GlaxoSmithKline ups investment in CDx company; colorectal cancer blood test trial shows success;

> GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) has upped its investment in CDx company Response Genetics by 5 million newly issued shares. Article

> Results of Onconome's colorectal cancer blood test show high sensitivity and specificity and low chances of false negatives, according to the company. Further clinical trials are ongoing, due to complete next year. Press release

> The Human Protein Atlas aims to explore the whole of the human proteome using antibody-based proteomics. The project will support biomarker interpretation. Story

> 20/20 GeneSystems' PredicTOR selects out breast cancer patients who are most likely to respond to Herceptin. Press release

> Breath biomarker could predict liver injury treatable with propofol. Abstract

> The COPD Biomarker Qualification Consortium has started the process to get plasma fibrinogen recognized as a biomarker for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Article

> Testing for the genotype "low FMR1" could substitute for BRCA1/2 screening, making cancer testing cheaper. Press release

And Finally… A change in a single letter in the genetic code could have weighty consequences. People with two copies of the variant gene are likely to weigh more than people without the mutation. Press release