Category Archives: Transhuman News

Male DNA has for the first time been found inside the female brain, according to new research led by a Canadian scientist.

No, the finding doesn't explain why women sometimes know what their husbands are thinking.

But it could lead to refining what "the self," biologically speaking at least, really means.

Plus, in an unexpected finding, the researchers found that women with Alzheimer's disease had less male DNA in their brains -- and in lower concentrations in the brain region's most affected by the memory-robbing disease -- than women without Alzheimer's.

Observers said the finding also raises the hypothesis that, if male DNA can infiltrate a woman's brain, it might have some "masculinizing" affect on the female brain.

And, if that's so, "what consequences does this have on how the brain functions -- in other words, thinking and behaviour?" said neuroscientist Dr. Sandra Witelson, a professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton.

Appearing in the latest edition of the journal, PLOS ONE, the study is the first to describe the presence of male "microchimerism" in women's brains.

Microchimerism is the "intermingling" of small numbers of cells or portions of DNA in a person or animal from a genetically different inpidual.

In this case, the male DNA found in women's brains most likely came from cells from a pregnancy with a baby boy.

But women can acquire male DNA without ever having a son. In women without boys, male DNA can come from sharing her mother's womb with a male twin, from a non-irradiated blood transfusion and possibly even from an older sibling.

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Male DNA found for first time in female brains

By Carol Cratty, CNN Senior Producer

updated 5:24 PM EDT, Tue September 25, 2012

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Washington (CNN) -- The FBI lab has made strides in cutting down its backlog of forensic DNA cases, according to a report released Tuesday by the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General.

As of March 2012 the backlog stood at 403 cases compared to 3,211 cases two years prior.

The report attributed the improvement to increased use of automation, more staff and a focus on using DNA analysis in situations in which it's most likely to yield useful results.

The FBI lab tests biological evidence found at crime scenes and items like envelopes, drinking glasses and articles of clothing. The lab does the work for not just the FBI but also for local police departments that don't have forensic labs.

The report found the biggest reduction in cases came in the area of nuclear DNA, in which biological fluids like blood and semen are analyzed. There was not as large a drop in the backlog of cases involving mitochondrial DNA, which looks at such things as teeth, hair and highly degraded fragments of bones.

According to the inspector general, the FBI decided not to examine samples in 300 of the backlogged mitochondrial DNA cases that came from the FBI's Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center. The report said it had been policy to submit all hairs found on improvised explosive devices. "The FBI told us that there have been no documented instances for which probative results were generated from these mitochondrial DNA examinations," said the report. The FBI changed its policy on analyzing samples from all such cases.

The inspector general said a previous report found the FBI lab doesn't have a system to electronically manage lab information and that was still the case as of June. The report said the FBI spent at least $14 million since 2003 on two failed attempts to come up with such a system. The inspector general said the FBI is trying to develop a new system.

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FBI makes headway on DNA testing backlog, report says

Up to two male DNA profiles were recovered during the investigation into Corryn Rayney's murder that could not be matched to people in a national database, the trial of her estranged husband Lloyd Rayney has heard.

Forensic scientist Laurance Webb told the WA Supreme Court trial on Wednesday that the DNA profiles, one of which was only partial, were found but could not be matched.

Mr Webb said the DNA profile was weak and there was only a 'low level' indication of a second person.

The court heard Rayney, a prominent Perth barrister, could not be 'included or excluded' as a potential source of the DNA found on a handkerchief at Ms Rayney's grave site.

Under cross-examination, Mr Webb agreed that DNA results from a street directory inside Ms Rayney's car indicated at least three people, although it was unclear if Rayney was one of them.

He also agreed that DNA recovered from the CD button in Ms Rayney's car and from her debit card indicated a male who was not Rayney.

Mr Webb also gave evidence about a cigarette butt found outside the Rayney's home, which the court previously heard was DNA matched to a person 'well known to police'.

A full DNA profile was recovered from the butt, indicating that it had not been there for a long time, Mr Webb said.

The cigarette butt was among items found on a footpath during a police search on August 22, 2007.

The prosecution alleges Rayney murdered his estranged wife at their home in August 7, 2007 and then dragged her across the front yard to her car before burying her body head-first in a bush grave at Kings Park.

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DNA recovered during Rayney probe

Posted: September 24 Updated: Today at 12:44 AM Samples from the body of Rita St. Peter match the DNA profile of Jay Mercier, an expert says.

By DOUG HARLOW/Morning Sentinel

SKOWHEGAN DNA samples taken from the body of Rita St. Peter in 1980 match the DNA profile of Jay Mercier of Industry, the man who is charged with sexually assaulting and killing her, a state witness said in court Monday.

click image to enlarge

Murder defendant Jay Mercier looks around the courtroom on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 during his trial in Somerset County Superior Court for the death of Rita St. Peter 32 years ago..

click image to enlarge

Rita St. Peter in an undated file photo. She was 20 at the time of her death when her body was found off the Campground Road in Anson on July 5, 1980.

"Unless you have an identical twin, there is no one else in the world with your DNA," Kathy MacMillan, a forensic DNA analyst with the state police crime lab, told the jury in Somerset County Superior Court.

MacMillan said the possibility that DNA samples taken from St. Peter's body didn't come from Mercier is one in a trillion.

MacMillan's testimony came on the third day of the murder trial for Mercier, who was 25 when St. Peter's body was found off Campground Road in Anson on July 5, 1980.

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DNA in 1980 Maine murder case shown to match defendant

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

DNA Microarray 2012: A Focus on Sales Growth

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0980749/DNA-Microarray-2012-A-Focus-on-Sales-Growth.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Genetically_Modified_Organism,_GMO

Background

From the early use of miniaturised microarrays for the analysis of gene expression in the mid 1990s, this technique has established markets that are expected to reach $3 billion by 2015. However markets are also changing as new applications are developed and new instruments and competitive technologies such as PCR, are launched. Today, more than ever, developers and vendors in the microarray field are targeting their resources in those areas that best support their own sales and growth strategies.

Purpose

This report, based on an analysis of prevailing and emerging market conditions in the DNA microarray field, has been produced to assist marketing and sales, and the identification of new opportunities. It is the outcome of an extensive global study involving more than 200 experienced DNA microarray users. It's findings provide a "focus on sales growth" to developers and vendors in the microarray field, and the changes that are driving these developments.

Analysis

As part of this report, market areas outlined below have been analysed to provide information relevant to marketing and sales, new market opportunities, qualified sales leads, customer needs and future plans, competitive position, new and emerging applications, growing and declining areas and threats.

Market Areas

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DNA Microarray 2012: A Focus on Sales Growth