Despite their dwindling numbers, Arctic polar bears have come a long way over the years, originally descending from a single brown bear from Ireland, according to a new study. Read the full story

The Woolly Mammoth was able to thrive in the Ice Age thanks to a series of genetic mutations, according to a study in the most recent issue of Nature Genetics journal. Read the full story

The Danish Ethics Council has declared that future foetal examinations run the risk of ’extensive genetic hygiene practices’ which could result in increased abortion rates. Read the full story

Scientists Reykjavik-based deCODE Genetics, in collaboration with Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, have announced the discovery of two common variants in the human genome that increase the risk of bladder cancer.

Approximately 20 percent of people of European descent carry two copies of the first variant, which puts them at a 50 percent higher risk of developing bladder cancer than those without the variant. Bladder cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States.

The study analysed genotypic data from more than 40,000 patients and controls from Iceland, the Netherlands and eight other European countries. The research paper, entitled Read the full story

A group of scientists from the United States is working in collaboration with Icelandic scientists and their genealogical database to pinpoint the causes and signs of a fatal hereditary disease; cystatin C amyloid angiopathy (HCCAA).

Analysis has revealed that the deadly mutated gene, L68Q, derives from a common ancestor born about 18 generations ago in Iceland (around 1550).

The gene was largely mutant until 1900 when it began causing deaths from multiple brain haemorrhages among healthy young adults. The origin of the mutation of the HCCAA was previously unknown, but by using DNA haplotype analysis scientists have shed light on the history of the syndrome which also has high penetrance in contemporary Icelanders.

Interestingly, a theory for its mutancy has been proposed which suggests that the traditional Icelandic diet of whey-preserved offal as well as meat, dried fish, and butter “protected” the mutation carriers for almost 300 years, until the Icelandic diet changed early in the 20th century, exemplified by drastic increases in imported carbohydrates and salt.

ORF Genetics, the privately owned Icelandic biotech company has opened a hydroponic “factory” for growing genetically engineered barley in southwest Iceland. The plant is powered and heated by geothermal energy.

The barley is grown using soil-free hydroponics on a specially designed conveyor belt system, meaning the company can simultaneously grow up to 90 different proteins at the same time.

ORF uses its unique Orfeus (TM) technology to produce biorisk-free ISOkine(TM) human growth factors for use in medical research, drug discovery and cosmetics. The factory is for scientific research and not for food production.

Bjorn L. Orvar, CEO of ORF Genetics, said at the opening of the greenhouse: “Our research and development efforts in recent years are now bearing fruit, and we see great opportunities for rapid growth, specifically in the field of drug discovery and cosmetics.”

For more information, visit orfgenetics.com

deCODE Genetics has shown how a single variant in the genome sequence leads to nicotine dependence and risk of lung cancer and other smoking related disease.

deCODE is a biopharmaceutical company applying its discoveries in human genetics to the development of drugs and diagnostics for common diseases.

Their population approach and resources has enabled deCODE to isolate key genes contributing to major public health challenges from cardiovascular disease to cancer, genes that are providing us with drug targets rooted in the basic biology of disease.

The company is also leveraging its expertise in human genetics and integrated drug discovery and development capabilities to offer innovative products and services in DNA-based diagnostics, bioinformatics, genotyping, structural biology, drug discovery and clinical development. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.

For more information on their findings visit http://www.decode.com/News/2008_04_02.php