Bioinformatics News: bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, microarray, etc.

Switch mechanism for controlling traffic in cells discovered
Scientists have identified a mechanism that switches on an extremely important process for the proper functioning and survival of our body's cells. Specifically, the fast-track transportation pathway of "cargo" to and from the surface of the cell. (Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:15:52 GMT)

Some clinical trials explicitly exclude gay and lesbian patients
All clinical trials have guidelines that clearly state who can and cannot participate, but according to the National Institutes of Health these guidelines are typically based on age, gender, previous treatment history, the type and stage of a disease, and other medically relevant factors. However, researchers have now gathered evidence indicating that some trials explicitly exclude individuals ... (Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:14:41 GMT)

Rosetta Aims to Use miRNAs as Biomarkers for Pharmaceutical R&D
Rosetta Genomics' top official this week provided details about a new corporate effort to leverage the company's microRNA expertise in an area outside of the diagnostics field, which had long been the company's core focus. (Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:05:22 GMT)

Ambry Genetics to Use RainDance Microdroplet PCR Tech in Diagnostics, Genomic Research Services
Ambry Genetics will use RainDance Technologies' microdroplet- based PCR technology as part of its diagnostics and genomics services, the companies said today. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:05:09 GMT)

Some clinical trials explicitly exclude gay and lesbian patients
All clinical trials have guidelines that clearly state who can and cannot participate, but according to the National Institutes of Health these guidelines are typically based on age, gender, previous treatment history, the type and stage of a disease, and other medically relevant factors. However, researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have gathered evidence indicating that some trials ... (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:32:51 GMT)

USPTO Allows Claims on Regulus miRNA Patent Application
Regulus Therapeutics said this week that the US Patent and Trademark Office has allowed claims in a patent application, owned by Stanford University and exclusively licensed to Regulus, covering methods of antagonizing miR-181a to regulate immune response. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:50:38 GMT)

Comparative Genomics Reveals Horizontal Gene Transfer in Pathogenic Fungus
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – The fungal plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum is capable of horizontal gene transfer similar to that seen in bacteria, a new comparative genomics study suggests. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:50:28 GMT)

Ambry Genetics Adopts RainDance Platform for DNA Enrichment, Sequencing Services
Genomic services provider Ambry Genetics has adopted RainDance Technologies' DNA enrichment technology for its DNA analysis services, the companies said this week. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:35:18 GMT)

Berkeley HeartLab Using GenTegra DNA
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Celera subsidiary Berkeley HeartLab will use GenVault's biosample preservation and storage technology for use in its clinical lab testing business, GenVault said today. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:35:09 GMT)

Young Investigator Profile
The Chanda lab is studying cellular proteins required for both influenza A and retrovirus/HIV infection as well as novel molecules that regulate, or respond to, Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) signaling. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:20:08 GMT)

ALS Therapy Institute pairs with N.J. biotech
Cambridge-based ALS Therapy Institute has teamed up with a New Jersey biotech to test several small-molecule compounds that have the potential to slow or stop the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:06:00 GMT)

Ambry Genetics and RainDance Technologies Announce Partnership for Diagnostics and Genomics Services Utilizing the RDT ...
Ambry Genetics and RainDance Technologies today jointly announced at the Annual CHI Next Generation Sequencing Conference in San Diego, CA their partnership utilizing the RDT 1000 for sequence enrichment and resequencing validation. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT)

Recent Research Papers of Note
Describes the development and application of a set of "novel N, N-dimethyl leucine 4-plex isobaric tandem mass tagging agents with high quantitation efficacy and greatly reduced cost for neuropeptide and protein analysis," according to the abstract. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:50:09 GMT)

RNA Quality In Fresh Frozen Prostate Tissue From Patients Operated With Radical Prostatectomy
UroToday.com - Discovery of new genes that may be biomarkers for prostate cancer (CaP) often are identified by microarray analysis of RNA obtained from radical prostatectomy tissue. In the Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation, Dr. Helena Bertilsson and colleagues analyze what variables impact RNA quality and ultimately lead to the discovery of biomarkers from CaP tissue ... (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:27:24 GMT)

ALS TDI, Aestus Therapeutics to test potential small-molecule compounds to stop progression of ALS
The ALS Therapy Development Institute and Aestus Therapeutics, Inc., announced their plans today to test several potential small-molecule compounds to slow or stop the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease). (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:46:18 GMT)

ALS Therapy Development Institute and Aestus Therapeutics, Inc. Collaborate to Investigate Potential Treatments for ALS
Combination of Core Competencies to Lead to New Compounds being Identified and Screened (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT)

Stellar Pharmaceuticals Profitable for 2009
LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 17, 2010) - Stellar Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCBB:SLXCF) ("Stellar" or "the Company"), a Canadian pharmaceutical developer and marketer of high quality, cost-effective products for select health care markets, today announced financial results for the year ended December 31, 2009. In this press release, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian currency and ... (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:41:58 GMT)

Clarient's Ovotax test may help improve patients’ response to taxane therapy
Clarient, Inc., a premier technology and services resource for pathologists, oncologists and the pharmaceutical industry, today announced that data from a new study shows that Clarient's Ovotax™ assay may effectively predict which ovarian cancer patients will respond favorably to taxane therapy and could, therefore, be spared the potential side effects of this rigorous and sometimes toxic ... (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:30:58 GMT)

Finding right balance between high-throughput sequencing and related bioinformatics analysis
Balancing high-throughput sequencing and related bioinformatics analysis between a research group’s internal efforts and specialized service providers can both speed results to difficult biological questions and provide cost-effective access to the latest technology, says Eureka Genomics (EG). The company’s unique capabilities and services and how they can help in “Finding the Right Balance ... (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:30:48 GMT)

Comprehensive Microplate Catalogue
The Porvair Sciences Product Catalogue for 2010 is packed with vital information on the company's wide range of microplates, plate sealers and microplate evaporators to help you get the best from your separations, assays and storage applications. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:37:48 GMT)

Pathway Genomics' personal Genetic Health Report now available
Pathway Genomics Inc., a U.S. based genetic testing company, announced the immediate availability of its personal Genetic Health Report. This customized and innovative personal genetic health report contains information on more than 70 health conditions, including pharmacogenetics (prescription medication response), propensity for complex disease, and carrier status (pre-pregnancy health). (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:31:18 GMT)

Jacksonville State University among 12 selected for National Genomics Research Initiative
Some freshman biology students at Jacksonville State University will have the opportunity to participate in scientific discovery on a national scale next fall due to the university’s recent selection for an elite research project funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:06:20 GMT)

Blog - The Rise and Fall of the Human Genome Project
It's not just financial markets that experience bubbles, society does too. And the Human Genome Project is a perfect example, says a new study. The world has become painfully familiar with the notion of financial bubbles in the last two years. These are periods of in which prices are temporarily raised above their fundamental value, sometimes by orders of magnitude. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:17:10 GMT)

What’s up with UTMB joining Texas Medical Center?
Some readers for The Daily News asked questions about UTMB becoming a member of the Texas Medical Center and what it would mean. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:39:12 GMT)

Pathway Genomics Responds to Medco, Mayo Clinic Study Revealing Gene Testing Reduces Hospitalization Rates for ...
SAN DIEGO----Pathway Genomics Inc., a U.S. based genetic testing company, responded to research released today at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting that found that the number of hospitalizations for heart patients taking warfarin, the world's most-prescribed blood thinner, dropped by approximately 30 percent when genetic information for the patient was available to doctors ... (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:36:00 GMT)

National Institute of Biomedical Genomics to become operational from April 2010
The National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), being established under the National Biotechnology Development Strategy to provide basic research evidence using biomedical genomic approaches for betterment of public health programmes and services will be operational from April this year. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:43:54 GMT)

Mental preparation for overseas-bound students
KUALA LUMPUR: Every student should be focused and mentally prepared so that he or she will not get a culture shock when going overseas for further study, says Muhammad Izmil Fitri, a Management & Science University (MSU) graduate in biomedicine. (Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:22:14 GMT)

Pathway Genomics Announces Availability of its Genetic Health Report
SAN DIEGO----Pathway Genomics Inc., a U.S. based genetic testing company, announced the immediate availability of its personal Genetic Health Report. This customized and innovative personal genetic health report contains information on more than 70 health conditions, including pharmacogenetics , propensity for complex disease, and carrier status . (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:58:00 GMT)

Myriad breast cancer patent very broad, study finds
Myriad Genetics' disputed patent on the BRCA1 breast cancer gene is "surprisingly broad" and could interfere with future research, three experts said on Tuesday. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:53:36 GMT)

NHLBI Starts $76M Genetic Variation Studies
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute plans to pump $76 million over the next five years into a program aimed at combining cellular tools, molecular profiling, and genomics to study human genomic variation and genetic links to disease. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:05:33 GMT)

Hope for a Better Genetic Test for Autism
A technique, known as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), may offer better, more accurate results than other genetic testsRead more: http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2 (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:29:54 GMT)

Autism chromosomal test most effective
BOSTON, March 16 (UPI) -- The Autism Consortium says it has found chromosomal microarray analysis is the most effective genetic test for autism spectrum disorders. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:48:43 GMT)

Trana Discovery Expands Scientific Advisory Board
World-renowned experts will focus on prioritizing prime disease targets for future assay development and new applications of the unique drug discovery technology... (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:55:10 GMT)

The "Hottest" Researchers
A Reuters survey of top researchers has named MIT's Rudolf Jaenisch the "hottest" in the world, saying his MIT stem cell lab has consistently broken barriers in the field. The annual list also named noted genomics experts at the Broad Institute: Eric Lander, Mark Daly, and David Altshuler. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:20:09 GMT)

Cycle Computing Launches CycleCloud for Life Sciences Product Family at XGen Congress
New Specialized Clusters for Researchers Provide Pre-Installed Tools for Increased Ease-of-Use in Performing Research in the Cloud (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:18:13 GMT)

Cycle Computing Launches CycleCloud for Life Sciences Product Family at XGen Congress
SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - 03/16/10) - Cycle Computing, providing proven, secure and flexible high performance computing (HPC) and open source solutions in the cloud, today launched its new CycleCloud for Life Sciences cluster of services during its presentation at XGen Congress in San Diego. The next generation of genome sequencing gives scientists access to large amounts of genome data while ... (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT)

Eureka Genomics' High-Throughput Sequencing and Bioinformatics Services Highlighted at "Now-Generation Sequencing ...
HERCULES, Calif.----Balancing high-throughput sequencing and related bioinformatics analysis between a research group’s internal efforts and specialized service providers can both speed results to difficult biological questions and provide cost-effective access to the latest technology, says Eureka Genomics . (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:35:00 GMT)

Kinexus Bioinformatics launches new peptide synthesis facility
Kinexus Bioinformatics Corporation, a world leader in functional proteomics research, announced the launch of a new peptide synthesis facility to provide researchers with the latest in peptide array technologies. These new services will facilitate and expedite access to peptide platforms for innovative approaches to proteomic research and discovery. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:07:58 GMT)

Northrop Grumman and Luminex Collaborate to Create Next Generation Autonomous Biodetectors
Luminex Corporation , the worldwide leader in multiplexed solutions, today announced that it has signed a teaming agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation to collaborate in the creation of next generation biodetectors that will continuously monitor the environment and serve as an early warning system to alert authorities regarding the release of potentially harmful airborne agents. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT)

Kinexus Announces the Launch of New Peptide Production Services
New Peptide Array Facility Designed to Expedite the Drug Discovery Process VANCOUVER , March 16 /PRNewswire/ - Kinexus Bioinformatics Corporation, a world leader in functional proteomics research, announced the launch of a new peptide synthesis facility to provide researchers with the latest in peptide array technologies. These new services will facilitate and expedite access to peptide ... (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT)

Illumina Announces HumanOmniExpress+ Custom BeadChip
SAN DIEGO----Illumina, Inc. today unveiled its new HumanOmniExpress+ Custom BeadChip , an enhancement to the recently announced OmniExpress BeadChip that allows for the addition of up to 200,000 custom variants for a total of >900k variants per sample. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:00 GMT)

In Print
Journal: BMC Bioinformatics . 2010 Feb 24;11(1):105. Title: Free energy estimation of short DNA duplex hybridizations. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:50:08 GMT)

Applied Biosystems, Sigma, Genomatix, University of California Santa Cruz Genome Bioinformatics Group, SRI International
Applied Biosystems has launched version 5.0 of its Panther protein classification system database. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:05:45 GMT)

International symposium to feature latest findings on vector-borne diseases in humans and plants
Leading insect vector biologists from around the world will gather at the University of California, Riverside for two days this month to discuss their latest research on vector-borne diseases in humans and plants. (Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:23:08 GMT)

New Genetic Autism Test Beats Older Tests
A new genetic test for autism, known as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), finds more genetic abnormalities than two older tests, a study shows. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:20:31 GMT)

GeneNews Reports Fourth Quarter and 2009 Annual Results
GeneNews Limited , an emerging molecular diagnostics company focused on the application of functional genomics to enable early diagnosis and personalized health management, today reported operational and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2009. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:00:00 GMT)

Entest Turns to Bioinformatics to Discover Therapeutics, Biomarkers for Lung Disease
Entest BioMedical said this week that it has kicked off an internal bioinformatics effort that will sift through clinical information as well as -omics and pathway data to explore whether existing drugs can be applied to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to identify potential biomarkers for COPD. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:20:18 GMT)

Symposium program
Overview of the University of California system, including 10 campuses, 5 medical centers and 3 national labs. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:46:57 GMT)

Research and Markets: Comprehensive and Advanced Discussion on Plant Stress Biology: From Genomics to Systems Biology
DUBLIN----Research and Markets has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new report "Plant Stress Biology: From Genomics to Systems Biology" to their offering. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:00 GMT)

Debating the Merits of Personal Genomics
Actress Glenn Close made news last week when she had her DNA fully sequenced. Since then, the blogosphere has been buzzing with opinions on whether Close was smart or stupid to get her genetic map laid out in such detail. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:35:08 GMT)

Better genetic test for autism? Chromosomal microarray analysis picks up more abnormalities than current tests
A large study from Children's Hospital Boston and the Boston-based Autism Consortium finds that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis, has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:23:54 GMT)

A Better Genetic Test For Autism
In largest study to date, chromosomal microarray analysis picks up more abnormalities than current testsA large study from Children's Hospital Boston and the Boston-based Autism Consortium finds that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis, has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:16:53 GMT)

A Better Genetic Test for Autism
In largest study to date, chromosomal microarray analysis picks up more abnormalities than current tests BOSTON, March 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A large study from Children's Hospital Boston and the Boston-based Autism Consortium finds that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis, has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:13:42 GMT)

Cancer Cells Have Pull
Nanoscale patterns of metal on glass substrates govern the mobility of organic molecules, lipids and proteins, which form a coating 'supported' membrane. This synthetic cell surface can replace the surface of a natural cell and form an interface with a living cell. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:03:29 GMT)

RTI to Invest $2M in Translational Research Center
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – RTI International, a nonprofit research institute headquartered in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, said it will commit $2 million toward a new research center that will carry out interdisciplinary and translational research focused on molecular epidemiology, genomics, the environment, and health. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:35:19 GMT)

Newer Genetic Test for Autism More Effective
Study finds chromosomal microarray analysis detects more abnormalities. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:30:58 GMT)

Nutrigenomics point the way to anti-inflammatory supplements
The supplement was also associated with a 7 per cent increase in levels of adiponectin, a protein hormone linked to various metabolic processes, and levels are inversely related to body fat levels. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:43:41 GMT)

Medicine's future could lie in each patient's genome
Two separate scientific teams announced this week that they had successfully sequenced individual genomes to pinpoint precise genetic causes of illness -- breakthroughs that open the door to a future of individualized, genomics-based medicine. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:36:04 GMT)

MDRNA, Inc. Demonstrates the Potential for Greater Efficacy in Cancer With an UsiRNA Combination Approach
Announces Early Collaborative Effort With AstraZeneca Innovation Center China (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:34:13 GMT)

MDRNA, Inc. Demonstrates the Potential for Greater Efficacy in Cancer With an UsiRNA Combination Approach
BOTHELL, WA--(Marketwire - 03/15/10) - MDRNA, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA - News ), a leading RNAi-based drug discovery and development company, today announced enhanced efficacy for tumor reduction when two UsiRNA were combined within a single formulation. The UsiRNAs targeted two proteins survivin, a protein involved in cell division and inhibition of apoptosis, and PLK1 (Polo-like Kinase 1), a protein ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:30:00 GMT)

Diagenode Introduces New Bioruptor Sonicator Models: Systems Optimized for High-Throughput and for Next Generation ...
SPARTA, NJ and LIEGE, BELGIUM--(Marketwire - March 15, 2010) - Diagenode, an innovative leader in products and technologies for epigenetics, genomics and diagnostics, and the only provider of complete epigenetics solutions, announced today the launch of two new models of its popular Bioruptor® sonicator, the Bioruptor-UCD500, tailored for high-throughput labs, and the new digital UCD300 ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:23:15 GMT)

Entest BioMedical Announces It Is Developing a Bioinformatics Model for COPD
Company Aims to Integrate Existing Molecular Knowledge of COPD to Aid Its Development of Its Stem Cell / Photoceutical Therapy for COPD (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:18:53 GMT)

Entest BioMedical Announces It Is Developing a Bioinformatics Model for COPD
SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - 03/15/10) - Entest BioMedical Inc. (OTC.BB: ENTB - News ) announced today It is creating a bioinformatics-based program combining advances in molecular knowledge of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with computer-powered search tools to integrate existing and newly generated data for this condition. Bioinformatics is defined as the collection ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT)

Diagenode Introduces New Bioruptor Sonicator Models: Systems Optimized for High-Throughput and for Next Generation ...
SPARTA, NJ and LIEGE, BELGIUM--(Marketwire - 03/15/10) - Diagenode, an innovative leader in products and technologies for epigenetics, genomics and diagnostics, and the only provider of complete epigenetics solutions, announced today the launch of two new models of its popular Bioruptor sonicator, the Bioruptor-UCD500, tailored for high-throughput labs, and the new digital UCD300, optimized for ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT)

Arzneimittel in systembiologischer Sicht
ComputergestÃ¼tztes Wirkstoffdesign ist das Thema eines internationalen Workshops, der in der Woche vom 22. bis 25. MÃ¤rz 2010 im Schloss Rauischholzhausen bei Marburg stattfindet. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:16:31 GMT)

University of Miami Adds Effective and Efficient Online Tutorial Suites to Bioinformatics Portal
University of Miami’s Center for Computational Science subscribes to OpenHelix tutorial suites for their online Bioinformatics Integrated Services (iBIS) portal. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT)

Better genetic test for autism
Washington, March 15 : A new study has found that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism than standard tests. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:42:10 GMT)

Study: Chromosomal microarray analysis detects genetic changes related to ASDs better than standard tests
A large study from Children's Hospital Boston and the Boston-based Autism Consortium finds that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis, has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. Publishing in the April issue of Pediatrics (and online March 15), the authors urge ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:52:58 GMT)

BioDiscovery Releases Nexus Expression version 2 for Gene Regulation Analysis
BioDiscovery, Inc. the pioneering developer of integrated software solutions for microarray-based research, announced today the release of Nexus Expression version 2 for gene expression analysis. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:01:00 GMT)

New gene test for autism
CHICAGO - US RESEARCHERS looking for genetic changes linked to autism reported on Monday an advanced gene test that searches for deleted or extra DNA in chromosomes worked three times better than standard tests. They said the test, known as a chromosomal microarray analysis or CMA, should be used in the first round of testing done to look for a genetic cause for a child's autism. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:42:24 GMT)

Yale Team Uses Protein Microarrays to ID Candidate Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers
A team of Yale University researchers has used a protein microarray method to identify candidate protein biomarkers for ovarian cancer in a study they say supports the use of such a platform for discovery research. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:05:20 GMT)

Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A. Ranked as A Top Patent Prosecution Firm
Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A., a Minneapolis-based IP law firm with offices in San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX, has been recognized, again, as a 2010 Top Patent Firm by Intellectual Property Today magazine. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT)

Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A. Ranked as A Top Quality Patent Prosecution Firm
Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A., a Minneapolis-based IP law firm with offices in San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX, has been recognized in the "Kings of Quality Revealed: Â The US Law Firms That Secure The Most Valuable Patents" issue of Intellectual Asset Management magazine. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT)

Autism Consortium study in Pediatrics shows CMA finds more genetic abnormalities than current tests
( Autism Consortium ) The Autism Consortium published the results of its comparison study of genetic testing methods for autism spectrum disorders in the journal Pediatrics today. The study revealed that chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) had the highest detection rate among clinically available genetic tests for patients with autism spectrum disorders and should be part of the initial ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:33:01 GMT)

A better genetic test for autism
( Children's Hospital Boston ) A large study from Children's Hospital Boston and the Boston-based Autism Consortium finds that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis, has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:32:51 GMT)

US stem cell expert is "hottest" researcher-Thomson
Source: Reuters (Embargoed for release at 12.01/0401 GMT) * Stem cell science, genomics are hot fields * Researchers are also Nobel candidates By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor WASHINGTON, March 15 ( ... (Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:14:01 GMT)

Hydra Genome Sequenced by J. Craig Venter Institute and Multi-National Research Team
Researchers from the J. Craig Venter Institute, along with more than 70 other researchers from around the world, have sequenced and analyzed the genome of Hydra magnipapillata, a fresh water member of the cnidaria -- Â stinging animals that include jellyfish, sea anemones and corals. (Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:09:00 GMT)

Willful ignorance is not an effective argument against personal genomics [Genetic Future]
Camilla Long's appallingly bad op-ed piece about personal genomics in the Times is a true masterpiece of unsupported criticism, and an ode to willful ignorance. I'd encourage readers to discover their own favourite errors and misconceptions (there are plenty to go around), but here are some of the more glaring flaws: Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:11:28 GMT)

Maybe He Could Solve That Data Management Problem
And you thought learning basic bioinformatics was daunting? Take this as inspiration: a blog post at Engadget reports on 11-year-old Jon Penn , who has been in charge of his elementary school's 60-machine network since the previous admin left last year. (Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:05:30 GMT)

Applied Biosystems’ Microarray Promise: A Chip and a System
Applied Biosystems clearly believes that customers of microarray technology want a single microarray containing the whole human genome, along with new instrumentation to surround it, the ability to integrate into existing sequencing systems, and access to online databases and content. (Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:05:19 GMT)

Roche to Pump $6M into Andalusian Medical Genome Project
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Roche said today that it will collaborate with Spain's Department of Health of Junta de Andalucía on the Medical Genome Project, a research project created to study the genetic underpinnings of rare diseases. (Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:50:08 GMT)

Your family tree plays an important role in your health
Discussing health issues is usually a topic delicately danced around when, in reality, it's better to dive right in and be nosy, says Dr. Alfred George Jr., a geneticist and director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Genomics. The more details - who, what, when - that you know about your family's medical history, the better off your future generations will be. (Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:11:19 GMT)

FDA Chief Commits to Completing Rx/Dx Codevelopment Guidance This Year, Improving Regulatory Science
At a luncheon hosted by the Personalized Medicine Coalition last week, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg committed the agency to completing its long-awaited drug/diagnostic codevelopment guidance by year end. (Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:35:12 GMT)

Seeking 'Next Generation' Treatment For Breast Cancer
Many women live with breast cancer that does not respond to standard medical treatment, a condition that researchers at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare want to change by aggressively targeting specific genes. Improving quality of life and potentially keeping the cancer under control for a longer period of time are goals of a new clinical trial at the cancer center's ... (Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:35:09 GMT)

Effects of lifestyle and exposures are mirrored in blood gene expression
A study by Norwegian and French researchers hopes to provide new understanding of how blood cells adjust gene expression in response to various clinical, biochemical and pathological conditions. The Norwegian Woman and Cancer postgenome study highlights numerous blood gene sets affected by one's physical condition, lifestyle factors and exposure variables. (Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:22:46 GMT)

Leading Entomologists to Gather at UC Riverside to Discuss Vector-Borne Diseases and their Global Impact
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Leading insect vector biologists from around the world will gather at the University of California, Riverside for two days this month to discuss their latest research on vector-borne diseases in humans and plants. (Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:16:22 GMT)

Prize goes to evolution professor
DAVIS — Questions matter to Rick Grosberg. That is how he carries out his research on evolution and family conflict, and what he tries to show his students: that science is not just about mastering a body of knowledge, but also about asking the right questions and challenging authority. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:01:09 GMT)

New imaging technology brings trace chemicals into focus
Scientists have hit on a new, versatile method to significantly improve the detection of trace chemicals important in such areas as national security, human health and the environment. The research team was able to detect and identify tiny particles of the explosive trinitrotoluene or TNT -- each weighing less than a billionth of a gram -- on the ridges and canals of a fingerprint. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:21:34 GMT)

Campaign Yields $5.7M to Date for MD Anderson Basic Sciences Institute
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's basic sciences research hub is among five virtual institutes that stand to benefit from the $1 billion it is seeking to raise by the end of next year. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:50:08 GMT)

Bigger not Always Better: Larial Proteomics Endures Homelessness, Proteomics Downturn, and Recession
In a world in which instinct instructs that to become better a company must get bigger, Larial Proteomics has taken the opposite approach. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:35:08 GMT)

In Print
Babur O, Dogrusoz U, Demir E, Sander C. ChiBE: interactive visualization and manipulation of BioPAX pathway models . [ Bioinformatics . 2010 Feb 1;26(3):429-31]: Describes ChiBE, open source software that features display, navigation, and manipulation of pathway models in BioPAX format. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:20:23 GMT)

Pocketing $3.7M, Eureka Touts Informatics as Differentiator in Sequencing Services, Microorganism Detection
Fresh from a $3.7 million financing round, Eureka Genomics is looking to build out both sides of its two-pronged business model, which involves sequencing services as well as internal discovery projects to identify novel microorganisms associated with disease. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:20:13 GMT)

Downloads & Upgrades
Genedata has released Genedata Analyst , a software platform for statistical analysis and data visualization. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:05:09 GMT)

Teaching and Scholarship Prize Goes to Evolution Professor
Questions matter to Rick Grosberg. That is how he carries out his research on evolution and family conflict, and what he tries to show his students: that science is not just about mastering a body of knowledge, but also about asking the right questions and challenging authority. One question -- "Who is the best professor at UC Davis?" -- was answered today, March 12, when Chancellor Linda Katehi ... (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:42:35 GMT)

Imaging Technology Brings Trace Chemicals Into Focus
ASU scientist N.J. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:36:33 GMT)

Green@Rensselaer: A Semester in the Adirondacks
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute undergraduate biology student Nicole Nolan recently looked into the murky water of a fish tank here, checking on hundreds of zebra mussel larvae that she studied in the laboratories of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute. Nolan was part of the first class of students to spend an entire "Semester of Study" at the Institute, a Rensselaer research and education ... (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:35:05 GMT)

New Imaging Technology Brings Trace Chemicals Into Focus
Arizona State Univeristy scientist N.J. Tao and his colleagues at the Biodesign Institute have hit on a new, versatile method to significantly improve the detection of trace chemicals important in such areas as national security, human health and the environment. Tao's team was able to detect and identify tiny particles of the explosive trinitrotoluene or TNT - each weighing less than a ... (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:16:48 GMT)

Vermillion Eyeing Return to Nasdaq, Launches OVA1 Ovarian Cancer Test with Quest Dx
This story originally ran on March 10 and has been updated to include additional information on Medicare's decision to cover OVA1. Vermillion this week launched its OVA1 triage ovarian cancer test as part of its effort to return to commercial viability. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:05:08 GMT)

Research and Markets: Batch Effects and Noise in Microarray Experiments: Sources and Solutions
DUBLIN----Research and Markets has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new report "Batch Effects and Noise in Microarray Experiments: Sources and Solutions" to their offering. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:01:00 GMT)

New Imaging Technology Advances Fingerprint Detection
ASU scientist N.J. Tao and his colleagues at the Biodesign Institute have hit on a new, versatile method to significantly improve the detection of trace chemicals important in such areas as national security, human health and the environment. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:58:13 GMT)

UVA Signs Research Collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc to Discover Women's Reproductive Health Drugs
The University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville today announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada) to discover novel drugs for women's reproductive health. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:23:13 GMT)

InDevR ampliPHOX colormetric detection technology in beta site-testing
( University of Colorado at Boulder ) InDevR, developer of advanced life science products, announced that its ampliPHOX Colorimetric Detection Technology is being beta site tested in anticipation of an upcoming product launch. The original intellectual property was licensed from the University of Colorado at Boulder. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:19:22 GMT)

Ipsen grants Rhythm exclusive global license for melanocortin and ghrelin programs
Ipsen, a global biotechnology specialty care group, and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company developing peptide therapeutics for metabolic diseases, announced today that they have concluded a license agreement for Ipsen’s proprietary peptide therapeutics targeting obesity, metabolic diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:07:48 GMT)

Roche Diagnostics purchases NimbleGen microarray workflow assets from BioMicro Systems
Roche Diagnostics has purchased assets from BioMicro Systems for all products associated with the Roche NimbleGen microarray workflow. These assets consist of key instrumentation in the comprehensive Roche NimbleGen microarray workflow including the NimbleGen Hybridization Systems (both 4- and 12-bay models). (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:38:08 GMT)

Hey, Bacteria: Pipe Down, Will You?
Duke's Claudia Gunsch is working on a way to silence genes in bacteria using short, singled-stranded DNA, says MIT's Technology Review . If she can get it to work -- she recently presented a proof-of-concept study at the American Society for Microbiology -- there are a variety of applications, including engineering better biofuels, turning off bacterial antibiotic-resistance genes, and filtering ... (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:05:50 GMT)

Keeping the Balance
Tunisia Riley at Under the Microscope compiled a list of family-friendly companies in science, technology and health . She says that each of the companies on her list "have one or more of the following: a high percentage of women employees, good paid maternity/paternity leave, on-site childcare and a proven commitment to a work-life balance for their employees." (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:05:30 GMT)

OGT Gears Up to Launch New ChIP-on-Chip Line
Oxford Gene Technology next year plans to expand significantly its prokaryotic ChIP-on-chip line, to continue developing a syndrome array for array CGH applications, and to develop relationships with Japanese partners with an eye toward bringing its chips to European and North American markets, according to a company official. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:05:20 GMT)

USPTO Publishes Six RNAi-Related Patent Applications
The invention, the patent application’s abstract states, “relates to methods and genetic constructs for the control of expression of enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis in plants. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:05:10 GMT)

W3C Group Plans Ontology for Translational Medicine to Help Bridge Drug Discovery Phases
The World Wide Web Consortium's Health Care and Life Sciences Interest Group and members of the National Center for Biomedical Ontology are wrapping up work on the first version of a "patient-centric" ontology for translational medicine. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:20:08 GMT)

Effects of lifestyle and exposures are mirrored in blood gene expression
A study by Norwegian and French researchers hopes to provide new understanding of how blood cells adjust gene expression in response to various clinical, biochemical and pathological conditions. The Norwegian Woman and Cancer postgenome study, published March 12 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics, highlights numerous blood gene sets affected by one's physical condition, lifestyle factors ... (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:33:15 GMT)

Washington U. to expand data center for genomics
ST. LOUIS (AP) — A $14.3 million federal grant will help Washington University in St. Louis expand a data center used to identify the genetic origins of cancer. (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:13:23 GMT)

Effects of lifestyle and exposures are mirrored in blood gene expression
A study by Norwegian and French researchers hopes to provide new understanding of how blood cells adjust gene expression in response to various clinical, biochemical and pathological conditions. The Norwegian Woman and Cancer (NOWAC) postgenome study, published March 12 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics, highlights numerous blood gene sets affected by one's physical condition, lifestyle ... (Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:03:19 GMT)

NIH to Fund Collaborative Genomics, Behavioral Science in Animals
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – The National Institutes of Health aims to support collaborative studies that use genomics in behavioral science, and plans to fund partnerships between multidisciplinary scientists using animal models, the agency announced this week. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:20:18 GMT)

Effort Aims to Spike Breast Cancer With New Approach
Virginia G. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:14:52 GMT)

Effort aims to spike breast cancer with new approach
( The Translational Genomics Research Institute ) Many women live with breast cancer that does not respond to standard medical treatment, a condition that researchers at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare want to change by aggressively targeting specific genes. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:47:51 GMT)

New imaging technology brings trace chemicals into focus (w/ Video)
Arizona State Univeristy scientist N.J. Tao and his colleagues at the Biodesign Institute have hit on a new, versatile method to significantly improve the detection of trace chemicals important in such areas as national security, human health and the environment. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:13:08 GMT)

Complete genomics finds its first diseases
Whole-genome sequencing has found its first disease-causing mutations – but will it illuminate our genetic "dark matter", asks Ewen Callaway (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:01:37 GMT)

LifeSciences BC Announces Recipients of the 2010 LifeSciences British Columbia Awards
VANCOUVER, British Columbia----LifeSciences British Columbia today announced the recipients of the 2010 LifeSciences British Columbia Awards. They are: (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:05:00 GMT)

Favorable Figures
A trio of researchers from the American Cancer Society report their analysis of trends in age-standardized death rates for cancer in the US between 1970 and 2006. Their findings, published in PLoS ONE this week, suggest a net decline of 21 and 11 percent in the all-cancer death rates for men since 1970 and 1990, respectively. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:50:38 GMT)

NSF Tries to Lure Minority Students to Science
President Obama's 2011 budget calls for the elimination of three National Science Foundation programs , according to Paul Basken of the Chronicle for Higher Education : the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program, the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, and the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:50:28 GMT)

Rounding Out NimbleGen Workflow, Roche Acquires BioMicro Hyb Station, Mixers
Roche Diagnostics this week announced a deal with Salt Lake City-based BioMicro Systems to buy all of BioMicro's products associated with the Roche NimbleGen microarray workflow. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:50:08 GMT)

BioMicro Sells Microarray Assets to Roche
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Roche Diagnostics said today that it has struck a deal with Salt Lake City-based BioMicro Systems to buy all of the products associated with the Roche NimbleGen microarray workflow. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:35:09 GMT)

Celebrity genomics without the Y chromosome: Glenn Close has her genome sequenced [Genetic Future]
Zoe McDougall from Oxford Nanopore points me to a press release from Illumina announcing a new era of celebrity genomics: Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced that it has sequenced the DNA of American actress Glenn Close, the first publicly named female to have her DNA sequenced to full coverage. The service was completed in Illumina's CLIA certified and CAP accredited laboratory ... (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:56:28 GMT)

RTI launches $2M genomics, health and environment research center
Get the latest news alerts: Follow LTW at Twitter. RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – RTI International is committing more than $2 million in launching a research center that will focus on how genetics and the environment mix in affecting human health. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:47:13 GMT)

A Deep Look Into Population Variation In Gene Activity Provides Key Insight Into Cell Functions And Disease ...
Our DNA contains the information needed to produce different proteins that are the building blocks and key components of cells. Instructions to synthesize such proteins are incorporated into DNA sequences defined as genes. This precious genetic material, however, never leaves the cell's stronghold nucleus. Instead, copies called RNA messengers are made and sent out to the tiny cell's protein ... (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:30:16 GMT)

(AFX UK Focus) 2010-03-11 13:20 BRIEF-Roche Diagnostics purchases assets from Biomicro Systems
ZURICH, March 11 (Reuters) - Roche Holding AG says Roche Diagnostics purchases microarray instrument and accessory assets from Biomicro Systems (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:27:02 GMT)

Report on competitive landscape in growing cancer market
ReportsandReports announce it will carry The Cancer Market Outlook To 2014: Competitive landscape, market size, pipeline analysis and growth opportunities Market Research Report in its Store. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:07:23 GMT)

Roche Diagnostics Purchases Microarray Instrument and Accessory Assets from BioMicro Systems
MADISON, Wis.----Roche Diagnostics has purchased assets from BioMicro Systems for all products associated with the Roche NimbleGen microarray workflow. These assets consist of key instrumentation in the comprehensive Roche NimbleGen microarray workflow including the NimbleGen Hybridization Systems . (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 GMT)

TTI granted exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize two immunology programs
Trillium Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative immune-based biologics, today announced that it has entered into two definitive license agreements with University Health Network and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, granting Trillium exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize two immunology programs in the areas of hematopoietic stem cell ... (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:53:09 GMT)

Press Release
Regenerative medicine and stem cell constitute a huge industry of medical technology and services, which is led to the Multi-disciplinary Cross Action and cooperation, such as life sciences, biological materials, computer control, bioinformatics, clinical medicine, and become a new driving forces of international bio-high-tech areas. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:06:07 GMT)

Investigators develop new mathematical approach to distinguish between health and disease states
Investigators have developed a new mathematical approach to analyze molecular data derived from complex mixtures of immune cells. This approach, when combined with well-established techniques, readily identifies changes in small samples of human whole blood, and has the potential to distinguish between health and disease states. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:22:33 GMT)

ISB uses Complete Genomics’ service to sequence genomes of four family members suffer from Miller syndrome
Complete Genomics Inc., a third-generation human genome sequencing company, today announced that the Institute for Systems Biology employed Complete Genomics’ human genome sequencing service to sequence a family quartet to determine the depth of genetic information possible in analyzing a full family’s sequence, and to verify the gene responsible for Miller syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:52:23 GMT)

Researchers Identify Previously Unrecognized Genetic Disorder
Researchers from four laboratories that perform diagnostic genetic testing of chromosome abnormalities in individuals with unexplained physical and developmental disabilities recently identified a previously unrecognized genetic disorder... (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:29:56 GMT)

Cellzome Announces Second Major Strategic Drug Discovery Alliance With GlaxoSmithKline In Inflammatory Disease
Cellzome today announced that it has formed a second strategic alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). This new collaboration gives GSK exclusive access to Cellzome's proprietary Episphere™ technology in the emerging field of epigenetics as applied to immunoinflammatory disease. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:20:09 GMT)

Symposium showcases research
Maryam Mazloumpour, a graduate student in fiber and polymer science, talks about her research to fellow graduate students at the Graduate Student Research Symposium on Wednesday. Her research was on a plasma process that alters surfaces and as medical applications. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:53:31 GMT)

Eureka Genomics announces closing of $3.7M private financing round
Eureka Genomics today announced the closing of a $3.7 million private financing round whose participants included private individuals and undisclosed angel investors. The proceeds will further discovery research aimed at identifying novel microorganisms associated with specific cancers and other important diseases, as well as help grow Eureka Genomics’ high-throughput sequencing and ... (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:07:53 GMT)

Death of a Renaissance Man
Elkan Blout, a Harvard biochemist who wore many hats in his professional life, died of pneumonia this week, reports the New York Times . Blout’s initial academic work in developing optical tools for studying protein chemistry led him to Polaroid’s research labs, where he refined the chemical process for instant snapshots. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:06:21 GMT)

Smith-Waterman's New Clothes
As bioinformatics software developers learn to better manipulate powerful desktop processors, the argument that hardware accelerators are the only serious option for speeding up search algorithms is no longer an open-and-shut case. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:05:30 GMT)

PerkinElmer to Challenge ABI With Mass Tagging Tech
In an ongoing effort to expand its capabilities in proteomics and build on last year’s launch of its BioXpression biomarker system, PerkinElmer has acquired Agilix’s i-PROT protein-labeling technology. (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:05:11 GMT)

Scientists track variant of gene-regulating protein in embryonic stem cells
(PhysOrg.com) -- The path to fully developed cells from embryonic stem cells requires that the right genes are turned on and off at the right times. New research from Rockefeller University shows that tiny variations between gene-regulating histone proteins play an important role in determining how and when genes are read. The finding shows that each region of the genome may be even more ... (Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:12:24 GMT)

Wash U to Use $14M ARRA Grant to Double Size, Capacity of Genomics Data Center
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis said this week that it will use a $14.3 million grant from the National Center of Research Resources to double the size of its genomics data center to 32,000 square feet. (Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:35:08 GMT)

Vermillion, Quest Diagnostics Launch OVA1 Ovarian Cancer Test
Vermillion this week launched its OVA1 triage ovarian cancer test as part of its effort to return to commercial viability. (Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:35:09 GMT)

Institute for Systems Biology uses Complete Genomics' genome sequencing service to verify gene responsible for Miller ...
( Complete Genomics ) Complete Genomics Inc., a third-generation human genome sequencing company, today announced that the Institute for Systems Biology employed Complete Genomics' human genome sequencing service to sequence a family quartet to determine the depth of genetic information possible in analyzing a full family's sequence, and to verify the gene responsible for Miller syndrome, a rare ... (Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:26:30 GMT)

Sonic hedgehog gene found in an unexpected place during limb development
Sonic hedgehog is at work in mice limb buds in what is known as the ectoderm, the cell layer that gives rise to skin, researchers discovered. Finding Sonic hedgehog here is akin to discovering that yeast has crept from the batter to the frosting, where it has the surprising effect of limiting how much the cake rises. In this case, instead of causing appendages to grow in mice, Sonic hedgehog ... (Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:23:48 GMT)