Word: saliva
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...evidence for the disease's genetic roots is growing. Researchers have recently identified a series of gene markers that, when present with family history of the disease, increase a patient's risk of prostate cancer more than nine times. Those markers, say researchers, can be detected in a simple saliva or blood sample - good news for a condition whose prognosis is improved by early detection...
...patients and doctors currently rely on physical symptoms, age, race, family history and PSA screens - tests that measure blood levels of prostate-specific antigens, which are produced in high amounts by an unhealthy prostate. Xu says his new genetic test - which would require patients to send in blood or saliva samples to be screened for the variants identified in the study - would complement established methods. "We're devoted to improving the situation," says Xu, estimating that his test would cost a few hundred dollars, and could eventually be included in standard health care. "We want to make this very affordable...
...were asked to smell T shirts worn by anonymous males and then pick which ones appealed to them. Time and again, they chose the ones worn by men with a safely different MHC. And if the smell of MHC isn't a deal maker or breaker, the taste is. Saliva also contains the compound, a fact that Haselton believes may partly explain the custom of kissing, particularly those protracted sessions that stop short of intercourse. "Kissing," she says simply, "might be a taste test...
...searches: made it ridiculously simple and efficient. Ottawa-based DNA Genotek has developed a device that allows you to collect and store a sample of DNA by just spitting into a small plastic vial. Closing the lid on the gadget, called Oragene, releases a chemical that stabilizes the saliva, allowing it to be easily shipped and stored indefinitely. It's a huge advantage over getting a blood sample (inefficient) or swabbing the inside of the mouth (less stable...
...drugs that can be tailored to individuals, and researchers involved in large genetic studies. Chaim Birnboim, a research scientist and med-school professor who developed Oragene, knew there was demand for a simple, noninvasive DNA-collection method, "and I thought, I can do that." The trick was discovering that saliva was a rich source of DNA that could be easily stabilized. The product could have important implications for law enforcement, forensic sciences and the military. Individuals may even want an Oragene kit to preserve a bit of a loved one--or themselves--if they fear that their remains may later...