Research published this week in Nature Nanotechnology shows a new method of enzyme-controlled movement of a single strand of DNA through a protein nanopore. The paper, by researchers at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), represents a key step towards nanopore sequencing of DNA strands. The publication describes the observation of single stranded DNA (ssDNA) as it translocates through a protein nanopore, alpha hemolysin (AHL).

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Transgenomic, Inc. announced that it completed the requirements for CE IVD labeling and has expanded distribution of its SURVEYOR® Scan K-RAS mutation detection kit throughout most of the European Union. The SURVEYOR Scan K-RAS CE IVD kit is a member of Transgenomic’s family of mutation detection kits, which features proprietary SURVEYOR endonuclease technology. The SURVEYOR Scan is a novel approach to mutation detection, which has been shown to provide comparable sensitivity than other commercial kits.

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University of British Columbia researchers have led the development of a new “toolbox of MiniPromoters” for research and future therapies on brain, spinal cord and eye function. MiniPromoters are small segments of human DNA with the ability to turn genes on and off at specific times and locations. They’re important tools used by scientists and clinicians to mark cells, explore function and deliver therapeutic genetic medicine.

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Seegene has announced the availability of Magicplex™ Sepsis, a new multi-pathogen screening test capable of quick and accurate identification of over 90 leading sepsis-causing pathogens. Magicplex Sepsis provides a novel and fast-acting diagnostic technique for hospitals to simultaneously verify a complex range of targets that indicate sepsis, the leading cause of death in non-coronary intensive care units worldwide. Magicplex Sepsis Test will not be available in the USA until regulatory clearance.

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Genelex and Helix have announced a personalized prescribing strategic alliance to increase the availability of important new DNA Drug Sensitivity Tests such as Plavitest™ and Tamoxitest™. These tests and the GeneMedRx medication management software can save lives and healthcare dollars by allowing doctors to personalize their prescribing practices in order to prevent adverse medication outcomes, including treatment failures and dangerous side effects.

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An international research consortium has identified four common gene variants that are associated with blood levels of vitamin D and with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. The report from the SUNLIGHT consortium – involving investigators from six countries – will appear in The Lancet and is receiving early online release. The SUNLIGHT Consortium involved a research team from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Netherlands, Sweden and Finland.

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HairDX LLC, pioneers of consumer-friendly genetic tests for hair loss, has introduced the first meaningful test using genetic markers strongly associated with Female Hair Loss, Female Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). The HairDX test for Female Hair Loss provides women with a score, called the CAG repeat score. The smaller the score the higher is the risk for significant hair loss (Ludwig grade II or III hair loss) and vice versa. Female AGA loss has been difficult to diagnose because women don’t develop a pattern like men do.