Cloning technique produces human stem cells

Scientists have used a cloning technique to reprogramme an ordinary human skin cell to become an embryonic stem cell.

• Vatican prepares for adult stem cell conference
• Researchers isolate adult stem cells
• Stem cells to relieve low back pain?

Daily gene rhythms off in depressed people

Study found 'clock' in brain was disrupted in autopsies of those who suffered mental disorder at time of death, suggesting depression may be linked to a disturbance of circadian rhythms.

• Post-natal anxiety more common thatn depression
• Magic mushroom trial hits stumbling block
• Chewing gum gives brain an edge

DNA tests show Europe is one big family

New DNA research shows that modern-day people in the UK shares ancestors with people across Europe.

• What's your exercise DNA?
• More genetic insights into 3 types of cancer
• Scientists pinpoint gene coding errors for cancer

Record sale for 'DNA letter'

A letter the scientist who co-discovered the structure of DNA wrote to his son announcing the news has sold for a record sum.

• For sale - Nobel prize
• Junk DNA not junk, says expert
• DNA database unlocks genetic diseases

Gene may raise Alzheimer's risk in blacks

The largest study to date looking for genetic causes of Alzheimer's in African Americans may offer new clues about why blacks in the United States are twice as likely as whites to develop the deadly, brain-wasting disease.

• Technology to detect Alzheimer’s wins prize
• How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?
• Damage blood vessels in brain an Alzheimer's risk

Record gene haul could improve cancer screening

New research has nearly doubled the number of genetic variations implicated in cancer, offering fresh avenues for screening.

• Gene mutations sign of childhood leukemia risk
• Early baldness a clue to prostate cancer
• Genetic code of oesophageal cancer found

News24 tests supermarket meat

News24 has had samples of meat taken from various retailers tested in a genetics lab. Here’s what we found.

• Iceland finds more beefless beef pies
• Random tests on meat stepped up
• Meat products safe in SA - minister

DNA reveals SA biltong scandal

Most of South Africa's biltong has little to do with the ingredients on the label, according to DNA tests results.

• Genetic 'rhino capital' threatened
• Unlikely that horsemeat snuck into SA - dept
• Hollande - proper labels on meat meals

Quick facts on rare disease

There are over 6,000 rare diseases currently affecting 350 million people worldwide.

Sleep deprivation may disrupt your genes

But small study doesn't explain how that works or effects on health.

• Poor nutrition can affect your sleep
• Sleep the key to weight control
• Are you sleep-deprived?

Blame common colds on your chromosome 'caps'

Study of young adults suggests DNA 'telomeres' may determine who's vulnerable.

Australia court supports human gene patent

An Australian court has ruled that two technology companies could hold a patent on genetic material related to cancer.

• UK calls for speedier GMO approvals
• Digital info can be stored in DNA
• Khoisan genes live on

Digital info can be stored in DNA

DNA has long held all the information needed to make plants and animals, and now some scientists are saying it could help handle the growing storage needs of today's information society.

• DNA database unlocks genetic diseases
• Scientists create encyclopedic look at our DNA
• DNA strands create tiniest Smileys

Khoisan genes live on

German scientists have revealed that genes from extinct Khoisan groups still survive in Bantu-speaking agriculturalists who immigrated into southern Africa 2 000 to 1 200 years ago.

• Khoisan must be recognised: Zuma
• Who gave Table Mountain its name?
• Khoisan demand recognition, land

US panel urges end to secret DNA testing

A report has been released that highlights privacy concerns about discreet genome sequencing - determining someone's complete DNA make-up without their consent.

• DNA database unlocks genetic diseases
• Scientists create encyclopedic look at our DNA
• Junk DNA not junk, says expert

Scientists develop genetic autism test

Scientists have developed a genetic test to predict autism spectrum disorder in children, which could provide a long-sought way for early detection and intervention.

• iPad helps SA autistic kids
• Autism may be under diagnosed - study
• Extra brain cells may be key to autism

Scientists crack bonobo genetic code

Scientists say they have cracked the genetic code of the bonobo and have found the ape has some DNA encryption more in common with humans than even its closest relative, the chimpanzee.

• Bigfoot traced with DNA
• Polar bears evolution surprise
• Gorillas in our midst, thanks to genes

Older dads linked to grandkid health

A new study hints that their children of older fathers, and even grandchildren, may get a health benefit because of their age.

• Genetically engineered fish glow
• Strangers can spot 'kindness' gene
• DNA mapping not for everyone - study

DNA answers horse domestication origin

A genetic study of horses across Eastern Europe and Central Asia has traced their domestication to grasslands shared by Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan.

• Cat-sized horses normal in a hot past
• Lethal horse virus found in dog
• Ancient horses did have spots

'Good fat' sheep cloned in China

Scientists have cloned a genetically modified sheep containing a "good" type of fat that helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

• Company announces low-cost DNA machine
• Aspirin reduces cancer in high-risk patients
• Sheep DNA reveals secrets

Gorillas in our midst, thanks to genes

Our ancestors made the evolutionary split with gorillas around 10 million years ago, but we still share a remarkable number of genes with the great ape.

• Climate change a danger to gorillas, tigers
• Malaria orginates from gorillas
• Virus threatens mountain gorillas

Sheep DNA reveals secrets

Sheep are among the most genetically diverse domesticated animals, and further breeding could yield more meat and wool, a study has found.

• Junk DNA not junk, says expert
• Black Death hasn't changed, but we have
• Company announces low-cost DNA machine

Strangers can spot 'kindness' gene

People with a certain gene trait are known to be more kind and caring than people without it, and strangers can quickly tell the difference.

• Black Death hasn't changed, but we have
• Genes may be to blame for body odour
• Gene links to bipolar disorder

Black Death hasn't changed, but we have

Decoding the DNA of Black Death shows how the bacteria has not evolved much, but that's OK, we have.

• Bacteria culprit in Black Death
• Superbug structure deciphered
• Rare 'glue' makes E coli deadly