Year: 2013

Myriad BRCA test Medicare reimbursement rate (and price?) cut

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The price of a popular genetic test that predicts women’s risk of breast cancer is likely to drop in the New Year after the agency that administers Medicare benefits said it would slash its reimbursement rate for the test by half.

The rate cut is in effect with the 2014 new year, with harsh financial consequences for genetic-testing companies, particularly Myriad Genetics Inc., the dominant supplier of screenings for mutations in the genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

The cut follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this summer that invalidated Myriad’s patent rights to the BRCA genes and ended the company’s monopoly over testing for BRCA mutations.

Within hours of the announcement, Wall Street firms began cutting the target price of Myriad’s stock. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. trimmed its 2014 target from $32.00 to $20.00.

Read the full, original story: Reimbursement for Breast-Cancer Risk Test to Be Cut

Could doctors diagnose all types of cancer with one drop of blood?

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Genetics has uncovered incredible diversity among different cancer cells, leading scientists and researchers to give up the hope of finding a single silver bullet to cure all types of cancer. Instead, it seems as though they may be turning their efforts towards finding a single test to diagnose all types of cancer.

The test would look for markers of cancer in the patient’s blood, where the process of tumor-making leaves a trail that can often be picked up before tumors are big enough to spot. There are various types of nucleic acid in the blood stream that can belie cancer, and the research challenge is how to find and identify them without running the cost up so high that the tests become useless as the general diagnostic tool they hope to be.

“Right now, in terms of a universal cancer blood test, there is none. There are many people looking at that. People are trying to isolate that specific particle using different methods,” explained Raj Krishnan, the founder and CEO of Biological Dynamics, one company trying to be the first to offer a comprehensive cancer diagnostic test based on a blood sample.

Read the full, original story: Researchers, startups hope one drop of blood could diagnose all types of cancer

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Ecologist amps anti-Golden Rice campaign

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The Ecologist, the once-venerable UK environmental magazine, has launched another salvo in its campaign against Golden Rice. The vitamin A enhanced staple is being promoted by GM advocates as one tool among many to address malnutrition. But Daniel Ocampo, a campaigner with Greenpeace Southeast Asia, which has promoted violent attacks on sustainable GM rice fields, repeats the familiar anti-GMO claim that the non-profit project is nothing more than a stalking horse for Big Ag:

In Greenpeace’s opinion, the tens of millions of dollars invested in the development and promotion of GM ‘Golden rice’ would have been better spent in supporting solutions that work.

If Golden Rice is released in to the environment, it will cause GM rice contamination and affect traditional, conventional and organic farmers.

It is highly likely that rice farmers will lose their markets, especially export markets, eventually causing negative impacts on rural livelihoods.

Cross pollination, which Greenpeace refers to as “contamination”– occasionally but rarely occurs in different agricultural systems, but there is no evidence to support anything other than short term, temporary and relatively inexpensive disruptions and there no examples of ‘negative impacts on rural livelihoods.’

“In the end,” Ocampo writes, “it is Filipino farmers and consumers who will be the ones to deal with the risks. Our wishes must be respected.”

Read full, original article: Golden Rice ignores the risks, the people and the real solutions

Ghana prostate cancer victim spreads misinformation as anti-GMO campaign ignites

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Anti-GMO groups in Ghana are escalating their scare campaigns after the government completed regulations that could allow modified cowpeas and other selected crops to be grown following confined field trials.

In what appears to be a coordinated response to the government’s receptiveness to the new technology, a cancer survivor has a launched a speaking tour claiming that GMOs could trigger prostate cancer. “In general the more quickly prostate cells grow and divide the more chances there are for mutations to occur,” stated Ralph Obu, founder of the Men’s Health Foundation. “Therefore, anything that speeds up this process may make prostate cancer more likely.”

There is no empirical evidence that the process of genetic engineering in any way effects prostate cell growth or division. There is no empirical evidence that GMOs cause cancer in humans or animals and there is no clear biological mechanism to do so.

Obu’s erroneous comments were widely circulated and echoed in statements from other ant-science groups in Ghana who are committed to blocking food technology innovation. Last week, in response to the coordinated attacks on GMOs, the Ghana Health Service called for a a slow down and an extensive stakeholder debate before GM is accepted and produced commercially in Ghana.

The BT Cowpea is among three other crops – cotton, rice and sweet potatoes – which have been cleared for confined trials and evaluation. Scientists will seek to create a cowpea variety resistant to the pod borer or maruca, a species of moth that targets bean crops.

The choice of cowpeas, known elsewhere as blackeyed peas, is important because the legume plays a vital role in the nutritional needs of Ghanaians, especially those in the Northern Region. Rural families make use of the entire plant, from its leaf to the dry grain.

Full, original article: GMO debate sparks confusion among intellectuals

 

DNA profiles match relatives to bodies after train accident

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The agonising wait to claim the bodies of victims of the Nanded Express fire accident continued for their kith and kin on Sunday, as authorities struggled to expedite the process of matching the DNA profiles of those dead with their relatives.

Though 19 of the 26 bodies have been identified, authorities have handed over only 11 bodies to the relatives, based on the identification of the ornaments or watches worn by the victims. Relatives have not taken possession of the remaining eight bodies owing to a strange situation.

“However, considering the religious beliefs, family members of the victims whose bodies have been identified have now decided to wait till the DNA profiles are matched,” explained P.K. Devdas, Head of Forensic wing of Victoria Hospital.

Read the full, original story: Some families prefer to wait for DNA matching

Wales anti-GM European Parliamentarian backs freeze in wake of liberalization plea

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Jill Evans MEP, an anti-GMO activist who represents Wales in the European Parliament, has called for a freeze on GMOs in reaction to a European Commission proposal to authorize more GM crop cultivation.

The environment and public health committee’s vote called on EU governments to reject a Commission proposal to authorise the cultivation of a type of GM maize. Jill Evans MEP said that EU governments must now support a freeze on approvals, adding that there is a need to reform the EU’s GMO authorisation process to take account of the consistent majority of EU member states in the Council of Ministers against authorisations.

“Moves towards ‘renationalisation’ to the member states of power over GM cultivation, proposed by the Commission, could be a way to force agreements through. This would be at odds with the views of the people of Wales and many others across the EU, who oppose GMOs. That is why I support a freeze on all new applications.”

Full, original story: Jill Evans MEP: GMO freeze needed

Will 2014 be year of the 1-million-year-old genome?

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Dinosaurs resurrected using preserved DNA still only exist in Jurassic Park, but we’re making great strides in sequencing the genomes of more recent, but still ancient, creatures. If the rate of discovery is anything to go by, an important milestone is due next year: the first 1-million-year-old genome.

The oldest animal genome sequenced so far is 700,000 years old. It came from the fossil of a horse found in north-west Canada and was published in June this year. That was a huge advance on the 110,000-year-old polar bear genome published in 2012.

Read the full, original story: 2014 preview: First million-year-old genome

Italian woman with genetic disease condemns death threats received after defending animal experiments

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An Italian woman suffering from a rare genetic illness has spoken out against the death wishes she was sent after defending the use of animals in medical research.

Caterina Simonsen, from Padua, had posted a photo of herself on Facebook holding the message: “I am 25 thanks to genuine research that includes experiments on animals.”

“Without research, I would have been dead at nine,” she added. “You have gifted me a future.”

After uploading the photo, Ms Simonsen said she received over 500 abusive messages including 30 “death wishes” on the social network.

Now, the 25-year-old has now posted a series of videos responding to the abuse and detailing her illness. She suffers from four separate rare genetic disorders that have left her unable to breathe unaided, she said.

Read the full, original story: Italian woman with genetic disease condemns death threats received after defending animal experiments

New year, new flu evolution

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Every year around this time, the age-old practice of making New Year’s Resolutions takes center stage as millions of people promise to adopt social behavior patterns that will help them live and thrive. Most of these promises follow a similar code of conduct – dieting, exercising more, being nicer to people – and while intentions might be unwavering; the actual success rate is miserable with an up to 88% failure rate.

In the microbial world, there is also a continuing effort to improve quality of life although instead of pledging resolutions, these microscopic creatures use evolution. Amongst all the different types of germs that exist, none are more able to take advantage of this characteristics than influenza.

Read the full, original story: Waiting For The Flu’sNew Year’s Evolution

Rewinding cell development: Sisters’ cells reveal rare gene mutation

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As siblings, Hayley and Bari Mogul share biological characteristics.

Unfortunately one that they share is a rare metabolic disorder that causes dangerously low blood sugar whenever they get ill or stressed out.

But, as also happens, the siblings have differences.

So along with a shared metabolic disorder, Hayley, 15, has a mutation of the RAI1 gene resulting in the Smith-Magenis syndrome with its characteristic effects — obesity, a sleep disorder and behavioral problems. Bari, 9, has a mutation in her GRIN2B gene, causing neurological and development problems in the autism spectrum.

The Moguls have donated their daughters’ cells to science so researchers can rewind cellular development to the embryo stage to see what caused the gene mutations and at what point in cell development. The ultimate goal is treatment and prevention.

Read the full, original story: Sisters’ cells may unlock genetic mystery

20 answers on GMOs: What would conversation be like if we discarded ideology?

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Grist’s Nathanael Johnson, who’s ongoing series on GMOs provided a welcome respite from the food ideology wars, summarizes the twenty things he learned in 2013–and how his views have evolved. “I don’t expect everyone to agree with the list below,” he writes, “but I do expect that reasonable people on both sides will concede (if only under their breath) that the bulk of the evidence leads to these conclusions.” Among the highlights:

 

  • Regulation: “Genetically engineered foods are regulated much more heavily than many other new technologies, including other modes of genetically modifying crops, like mutagenesis.”
  • Academic freedom:
    Do the big seed companies prevent scientists from doing research on their patented plants? They used to. Not anymore. I’ve been asking university scientists if they’ve run into restrictions, but the system seems to be working.

Do the big seed companies prevent scientists from doing research on their patented plants?
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  • Health: Every immunologist I’ve talked to — including those suggested to me by activists concerned about GMO allergens — told me that the risk of novel allergens arising through genetic engineering is very low.
  • Environment: Have genetically engineered crops reduced insecticide applications? Yes, in a big way. We know for sure that farmers are now using a lot more of the herbicide glyphosate. Caveat: Glyphosate is much less toxic to humans than most other herbicides, so you could argue that increasing glyphosate and decreasing other herbicides is good.

Johnson also offers his personal opinion on whether genetically modified foods and ingredients should be labeled. “This is opinion, not fact, but I think so,” he writes. “Look, it may not make much sense to fixate on this one particular technology, but like it or not, people are fixated. Labeling removes the fear of the unknown.”

 

Full, original article: 20 GMO questions: Animal, vegetable, controversy?

How do cystic fibrosis bacteria evolve to thrive in human lungs?

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The bacterium that’s the most important pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has genetically evolved and adapted to survive in CF-infected lungs and evade antibiotic treatments, scientists from the University of Ottawa and the University of Calgary have shown.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is called an “opportunistic pathogen.” While the micro-organism is widespread in the environment and is harmless to healthy people, it infects those who are ill or have compromised immune systems.
The team of scientists performed the first systematic analysis of entire genomes (the full genetic “blueprint”) for multiple “epidemic and nonepidemic” strains of P. aeruginosa.

Their analysis showed that the main drivers for the evolution and adaptation of the bacterium are the CF-lung environment itself and the presence of antibiotics.

Read the full, original story here: Cystic Fibrosis Bacteria Genetically Evolves to Live in Lungs, Evade Antibiotic Treatments

Northeastern states important GMO labeling battleground in 2014

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In 2013, 26 states took up the issue of GMO labeling with various types of initiatives. Although none of them passed a bill without significant strings attached, GMO labeling advocates haven’t given up yet. In fact, these advocates are eyeing Vermont and other Northeastern states as an important battleground, ensuring 2014 will see much action in the battle for GMO labeling.

“After being passed by the state’s House of Representatives, in May, by a lopsided 107-39 vote, [Vermont’s] H. 112 is set to go before the state’s 30-member Senate shortly after it reconvenes on Jan. 7. A vote could come as early as February.”

“We are expecting that a labeling bill will come out [of the legislature] and we know the governor wants it,” says Falko Schilling, consumer protection advocate for Vermont Public Interest Research Group, a consumer and environmental advocacy group. “There seems to be pretty wide-spread support for it.”

Read the full, original story: Vermont, Northeastern states eye GMO labeling in 2014 — Specialty crops fight for space in farm bill

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Trade protectionism, falling prices behind Chinese GMO corn rejections?

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Over the past several weeks, China has rejected several shipments of approved corn grown in the United States, in a trade spat that hurts American farmers and threatens the future of food production and distribution through trade.

On the surface, this looks like just another episode in the global controversy over genetically modified crops. But that’s not the real reason for China’s destructive behavior. This is a trade issue. It’s simply playing economic hardball, trying to escape from purchase contracts it signed months ago when corn prices were higher. And it’s using a phony fuss over biotechnology to distract us from this important reality.

The U.S. is the world’s largest corn exporter and China is its No. 3 customer. The Asian nation is expected to buy a record 7 million tons of corn in the 2013-14 marketing year.

The Chinese probably would not behave this way if corn were selling for $7 per bushel, as it was earlier this year. Today, however, corn sells for about 60 percent as much—and so the Chinese have decided, with astounding cynicism, to use biotechnology as a trade barrier so they can cancel purchase contracts.

Full, original article: The Truth About Technology & Trade With China

Genetic defect in tomatoes tweaked to increase yields, fruitiness in canned varieties

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Teasing out the hidden subtleties of a type of hybrid vigor involving just one gene has provided scientists at Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory with means to tweak the length of time that bushy tomato varieties can produce flowers. In these plants, longer flowering time substantially raises fruit yield.

Tomatoes that will be canned for sauces and juice are harvested from plants that stop growing earlier than classic tomato varieties, and are therefore more like bushes. While the architecture of these compact bushy plants allows mechanical harvesters to reap the crop, the early end of growth means that each plant produces fewer fruits than their home garden cousins.

In his previous work, CSHL Associate Professor Zach Lippman and Israeli colleagues identified a rare example of hybrid vigor involving a genetic defect in the gene that makes florigen, a hormone that controls the process of flowering and flower production. The mutation dramatically increases tomato yields in bush tomatoes. These results suggest that it may be possible to manipulate florigen in a wide variety of flowering species to increase yields.

Read full, original article: Genetic discovery points the way to much bigger yields in tomato, other flowering food plants

Big Ag response to critics: Don’t let misinformation define you

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There’s a lot of conversation about traditional agriculture recently, and much of it is critical. Think stories about genetically modified crops, overuse of hormones and antibiotics, inhumane treatment of animals and overly processed foods. This explosion of talk about food — some based on fact, some based on fiction — has already transformed the marketplace.

Slow to respond and often defensive, farmers, scientists and journalists, as well as agribusiness itself, have for several years let critics define the public debate and influence consumers, and not always to their benefit. I part because of the domination of social media and even traditional media by anti-technology and anti-corporate viewpoints, exaggerations and simplisms continue to dominate policy discussions.

Companies like Monsanto Corporation “try to argue back with facts, but emotions often trump facts,” says Center for Science in the Public Interest director Michael Jacobson. “They are faced with a situation where critics have an emotional argument — a fear of the unknown.”

About a year ago, larger agricultural concerns and farmers groups started addressing critics directly and answering questions through social media and consumer outreach, and reaching out to nutritionists and doctors, people whom consumers may consult. How is that fairing?

Read full, original article: Big ag switches from defense to offense

 

Idea of genetic mosaicism hits psychiatry

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The title of my blog post is provocative, I know, but I’m actually just lifting it from the title of a new commentary in the journal Molecular Psychiatry by Thomas Insel, the director of the National Institutes of Mental Health.

In his piece, Insel expresses his excitement about a new way of thinking about how genes can contribute to our risk of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. It’s based on an emerging understanding of the human genome that I explored in a recent story for the New York Times: each of us does not carry around a single personal genome, but many personal genomes.

Read the full, original story: “The Dark Matter of Psychiatric Genetics”

Arctic Apples new front line for ethical attacks against GMOs

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The prospect of a new type of genetically modified apple, known as “Arctic Apples,” arriving in the marketplace has many in the food industry concerned because of the potential reaction from activist groups opposed to all GMOs.

The apple, which resists browning after it is sliced, would allow restaurants and other food service companies to serve more sliced apples without using preservatives. The USDA and its Canadian counterpart could approve the apple sometime next year.

Many within the apple industry have anticipated the rollout of a genetically tweaked apple as a potentially positive development. There is no introduction of “foreign” genes and the consumer benefits are obvious. But others are concerned the industry could face renewed broadsides from GMO opponents and labeling proponents. While GMO apples represent only a very small portion of the GM industry, the negative attention they might receive could hinder the progress of accepting other beneficial GM crops.

The problem is not so much with the apple, but with the GMO opponents, many of whom appear to be a part of an agricultural Flat Earth Society that opposes most types of farming developed since 1950. In their American Gothic viewpoint, they attack any individual or corporation associated with genetically modified crops. They do this without benefit of facts that support their scare tactics. They make assertions on the Internet that “no one has proved that GMOs are safe” despite the fact that they have been on the market since the 1990s without any health-associated problems. None of their theories have been subjected to peer reviewed studies.

Read the full, original story: GMO apple only a slice of the bigger issue

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India environment minister to back more GM crops in January

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India’s new environment minister Veerappa Moily has indicated he will push to overturn the blockage on GMO crops instituted by former ministers. Moily’s support is expected to pave the way for the government to submit an affidavit in the Supreme Court i January acquiescing to field trials of GM food crops on a conditional basis. Field trials have been on hold for genetically modified rice, wheat, maize and castor.

Read full, original story: Veerappa Moily to seed a change, likkely to approve GM food crops in India

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