Source-
BBC
News 
12/26/02
Importance of
Small RNA Molecule
Scientists have found that RNA is important in
controlling genetic information than previously thought.
RNA is known to carry out DNA's instruction for
building proteins. However, recent studies show that RNAs can switch genes
on and off and even remove unwanted DNA pieces from the chromosome. The
small RNAs also take charge during cell division and direct the DNA
material into the right configuration. If not working properly, these
small RNAs may cause diseases, such as cancer.
Source-
BBC
News
12/18/02
Collagen-producing
Silkworms
Scientists in Japan made silkworms to produce
collagen using genetic engineering techniques.
Collagen is widely used in cosmetic surgery and reconstructing
damaged skin.
The procedure involves inserting human collagen
genes into the DNA of silkworm eggs. When the eggs hatch, the worms
begin spinning their cocoons, which contains not only silk, but also
collagen.
Scientists are also using silkworms to develop
drugs used in medical treatment, such as for blood thinning and reducing
the risk of HIV infections.
Source-
Ananova.com
12/09/02
Genetic Basis
for Caffeine Anxiety
Scientists have found that people with two linked
genetic variations have a higher rate of being anxious after drinking
caffeinated beverages.
Caffeine is a stimulant which speeds up the heart
rate and makes people feel alert. In some people, coffee leaves them
feeling anxious or jittery.
Researchers from the University of Chicago and two
German universities recruited 94 healthy people who do not usually consume
caffeine. They were given oral doses of caffeine or a placebo and their
physiological reactions, including their moods, were recorded. The
researchers also took blood samples to examine the genes that control two
proteins, known as adenosine receptors.
The study showed that there were four genetic
variations of the receptor genes among the participants: A1 and A2a which
are found in the brain. People with the two specific variants in the A2a
receptor gene experienced a higher level of anxiety after consuming
caffeine compared to those with other variations of the gene.
Source-
ABCNews.com
11/26/02
Schizophrenia
Gene is Identified
Australian scientists have identified 153 genes
affected by schizophrenia.
The genes were identified by screening 12,000
genes of post-mortem studies of brain tissue from schizophrenia patients.
Current studies show that genetics plays a major
role in the disease. However, studies among identical twins with the
disease suggest that other factors are involved.
Researchers are now studying the core genes
involved in schizophrenia. This is done by screening proteins and
messenger RNA to try and narrow down the number of genes that cause the
disease to five or 10.
Source-
BBC
News 
11/18/02
High Incident
of Heart Disease Among South Asians
Many South Asians have a high chance of a heart
attack compared to any other population in the world. The risk also
applies to people who have emigrated from south Asia and their offspring.
This is due to a genetic predisposition to the disease.
It seems that the risk factor has been known for
40 years and nothing has been done to deal with the problem.
According to Dr. Gupta, a heart specialist at
Whipps Cross Hospital in London, "People who originate from India,
Bangladesh, Pakistan and to a lesser degree Sri Lanka- have some of the
highest rates of death from coronary heart disease compared to any other
population in the world.."
Dr. Dutta, a heart surgeon in eastern India says
that unlike the West where most patients who have heart disease are
elderly, in India the age group with heart disease is between 35 to 45 or
50 at the most.
Source-
Reuters
11/06/02
"Unknow
Child" of Titanic Shipwreck is Identified"
The crew of Canadian recovery ship Mackay-Bennett
found the body of the child after the Titanic was sunk. The body was buried
at the top of a hill in Fairview Lawn Cemetery, along with 120 other
Titanic victims.
The grave attracted many visitors over the years.
Finally, scientists have determined the identity of the child. It is the
body of 13 months old boy named Eino Viljami Panula of Finland. He died,
along with his four brothers and mother in the disaster.
To determine the identity of the child, DNA from
blood samples of the infant's relative, Magda Schleifer from Helsinki, was
compared with the baby's DNA. Eino was the nephew of Magda's grandmother.
A documentary titled, "Titanic's Ghosts"
will be broadcast on the US PBS television on November 20. The program
looks at historic events using modern technology.
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