Genetics
> Yale researchers have discovered a new gene mutation involving endometriosis, a condition faced by millions of women that causes pelvic pain and infertility. Release
> Scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have developed a free software program dubbed Pyromaker as a virtual tool to more accurately identify complex genetic mutations in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Release
> An Australian couple sued their in vitro fertilization doctor for millions of dollars of in damages after their son was born with a rare genetic defect that caused blood clotting, and a massive stroke, days after his birth, the Daily Mail reports. Story
Stem Cells
> UC Davis Health system scientists have figured out how to direct the body's own stem cells to increase bone formation and strength. Release
> Israeli biotech Pluristem Therapeutics will expand efforts to test the use of its proprietary placental stem cells to treat acute radiation exposure, Globes is reporting. Story
Cancer Research
> Lung cancer testing is necessary, in part because different kinds of the disease behave in different ways, suggesting they are "fundamentally different diseases," a University of Colorado cancer study has concluded. Release
> Novel prostate specific antigen velocity risk count testing may be a more potent prostate cancer screening tool than the standard PSA test, according to a new U.S.-based study. Story
> Researchers have developed a test that maps with far greater accuracy free-flowing cancer cells in the bloodstream of patients who have breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer. The idea is to improve how cancer is assessed and controlled as it spreads. Release