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DNA Methylation Could Predict Ovarian, Breast Cancers
DNA Methylation Could Predict Ovarian, Breast Cancers
A pair of new studies finds that analyzing material from a Pap smear can reveal tumor risk in distant parts of the body, potentially allowing early interventions.
A pair of new studies finds that analyzing material from a Pap smear can reveal tumor risk in distant parts of the body, potentially allowing early interventions.
BRCA2
New Guidelines Expand BRCA Screening
Ashley P. Taylor | Aug 21, 2019 | 2 min read
US Preventive Services Task Force recommends genetic testing for mutations in the cancer-related genes for more—but not all—women.
MyHeritage Launches Health-Related Genetic Test, Ignites Debate
Catherine Offord | Jul 9, 2019 | 8 min read
Its screen for selected variants of some disease-linked genes gives customers an incomplete picture of their risk—do they know?
Setting Better Traps for PARP Inhibitors
The Scientist’s Creative Services Team and BPS Bioscience | 4 min read
An innovative assay permits researchers to screen for small molecule PARP inhibitors that trap the enzyme on DNA and selectively execute cancer cells.
Master Decoder: A Profile of Kári Stefánsson
Anna Azvolinsky | Mar 1, 2019 | 9 min read
A neurologist by training, Stefánsson founded Iceland-based deCODE Genetics to explore what the human genome can tell us about disease and our species’ evolution.
PARP Inhibitors Are Improving the Outlook of Hard-to-Treat Cancers
Vicki Brower | Apr 1, 2018 | 9 min read
With three recent FDA approvals, and a number of Phase 3 trials ongoing, the drugs are seeing a surge in interest.
First Direct-to-Consumer BRCA Test Authorized by FDA
Kerry Grens | Mar 6, 2018 | 2 min read
The agency gave personal genomics company 23andMe the green light to screen samples for breast cancer–related genetic mutations.
Genetic Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Identified
Ashley P. Taylor | Oct 23, 2017 | 4 min read
Researchers identify 72 novel genetic variants associated with breast cancer risk.
Q&A: Sequencing Newborns
Tracy Vence | Oct 21, 2016 | 2 min read
Members of the BabySeq Project discuss trial enrollment, preliminary findings.
BRCA Breakthroughs?
Jenny Rood | Apr 21, 2015 | 2 min read
Color Genomics announces a new, lower-cost BRCA mutation test, while Inserm and Quest Diagnostics reveal plans to pool patient data to investigate rare mutations.
BRCA Mutations Mapped
Tracy Vence | Apr 7, 2015 | 1 min read
In a large study, researchers find evidence to suggest that the type and location of a woman’s BRCA1/2 mutations may affect her cancer risk.
Yet Another Lawsuit over Genetic Tests
Tracy Vence | Jun 17, 2014 | 1 min read
Myriad Genetics, the company originally behind tests for the cancer-associated BRCA mutations, is suing another competitor for patent infringement.
Speaking of Science
The Scientist Staff | Aug 1, 2013 | 2 min read
August 2013's selection of notable quotes
Another Lawsuit over Genetic Tests
Kate Yandell | Jul 11, 2013 | 2 min read
Myriad Genetics, the company originally behind tests for the cancer-associated BRCA mutations, is suing two competitors for patent infringement.
Gene Patents Decision: Everybody Wins
Jeffrey M. Perkel | Jun 18, 2013 | 5 min read
Last week’s Supreme Court decision to invalidate patents on human genes was a win for patients, independent researchers, and even the wider biotech industry.
Supreme Court Nixes Patenting Human Genes
Dan Cossins | Jun 13, 2013 | 2 min read
The Justices have decided that isolated sequences of human DNA are not eligible for patent protection, but rules that artificial sequences can be patented.
Why Women’s Eggs Don’t Last
Kate Yandell | Feb 13, 2013 | 3 min read
As reproductive tissues age, DNA repair mechanisms become less efficient, causing genomic damage to accumulate.
Should Human Genes be Patented?
Edyta Zielinska | Dec 3, 2012 | 1 min read
The Supreme Court agrees to hear a case deciding if two cancer genes should continue to be protected by patent.
Court Rules Gene Patents Valid
Cristina Luiggi | Aug 17, 2012 | 1 min read
Myriad Genetics can hold patents on the BRAC1 and BRAC2 oncogenes, but not on tests comparing DNA sequences.
Gene Patents Back in Court
Cristina Luiggi | Jun 19, 2012 | 1 min read
A public interest legal group has renewed the fight against DNA patenting.