The Food and Drug Administration regulates the donation of eggs and other tissues under Chapter 21 of the Code of Federal Regulation Parts 1270 and 1271. Under this law, the FDA requires prospective egg donors to be evaluated using specific...
Each cell within the human body contains thousands of genes, which collectively make up the genome. Specific sequences of chemicals called nucleotide bases link together to form long stretches of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, called chromosomes....
Human development is a carefully choreographed process that relies on the movement, behavior and development of millions of cells. Central to proper development are thousands of genes that control cell behavior and guide organ and tissue...
Heart disease, an umbrella term for a number of diseases that affect the heart, is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease develops when the heart is no longer able to efficiently pump blood throughout the body to oxygenate...
While there is no true way to prevent hemochromatosis, a step that you can take to dramatically reduce the risk of developing excess iron in the blood is receiving a genetic screening. Hemochromatosis is an inherited disease, although it is...
People with celiac disease have adverse reactions to the proteins that are found in wheat, barley and rye, collectively called "gluten." However, not everyone with the genetic predisposition for this autoimmune condition gets it. Still, blood...
Many people are aware of the dangers resulting from high cholesterol including heart disease, heart attack and stroke. What most don't realize is this condition can begin in childhood; it isn't a medical problem confined to adults. Having your...
Genetic diseases are caused by defects in genes, segments of DNA that govern specific characteristics in a person. Common genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease aren't always inherited, but may occur as a spontaneous...
Couples who are unable to conceive a child on their own sometimes turn to surrogacy. Two types of surrogacy--traditional and gestational--have different legal and medical implications for the intended parents.
Inherited genetic diseases affect millions worldwide. Family health history is the biggest predictor of genetic disease. Research is ongoing to detect and treat genetic disease. The decision to be tested for genetic disease is often difficult and...
PKU, also known as phenylketonuria, is a genetic disorder that affects the way that your body metabolizes phenylalanine, an amino acid. This disease can cause many different health problems and has no cure, although you can minimize some of the...
You may have seen the ads in magazines and billboards that promise you thousands of dollars if you become an egg donor. Although becoming an egg donor can be a rewarding experience that allows you to help an infertile couple, you should know as...
Sperm banks, also known as cryobanks, exist to help women or couples who are experiencing fertility problems. Some banks serve heterosexual couples where the man has a fertility problem and others prefer to focus on helping single women and...
The term Sephardic describes people of Jewish descent whose ancestors came from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and some regions of the Mediterranean, according to a 2009 article written by Talia Bloch for Haaretz.com, but the term is often used to...
Your body's muscle tissue contains several enzymes, which are catalysts that cause chemical reactions. Your muscles require chemical reactions to supply them with energy, help them repair damage and help them function. High muscle enzymes in your...
