Chromosome triple play

Researchers from Cyprus have developed a rapid, noninvasive diagnostic for Down syndrome that detects methylated fetal DNA in the blood of pregnant women.¹ The team's leader has founded a new company-NIPD Genetics Ltd.-to commercialize the technique, which will compete with DNA sequencing-based methods from Sequenom Inc. and Artemis Health Inc.

Currently, the risk of Down syndrome and other birth defects caused by chromosomal duplication is assessed by measuring the thickness of an embryo's neck by ultrasound and screening for blood-borne fetal proteins...