Connection Between Epigenome, Selective Mutability, Evolution, and Human Disease
Li, Harris et al., PLoS Genetics
Researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine and elsewhere propose a "connection between the epigenome, selective mutability, evolution, and human disease" based on the findings of their study on associations of structural mutability with germline DNA methylation and with non-allelic homologous recombination mediated by low-copy repeats. "Combined evidence from four human sperm methylome maps, human genome evolution, structural polymorphisms in the human population, and previous genomic and disease studies consistently points to a strong association of germline hypomethylation and genomic instability," the Baylor-led team writes.
Health Network Laboratories to Use Hunter Lab's Preventive Cardiology Services
Health Network Laboratories, which has facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, will employ a cardiovascular disease-management service from California reference lab Hunter Laboratories.
The deal, described in a press release as a "license agreement," will enable HNL physicians to use technology operated by Hunter Lab's HunterHeart unit.
According to that statement, HunterHeart offers physicians risk-characterization and personalized-therapy guidelines for cardiovascular disease. As part of the deal, HNL will be allowed to perform "a battery of advanced tests" and offer an accompanying "nutrition program and wellness coaching."
HNL, based in Allentown, Pa., each year performs almost 6 million clinical and pathology tests, including highly specialized esoteric testing to hospitals, physicians, long-term and assisted living facilities, and businesses and government agencies.
Hunter Labs, based in Campbell, Calif., is the largest locally owned and operated clinical reference lab in northern California. HunterHeart is one of its proprietary disease-detection and -management programs that is has been rolling out across the US. More than 99 percent of all tests ordered are performed at its Campbell facility.