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South Korea Develops Cryopreservation Technology to Safeguard Pear Genetic Resources

South Korea Develops Cryopreservation Technology to Safeguard Pear Genetic Resources

JEONJU, Mar. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – The Rural Development Administration (RDA) of South Korea has announced the development of a cryopreservation technology that allows for the long-term storage of pear tree genetic resources at ultra-low temperatures.  The key to this technology is preserving genetic material in liquid nitrogen at an extreme low temperature of minus 196 [...]

Scientists Complete Korean-Specific Reference Genome

Scientists Complete Korean-Specific Reference Genome

ULSAN, South Korea, Nov. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – UNIST’s Genomics Institute unveiled Thursday a reference genome specific to Koreans, entitled KOREF (Korean Reference). A reference genome is a genomic database that represents an example of a species’ set of genes, which allows for genetic analysis related to diseases and the development of new drugs. According [...]

Market for Genetic Testing Grows, with Limited Options

Market for Genetic Testing Grows, with Limited Options

SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – The market for genetic testing is growing steadily in Korea, with the government easing regulations in June, allowing commercial businesses to offer genetic testing services. Prior to the revision, consumers could only receive DNA tests at medical institutions.  There are still limitations, however, as to the number of tests [...]

Depression Caused by Genetics, Neurological Factors

Depression Caused by Genetics, Neurological Factors

SEOUL, Feb.23 (Korea Bizwire) – Research indicates that depression is not caused because patients have weak hearts, but because they are vulnerable genetically and neurologically. Professor Ham Byung-ju and his team at the Korea University Hospital’s Department of Mental Health announced that they have determined that patients with relapsed depression have a certain weakness after [...]