BioServe's DNA represents a wide range of disease states including cancers (breast, prostate, lung, colon, others), diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, obesity, as well as some rarer diseases. The repository also includes over 14,000 control subjects that are free of major illnesses. DNA is available in quantities from a few nanograms to hundreds of micrograms per subject to suit customer needs. Customized DNA panels and case-control studies can be designed based upon the investigators' needs, taking into consideration the specific data points available for each individual DNA sample. Another useful function of these DNAs is for investigators to utilize them as second group of samples to validate data generated from their studies.

"We are making high-quality DNA available at price points that are affordable to any research laboratory during these tough budgetary times," stated Kevin Krenitsky MD, Chief Executive Officer of BioServe. "This will result in many more investigators who will be able to perform their research using very well annotated DNA samples. Experiments with these DNAs can be executed both in the investigators' own lab, and/or at BioServe with a large variety of genomic platforms that are currently utilized. We also welcome collaborations that can make access even more affordable," said Dr. Krenitsky.

BioServe's DNA is obtained from human subjects that provided informed consent with strict IRB and HIPAA compliance. BioServe has obtained informed consent, detailed questionnaire data and DNA from over 120,000 subjects.

bioserve

New Australian guidelines to be formalised by the National Health and Medical Research Council later this year, are expected to advise that 14 standards is the threshold of what is considered to be a harmful consumption of alcohol.

The researchers say the cardioprotective benefit from moderate drinking does not apply equally to all drinkers, and this variability should be emphasised in public health messages.

They say most people drink for reasons other than alcohol's health benefits, but the widely publicised heart protection benefits may be used to justify or increase their habit, but the most protective effects from moderate drinking were found among those with the worst behaviour profile.

Professor Marmot says people should stop smoking, eat more fruit and vegetables and do more exercise to reduce their risk for coronary heart disease.

The researchers say the international clinical consensus is people should not take up or maintain drinking for health benefits as any benefits occur at considerably lower levels than the safe maximum.

Alcohol is thought to benefit the heart through it's effect on blood cholesterol, clotting or inflammation.