PARIS, Oct 8, 2008 (AFP) - Scientists on Wednesday said they had cracked the genetic codes of a major malaria parasite and a monkey parasite also suspected of spreading the disease, an achievement adding to the sequencing six years ago of Plasmodium falciparum, the greatest malarial threat.

PARIS, Oct 5, 2008 (AFP) - Scientists said on Sunday they had pinpointed a flawed gene that is a major cause of cleft lip.

A single change in a sequence of a gene called interferon regulatory factor 6, or IRF6, boosts the risk of cleft lip by 18 percent, according to an investigation led by Jeffrey Murray of the University of Iowa, in the US Midwest.

PARIS, Oct 5, 2008 (AFP) - Scientists said on Sunday they had pinpointed a flawed gene that is a major cause of cleft lip.

A single change in a sequence of a gene called interferon regulatory factor 6, or IRF6, boosts the risk of cleft lip by 18 percent, according to an investigation led by Jeffrey Murray of the University of Iowa, in the US Midwest.

PARIS, Sept 21, 2008 (AFP) - Genetic scientists said on Sunday they could explain why Labrador retrievers, the most popular dog breed in the world, may be prone to suffering a collapse of their rear legs after having exercise.

The answer lies in a mutation of a gene called dynamin 1, or DNM1, on the dog's ninth chromosome that controls a key chemical in the nervous system, they said.

WASHINGTON, Sept 18, 2008 (AFP) - US authorities Thursday unveiled new guidelines aiming to regulate the production of genetically-modified animals destined for human consumption.

The guidelines aim to set out clearly how the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to regulate meat, diary products and other foods which originate from genetically-modified animals.

BRUSSELS, September 8, 2008 (AFP) - The European Commission authorised Monday the import of a genetically modified strain of soybean for use in feed and food for 10 years.

The European Union's executive branch said the strain, known as A2704-12 and developed by German group Bayer Cropscience, had won a 'positive safety assessment' from the European Food Safety Authority.

LONDON, September 8, 2008 (AFP) - The anti-GM lobby in rich Western countries is holding back the development of modern farming technology which could help feed Africa, Britain's former top scientist said Monday.

PARIS, August 31, 2008 (AFP) - Teams of doctors on Sunday said they had uncovered genetic flaws that separately boost the risk of a common form of leukaemia and bowel disease in children and may also influence obesity and fertility.

The work is reported in three different studies, published by the journals Nature Genetics and Nature Medicine.

PARIS, August 27, 2008 (AFP) - Scientists have used gene therapy on mouse embryos to grow hair cells with the potential to reduce hearing loss in adult animals, according to a study released Wednesday.

PARIS, July 27, 2008 (AFP) - An international team of 27 laboratories said on Sunday they had laid bare the genetic code of a tiny parasite responsible for billions of dollars in crop losses each year.

The worm, known as the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), infests plant roots leaving them gnarled.