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European Biotechnology Network!
The European Biotechnology Network is dedicated to facilitating co-operation between professionals in biotechnology and the life sciences all over Europe. The network, which kicked off in early 2009, is run by the European Biotechnology Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Brussels.
Catch of the day:
Gene variants determine biological age
08.02.2010 - London/Keicester/Groningen – Researchers have identified for the first time definitive variants associated with biological ageing in humans. In course of a whole genome study of genetic variations the Dutch-British team identify the variants that are located near a gene called TERC (Nature Genetics, 7 February. "The variants identified lies near a gene called TERC“ stated Prof. Tim Spector from King's College London. TERC was already known to play an important role in maintaining telomere length. „What our study suggests is that some people are genetically programmed to age at a faster rate“ sais Spector. „The effect was quite considerable in those with the variant, equivalent to between 3-4 years of 'biological aging" as measured by telomere length loss. Genetically susceptible people may age even faster when exposed to proven 'bad' environments for telomeres like smoking, obesity or lack of exercise – and end up several years biologically older or succumbing to more age-related diseases.“ According to the researchers from Universities Leceister and Groningen, there is growing evidence that the risk of age-associated diseases including heart disease and some types of cancers are more closely related to biological rather than chronological age.more news >>>