Archive for March, 2007
“Many Gene Mutations Drive Cancer”
March 8, 2007March 8, 2007
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Many gene mutations drive cancer |
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The number of mutated genes that drive the development of cancer is greater than had been thought, research shows.However, as well as these “driver” mutations, each type of cancer cell carries many more “passenger” mutations which play no role in causing disease. The findings, published in Nature, come from the most extensive analysis yet of the human genome and cancer. Sanger Institute scientists looked at more than 500 human genes and 200 types of cancer |
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Are there associations between advancing paternal age and risk of cancers in offspring?
March 8, 2007-
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Average paternal age in the UK is increasing. The public health implications of this trend have not been widely anticipated or debated. This commentary aims to contribute to such a debate. Accumulated chromosomal aberrations and mutations occurring during the maturation of male germ cells are thought to be responsible for the increased risk of certain conditions with older fathers. Growing evidence shows that the offspring of older fathers have reduced fertility and an increased risk of birth defects, some cancers, and schizophrenia. Adverse health outcomes should be weighed up against advantages for children born to older parents, mindful that these societal advantages are likely to change over time.
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