

Not much is known about the function of ORMDL3 in asthma. By silencing or over-expressing ORMDL3 in eosinophils, the group has identified molecules regulated by the gene. These molecules enable eosinophils to congregate in airways where they cause allergic inflammation.

When turning the ORMDL3 gene off, researchers found lower levels of integrins expressed on the surface of eosinophils, meaning a decreased ability of eosinophils to migrate and cause inflammation in the airways.

"While exciting, our finding is just one piece of the puzzle," said Rao. "The more we understand about various asthma susceptibility genes including ORMDL3, the better positioned we will be to strategize new treatment options."

The discovery provides momentum for future understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and role of genetics in inflammatory allergic reactions. This research is not only relevant for asthma but potentially other allergic disorders such as those of the GI tract and skin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates the number of asthma suffers internationally at 300 million with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease.

Genetic disposition can influence the severity or susceptibility to an asthmatic reaction to allergens or environmental factors such as stress and cold.

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U of M research uncovers gene's contribution to asthma susceptibility

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Research uncovers gene's contribution to asthma susceptibility

Sep. 23, 2013 New research from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has uncovered the role gene ORMDL3 plays in the disease asthma. ORMDL3, a gene recently linked to asthma susceptibility, has now been linked to the body's ability to recruit inflammatory cells during an airway allergic reaction. Study findings appear today in the journal Nature Communications.

U of M researchers including Srirama Rao, Ph.D., (P. Sriramarao), CVM professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and associate dean for research, as well as professor in the U of M Medical School's Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, has identified a function of how ORMDL3 regulates the recruitment of inflammatory cells to airways, thus causing airway inflammation, in a mouse model.

Sung Gil Ha, Ph.D., a CVM post-doctoral fellow and the study's lead author, and colleagues have identified factors that up-regulate the ORMDL3 gene in specific white blood cells such as eosinophils during allergic asthma. Eosinophils are white blood cells intended to help protect the body from parasites; however, in the case of certain types of inflammation including exposure to allergens, instead of providing protection, they can cause tissue damage leading to asthma or other allergic disorders.

Not much is known about the function of ORMDL3 in asthma. By silencing or over-expressing ORMDL3 in eosinophils, the group has identified molecules regulated by the gene. These molecules enable eosinophils to congregate in airways where they cause allergic inflammation.

When turning the ORMDL3 gene off, researchers found lower levels of integrins expressed on the surface of eosinophils, meaning a decreased ability of eosinophils to migrate and cause inflammation in the airways.

"While exciting, our finding is just one piece of the puzzle," said Rao. "The more we understand about various asthma susceptibility genes including ORMDL3, the better positioned we will be to strategize new treatment options."

The discovery provides momentum for future understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and role of genetics in inflammatory allergic reactions. This research is not only relevant for asthma but potentially other allergic disorders such as those of the GI tract and skin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates the number of asthma suffers internationally at 300 million with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease.

Genetic disposition can influence the severity or susceptibility to an asthmatic reaction to allergens or environmental factors such as stress and cold.

The ORMDL3 gene studied by U of M researchers has been linked to asthma in various ethnic groups worldwide.

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Research uncovers gene's contribution to asthma susceptibility

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Genetic Engineering by Dominique Bradley – Video


Genetic Engineering by Dominique Bradley

By: dominique bradley

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Genetic Engineering by Dominique Bradley - Video

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Modifying rice crops to resist herbicide prompts weedy neighbors' growth spurt

Public release date: 23-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Allison Snow Snow.1@osu.edu 614-292-3445 Ohio State University

COLUMBUS, Ohio Rice containing an overactive gene that makes it resistant to a common herbicide can pass that genetic trait to weedy rice, prompting powerful growth even without a weed-killer to trigger the modification benefit, new research shows.

Previously, scientists have found that when a genetically modified trait passes from a crop plant to a closely related weed, the weed gains the crop's engineered benefit resistance to pests, for example only in the presence of the offending insects.

This new study is a surprising example of gene flow from crops to weeds that makes weeds more vigorous even without an environmental trigger, researchers say.

The suspected reason: This modification method enhances a plant's own growth control mechanism, essentially making it grow faster an attractive trait in crops but a recipe for potential problems with weedy relatives that could out-compete the crop.

"Our next question is whether this method of enhancing plant growth could be developed for any crop. We want to know whether growers could get higher yields in the crop and then, if it happened to cross with a related weed, whether it might make the weed more prolific as well," said Allison Snow, professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology at The Ohio State University and a lead author of the paper.

"It's unusual for any transgene to have such a positive effect on a wild relative and even more so for herbicide resistance," she said. "But we think we know why: It's probably because the pathway regulated by this gene is so important to the plant."

The work is the result of Snow's longtime collaboration with senior author Bao-Rong Lu, a professor at Fudan University in Shanghai. Their publication appears online in the journal New Phytologist.

The weed-killer glyphosate, sold under the brand name Roundup, kills plants by inhibiting a growth-related pathway activated by the epsps gene. Biotech companies have inserted mutated forms of a similar gene from microbes into crop plants, producing "Roundup Ready" corn and soybeans that remain undamaged by widespread herbicide application.

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Modifying rice crops to resist herbicide prompts weedy neighbors' growth spurt

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Appistry Chief Scientific Officer to Speak at Inaugural Conference on Delivering Genome-Enabled Diagnostics in the …

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) September 23, 2013

Appistry, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance computing and analytics solutions for next-generation medicine and the authorized distributor of select genetic analysis tools from the Broad Institute, today announced its chief scientific officer, Dr. Richard Mazzarella, will deliver a presentation titled Clinical Best Practices for Cancer Genetic Analysis Pipelines, at Cambridge HealthTech Institutes inaugural Clinical Genomics for Cancer Diagnostics Conference in Boston Sept. 23-24 at the Seaport Hotel. In his presentation, which will kick off the Data Interpretation conference track on Sept. 24, Mazzarella will illustrate how the use of de facto standard genetic analysis tools enables labs to commit more bioinformatics resources to more challenging and less well-understood pipeline development tasks.

Genetic analysis is a rapidly changing field, but certain tools are emerging as best practices because they have been used in a wide range of studies and in large-scale efforts such as The Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium, Mazzarella said. Running pipelines based on these validated tools conserves development effort for those analysis tasks that require truly innovative approaches and more extensive evaluation.

Appistry, a sponsor of the conference, will also exhibit its software solutions geared toward helping clinical labs take their next-generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines into production. As an exhibitor at booth number 7, Appistry will share with conference attendees the challenges of implementing NGS sequencing in clinical labs in the context of its computing environment, Ayrris. The technology applies computing capabilities developed for the analysis of big data in sectors such as finance and defense to the analysis of genetic data and the development of next-generation medicine.

The Clinical Genomics for Cancer Diagnostics Conference will examine novel diagnostic tools and techniques, evaluate their benefit to patient outcome, and focus on steps to implementation. The two-day event will gather leaders in cancer genomics, bioinformatics, clinical genomics, pharmacogenomics, diagnostics, internal medicine, molecular biology, and translational research.

Following the conference, Appistry will also host a webinar featuring the latest pipeline and tools for cancer genetic analysis from the Broad Institute. The one-hour webinar titled Which Mutations Matter: Analyzing and Annotating Cancer Genomes, will take place on Oct. 3, 2013 at 12 p.m. EDT. For more information and to register for the free event, please visit appistry.com/webinar.

About Appistry Appistry (http://www.appistry.com) orchestrates solutions to big data problems and since 2001, Appistrys fabric technology has empowered organizations and researchers to transform vast data into actionable intelligence. Appistry leverages its fabric computing technology to power Ayrris, a big-data environment that weaves together high performance computing and analytics to provide the throughput and scale required for diverse applicationsfrom discovering new medical therapies to delivering overnight packages, gaining clarity from financial transactions, or deciphering military satellite images. Appistry is the authorized distributor of the GATK and select genetic analysis tools from the Broad Institute for use in for-profit settings. For the latest Appistry news, visits us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Appistry Chief Scientific Officer to Speak at Inaugural Conference on Delivering Genome-Enabled Diagnostics in the ...

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Sequenom will review genetic analysis unit options

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Sequenom will review genetic analysis unit options

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Atossa Genetics to Conduct Free Webinar: How to Invest Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Sep 23, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), The Breast Health Company, today announced that Dr. Steven C. Quay, Chairman, President & CEO, will conduct a free webinar via The Money Show, titled, "How to Invest Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month." The webinar will take place on Wednesday, September 25, from 4:30-5:30 pm Eastern Time. Investors interested in registering for this webinar should visit: http://www.moneyshow.com/video/Webinar/103/1A456567F8B24A07A44EBE518B571002/How-to-Invest-Ahead-of-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Month/# and click on REGISTER FREE.

Dr. Quay stated, "October will be our first Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a public company. This free webinar will provide investors with an opportunity to learn about Atossa's unique business approach to the prevention of breast cancer through its patented medical devices and laboratory testing services, including the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test for breast cancer risk assessment."

About the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test

The ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, intended for the 110 million women in the U.S. ages 18 to 73, is a painless, quick and non-invasive procedure that can be done in a physician's office.The test specimens are then analyzed at Atossa's laboratory, The National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health, Inc. (NRLBH), which can provide vital early detection of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions that may progress to cancer over an approximately eight-year period and before cancer can be detected by mammography or other means and without the risks of radiation, especially in women younger than age 50. No invasive biopsy needles or open surgical incisions are used in the Atossa test.

Just as the Pap smear has reduced cervical cancer rates by over 70 percent, becoming the most successful screening test in medicine, the goal of Atossa Genetics is to reduce the stubbornly high rate of breast cancer through the early detection of the precursor changes that can lead to breast cancer and the treatment of those early changes. For more information, please visit http://www.getforecyte.com.

About Atossa Genetics, Inc.

Atossa Genetics, Inc. is focused on preventing breast cancer through the commercialization of patented, FDA-designated Class II diagnostic medical devices and, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The NRLBH, patented, laboratory developed tests that can detect precursors to breast cancer up to eight years before mammography.

The NRLBH is a CLIA-certified high-complexity molecular diagnostic laboratory located in Seattle, Washington.

For additional information, on Atossa and the NRLBH, please visit http://www.atossagenetics.com and http://www.nrlbh.com. For further information on the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, please visit http://www.getforecyte.com.

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Atossa Genetics to Conduct Free Webinar: How to Invest Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Alnylam’s ATTR gene therapy effective in early-stage trial

(Reuters) - Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc said its experimental gene-based therapy reduced the level of a disease-causing protein, which leads to a rare organ-damaging hereditary disorder, in an early-stage trial.

The therapy was also found to be generally safe and well tolerated, Alnylam said in a statement.

The trial was testing Alnylam's subcutaneously delivered therapy for the treatment of an inherited, progressively debilitating and fatal disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene.

The disease, called TTR-mediated amyloidosis or ATTR, causes abnormal proteins to accumulate in body organs and tissue.

Alnylam's therapy led to consistent and statistically significant reduction of TTR protein levels of up to 94 percent in the study.

The therapy is based on Alnylam's gene silencing technology that works by "switching off" certain disease-causing genes and is widely believed to hold immense potential for treating diseases ranging from cancer to HIV.

The company now plans to start a pilot mid-stage trial by the end of this year, and assuming positive results, a late-stage study by the end of 2014.

Alnylam shares closed at $57.23 on Friday on the Nasdaq.

(Reporting by Esha Dey in Bangalore; Editing by Sreejiraj Eluvangal)

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Alnylam’s ATTR gene therapy effective in early-stage trial

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Alnylam's gene therapy shows strong efficacy data

Home Mail News Sports Finance Weather Games Groups Answers Screen Flickr More omg! Shine Movies Music TV Health Shopping Travel Autos Homes Mobile Yahoo News Search News Search Web Sign In Mail Help Account Info Help Suggestions Yahoo News Home Video Photos GMA Year in Review Odd Comics Travel Opinion Trending Now Who Knew? Weather The Upbeat U.S. U.S. Video GMA Education Religion Crimes and Trials Local Contributor Network Year In Review World World Video Middle East Europe Latin America Africa Asia Canada Australia/Antarctica Business Video Exclusives Today's Markets Stocks Personal Finance Marketplace Entertainment Video Clinton Concert Celebrity TV Movies Music Fashion Books Arts Theater Dear Abby Comics Odd News Sports Video NFL MLB NBA NCAAF NCAAB Soccer Cycling NHL Tennis Golf Boxing Motor Sports MMA Olympics Tech Gadgets Wireless Apple Social Media Security Open Source Gaming Apps This Could Be Big Upgrade Your Life Politics Remake America The Issues Women and Politics Press Releases Video Science Science Video Weather News Space / Astronomy Pets Dinosaurs / Fossils Biotech Energy Green Health Video Weight Loss Cancer Sexual Health Medications/Drugs Parenting/Kids Seniors/Aging Diseases/Conditions Blogs The Sideshow Katie's Take Power Players This Could Be Big Newsmakers Trending Now The Upbeat Who Knew? Nightline Fix Beyond the Headline Local Popular Search Keyword News Search

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Alnylam's gene therapy shows strong efficacy data

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What is Stem Cell Therapy by Dr Alok Sharma – Video


What is Stem Cell Therapy by Dr Alok Sharma
Dr. Alok Sharma M.S, M.Ch., (Neurosurgeon) talks on what is stem cell therapy and it is used for Autism, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Cord Injury. Cerebral Pal...

By: Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute

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What is Stem Cell Therapy by Dr Alok Sharma - Video

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Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Video – Video


Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Video
Informational video about Transverse Myelitis, a type of spinal cord injury, for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month (September).

By: ST Jen

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Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Video - Video

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Spinal Cord Injury Tai Chi Practice September 19, 2013 – Video


Spinal Cord Injury Tai Chi Practice September 19, 2013

By: Jeffery Morris

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Spinal Cord Injury Tai Chi Practice September 19, 2013 - Video

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NorthStar Genetics, Early Maturing Soybean Varieties – Part 5 – Video


NorthStar Genetics, Early Maturing Soybean Varieties - Part 5
Pitura Seeds takes a look at some early maturing soybean varieties.

By: Pitura Seeds

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NorthStar Genetics, Early Maturing Soybean Varieties - Part 5 - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Health Chat: The Genetics of Breast Cancer – Video


Health Chat: The Genetics of Breast Cancer
Florida Hospital Celebration Health Breast Surgeon, Dr. Olga Ivanhov, discusses the genetics of Breast Cancer. For more information call 407-303-4760 or visi...

By: floridahospital

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Health Chat: The Genetics of Breast Cancer - Video

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