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Unborn Human Fetus Genome Mapped

Posted: June 13th, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Cankler Science News | Tags: , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Unborn Human Fetus Genome MappedResearchers in the US have mapped the genome of an unborn fetus, the breakthrough marks a significant advance in prenatal and genetic medicine, but also one that raises profound ethical issues. As a result, researchers at the University of Washington say they will be able to screen a foetus that is only eight weeks old for thousands of genetic disorders with an accuracy of 98 per cent.

Currently, the common procedure for pregnant women who want to check their baby for genetic, chromosomal abnormalities is Amniotic Fluid Test – AFT – or Amniocentesis, it’s a risky procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains foetal tissue is sampled – via a very large needle – from the amnionic sac surrounding the fetus.

Researchers were able to map the genomes of two fetus’ via non-invasive maternal blood and paternal saliva samples taken from two pregnant women halfway into their second trimester at 18 weeks gestation. The samples contained enough information to accurately interpret the babies DNA :: Read the full article »»»»

Breakthrough Discovery in Deadly Pre-eclampsia Syndrome

Posted: February 3rd, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Applied Science, Medicated | Tags: , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Breakthrough Discovery in Deadly Pre-eclampsia SyndromeA treatment for the potentially deadly pregnancy condition Pre Eclampsia is a step closer after a discovery by a team of Melbourne scientists.

Pre Eclampsia is the most common serious medical disorder of human pregnancy. It can affect both the mother and her unborn baby. It usually arises during the second half of pregnancy. Pre Eclampsia affects 6-8 percent of all pregnancies and kills an estimated 60,000 women around the world each year. Pre Eclampsia occurs more often in first pregnancies, occasionally however, women who have suffered it once find it recurs in  subsequent pregnancies

Pre Eclampsia occurs when the placenta releases a toxin into the mother’s bloodstream, damaging her organs. In the mother, it can cause several problems of which she may be unaware, such as high blood pressure – hypertension – leakage of protein into the urine – proteinuria – thinning of the blood – coagulopathy – and liver dysfunction. When a pregnancy is complicated by Pre Eclampsia, the effects on the baby can be catastrophic. The baby may grow more slowly than normal  or suffer a potentially harmful oxygen deficiency. Read the full article »»»»