deCODE You

deCODE Discovers Second Common Genetic Risk Factor for Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke. Will be integrated into deCODE AF™ DNA-based risk assessment test, and into the deCODEme™ and deCODEme Cardio™ scans.

Scientists at deCODE genetics and colleagues from Europe and the United States today report the discovery of a common single-letter variant in the sequence of the human genome (SNP) conferring increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. The findings will be integrated directly into the deCODE AF™ reference laboratory test for gauging individual risk of AF and stroke and helping to identify stroke patients who may benefit from enhanced monitoring for AF. The study is published online today in Nature Genetics.
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Click on the image to watch the 60 Minutes Australia segment on genetic testing

The Killer In You

60 Minutes Australia recently visited the deCODE genetics labs in Iceland and interviewed deCODE’s CEO Dr. Kari Stefansson. Among the people who did the deCODEme genetic test were journalist Liz Hayes, world surfing champion Layne Beachley and Australian television’s favorite builder, Scott Cam. To watch the 60 Minutes Australia segment click on the image above. To read the transcript of the webchat with Professor Bob Williamson click here. To learn more about deCODEme genetic tests and order your personal genome scan visit www.decodeme.com.

Iceland was mainly settled by Scandinavian men and women from Irealand and Scotland

In a paper published today scientists at deCODE genetics present the results of the largest study of ancient DNA from a single population ever undertaken. Analyzing mitochondrial DNA, which is passed from mother to offspring, from 68 skeletal remains from approximately 1000 years ago, the study provides the most detailed look to date at how a contemporary population differs from that of its ancestors. The results confirm previous deCODE work that used genetics to test the history of Iceland as recorded in the sagas.

Audio link:  Dr. Kari Stefansson interviewed on BBC WORLD. BBC

These studies demonstrated that the country seems indeed to have been settled by men from Scandinavia – the vikings – but that the majority of the original female inhabitants were from the coastal regions of Scotland and Ireland, areas that regularly suffered raids by vikings in the years around the settlement of Iceland 1100 years ago.
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Icelandic handball team celebrates silver at the Olympics

Icelandic handball has never enjoyed such a high profile in the US press, and deservedly so. Having just won the silver in the men’s Olympic final, Iceland is one of the smallest nations to win any kind of Olympic medal. American and European journalists and bloggers, seemingly never tired with playing up Iceland’s Viking image, appear to have hit the nail on the head this time. Perhaps it is their Viking genes! Read the rest of this entry »

NBC’s Robert Bazell looks at genetic research in Iceland and interviews deCODE’s CEO Dr. Kari Stefansson. Of special interest is the work carried out on common diseases that have a genetic component. Stefansson predicts that genetic tests will be widely used within 3-5 years.

A look at deCODE, the biotech company in Iceland that is researching genes for common conditions like heart disease, stroke and cancer. Sue Herera interviews NBC’s Robert Bazell on his coverage of deCODE and discusses the scientific, pharmacological and commercial implications of genetic testing.

Originally broadcast July 22, 2008.

Link: Watch the interview.

NBC chief science correspondent, Robert Bazell, reports on deCODE in Iceland. Iceland is a goldmine of genetic information. where new discoveries in genetic testing may mean a healthier life for the whole world. That Icelanders have an extensive knowledge of their ancestry, says Bazell, has been interesting for history, but now it’s very important for medicine.