Eye on DNA Headlines for 18 August 2007

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted August 18, 2007 in DNA Fun, DNA Testing, Eye on DNA Headlines

• Check out my interview about science and health blogging at ScienceRoll. Thanks for the opportunity, Berci!
• Ichor Medical Systems and Inovio Biomedicals are working on elecroporation to move DNA vaccine molecules through the cell membrane and into the nucleus. Ichor’s TriGrid gun delivers the DNA vaccine and electrical pulse when it’s held up to the skin. Inovio’s MedPulser and Elgen devices also electrically stimulate the vaccine injection site.
• Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA has some wacky videos about RNA, autism, and other random subjects even though the last one he made was in November 2006. Where are you, Bart??? (via Bayblab)
• Did you know the 4th International Symposium on Milk Genomics & Human Health will be held in November? International experts in nutrition, genomics, bioinformatics and milk will be convening in Napa, California to discuss “recent research breakthroughs in the areas of evolutionary genetics; bioinformatics, tools and applications; the bovine genome; and genetic diversity in milk and lactation.” I bet they’ll be serving A2 Milk.
• The FDA is promoting the use of genetic testing to help doctors decide the appropriate dose of the blood thinner warfarin (aka Coumadin). Kimball Genetics offers the Warfarin DoseAdvise Genetic Test (pdf) which analyzes variations in the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes. These two genes play a role in determining a person’s sensitivity to warfarin via metabolism and anticoagulation processes, respectively. Warfarin is typically prescribed for patients who are experiencing irregular heartbeat or those who’ve had a heart attack or heart valve replacement surgery.

Tags: genetics, genes, dna, warfarin, cyp2c9, ckorc1, milk, dna vaccine

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