“The Morning Briefing” is SmartPlanet’s daily roundup of must-reads from the web. This morning we’re reading about genetic studies.
1.) Study unpicks gene changes behind breast cancer. Scientists have mapped the complete genetic codes of 21 breast cancers and created a catalogue of the mutations that accumulate in breast cells, raising hopes that the disease may be able to be spotted earlier and treated more effectively in future.
2.) Brain Twister: study showing good cholesterol isn’t so good could still be good for good cholesterol-boosting drugs. A new genetic study in The Lancet is raising questions about whether high-density lipoprotein, the so-called “good cholesterol,” is actually all that good at preventing heart attacks and strokes.
3.) Mouse study uncovers genetic clues to anxiety. Researchers at the University of Chicago have uncovered a link between a metabolic byproduct and brain activity that could result in new treatments for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.
4.) Crucial genes found in Parkinson’s patients. Though there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are means to control the symptoms. Researchers at UCLA may have found a way to determine which patients will experience a more rapid decline in motor function, which is potentially beneficial in developing new therapies and identifying who can benefit the most from early intervention.
5.) Gene research could hold key to postpartum depression. Researchers and Parents discuss the discovery of a gene variant that can predispose women to Post Partum Depression.
Image credit: Flickr
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