May 10 2012
If you have a big head, you may be subjected to a fair bit of teasing, but science may offer you some consolation. People with smaller heads may be at risk for dementia and other cognitive and mental illnesses. Now, scientists have found associations between common genetic variants and measures of head and brain size.
Apr 13 2012
What do media mogul Oprah Winfrey, actress Mary-Louise Parker, and Olympic runner Carl Lewis have in common? All three have been diagnosed with a condition that recently gained “celebrity” status. Not much is known about the genetics of this condition, but 23andMe’s latest publication highlights several novel genetic factors discovered through our web-based, participatory research.
Mar 26 2012
It’s that time of year again — March Madness. Some of you may be baffled by how much energy and money Americans invest in sporting events, but those who participate will expound on the excitement of watching spectacular athletes and the thrill of competition, or simply the fun of betting on the outcome. Investigating the different angles of March Madness also turns out to be pretty interesting from a genetic perspective.
Mar 14 2012
Ewing sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, is diagnosed in only about 250 children and teenagers in the United States each year. Not much is known about the genetics of Ewing sarcoma but researchers have long suspected a genetic component. Last month, scientists published the first genome-wide association study reporting possible genetic susceptibility factors for Ewing sarcoma.
Mar 05 2012
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of rare blood disorders. First characterized in 1951, it wasn’t until 2005 that researchers began to uncover clues about the genetic basis of these diseases. An acquired mutation called V617F in the JAK2 gene is present in many people with MPN, and a growing body of research — including evidence in 23andMe’s MPN research cohort — suggests that relatively common inherited genetic variants may predispose individuals to V617F-positive MPN.
Mar 02 2012
Sometimes called the “itch that rashes”, atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a relatively common condition, affecting up to one in five children and one in 30 adults. Although atopic dermatitis appears to run in families, the genetics underlying this condition are not well understood. New findings published in December in Nature Genetics by lead author Lavinia Paternoster now add more genetic variants to the picture.
Feb 06 2012
About one in six couples has trouble conceiving. While more attention is paid to infertility in women, half the time the difficulty stems from a condition on the part of the man. Many factors influence fertility, both genetic and non-genetic. A new study in Chinese men has now identified several genetic factors linked to male infertility.
Feb 02 2012
A genetic variant in the KIF6 gene has been controversially linked to heart disease and statin response. In 2010 it looked like the tide was turning and that there was no association after all, but now new research suggests that the relationship may simply be a little more complex.
Dec 12 2011
The hormone oxytocin has garnered many names in the media, from the “cuddle chemical” to the “morality molecule,” and it’s clear that it impacts social bonding. A new study suggests that people with at least one A at rs53576 — a SNP in the oxytocin receptor gene called OXTR — are readily perceived by others as being less empathetic than GG individuals.
Nov 22 2011
For some, eating a doughnut every morning is a recipe for heart attack. Certain genetic factors are also associated with developing cardiovascular disease. But lifestyle choices can impact the effect of genetics on risk. A new study suggests that eating a prudent diet — high in raw fruits and vegetables — can counteract the effect of one of the most well-established genetic risk factors for coronary heart disease.
