Health — DNA — Genetics — February 17th, 2025

AcrVIB1: The unexpected anti-CRISPR protein that tightens RNA binding
The CRISPR-Cas gene scissors offer a wide range of potential applications, from the treatment of genetic diseases to antiviral therapies and diagnostics. However, to safely harness their powers, scientists are searching for mechanisms that can regulate or inhibit the systems' activity. Enter the anti-CRISPR protein AcrVIB1, a promising inhibitor whose exact function has remained a mystery—until now.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Breakthrough technology enables mRNA delivery across the blood-brain barrier
Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a lipid nanoparticle system capable of delivering messenger RNA (mRNA) to the brain via intravenous injection, a challenge that has long been limited by the protective nature of the blood-brain barrier.
February 17, 2025 — Source or Source

ChromTR revolutionizes chromosome detection in metaphase cell images
ChromTR, a cutting-edge framework for chromosome detection in metaphase cell images, represents a significant advancement in the field of cytogenetics. This framework, which integrates semantic feature learning and chromosome class distribution learning, is designed to automate the detection and classification of 24 types of chromosomes in raw metaphase cell images. This is particularly important for the clinical diagnosis of genetic diseases such as Edwards, Turners, and Down syndromes, where accurate chromosome karyotyping is crucial.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Enhancing chromosome detection in metaphase cell images
ChromTR, a novel framework for chromosome detection in metaphase cell images, represents a significant advancement in the field of cytogenetics. This framework, which integrates semantic feature learning and chromosome class distribution learning, is designed to automate the detection and classification of 24 types of chromosomes in raw metaphase cell images.
February 17, 2025 — Source

NanoCas, a smaller version of CRISPR tested with a single AAV, delivers on-target results
Mammoth Biosciences researchers have developed NanoCas, an ultracompact CRISPR nuclease, demonstrating its ability to perform gene editing in non-liver tissues, including skeletal muscle, using a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. Experiments in non-human primates (NHPs) resulted in editing efficiencies exceeding 30% in muscle tissues.
February 17, 2025 — Source

New gene switch may lead to precise treatments for metabolic diseases
ETH researchers have developed a new gene switch that can be activated using a commercially available nitroglycerine patch applied to the skin. One day, researchers want to use switches of this kind to trigger cell therapies for various metabolic diseases.
February 17, 2025 — Source

New lipid nanoparticle platform delivers mRNA to the brain through the blood-brain barrier
The findings, demonstrated in mouse models and isolated human brain tissue, could expand treatment options for neurological and psychiatric diseases
February 17, 2025 — Source

Refining the CRISPR scissors
The CRISPR-Cas gene scissors offer a wide range of potential applications, from the treatment of genetic diseases to antiviral therapies and diagnostics. However, to safely harness their powers, scientists are searching for mechanisms that can regulate or inhibit the systems' activity.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Zebrafish study uncovers spatial cues that shape neuron diversity beyond gene expression
Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence researchers have identified over 60 transcriptomic neuron types in the zebrafish optic tectum with nearly identical gene-expression profiles yet very different functions and shapes, demonstrating that spatial positioning influences neuronal function and morphology.
February 17, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 14th, 2025

CRISPR system variant shows a novel DNA cleavage mechanism
Researchers have revealed new details about the CRISPR-Cas5-HNH/Cascade complex, a variant of the type I-E CRISPR-Cas system, providing insights into its DNA recognition and cleavage mechanisms.
February 14, 2025 — Source

Feet first: Understanding how mRNA helps cells 'walk'
Cells in the body have to move around in order to do their jobs. During development, for instance, cells are distributed to create and grow tissue. And in the event of an immune response, different cells are shuttled around. While this process, known as cell migration, is essential for health, it can also go awry and contribute to disease, including chronic inflammation, fibrotic diseases, and cancer metastasis.
February 14, 2025 — Source

Water molecules help proteins read the human genome, research reveals
In a study published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, scientists from the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Karolinska Institutet, have discovered that water molecules play a crucial role in helping proteins, specifically transcription factors, read and regulate the human genome.
February 14, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 10th, 2025

Genetic insights reveal plant adaptation to climate change
As climate change accelerates, plants face mounting pressure to adapt to shifting ecosystems and environmental conditions. This challenge is especially urgent for crops—plants resilient to drought and heat are essential to secure food supply in an unpredictable future. Fortunately, plants can adapt remarkably well to diverse environments and climates: Arabidopsis thaliana, for example, thrives in regions as climatically distinct as Sweden and Italy.
February 10, 2025 — Source

Older women face higher risks with new gene therapies for eye diseases, study finds
Older women could be vulnerable to harmful inflammation from new gene therapies to treat incurable eye diseases, new research has found. The University of Bristol-led study, published in Molecular Therapy, reveals how age and gender affect inflammation caused by gene therapy treatments and could cause damage to the eye.
February 10, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 7th, 2025

DNA barcodes and citizen science images map spread of biocontrol agent for control of major invasive shrub
New CABI-led research using publicly-shared DNA barcodes and citizen science images have provided new evidence on the establishment and spread of a biological control agent used for the control of the major invasive shrub Lantana camara.
February 7, 2025 — Source or Source

Epistasis: Unlocking the secrets of complex diseases
Imagine your doctor calls you to discuss the results of your genetic testing. They tell you your results indicate you are highly likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. But not to worry, because they caught it early, you can start a personalized course of treatment tailored to your unique genetic makeup right away.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Genetic overlaps in 72 long-term health conditions identified
The largest study to date to analyze millions of both genetic and patient records on the long-term health conditions of later life has identified opportunities for new ways to prevent and treat multiple overlapping conditions.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Genetic research unlocks new ways to prevent and treat multiple long-term conditions
The largest study to date to analyse millions of both genetic and patient records on the long-term health conditions of later life has identified opportunities for new ways to prevent and treat multiple overlapping conditions.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Genetic study sheds light on changes that shaped human brain evolution
A new Yale study provides a fuller picture of the genetic changes that shaped the evolution of the human brain, and how the process differed from the evolution of chimpanzees.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Nerve cells optimize energy by controlling mRNA and protein distribution, study finds
Nerve cells have amazing strategies to save energy and still perform the most important of their tasks. Researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn as well as the University Medical Center Göttingen found that the neuronal energy conservation program determines the location and number of messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins and differs depending on the length, longevity and other properties of the respective molecule.
February 7, 2025 — Source

New DNA research examines predecessors of Red Lady of El Mirón
About 19,000 years ago, a woman from a group of hunter-gatherers died and was buried in a cave in northern Spain. In 1996, archaeologists started exploring the cave, finding abundant evidence of prehistoric people and their activities.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Scientists discover mitochondria's role in shaping memory circuits
Virginia Tech neuroscientists have uncovered a mitochondrial process that supports the brain cells critical for learning, memory, and social recognition.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Scientists produce first complete genome of a banana slug
Scientists at UC Santa Cruz have completed the first end-to-end genome of the iconic Pacific banana slug, a species synonymous with California's coastal redwood forests and the university's beloved mascot.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Spliceosome: How cells avoid errors when manufacturing mRNA
Structural biologists provide a first-time look at the atomic level into the quality control mechanism of this complex molecular machine
February 7, 2025 — Source

Study unveils new insights into how neural stem cells are activated in the adult human brain
A University of Ottawa neuroscientist has led a Canadian research team to reveal important new insights into the activation dynamics of neural stem cells (NSCs). These are the stem cells that build our central nervous systems and self-renew.
February 7, 2025 — Source

The spliceosome: An atomic-level look into how cells avoid errors when manufacturing mRNA
A complex molecular machine, the spliceosome, ensures that the genetic information from the genome, after being transcribed into mRNA precursors, is correctly assembled into mature mRNA. Splicing is a basic requirement for producing proteins that fulfill an organism's vital functions. Faulty functioning of a spliceosome can lead to a variety of serious diseases.
February 7, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 5th, 2025

Customized living materials: Genetic tweaks enable precise control
Rice University researchers have revealed novel sequence-structure-property relationships for customizing engineered living materials (ELMs), enabling more precise control over their structure and how they respond to deformation forces like stretching or compression.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Missing link in Indo-European languages' history found
New insights into our linguistic roots via ancient DNA analysis
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Next-generation mRNA vaccine delivery system uses biodegradable polymers
A research team from POSTECH has developed a biodegradable polymer-based delivery system that efficiently transports mRNA. The study was recently published in Biomaterials.
February 5th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 3rd, 2025

East Asian adults more prone to iron-related chronic disease, show studies
Humans are prone to iron deficiency—it's the most common nutrient deficiency on the planet. But too much iron is dangerous, too.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Gene therapy may be 'one-shot stop' for rare bone disease
For the last 10 years, the only effective treatment for hypophosphatasia (HPP) has been an enzyme replacement therapy that must be delivered by injection three to six times each week.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Heart health differences in men and women: Tiny RNA molecules play key role, study finds
There are notable differences between men and women in their susceptibility to many human diseases, including cardiovascular disease. For example, women typically have smaller hearts that pump faster, while men have larger hearts that pump more blood with each heartbeat.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Nature-inspired nanotechnology uses genetic drugs as immunotherapy
A large research team led by nanotechnologist Roy van der Meel rebuild the body's own proteins and fats into nano delivery vans that get genetic medicines to exactly the right place in the body. In a joint effort with researchers from Radboudumc they worked for five years on this groundbreaking nanotransport system, the results of which were published in Nature Nanotechnology ("Nature-inspired platform nanotechnology for RNA delivery to myeloid cells and their bone marrow progenitors").
February 3rd, 2025 — Source or Source

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NZ's gene technology reform carries benefits and risks—a truly independent regulator will be vital
Genetic modification is back on the political agenda in New Zealand. The issue may not be as hotly contentious as it once was, but big questions remain about the way forward.
February 3rd, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 24th, 2025

Engineers develop microfluidic protocol to extract and purify DNA
Call it the science of small, but a trio of University of Florida chemical engineers have developed a lab-on-a-chip process that could make a big difference for DNA research and, ultimately, patients.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Genomic analyses reveal human activity's vital role in Amazonian species' genetic makeup
The research aims to understand this keystone species' genetic health and adaptability, help reconstruct its demographic history, and assess the long-term impacts of human interaction on forest ecosystems. The findings emphasize the need for conservation strategies to consider both ecological and anthropogenic factors.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

For real, we may be taking blood pressure readings all wrong
For instance, people who had high blood pressure readings while lying down but not while seated had an estimated 53 percent higher relative risk of coronary heart disease than people with normal blood pressure. They had a 51 percent higher risk of heart failure, a 62 percent higher risk of stroke, a 78 percent higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease, and a 34 percent higher risk of all-cause mortality.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Long read sequencing reveals more genetic information while cutting time and cost of rare disease diagnoses
One in every 10 people worldwide is impacted by a rare genetic disease but about 50% of them remain undiagnosed despite rapid increases in genetic technology and testing. Even when a person does have access to testing, the process of getting a diagnosis can take about five years or more, which is sometimes too late for patients, who are often children, to start the right treatment.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Personalized therapy for rare genetic diseases: Patient-derived organoids offer new hope
Children's Mercy Kansas City has achieved a significant advancement toward the treatment of rare genetic diseases through the use of personalized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). This innovative approach has shown promising results in preclinical evaluations, which offers new hope for patients with previously untreatable conditions and validates personalized therapies for patients in only eight weeks, significantly faster and more cost-effective than the industry average.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Q&A: Delivering gene therapy to the lung using nanoparticles
Q&A: Delivering gene therapy to the lung using nanoparticles
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Science Newsfrom research organizations
Long read sequencing reveals more genetic information while cutting time and cost of rare disease diagnoses
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Microscopy innovation turns viruses into precision measurement tools
Measuring objects smaller than the wavelength of light challenges even the most sophisticated microscopes. When biologists study cellular structures just tens of nanometers wide - like the machinery that reads DNA or the channels that transport molecules - they need to know their measurements are accurate. A microscope miscalibrated by just a few nanometers can lead to incorrect conclusions about how cellular components fit and function together.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Researchers pioneer DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment
A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a novel method to enhance the precision of cancer treatment using gold nanoparticles tagged with DNA barcodes.
January 24th, 2025 — Source or Source

Study finds companies with strong political ties generate more money
High-level political connections within a company's board of directors can significantly enhance market perceptions of the value of corporate cash holdings, according to a new study.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Study finds OCD patients' decision making mirrors general population
Although obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be treated, research has shown that people with the disorder tend to have a lower quality of life than neurotypical people. Many struggle to achieve the same levels of education and financial stability as people without the disorder.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Study reveals new mechanism behind gene expression regulation in animal cells
A research team at KAIST has identified the core gene expression networks regulated by key proteins that fundamentally drive phenomena such as cancer development, metastasis, tissue differentiation from stem cells, and neural activation processes. This discovery lays the foundation for developing innovative therapeutic technologies.
January 24th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 22nd, 2025

A novel k-mer analysis tool based on next-generation sequencing for foreign DNA detection in genome-edited products
Genetic changes have the ability to alter crop characteristics, and some crop breeding techniques take advantage of this. Conventionally, genetic engineering has relied on natural or artificial mutations.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Can DNA-nanoparticle motors reach the same speed as motor proteins?
(Nanowerk News) DNA-nanoparticle motors are exactly as they sound: tiny artificial motors that use the structures of DNA and RNA to propel motion by enzymatic RNA degradation. Essentially, chemical energy is converted into mechanical motion by biasing the Brownian motion. The DNA-nanoparticle motor uses the "burnt-bridge" Brownian ratchet mechanism. In this type of movement, the motor is being propelled by the degradation (or "burning") of the bonds (or "bridges") it crosses along the substrate, essentially biasing its motion forward.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Complete recombination map of the human genome created
Scientists at deCODE genetics/Amgen have constructed a complete map of how human DNA is mixed as it is passed down during reproduction. The map marks a major step in the understanding of genetic diversity and its impact on health and fertility. It continues 25 years of research at deCODE genetics into how new diversity is generated in the human genome, and its relationship to health and disease.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Editing embryos to prevent genetic diseases: Study sparks ethical debate
Scientists from a collaboration of Australian research institutions have proposed that editing multiple genetic variants in human embryos could significantly lower the likelihood of developing complex diseases such as coronary artery disease, Alzheimer's, major depressive disorder, diabetes, and schizophrenia.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Engineered DNA-Nanoparticle Motors Achieve Motor Protein Speeds
Researchers from the Institute for Molecular Science aimed to level out the speed difference between artificial motors and motor proteins by improving the nanoscale artificial motor using their understanding of molecular motors. The study was published in Nature Communications.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Final synthetic yeast chromosome unlocks new era in biotechnology
(Nanowerk News) Macquarie University researchers have worked with an international team of scientists to achieve a major milestone in synthetic biology by completing the creation of the final chromosome in the world's first synthetic yeast genome.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source or Source

Insurance coverage and type of employment shape inequities in access to semaglutide
Developed initially to manage diabetes, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have skyrocketed in popularity since the US Food & Drug Administration first approved semaglutide (brand name Ozempic/Wegovy) for weight loss in 2021. Approval of tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro/Zepbound), an even more efficacious medication, soon followed in 2023.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Largest study on the genetics of bipolar disorder to date gives new insights into the underlying biology
Bipolar disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder, characterized by fluctuations between episodes of (hypo)mania and depression. It is estimated to affect around 40 to 50 million people worldwide. The disorder has been linked to a number of negative outcomes, including suicide, and it can take an average of 8 years to get a diagnosis. Yet, little is known about the biology of the condition.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Mom's X chromosome could speed up brain aging, study suggests
Women are born with two X chromosomes and inherit one from each parent. But in every cell of their body, just one X chromosome is needed—so the other is randomly inactivated. Some cells use only a maternal X chromosome; others rely only on the paternal X.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

More than 100 years of data suggest men are growing taller and heavier at twice the rate of women
A gender specialist at the University of Genoa, in Italy, a psychologist at the University of Missouri, in the U.S., and a behavioralist at the University of Roehampton, in the U.K, have found that men are growing taller and heavier at twice the rate of women.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Nationwide patterns of severe events provide crucial data for hazard response and mitigation
An understanding of the relationship between severe weather and power outages in our changing climate will be critical for hazard response plans, according to a study led by a researcher at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

New software package drives deeper understanding of trait evolution
Evolution is complex and difficult to study, but a new software package developed by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station offers researchers a better way to simulate how organisms change over time.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Proposed solution could bring DNA-nanoparticles motors up to speed with motor proteins
DNA-nanoparticle motors are exactly as they sound: tiny artificial motors that use the structures of DNA and RNA to propel motion through enzymatic RNA degradation. Essentially, chemical energy is converted into mechanical motion by biasing the Brownian motion.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Therapeutic blood clots activated by mRNA could cushion the blow of osteoarthritis
University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have developed a promising technique for treating osteoarthritis using therapeutic blood clots activated by messenger RNA.
January 22nd, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 20th, 2025

Ancient viral DNA shapes early embryo development
Over half of our genomes consists of thousands of remnants of ancient viral DNA, known as transposable elements, which are widespread across the tree of life. Once dismissed as the 'dark side' of the genome, researchers have now revealed their crucial role in early embryo development.
January 20th, 2025 — Source or Source

RNA's biophysical behavior offers new insights into X chromosome inactivation
Science has revealed some of the secrets of the X chromosome, but many remain. In humans, female cells contain two X chromosomes (XX) and male cells contain one (XY). In each female cell, one X chromosome must be inactivated—crumpled up in such a way that the genetic code it contains cannot be read out.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Smartwatches reveal insights into psychiatric illnesses and genetic links
Smartwatches that can collect physical and physiological data on users could be potentially interesting tools in biomedicine to gain a better understanding of brain diseases and behavioral disorders and possible driver mutations related to these pathologies.
January 20th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 17th, 2025

A common antihistamine shows promise in treating liver complications of a rare disease complication
Researchers find that allergy medicine could help patients with a rare genetic disease avoid liver transplants.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Genetic reanalysis results in more than 500 patients receiving diagnosis
The European consortium for Solving the Unsolved Rare Diseases has demonstrated the significance of international collaboration to address the unmet medical needs for rare diseases' diagnosis. More than 500 European patients with unknown conditions have received a diagnosis through new genetic research. This includes patients with rare neurological disorders, severe intellectual disabilities, muscle diseases, and hereditary gastrointestinal cancer.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Large-scale analysis discovers genetic loci associated with allergic sensitization
Large-scale analysis discovers genetic loci associated with allergic sensitization
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Newly discovered mechanism enables precise gene regulation by combining DNA and RNA epigenetics
Our genes contain all the instructions our body needs to function, but their expression must be finely regulated to guarantee that each cell performs its role optimally. This is where DNA and RNA epigenetics come in: a series of mechanisms that act as "markers" on genes, to control their activity without modifying the DNA or RNA sequence itself.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Over 500 European patients diagnosed through groundbreaking genetic research
More than 500 European patients with unknown conditions have received a diagnosis through new genetic research. This includes patients with rare neurological disorders, severe intellectual disabilities, muscle diseases, and hereditary gastrointestinal cancer. These diagnoses were achieved through extensive European collaboration, led by researchers from the University of Tübingen, Radboud university medical center, and the National Center for Genomic Analysis in Barcelona.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

RNA damage plays key role in sunburn reaction
Sunburn has traditionally been attributed to UV-induced DNA damage. However, a new study by the University of Copenhagen and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, reveals that RNA, another vital cellular molecule, plays a major role in triggering acute sunburn reactions.
January 17th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 13th, 2025

DNA nanorobots can alter artificial cells
Scientists have succeeded in controlling the structure and function of biological membranes with the help of 'DNA origami'. The system they developed may facilitate the transportation of large therapeutic loads into cells. This opens up a new way for the targeted administration of medication and other therapeutic interventions. Thus, a very valuable instrument can be added to the toolbox of synthetic biology.
January 13th, 2025 — Source or Source or Source

DNA repair pathways reveal how tumor cells die after radiotherapy
Scientists at Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) have solved a big mystery in cancer research—why cells die in different ways following radiotherapy. This surprising finding opens up new opportunities to improve treatment and increase cure rates.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Genetic discoveries drive new approaches to treating cerebral vascular malformations
Cerebral vascular malformations (CVMs), including cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernous malformations (CCMs), have long posed challenges due to their complex origins and severe clinical implications. This comprehensive review, authored by an expert team at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, redefines CVMs as genetic and molecular-driven conditions, departing from the traditional view of congenital structural anomalies.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Immunofluorescence study sheds light on brain's DNA damage and repair processes
Brain cells receive sensory inputs from the outside world and send signals throughout the body telling organs and muscles what to do. Although neurons comprise only 10% of brain cells, their functional and genomic integrity must be maintained over a lifetime. Most dividing cells in the body have well-defined checkpoint mechanisms to sense and correct DNA damage during DNA replication.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Importance of RNA modifications in fungal infection resistance could lead to better treatments
An often-overlooked mechanism of gene regulation may be involved in the failure of antifungal drugs in the clinic, claims a German-Austrian research team led by the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology--Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI).
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Long-read sequencing successfully uncovers genetic causes of rare diseases
The cause of rare diseases is increasingly being detected through genome sequencing, which involves reading the entire human DNA by first breaking it into small pieces—short reads. Christian Gilissen, Lisenka Vissers, and colleagues found that a new technique using long reads is even more effective at detecting complex causes.
January 13th, 2025 — Source or Source

Nuclear speckles identified as key hubs for gene expression regulation
Scientists at the University of California, Irvine, have discovered that nuclear speckles, a membraneless organelle within the nucleus, serve as central hubs for pre-mRNA 3′ end processing. This discovery advances our understanding of how spatial organization within cells impacts gene expression and could open new avenues for treating diseases influenced by RNA processing defects.
January 13th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 9th, 2025

RNA's influence on sugar metabolism could transform gut health strategies
Researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) and the Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) in Würzburg have identified a protein and a group of small ribonucleic acids (sRNAs) in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, which regulate sugar metabolism. These discoveries shed light on how this gut microbe adapts to varying nutritional conditions.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Study questions accuracy of genetic test for opioid use disorder
Opioid misuse and specifically opioid use disorder (OUD), continues to represent a significant U.S. public health threat, with more than 6 million Americans aged 12 and older meeting the criteria for OUD in 2022. Efforts to ease the crisis have included the development of genetic testing to identify individuals most at risk for OUD.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Synthetic beads mimic critical process in cell division, opening new paths for biomachines
In a study that could help scientists better understand and manipulate cell division, RIKEN biologists have engineered artificial structures that replicate one of life's most crucial processes—the precise division of packages of DNA known as chromosomes.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

What we eat affects our health—and can alter how our genes function
Fiber is well known to be an important part of a healthy diet, yet less than 10% of Americans eat the minimum recommended amount. A study from Stanford Medicine might finally convince us to fill our plates with beans, nuts, cruciferous veggies, avocados and other fiber-rich foods.
January 9th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 8th, 2025

DNA sequencers found running ancient BIOS, posing risk to clinical research
Devices on six-year-old firmware vulnerable to takeover and destruction
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Human 'domainome' reveals root cause of heritable disease
Most mutations which cause disease by swapping one amino acid out for another do so by making the protein less stable, according to a massive study of human protein variants published in the journal Nature. Unstable proteins are more likely to misfold and degrade, causing them to stop working or accumulate in harmful amounts inside cells.
January 8th, 2025 — Source or Source

It's in the genes: Weight and metabolism determined by genetics more than diet
Shaped by fads and one-size-fits-all approaches, current dietary practices rely on the idea that everyone needs the same food to achieve similar results, an idea challenged by new research from the University of Virginia.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Micro, modular, mobile—DNA-linked microrobots offer new possibilities in medicine and manufacturing
When robots are made out of modular units, their size, shape, and functionality can be modified to perform any number of tasks. At the microscale, modular robots could enable applications like targeted drug delivery and autonomous micromanufacturing; but building hundreds of identical robots the size of a red blood cell has its challenges.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Newly discovered gene mutation in eye disease named after blind Irish poet
Researchers at University College Dublin (UCD) have discovered that a mutation in a gene called emc1 causes major vision problems in zebrafish. Zebrafish with this mutation had poorly developed eye cells, weaker responses to light, and changes in the normal structure of their retinas. These tiny, tropical fish are used as a tool to find novel genes that cause inherited blindness and help find better treatments for inherited retinal blindness.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Novel brain mechanism links neurotransmitters to circadian gene expression
A collaborative effort between Mount Sinai and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has shed valuable light on how monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and now histamine help regulate brain physiology and behavior through chemical bonding of these monoamines to histone proteins, the core DNA-packaging proteins of our cells.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Researchers unravel a novel mechanism regulating gene expression in the brain that could guide solutions to circadian and other disorders
A collaborative effort has shed valuable light on how monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and now histamine help regulate brain physiology and behavior through chemical bonding of these monoamines to histone proteins, the core DNA-packaging proteins of our cells.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Study links gene-regulating brain circuit formation to autism and seizures
The gene neuropilin2 encodes a receptor involved in cell-cell interactions in the brain and plays a key role in regulating the development of neural circuits. Neuropilin2 controls migration of inhibitory neurons as well as the formation and maintenance of synaptic connections in excitatory neurons—two crucial components of brain activity.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Study unveils 13 genes that increase the risk of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a painful condition in which cartilage—the protective cushioning between the joints—gradually breaks down. The progressive joint disease, which affects more than 32 million people in the United States, can eventually cause bone-on-bone friction, joint stiffness, and pain with every movement.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

The genes that grow a healthy brain can also fuel adult glioblastoma
UCSF scientists have discovered a stem cell in the young brain that's capable of forming the cells found in tumors. The breakthrough could explain how adult brain cells take advantage of developmental processes to instigate the explosive growth seen in deadly brain cancers like glioblastoma.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

The same gene can drive distinct medulloblastoma types in different ways
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals new insights into how medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood, can arise as the cerebellum develops.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Researchers reveal how a gene mutation can lead to devastating blood diseases
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals how a mutated gene called ASXL1 is involved in a disease called clonal hematopoiesis, a precursor to malignant diseases such as myeloid malignancies and chronic monomyelocytic leukemia.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

UCD researchers discover gene mutation linked to vision problems in zebrafish
Researchers in University College Dublin (UCD) have discovered that a mutation in a gene called emc1 causes major vision problems in zebrafish. Zebrafish with this mutation had poorly developed eye cells, weaker responses to light, and changes in the normal structure of their retinas. These tiny, tropical fish are used as a tool to find novel genes that cause inherited blindness and help find better treatments for inherited retinal blindness.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Uncovering clues to a natural gene-editing technique
Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) are found in the genomes of microorganisms across the globe—from the arctic permafrost to Yellowstone's hot springs and the human gut. DGRs are able to reverse-transcribe RNA back to DNA in a form of natural gene-editing. This process accelerates the evolution of proteins to help microorganisms adapt to changing environments.
January 8th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 7th, 2025

A passive resistance phenomenon: Marine bacteria use low tRNA levels to fend off viruses
As humans, we often focus on viruses and bacteria because of their role in causing various, sometimes severe, diseases. However, an equally fascinating but lesser-known phenomenon is the ongoing battle between bacteria and bacteriophages—viruses that specifically target and infect bacteria.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

BIOS flaws expose iSeq DNA sequencers to bootkit attacks
BIOS/UEFI vulnerabilities in the iSeq 100 DNA sequencer from U.S. biotechnology company Illumina could let attackers disable devices used for detecting illnesses and developing vaccines.
January 7th, 2025 — Source or Source

CRISPR therapy corrects muscular dystrophy mutations and regrows muscles in mice
Researchers at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint institution of the Max Delbrück Center and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, have developed a promising gene-editing approach intended to restore the function of a protein that is essential to repair and regrow muscle in patients with muscular dystrophy diseases.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Fluorescent RNA complexes offer new insights into cellular dynamics
The specific labeling of RNA in living cells poses many challenges. In a new article published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, researchers from the University of Innsbruck describe a structure-guided approach to the formation of covalent (i.e., irreversibly tethered) RNA-ligand complexes.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Gene therapy could treat chronic hypereosinophilia
A study published in Human Gene Therapy has involved the generation of a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against human eosinophils. The heavy and light chains of that fully human anti-human eosinophil mAb were delivered via an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy to immunodeficient mice, where they suppressed levels of human eosinophils in vivo.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Genetic cause for main type of hearing loss in children with Down syndrome identified
The genetic cause for the most common type of hearing loss in children with Down syndrome has been identified in mice by researchers at UCL, the Francis Crick Institute and MRC Harwell Institute.
January 7th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 6th, 2025

Genetic discovery offers hope for personalized epilepsy treatments
Recent research led by UTHealth Houston scientists has uncovered two genes associated with variants linked to epilepsy, which showed specific traits that make them promising diagnostic biomarkers.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Genetic testing could improve treatment for patients with the virulent multidrug-resistant fungus Candida auris
A new study shows that genetic testing could be used to determine which drugs will—and won't—work for patients with Candida auris (C. auris), a multidrug-resistant yeast that causes life-threatening disease. These findings could improve treatment for C. auris infections by enabling patients to start taking effective antifungal agents sooner.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Genetically altered fat cells in mice show promise for obesity treatment
Obese mice whose fat cells were genetically altered to produce an increased amount of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) lost more than a third of their body weight through a mechanism that burns energy, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers report in a new study.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Scientists identify 11 genes affected by PFAS, shedding light on neurotoxicity
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) earn their "forever chemical" moniker by persisting in water, soil and even the human brain. This unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue makes PFAS particularly concerning, but the underlying mechanism of their neurotoxicity must be studied further.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Study unveils novel pathway triggering immune response to DNA damage
A research team from the University of California, Irvine has revealed a previously unknown mechanism that triggers an inflammatory immune response in cells when their DNA is damaged. This discovery deepens the understanding of a new type of cell signaling that may lead to more effective treatments for cancer.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Yemeni DNA reveals ancient ties to the Levant, Arabia and East Africa
Researchers from Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates, working with regional and international collaborators, have examined Yemeni DNA to reveal how migrations from the Levant, Arabia, and East Africa formed the modern Yemeni gene pool. Analysis of Yemeni genomes revealed genetic contributions from both the Levant and East Africa, with significant regional influxes occurring at different historical periods.
January 6th, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 3rd, 2025

Genetic mutation in esophageal cancer found to have dual effects
A genetic fault long believed to drive the development of esophageal cancer may in fact play a protective role early in the disease, according to new research published in Nature Cancer. This unexpected discovery could help doctors identify which individuals are at greater risk of developing cancer, potentially leading to more personalized and effective preventive strategies.
January 3rd, 2025 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 31st, 2024

Gene therapy research offers hope for people with chronic kidney disease
Researchers are making strides in improving gene therapies for genetic diseases, particularly chronic kidney disease, using adeno-associated virus, or AAV, vectors. While AAV-based treatments have shown promise, delivering these therapies effectively to the kidneys has remained a challenge—until now.
December 31st, 2024 — Source

Genomics-informed model beneficial for neurodevelopmental disorders
For patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), a genomics-informed model can provide clinical benefits, directly affecting management, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Genetics in Medicine.
December 31st, 2024 — Source

Introducing HORNET, a novel RNA structure visualization method that correlates sequence and 3D topology
National Cancer Institute researchers have developed a method called HORNET for characterizing 3D topological structures of large and flexible RNA molecules. Scientists used atomic force microscopy (AFM) with deep neural networks and unsupervised machine learning to capture individual conformers under physiological conditions.
December 31st, 2024 — Source

New 'molecular flashlight' technique detects brain metastases in mice using ultra-thin light probe
Monitoring molecular changes in the brain caused by cancer and other neurological pathologies in a non-invasive way is one of the major challenges in biomedical research. A new experimental technique has achieved this by introducing light into the brains of mice using an ultra-thin probe. The study is published in the journal Nature Methods by an international team that includes groups from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).
December 31st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 30th, 2024

40 years of research into genetic causes of childhood and adolescent cancers
Cancer in children and adolescents is rare. Nevertheless, malignant diseases are still one of the most common causes of death in this age group. Survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer often suffer chronic health problems with increased morbidity and mortality rates.
December 30th, 2024 — Source

Foreign DNA 'sneaks' past bacterial defenses, aiding antibiotic resistance
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals how bacterial defense mechanisms can be neutralized, enabling the efficient transfer of genetic material between bacteria. The researchers believe this discovery could pave the way for developing tools to address the antibiotic resistance crisis and promote more effective genetic manipulation methods for medical, industrial, and environmental purposes.
December 30th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 29th, 2024

What you should know about pancreatic cancer screening
Pancreatic cancer screening has advanced significantly in recent years. There are now research-based guidelines on screening for people at high risk of developing the disease, and researchers are collaborating to develop new screening approaches involving genetic testing and artificial intelligence (AI).
December 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 27th, 2024

Craving carbs? Blame an ancient gene.
We, Neanderthals, and Denisovans all have extra copies of a starch-digesting enzyme.
December 27th, 2024 — Source

Sustained visual improvements in LHON patients treated with AAV gene therapy
A multinational study led by the LHON Study Group has revealed sustained visual improvements and a favorable safety profile five years following lenadogene nolparvovec gene therapy in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) caused by the MT-ND4 gene mutation.
December 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 25th, 2024

Ancient genomes provide final word in Indo-European linguistic origins
A team of 91 researchers—including famed geneticist Eske Willerslev at the Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Center, University of Copenhagen—has discovered a Bronze Age genetic divergence connected to eastern and western Mediterranean Indo-European language speakers.
December 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 16th, 2024

Influenza's protective coat and RNA interactions mapped at atomic level
To fight the virus that causes influenza, one of the avenues being explored by scientists is the development of drugs capable of destabilizing its genome, which is made up of eight RNA molecules. But the challenge is daunting: Each RNA molecule is tightly bound to an assembly of proteins which creates a double helix, forming a protective coat that is difficult to manipulate.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Newly discovered degradation process for mRNA could lead to clinical treatments
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a process that breaks down mRNA molecules in the human body particularly efficiently. This could be useful, for example, in the treatment of cancer.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Researchers discover molecular events leading to Rett syndrome
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children's Hospital and collaborating institutions have gained new insights into the molecular changes leading to Rett syndrome, a severe neurological disorder caused by mutations in the MeCP2 gene encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2).
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Scientists discover that pseudouridine molecule guides epigenetic inheritance in plants and mammals
Not everything inside us is, strictly speaking, us. The closer we look at the genome, the more we appreciate the role of small RNAs in what we call epigenetic inheritance. That's when traits get passed down without altering our basic DNA sequence.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 13th, 2024

A new twist: The molecular machines that loop chromosomes also twist DNA
Scientists from the Kavli Institute of Delft University of Technology and the IMP Vienna Biocenter have discovered a new property of the molecular motors that shape our chromosomes. While six years ago they found that these so-called SMC motor proteins make long loops in our DNA, they have now discovered that these motors also put significant twists into the loops that they form.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Genetic toolkit uses mouse models to modify and investigate gene function
A team at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) has developed a comprehensive set of innovative genetic tools and mouse lines, called iFlpMosaics, designed to enhance the study of gene function and its implications in health and disease.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

How cells repair DNA's protective barrier: Addressing a rare genetic disorder characterized by rapid aging in children
Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, have discovered how a protein called lamin A helps repair the protective barrier around a cell's DNA. The findings reveal lamin A's unique role and its potential for treating Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare disorder that causes premature aging.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

How DNA shapes reproductive health, fertility and even life expectancy
Led by researchers from the University of Oxford's Leverhulme Center for Demographic Science and the University of Iceland, a review, published in Nature Aging, explores how genetic variations can explain differences in reproductive health and longevity.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Key genetic mechanism provides insights into facial development and congenital issues
An international team of researchers has identified a key genetic mechanism that regulates the formation and migration of cranial neural crest cells, which are essential for developing facial structures.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Mini-brains reveal how mitochondrial mutations affect brain cells
Researchers at the University of Bergen have used advanced stem cell technology to develop mini-brains, also called brain organoids, that can mimic disease processes caused by mitochondrial failure. This could open new avenues for treating serious brain diseases such as epilepsy.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Potential new mRNA-based therapy for pre-eclampsia
A single injection of the therapeutic candidate was associated with improvements in maternal blood pressure in two mice models.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 10th, 2024

Gene variant linked to reduced thiopurine metabolism in African ancestry
Mayo Clinic researchers found that a gene variant, the TPMT∗8 allele, is associated with reduced metabolism of the thiopurine class of drugs. TPMT∗8 is relatively common in individuals of African or African American descent.
December 10th, 2024 — Source

Nanopore direct RNA sequencing finds cancer's 'fingerprint' to improve early detection
Different types of cancer have unique molecular "fingerprints" which are detectable in early stages of the disease and can be picked up with near-perfect accuracy by small, portable scanners in just a few hours, according to a study published today in the journal Molecular Cell.
December 10th, 2024 — Source

Researchers unlock new gene therapy targets for diabetic kidney disease
New potential therapeutic targets have been identified for diabetic kidney disease (DKD)—the leading cause of kidney failure in the world—that could see patients treated with new gene and drug therapies preventing the disease's progression into end stage kidney failure.
December 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — December 6th, 2024

Cohort study shows cannabis use increases risk of psychosis independently from genetic predisposition
New research from King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has shown that genetic load for schizophrenia and frequent use of cannabis have independent links to the likelihood of developing clinical psychosis. The results provide insight into possible future ways to identify those at higher risk of psychosis and help inform preventative strategies.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Computer modeling shows close encounters between distant DNA regions cause bursts of gene activity
Researchers at Kyushu University have revealed how spatial distance between specific regions of DNA is linked to bursts of gene activity. Using advanced cell imaging techniques and computer modeling, the researchers showed that the folding and movement of DNA, as well as the accumulation of certain proteins, changes depending on whether a gene is active or inactive.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Drug offers cost-effective protection for newborns with genetic bleeding disorder
Severe hemophilia A is a genetic disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly, posing a constant risk of dangerous bleeding episodes. Infants with severe hemophilia A (HA) are at risk of brain bleeds, which can lead to serious long-term brain damage. Emicizumab (Hemlibra) was approved by the FDA in 2018 to prevent and reduce bleeding for patients who suffer from hemophilia A.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Exploring how our first language is echoed in our genesA person's native language is often referred to as their "mother tongue." But does a first language always come from your mother?
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December 6th, 2024 — Source

Researchers at Kyushu University have revealed how spatial distance between specific regions of DNA is linked to bursts of gene activity. Using advanced cell imaging techniques and computer modeling, the researchers showed that the folding and movement of DNA, as well as the accumulation of certain proteins, changes depending on whether a gene is active or inactive.
#2693
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Newborn screening by genome sequencing shown to be safe and effective in two clinical studies
Two studies published in the American Journal of Human Genetics show the potential for genomic screening in newborns to address high rates of infant hospitalization and mortality in the United States. Presently, hundreds of genetic diseases are either preventable or treatable but currently are detected only after a child falls ill and endures a years-long "diagnostic odyssey," often receiving diagnoses too late to achieve the best outcomes.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Newly discovered mechanism in mitochondria could lead to new treatment for muscle disorders
Researchers have discovered a mechanism in our cells that is essential to energy production in the muscles. The discovery may lead to new treatment for disorders affecting the muscles, such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 29th, 2024

RNA enzyme found key to heart cell energy shift after birth
Study reveals how an RNA enzyme drives the postnatal switch from glucose to fatty acids in heart cells, highlighting ketogenesis as essential for metabolism.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Scientists find cause of rare devastating, autoimmune disease in Puerto Ricans—but also find potential treatment
A rare autoimmune condition with a tongue-twister of a name may impact people of Puerto Rican heritage through a newly discovered genetic pathway, a discovery that may ultimately guide genetic counseling and treatment, scientists associated with the discovery say.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 27th, 2024

Decoding the structure of nano 'gene ferries' to advance RNA drugs
LMU researchers have investigated how cationic polymers organize on a molecular level when transporting RNA drugs.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

DNA-based bioink technology enables precise 3D-printing of blood vessels
Researchers at the University of Twente, Netherlands, have made an advancement in bioprinting technology that could transform how we create vascularized tissues. Their innovative bioink, recently featured in Advanced Healthcare Materials, introduces a way to precisely guide the growth and organization of tiny blood vessels within 3D-bioprinted tissues.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Drug research: Decoding the structure of nano 'gene ferries'
Researchers have investigated how cationic polymers organize on a molecular level when transporting RNA drugs.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Engineering DNA to mimic biological catch bonds with 'fish-hook' system
In a first-of-its-kind breakthrough, a team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed an artificial adhesion system that closely mimics natural biological interactions.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

FDA approves Kebilidi for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved PTC Therapeutics' Kebilidi (eladocagene exuparvovec-tneq) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

'Genetic time machine' reveals complex chimpanzee cultures
Chimpanzees are known for their remarkable intelligence and use of tools, but could their cultures also evolve over time like human cultures? A new, multidisciplinary study suggests that some of their most advanced behaviors may have been passed down and refined through generations.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

New insights into cationic polymer structure in RNA drug delivery
LMU researchers have investigated how cationic polymers organize on a molecular level when transporting RNA drugs.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Preclinical tests show mRNA-based treatments effective for blinding condition
A preclinical study by Mass Eye and Ear investigators showed that a novel mRNA-based therapy may be able to prevent blindness and scarring from proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) following a retinal detachment repair or traumatic injury to the eye. There is no current treatment for PVR other than surgery, which itself carries a high risk of causing or exacerbating PVR.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 25th, 2024

Innovative approach maps gene activity in the living human brain
A new method to profile gene activity in the living human brain has been developed by researchers at FutureNeuro, the Research Ireland Center for Translational Brain Science and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in collaboration with international partners. This innovative approach, published in JCI Insight, opens new avenues for understanding and treating neurological conditions such as epilepsy.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Innovative Lipid Nanoparticle Design for Enhanced mRNA Delivery and Efficacy
Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have developed an ideal "recipe" for ionizable lipids, which are essential components of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the molecules that underlie the COVID-19 vaccines and other cutting-edge treatments, to enhance mRNA delivery. The study was published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Groundbreaking research sheds light on mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome
Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MTDPS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a marked decrease in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This condition can cause symptoms including muscle weakness, fatigue, and neurological issues, particularly affecting the liver and brain in cases of hepatocerebral MTDPS. Mitochondrial diseases, which represent some of the most common types of metabolic disorders, can result in the failure of multiple organ systems.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Molecular morphers: DNA-powered gels shape-shift on command
Johns Hopkins engineers have developed gel strips that change shape when given chemical instructions written in DNA code. These "gel automata," measuring just centimeters, can grow or shrink, transforming from one letter or number to another when triggered by specific DNA molecules. This breakthrough opens possibilities for shape-shifting robots and medical devices that can reconfigure themselves to perform various tasks.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

New mechanism in bacterial DNA enzyme opens pathways for antibiotic development
Researchers from Durham University, Jagiellonian University (Poland) and the John Innes Center have achieved a breakthrough in understanding DNA gyrase, a vital bacterial enzyme and key antibiotic target. This enzyme, present in bacteria but absent in humans, plays a crucial role in supercoiling DNA, a necessary process for bacterial survival.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Small RNAs might drive COPD progression: Research lays foundation for potential new diagnostics and therapies
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects nearly 12 million people in the U.S. alone and is the third leading cause of death worldwide. High levels of immune molecules known as cytokines, which can damage the lungs, are a hallmark of COPD.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 23rd, 2024

RNA editing is the next frontier in gene therapy—here's what you need to know
The United States Food and Drug Administration has just approved the first-ever clinical trial that uses CRISPR-Cas13 RNA editing. Its aim is to treat an eye disease called wet age-related macular degeneration that causes vision loss in millions of older people worldwide.
November 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 21st, 2024

3D snapshots unveil the intricate dance of RNA folding
In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the United States and Denmark have successfully captured 3D images of individual RNA nanoparticles in the midst of their folding process. Utilizing a cutting-edge electron microscopy technique, the team has unlocked new insight into the intricate folding dance leading to the final shape of RNA molecules.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

DNA repair: A look inside the cell's 'repair cafe'
New research sheds light on how cells repair damaged DNA. For the first time, the team has mapped the activity of repair proteins in individual human cells. The study demonstrates how these proteins collaborate in so-called 'hubs' to repair DNA damage. This knowledge offers opportunities to improve cancer therapies and other treatments where DNA repair is essential.
November 21st, 2024 — Source or Source

DNA-based methods found highly effective for identifying insect species
A team of researchers from Linnaeus University and Linköping University, extensively evaluated DNA barcoding and metabarcoding methods. A comprehensive study has demonstrated that DNA-based methods are remarkably reliable for identifying insect species and estimating biodiversity. Barcoding approaches offer robust and resource-efficient alternatives to traditional taxonomic identification, which is promising news for biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Florida panthers deemed unaffected by emerging fatal genetic condition in new research
University of Central Florida researchers have helmed a study that found Florida panthers are not particularly susceptible to a potentially transmissible disease that causes cognitive decline leading to death in their prey. The findings abate concerns that this fatal disease, known as chronic wasting disease, is threatening the species.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Genetic research explores purple tea's health benefits
Purple tea, the product of long-term natural evolution, stands out for its high anthocyanin content, known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Unlike traditional green tea, purple tea is increasingly valued for its potential to boost metabolic health and offer disease prevention benefits.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Genomic surveillance studies reveal circulation of multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales in Europe
Patients seeking treatment in hospital or other health care facilities can be particularly vulnerable to infections they acquire during their stay, especially if the infections are difficult to treat because they are resistant to commonly used drugs. For example, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are known to particularly affect hospitalized patients.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Lipid nanoparticle-mRNA delivery system could transform neurological treatment
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based therapeutics and the potential of mRNA as a treatment for various conditions has been researched for decades. A key challenge remains finding a delivery system that enables enough of the mRNA to reach target tissues safely without causing adverse effects.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

New genetic explanation for heart condition revealed
A potentially life-changing heart condition, dilated cardiomyopathy, can be caused by the cumulative influence of hundreds or thousands of genes and not just by a single "aberrant" genetic variant, as was previously thought, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

New imaging method enables detailed RNA analysis of the whole brain
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital have developed a microscopy method that enables detailed three-dimensional (3D) RNA analysis at cellular resolution in whole intact mouse brains. The new method, called TRISCO, has the potential to transform our understanding of brain function, both in normal conditions and in disease, according to a new study published in Science.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Origin of life research finds RNA can favor both left- and right-handed proteins
The mystery of why life uses molecules with specific orientations has deepened with a discovery that RNA—a key molecule thought to have potentially held the instructions for life before DNA emerged—can favor making the building blocks of proteins in either the left-hand or the right-hand orientation. Resolving this mystery could provide clues to the origin of life.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Researchers zero in on genetic variant tied to miscarriages
In what could be a major advance in understanding the genetic causes underlying human infertility, scientists led by researchers from Rutgers University-New Brunswick have identified a gene variant directly tied to early miscarriages in women.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Scientists discover 'toolkit' to fix DNA breaks associated with aging, cancer and motor neuron disease
A new "toolkit" to repair damaged DNA that can lead to aging, cancer and motor neuron disease (MND) has been discovered by scientists at the Universities of Sheffield and Oxford.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Single gene causes embryo notochord deformity in zebrafish, study reveals
Can a single protein-encoding gene determine whether a vertebrate embryo develops normally? Yes, according to Osaka Metropolitan University researchers, who found that suppression of Pcdh8 is essential for the notochord to elongate properly in zebrafish.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Study links mitochondrial dysfunction to cognitive-metabolic impairments
Mitochondria possess their own DNA (mtDNA), which plays important roles in cellular respiration and energy consumption. Mutations in mtDNA can lead to severe human diseases. To advance our understanding of mitochondrial genetic disorders, there is a need to develop suitable animal models with targeted mtDNA mutations.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Study reveals RNA's unknown role in DNA damage repair
A multi-institutional team of researchers, led by Georgia Tech's Francesca Storici, has discovered a previously unknown role for RNA. Their insights could lead to improved treatments for diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders while changing our understanding of genetic health and evolution.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 18th, 2024

Discovery of new genes for molar pregnancies sheds light on their increased incidence in women aged 35 and over
A molar pregnancy, also known as a hydatidiform mole, is an abnormal human pregnancy with no embryo and an overgrowth of the cells that form the placenta. The common form of molar pregnancy affects one in every 600 pregnancies in Quebec.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Innovative platform helps explore genetic links to 99 diseases
A new study introduces the Proteome-Wide Association Study Hub, an innovative and powerful tool designed to explore gene-disease connections across ninety-nine common diseases. Leveraging machine learning and statistical models, the platform (PWAS Hub) identifies genes linked to specific conditions, with separate analyses for male and female subjects as well as inheritance patterns. This accessible resource is set to advance personalized medicine by providing valuable genetic insights to clinicians, researchers, and the public.
November 18th, 2024 — Source or Source

New resource maps gene-disease links across common conditions, paving the way for personalized medicine
A new study introduces an innovative tool for exploring gene-disease connections: the PWAS Hub. This resource is based on the novel approach of the proteome-wide association study (PWAS), which complements traditional genetic analysis methods like the genome-wide association study (GWAS) by focusing on the effects of genetic variations on the biochemical function of all protein-coding genes.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Research targets DNA repair vulnerabilities in female reproductive cancers
Each cell in our body experiences up to tens of thousands of DNA-damaging events per day, primarily from routine cellular maintenance or exposure to toxins in our environment. Despite the high frequency of wear-and-tear, cells have efficient repair mechanisms that work tirelessly, allowing our bodies to maintain our DNA in each one of our cells throughout our lifetimes.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 15th, 2024

Alternative experimental gene therapy restores hearing, boosts vision in tests
Harvard Medical School researchers have taken another decisive step in their efforts to develop a gene therapy for people with Usher syndrome type 1F, a rare condition that causes deafness and progressive blindness.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Biologists reveal the genetic 'switch' behind parrot color diversity
From the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro to the shoulders of pirates: parrots are synonymous with color for people across the world. In a new study, scientists uncover a 'switch' in the DNA of parrots that controls their wide gamut of colors.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Could You Get $10,000 From 23andMe's Data Breach Settlement? Here's What to Know
Nearly 7 million of 23andMe's customers were exposed in a recent data leak. Now they -- and potentially, you -- could be in line for a major payout.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Evo—an AI-based model for deciphering and designing genetic sequences
Computer scientists, bioengineers and AI specialists from the Arc Institute and Stanford University have developed an AI-based model capable of decoding and designing genetic sequences. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes the factors that went into designing and building their model, which they have named Evo, and list multiple possible uses for it.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

FDA grants orphan drug designation to potential treatment of STXBP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Research that was carried out by Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital doctors has led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting Orphan Drug Designation to a treatment for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) due to syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1) mutations.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Genes of ancient animal relatives used to grow a mouse: Study reveals hidden history of stem cells
An international team of researchers has achieved an unprecedented milestone: the creation of mouse stem cells capable of generating a fully developed mouse using genetic tools from a unicellular organism, with which we share a common ancestor that predates animals.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Scientists discover a rare missense variant in STAT6 that protects against asthma
Scientists at deCODE genetics and collaborators have published a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reporting a rare missense variant in STAT6 that protects against asthma.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 12th, 2024

One genomic test can diagnose nearly any infection
Next-generation metagenomic sequencing test developed at UCSF proves its effectiveness in quickly diagnosing almost any kind of pathogen.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 7th, 2024

DNA evidence rewrites histories for people buried in volcanic eruption in ancient PompeiiIn 79 CE, the active volcanic system in southern Italy known as Somma-Vesuvius erupted, burying the small Roman town of Pompeii and everyone in it. The "Pompeii eruption" covered everything in a layer of ash that preserved many of the bodies.
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November 7th, 2024 — Source

DNA From Pompeii Victims Reveals Surprising Relationships Amidst the Chaos
Analysis of ancient DNA from the ashen casts of Pompeii victims changes presumed relationships between them, and reveals the port city's socioeconomic and geographic diversity.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

DNA sequencing reveals significant decrease in gut bacterial diversity during aging
A new study has revealed that gut bacteria may play a key role in aging, and that specific microbes could be targeted to promote healthy aging.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Researchers find 41 new genetic regions linked to disc herniations
Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common structural changes in the lower back and the most common cause of radiating pain, or sciatica, in the leg.
November 7th, 2024 — Source or Source

RNA-targeting CRISPR reveals that hundreds of noncoding RNAs are essential—not 'junk'
Genes contain instructions for making proteins, and a central dogma of biology is that this information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins. But only two percent of the human genome actually encodes proteins; the function of the remaining 98% remains largely unknown.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 5th, 2024

New modeling of complex biological systems could offer insights into genomic data and other huge datasets
Over the past two decades, new technologies have helped scientists generate a vast amount of biological data. Large-scale experiments in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and cytometry can produce enormous quantities of data from a given cellular or multicellular system.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Scientists develop test to better track whooping cough strains amid outbreak in Australia
Researchers at UNSW Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have developed a new genomic test that can identify the specific strains of whooping cough (bacterium Bordetella pertussis).
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Two genes linked to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis could serve as targets for diagnosis and treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease affecting an estimated 17 million people worldwide. The disease is caused by immune cells attacking the joints and can result in pain, swelling, and damage to the cartilage and bone. People with rheumatoid arthritis often develop osteoporosis, a more serious condition, as a result of the bone damage caused by immune cells and as a side effect of certain medications.
November 5th, 2024 — Source or Source

What Does DNA Stand For, and How Does It Work?
All about DNA—no college degree necessary.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — November 1st, 2024

Advances in taro research: New gene silencing system enables rapid gene function verification
A research team has established a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system in taro, enabling researchers to rapidly verify gene functions in this underutilized crop. Utilizing a tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-based vector, the study paves the way for significant advancements in taro breeding and germplasm resource utilization, addressing the growing demand for improved crop varieties in both food and industrial applications.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

Discovery of a protein's key role in RNA processes could improve disease treatment in humans and plants
Texas A&M AgriLife researchers uncovered a promising target for controlling gene expression and other cellular processes, which could lead to advancements in crop resilience and our understanding of certain human diseases.
November 1st, 2024 — Source

RNA sequencing approach offers real-time and programmable transcriptome sequencing
The high complexity and diversity of the eukaryotic transcriptome poses significant challenges for the efficient detection of specific transcripts. Conventional targeted RNA-seq methods often require labor-intensive pre-sequencing enrichment steps, which can compromise comprehensive transcriptome profiling and limit their broader applications.
November 1st, 2024 — Source or Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 30th, 2024

Most patients with mitochondrial disease can be diagnosed via genomic sequencing, study says
More than half of people with mitochondrial disease can be diagnosed via genomic sequencing, a finding that will revolutionize care for families, according to a new study. And the Melbourne researchers have discovered what boosts and impacts the testing results, especially among children.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

Potential genetic link ID'd between thyroid disease, alopecia areata
There seems to be a significant association between hypothyroidism, Hashimoto thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, and alopecia areata (AA), according to a study published in the October issue of Skin Research & Technology.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

Researchers identify genetic markers linked to neuropathic pain
European researchers have mapped the most comprehensive phenotyping of neuropathic pain and identified genetic markers associated with this serious condition. The new findings could be especially important for diabetes-patients.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

Who should get paid for nature's sequenced genes?
Much of the vanilla that flavors our ice cream today is artificial, derived from the genetic signature of a plant that hundreds of years ago was known only to an Indigenous Mexican tribe.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 28th, 2024

A new chemistry for CRISPR

CRISPR-Cas9 has long been likened to a kind of genetic scissors, thanks to its ability to snip out any desired section of DNA with elegant precision.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Ancestry versus 23andMe: How to Pick the Best DNA Testing Kit for You

Our experts at CNET have pitted the best DNA kits against each other to show you which one you should use.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Childhood attention issues and genetic factors may predict psychosis risk

Childhood attention issues and genetic factors may predict psychosis risk
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Delayed antibody treatment may improve efficacy of mRNA vaccines

Investigators led by Pablo Penaloza-MacMaster, Ph.D., associate professor of Microbiology-Immunology, have discovered that administering an antibody treatment four days after mRNA vaccination enhances immune responses and vaccine efficacy in mice, according to a recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Genetics and childhood attention problems linked to psychotic-like experiences in youth

Researchers at UCLA Health have found that a person's risk of developing psychotic-like experiences may be influenced by both childhood attention problems and their genetic makeup.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Genomic variants that increase risk of kidney disease are found in nearly one-third of West Africans
NIH study suggests potential for earlier health interventions for people with West African ancestry
October 28th, 2024 — Source

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New technique allows technicolor imaging of degenerative joint disease

Medical imaging is no longer in Kansas, Toto, as a team led by Penn State researchers brings traditional black and white diagnostic images of X-rays and traditional CT scans into technicolor. The researchers developed novel contrast agents that target two proteins implicated in osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease commonly characterized as wear-and-tear arthritis.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Researchers discover underlying mechanisms that make CRISPR an effective gene editing tool

CRISPR/Cas9 is a gene editing tool that has revolutionized biomedical research and led to the first FDA-approved CRISPR-based gene therapy. However, until now, the precise mechanism of exactly how this tool works and avoids creating detrimental off-target effects was not well understood.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Researchers propose novel biosensor for miRNA assay

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of miRNAs which play important roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Preclinical studies test novel gene therapy for treating IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune kidney disease, and complement, a component of the innate immune system, plays a role in the condition's pathogenesis. Investigators have developed and tested a novel gene therapy that enters kidney cells and enables them to block complement activation.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

UC San Diego receives $8 million grant to study the genetics of substance use disorder

University of California San Diego School of Medicine has received a five-year, $8 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to study the genetics of substance use disorders. The grant will support a NIDA P30 Core Center of Excellence, which ultimately aims to understand why some people are more susceptible to addiction than others.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Understanding how mutations affect diseases: Model looks beyond the 'black box' of genome-wide association studies

Many statistical models and algorithms used by scientists can be imagined as a "black box." These models are powerful tools that give accurate predictions, but their internal workings are not easily interpretable or understood.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 25th, 2024

Ancient viral DNA activates blood cell production during pregnancy and after significant bleeding, researchers discover

Ancient viral remnants in the human genome are activated during pregnancy and after significant bleeding in order to increase blood cell production, an important step toward defining the purpose of "junk DNA" in humans, according to research from Children's Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) published in Science.
October 25th, 2024 — Source

FUSE: Revolutionizing the analysis of gene mutations

Our study introduces a new tool called FUSE (Functional Substitution Estimation) that helps scientists better understand how changes in genes affect proteins. Genetic variants can alter how a protein works, potentially leading to diseases. New CRISPR-based experiments can help us understand the impact of genetic variants by installing these changes into the DNA of cells.
October 25th, 2024 — Source

Novel genetic signature reveals a tropical virus on the move

For the first time, scientists have tracked the dispersion of the Oropouche virus in the Brazilian Amazon region, an important first step to control future outbreaks of a disease with more than 100,000 reported cases since the 1960s.
October 25th, 2024 — Source

Persistent activation of DNA damage response in the liver after MASLD reversal

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its more advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, have emerged as the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide. Currently, lifestyle modification is the foremost guideline-recommended management strategy for MASLD.
October 25th, 2024 — Source

Single treatment with CRISPR gene editing therapy offers hope for hereditary angioedema patients

A single treatment with, a CRISPR-Cas9 based gene editing therapy, is enough to replace the daily medication of patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE), a condition characterized by severe, painful and sudden onset of swelling, sometimes resulting in death. Confirming the findings published earlier this year from researchers from Amsterdam UMC, the University of Auckland and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
October 25th, 2024 — Source

Study: DNA corroborates “Well-man” tale from Norse saga

The "Well-man" likely had blue eyes, blond or light-brown hair, and hailed from southern Norway.
October 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 22nd, 2024

Genetically modified chickens reveal testosterone's complex role in both male and female birds
Why does the rooster crow and the hen does not? This question prompted the scientist Arnold Adolph Berthold to castrate a rooster in the mid-19th century. The result of his experiment: the rooster's morning crow was over. At the time, Berthold did not know which substance in the rooster's testicles might be involved—we now know that it is the sex hormone testosterone.
October 23rd, 2024 — Source

New insights into how gene transcription influences genome motion
A team of scientists has discovered surprising connections among gene activity, genome packing, and genome-wide motions, revealing aspects of the genome's organization that directly affect gene regulation and expression.
October 23rd, 2024 — Source

Novel gene discovery paves the way for treating central nervous system injuries
A collaborative study in neuroscience, spearheaded by a research team of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), sheds light on new possibilities for treating central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Through the discovery of a novel gene that regulates the regeneration of multiple types of CNS axons, researchers have achieved a significant stride towards repairing damaged neural networks, as detailed in PNAS.
October 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 18th, 2024

A faster, more affordable technique for deciphering the genetics of disease
Researchers at the University of California San Diego Center for Epigenomics (C4E) have developed a new technique, called Droplet Hi-C, that allows scientists to rapidly determine chromatin organization, the arrangement of genetic material within cells.
October 18th, 2024 — Source

How cfDNA testing can reduce pregnancy risks and lower costs
The much-touted arrival of "precision medicine" promises tailored technologies that help individuals and may also reduce health care costs. New research shows how pregnancy screening can meet both of these objectives, but the findings also highlight how precision medicine must be matched well with patients to save money.
October 18th, 2024 — Source

Study identifies the genes that drive muscle aging
Scientists have identified previously unreported genes which appear to play a key role in the muscle aging process. It is hoped that the findings from a Nottingham Trent University study could be used to help delay the impact of the aging process.
October 18th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 16th, 2024

Cellular Origins, Fresenius Kabi sign development agreement for scalable automation of cell and gene therapy manufacturing
Cellular Origins and Fresenius Kabi, an operating company of Fresenius, announce today they have signed a development agreement that leverages each company’s expertise in cell and gene therapies (CGTs). The agreement is designed with the goal of digitally and physically integrating Fresenius Kabi’s suite of cell therapy processing technologies within Cellular Origins’ CGT robotic manufacturing platform Constellation™. The aim of this work is to assist cell therapy developers to manufacture their therapies at scale using their preferred processing tools.
October 16th, 2024 — Source

Gene editing approach helps launch first-in-human clinical trial for rare genetic disease
A collaborative effort between investigators at the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) demonstrates the potential of precise genome editing technologies, called adenine base editors, to correct disease-causing mutations in stem cells from patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD), a rare genetic disorder characterized by high susceptibility to infections.
October 16th, 2024 — Source

High-potency cannabis use is tied to epigenetic changes, study suggests
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry is the first to suggest that the use of high-potency cannabis leaves a distinct mark on DNA, providing valuable insights into the biological impact of cannabis use. High-potency cannabis is defined as having Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 10% or more. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent in cannabis.
October 16th, 2024 — Source

Uncovering a way for pro-B cells to change trajectory
Development of B cells, white blood cells that make antibodies, follows a progression of stages: common lymphoid progenitors, pre-pro-B cells, pro-B cells, pre-B cells, immature B cells, and then more mature and specialized B cells. By the time the development hits the pro-B stage, the cell is fated to stay a B cell rather than another type of cell.
October 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 11th, 2024

Chemists develop chiral DNA catalysts for asymmetric catalysis
Chemists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a way to make diverse chiral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) catalysts by merging DNA repair with biorthogonal chemistry, paving the way for more efficient and versatile approaches to asymmetric catalysis.
October 11th, 2024 — Source

Hidden in the teeth: DNA study finds these 19th century lions preyed on humans and giraffes
In 1898, two male lions terrorized an encampment of bridge builders on the Tsavo River in Kenya. The lions, which were massive and maneless, crept into the camp at night, raided the tents and dragged off their victims. The infamous Tsavo "man-eaters" killed at least 28 people before Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson, the civil engineer on the project, shot them dead. Patterson sold the lions' remains to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago in 1925.
October 11th, 2024 — Source

Researchers suggest motor delay and low muscle tone may indicate genetic disorders
In a new study, UCLA Health researchers have found that motor delay and low muscle tone were common signs of an underlying genetic diagnosis in children with neurodevelopment disorders.
October 11th, 2024 — Source

Study finds defective sperm doubles the risk of preeclampsia
For the first time, researchers have linked specific frequent defects in sperm to risk of pregnancy complications and negative impacts on the health of the baby. The study from Lund University in Sweden shows that high proportion of a father's spermatozoa possessing DNA strand breaks is associated with a doubled risk of preeclampsia in women who have become pregnant by IVF. It also increases the risk of the baby being born prematurely.
October 11th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 10th, 2024

An integral T cell pathway has implications for understanding sex-based immune response
The well-established existence of sex differences in immune responses, including immune responses driven by T cells, cuts both ways. Females tend to have a stronger immune response to pathogens, yet most patients who have autoimmune diseases involving dysregulated T cells are female.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

Grant supports gene-editing research for rare metabolic diseases
A $14M grant will fund research on gene-editing therapies for rare metabolic diseases at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The research will focus specifically on developing therapies for urea cycle disorders, which impact roughly 1 in every 35,000 children.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

Inducing a gene that informs cell signaling could halt diabetic kidney disease, study shows
New research by Stony Brook Medicine nephrology specialists that centers on targeting key cellular signaling between two types of kidney cells, and inducing a certain gene within those processes, may help prevent or reduce the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

Magnetically regulated gene therapy tech offers precise brain-circuit control
A new technology enables the control of specific brain circuits non-invasively with magnetic fields, according to a preclinical study from researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The technology holds promise as a powerful tool for studying the brain and as the basis for future neurological and psychiatric treatments for conditions as diverse as Parkinson's disease, depression, obesity and complex pain.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

New study challenges longstanding assumption about the cause of the genome's most common mutation
A Ludwig Cancer Research study has punctured a longstanding assumption about the source of the most common type of DNA mutation seen in the genome—one that contributes to many genetic diseases, including cancer.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

Researchers identify signaling mechanism that damages cells in diabetic kidney disease
Diabetic kidney disease, a complication of diabetes, is considered the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure worldwide. It is associated with changes in the structure and function of the kidneys and ultimately leads to kidney damage.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 8th, 2024

Study shows small RNA plays a crucial role in intestinal colonization
The intestinal microbiome is a highly complex ecosystem with thousands of different types of bacteria. Live and let live, that is the motto. Harmonious coexistence is based on the fact that intestinal bacteria occupy different niches and communicate with each other.
October 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — October 7th, 2024

A flow cytometry guide for accurate estimation of plant genome size
A recent study released by researchers at North Carolina State University offers new insights and guidelines for the accurate estimation of plant genome size using flow cytometry.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Discovery of key gene offers new hope in treating chronic myeloid leukemia
A key gene that could enhance the treatment success rates of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has been discovered by researchers.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Scrutinizing cells for clues to a treatment for muscular dystrophy
A research team led by Associate Professor Hidetoshi Sakurai and Researcher Nana Takenaka-Ninagawa recently demonstrated the superior therapeutic potential of iPS cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (iMSCs) compared to primary MSCs as a potential treatment for Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Single-cell genomics unveils secrets of the human microbiome
The human microbiome plays a critical role in our health, influencing everything from disease development to treatment responses. This connection has captured the attention of scientists worldwide, eager to unlock its secrets. While traditional metagenomics has provided valuable insights, it falls short in resolving microbial diversity at the strain level and accurately profiling genes involved in antibiotic resistance.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Study reveals key mechanism driving atherosclerosis in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
A team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease in patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), an ultra-rare genetic disorder that accelerates the aging process. The most serious consequence of HGPS is the early onset of cardiovascular disease, leading to premature death at an average age of 14.5 years.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

What is microRNA? Nobel-winning discovery explained
The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded on Monday to two US scientists for discovering microRNA, a previously unknown type of genetic switch which is hoped can pave the way for new medical breakthroughs.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Winning the Nobel 'an earthquake', says Ruvkun
US scientist Gary Ruvkun, who on Monday won the Nobel Prize in Medicine with fellow American Victor Ambros for their discovery of microRNA, said winning the honor was like "an earthquake".
October 7th, 2024 — Source

U.S. duo wins Nobel Prize in medicine for discovery of microRNA and gene regulation breakthrough
US scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won the Nobel Prize in Medicine on Monday for their discovery of microRNA and its role in how genes are regulated, solving a decades-old mystery, the Nobel Assembly at Sweden's Karolinska Institute said.
October 7th, 2024 — Source or Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 28th, 2024

Distant relatedness in biobanks harnessed to identify undiagnosed genetic disease
An innovative analysis of shared segments within the genome—an indication of distant "relatedness"—has identified undiagnosed cases of Long QT syndrome, a rare disorder that can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, fainting and sudden cardiac death.
September 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 25th, 2024

Chemical genetics uncovers promising anti-COVID compounds
This new article publication from Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, discusses the identification of novel small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 by chemical genetics.
September 25th, 2024 — Source

How do rare genetic variants affect health? AI provides more accurate predictions
Whether we are predisposed to particular diseases depends to a large extent on the countless variants in our genome. However, particularly in the case of genetic variants that only rarely occur in the population, the influence on the presentation of certain pathological traits has so far been difficult to determine.
September 25th, 2024 — Source

Key molecular targets for wound healing identified
Novel research, presented today at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2024, has identified key molecular targets that could significantly enhance the healing of both acute and chronic wounds.
September 25th, 2024 — Source

Most Americans won't get vaccinated as flu, COVID season looms: Survey
Most Americans don't plan to get vaccinated against the flu or COVID-19 this season, a new survey has found.
September 25th, 2024 — Source

New deep learning algorithm predicts effects of rare genetic variants
Whether we are predisposed to particular diseases depends to a large extent on the countless variants in our genome. However, particularly in the case of genetic variants that only rarely occur in the population, the influence on the presentation of certain pathological traits has so far been difficult to determine.
September 25th, 2024 — Source

Single-dose gene therapy is potentially life-changing for adults with hemophilia B
Adults with hemophilia B saw their number of bleeding episodes drop by an average of 71% after a single infusion of gene therapy, according to the results of an international Phase III clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and a multicenter group of investigators.
September 25th, 2024 — Source

Stem cells map reveals molecular choreography behind individual variation in human development
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have mapped variation in human stem cells that explains how cells of an individual may shape a unique "developmental dance" at the molecular level, thereby controlling how the brain and body are created. The findings further our understanding of the origins and implications of cellular variation in people and may advance the design of individualized therapeutics and methods to rebuild diseased or damaged human organs.
September 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 23rd, 2024

Chemists discover new ways in which single-celled organisms organize their DNA
It has only recently been discovered that single-celled organisms (bacteria and archaea) also have histones—proteins that structure DNA. Now, Leiden Ph.D. candidate Samuel Schwab has found that the histones in these organisms are much more diverse than previously thought.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Compact 'gene scissors' enable effective genome editing, may offer future treatment of high cholesterol gene defect
CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known "gene scissors" but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Enhanced TnpB protein offers new possibilities for gene editing
CRISPR-Cas is used broadly in research and medicine to edit, insert, delete or regulate genes in organisms. TnpB is an ancestor of this well-known "gene scissor" but is much smaller and thus easier to transport into cells. Using protein engineering and AI algorithms, UZH researchers have now enhanced TnpB capabilities to make DNA editing more efficient and versatile, paving the way for treating a genetic defect for high cholesterol in the future.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Experts discover the deadly genetics of cholera, which could be key to its prevention
Experts have used a cutting-edge computational approach to discover the genetic factors that make the bacteria behind cholera so dangerous—which could be key to preventing this deadly disease.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Key genetic factors linked to severe cholera symptoms discovered
Experts have used a cutting-edge computational approach to discover the genetic factors that make the bacteria behind cholera so dangerous - which could be key to preventing this deadly disease.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Most new recessive developmental disorder diagnoses lie within known genes, say scientists
Scientists have conducted the largest and most diverse study to date on how recessive genetic changes contribute to developmental disorders. They found that most undiagnosed cases that are due to recessive causes are linked to genes we already know about, and suggest a shift in research focus could improve diagnosis rates.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Neuroscientists discover complex genetic programs at the root of our movements
A UNIGE team has discovered the genetic programs that allow motor neurons to retract from the spinal cord. This discovery opens up prospects for combating neurodegeneration.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

NIH awards $27M to establish new network of genomics-enabled learning health systems
Network will analyze and improve how genomic information is integrated into patient care.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Study reveals new insights into intellectual disability genetics: Repetitious DNA
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have published a study in Nature Genetics that sheds light on a novel genetic variant associated with intellectual capacities and educational outcomes. This discovery offers new insights into intellectual disability diagnostics and potential therapeutic avenues.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Study uncovers novel genetic variant associated with intellectual disability
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have published a pivotal study in Nature Genetics (DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01917-1) that sheds light on a novel genetic variant associated with intellectual capacities and educational outcomes.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

The Dark Side of DNA Testing: What the 23andMe Breach Means for Your Privacy
DNA testing is a great tool that can lead to some seriously cool discoveries. For example, MajorGeeks Co-Founder Tim Tibbetts used DNA testing to track down family members he had no idea existed, giving his family tree a whole new set of branches.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 22nd, 2024

Innovative statistical method reveals new insights into single-cell RNA sequencing
A new statistical technique developed by a researcher at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health and colleagues elsewhere offers fresh insights into how diseases affect individual cells. This innovative method, known as hybrid Bayesian inference, blends different statistical approaches to better understand complex diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which has long puzzled scientists due to its elusive nature.
September 22nd, 2024 — Source

Researchers decode oldest human DNA from South Africa to date
Researchers have reconstructed the oldest human genomes ever found in South Africa from two people who lived around 10,000 years ago, allowing a better understanding of how the region was populated, an author of the study said Sunday.
September 22nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 19th, 2024

23andMe Agrees to $30M Settlement That Could Pay $10,000 to Data Breach Victims
Personal information for nearly half of the popular genetic testing company's customers -- 6.9 million people -- were exposed in the data breach.
September 19th, 2024 — Source

10,000-year-old human DNA provides insights into South African population history
A team of researchers from the University of Cape Town (South Africa) and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig (Germany) have analyzed human remains from the Oakhurst rock shelter in southernmost Africa and reconstructed the genomes of thirteen individuals, who died between 1,300 and 10,000 years ago, including the oldest human genome from South Africa to date.
September 19th, 2024 — Source

Chan Zuckerberg initiative joins Scale Bio's '100 Million Cell Challenge' to accelerate single cell genomics research
Scale Biosciences (Scale Bio), a leader in innovative and scalable single cell analysis solutions, today announced that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has joined as a partner in the groundbreaking '100 Million Cell Challenge.' CZI will fully subsidize support for 50 million cells' worth of awarded projects. This partnership comes on the heels of an overwhelming response to the challenge, with researchers pledging to analyze over 100 million cells within days of the initial announcement.
September 19th, 2024 — Source

Convergent evolution study sheds light on how new genes arise
Where do new genes come from? That's the question a team of biological sciences researchers from the U of A set out to answer in a new study.
September 19th, 2024 — Source

Indestructible quartz crystal can store 360TB of data for billions of years
Researchers create 'everlasting' 5D genome memory crystal that can one day help revive humans
September 19th, 2024 — Source

Research IDs likely culprit that turns Klebsiella pneumoniae into a devastating, drug-resistant killer
More than a decade ago, physicians around the world began reporting cases due to a new hypervirulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which could infect and severely sicken otherwise healthy people.
September 19th, 2024 — Source

The genes tell a story: New research offers much-needed certainty for autistic New Zealanders
A global rise in autism diagnoses is putting the spotlight on this relatively common neurodevelopmental difference. A recent study identified autism in 1.3% of four- to five-year-olds in Aotearoa New Zealand. This matches estimates overseas of 1% to 2% of eight-year-olds.
September 19th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 16th, 2024

New study provides insights into DNA organization during embryonic development
Researchers from the Kind Group have gained new insights into the mechanism behind the spatial organization of DNA within the cells of early embryos. When an embryo is first formed after fertilization, each cell has the potential to become any cell type of the body.
September 16th, 2024 — Source

Virtual laboratory allows scientists to simulate specific decreases in gene activity
Imagine you're looking at millions upon millions of mysterious genetic mutations. With CRISPR gene-editing technology, a select few of these mutations might have therapeutic potential. However, proving it would mean many thousands of hours of lab work. Just figuring out which ones are worth exploring further would take a lot of time and money.
September 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 13th, 2024

RNA-sequencing study provides novel insights into chronic lymphocytic leukemia
RNA-sequencing has become a cornerstone in the study of gene expression, offering insights beyond mere mRNA transcript abundances. One area of increasing interest is alternative splicing, a process that allows a single gene to produce multiple transcript variants and thus protein isoforms with potentially different functions.
September 13th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 6th, 2024

Crystallized alternative DNA structure sheds light on insulin and diabetes
The first crystal structure of an alternative DNA shape from the insulin gene has been revealed by a UCL-led research team.
September 6th, 2024 — Source

Making sense of crime scene DNA patterns
Piecing together the evidence to accurately replicate the movements of a culprit at a crime scene is becoming a more exact science, with new investigations by Flinders University and other experts on various DNA transfer scenarios.
September 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 3rd, 2024

Breaking boundaries: PAM-less genome editing in soybean
CRISPR-Cas9 has transformed crop genetic improvement, yet its reliance on specific protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), sequences limits editing scope and efficiency. In soybean, a critical source of protein and oil, these limitations hinder the development of high-quality, high-yield varieties.
September 3rd, 2024 — Source

Genomic study illuminates mango's heritage and future
Mango, a tropical fruit with a long cultivation history, faces significant challenges such as low genetic diversity and limited breeding improvements due to complex domestication and self-pollination. These issues hinder genetic advancements in traits like yield, size, and quality.
September 3rd, 2024 — Source

Scientists develop new TRV vector-based method for peach gene analysis
Peach, a valuable crop within the Rosaceae family, has historically faced challenges in genetic research due to the lack of robust transformation techniques. Current methods are often limited by tissue type and developmental constraints, hindering functional gene studies.
September 3rd, 2024 — Source

Scientists reveal mechanism of maternal protein Pramel15 in promoting DNA demethylation in mouse zygotes
DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is an important DNA methyltransferase that maintains DNA methylation. The retention of DNMT1 and its cofactor UHRF1 in the cytoplasm is considered a major reason for passive DNA demethylation in the oocyte and early embryonic development.
September 3rd, 2024 — Source

Study explores the cell-type-specific effects of aging and sex on human cortical neurons
Aging is known to have profound effects on the human brain, prompting changes in the composition of cells and the expression of genes, while also altering aspects of the interaction between genes and environmental factors. While past neuroscience studies have pinpointed many of the molecular changes associated with aging, the age-related genetic factors influencing specific neuron populations remains poorly understood.
September 3rd, 2024 — Source

Whole genome duplications linked to higher oil yields in key crops
Oil crops are pivotal for human nutrition and industry due to their ability to produce and store large amounts of oil in seeds. With the global demand for vegetable oils steadily rising, there is an urgent need to discover new high-yielding oil plants and improve the oil production of existing crops.
September 3rd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — September 2nd, 2024

Cells use alternative splicing to regulate gene expression, research suggests
Alternative splicing is a genetic process where different segments of genes are removed, and the remaining pieces are joined together during transcription to messenger RNA (mRNA). This mechanism increases the diversity of proteins that can be generated from genes, by assembling sections of genetic code into different combinations.
September 2nd, 2024 — Source

New method revolutionizes DNA-encoded chemical libraries
Nowadays, there's lots of buzz about spectacular new medical treatments such as personalised cancer therapy with modified immune cells or antibodies. Such treatments, however, are very complex and expensive and so find only limited application. Most medical therapies are still based on small chemical compounds that can be produced in large quantities and thus at low cost.
September 2nd, 2024 — Source

New technique allows comprehensive genetic examination of embryos with a single test
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Maastricht University have developed a technique that enables the examination of embryos for all known genetic abnormalities with a single test. The new method is more accurate and faster than existing techniques, increasing the chance of a healthy child for parents at increased risk of inherited conditions.
September 2nd, 2024 — Source

Rare genetic variants linked to bicuspid aortic valve disease in young adults identified
Genetic variants linked to a rare form of bicuspid aortic valve disease that affects young adults and can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening aortic complications have been identified by researchers at UTHealth Houston.
September 2nd, 2024 — Source

Researchers pinpoint key gene mutations, new mechanisms that cause brain bleeding and dementia
Scientists have revealed new insights into the mechanisms behind cerebral small vessel disease, a condition that affects the smaller blood vessels in the brain and causes approximately half of all dementia cases.
September 2nd, 2024 — Source

Risk gene for bipolar disorder decoded
The risk gene adenylyl cyclase 2 is associated with bipolar disorder, as has been repeatedly confirmed in genome-wide association studies. However, until now there has not been any proof of a causal relationship.
September 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 31st, 2024

Study outlines an activity-regulated genetic program underlying the formation of synapses during development
Synapses are junctions via which neurons communicate with each other or with other types of cells. Synapses are formed throughout the course of a person's life, yet their strength and numbers change over time, a phenomenon known as synaptic plasticity.
August 31st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 27th, 2024

Noncoding RNA Terc-53 and hyaluronan receptor Hmmr regulate aging in mice
In a study appearing in Protein & Cell researchers investigated the physiological functions of Terc-53 by creating transgenic mice that overexpress this noncoding RNA. They observe that Terc-53 overexpression affects normal aging in mammals, contributing to cognitive decline and shortened lifespan.
August 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 26th, 2024

Non-cognitive skills: DNA-based analyses suggest a hidden key to academic success
A new Nature Human Behaviour study, jointly led by Dr. Margherita Malanchini at Queen Mary University of London and Dr. Andrea Allegrini at University College London, has revealed that non-cognitive skills, such as motivation and self-regulation, are as important as intelligence in determining academic success.
August 26th, 2024 — Source

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals heterogeneity in fibrotic scars after spinal cord injury
Myofibroblasts generate fibrotic scars after spinal cord injury (SCI). This is typically regarded as an impediment to nerve regeneration. Understanding the heterogeneous characteristics of fibrotic scars might help to develop strategies for remodeling fibrotic scars after SCI.
August 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 22nd, 2024

A new culprit in Huntington's: Brain organoid model implicates gene in disease progression
For the first time, researchers have implicated the gene CHCHD2 in Huntington's disease (HD)—an incurable genetic neurodegenerative disorder—and identified the gene as a potentially new therapeutic target.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Discovery of PARIS antiviral immunity system mechanism reveals new function for viral tRNA
Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacterial cells, are natural predators and enemies of bacteria. When a phage infects a cell, it lyses, and dozens or even hundreds of new viral particles—phage progeny—are released.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

For first time, DNA nanotechnology offers both data storage and computing functions
Researchers from North Carolina State University and Johns Hopkins University have demonstrated a technology capable of a suite of data storage and computing functions -- repeatedly storing, retrieving, computing, erasing or rewriting data -- that uses DNA rather than conventional electronics. Previous DNA data storage and computing technologies could complete some but not all of these tasks.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source or Source

Mechanisms of antibody gene diversification during somatic hypermutation
In a recent online publication in Science China Life Sciences, researchers from the laboratory of Leng-Siew Yeap at the Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine published a review article entitled "Molecular Mechanisms of DNA Lesion and Repair During Antibody Somatic Hypermutation."
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Mitochondria are flinging their DNA into our brain cells, study shows
As direct descendants of ancient bacteria, mitochondria have always been a little alien. Now a study shows that mitochondria are possibly even stranger than we thought.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Reading your biological age in your blood or saliva? It's not as simple as that, study shows
How old are you, really? Your chronological age is the number of years you have been alive. Your biological age is how old your cells are, which scientists believe may better assess one's age-related health and disease risk.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Researchers discover DNA mechanism that regulates how disease-causing mutations are inherited
University of Queensland researchers have discovered a mechanism in DNA that regulates how disease-causing mutations are inherited. The research paper has been published in Cell Metabolism.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Revealing DNA behavior in record time
"DNA, RNA and proteins are the key players to regulate all processes in the cells of our body," Leiden Professor John van Noort explains. "To understand the (mis-)functioning of these molecules, it is essential to uncover how their 3D structure depends on their sequence and for this it is necessary to measure them one molecule at a time.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 21st, 2024

Creating the next generation of mRNA vaccines: Study shows potential for lower-doses, longer-lasting protection
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines came to the rescue, developed in record time and saving lives worldwide. Researchers in the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children's Hospital have developed two novel technologies that could make these and future mRNA vaccines more potent and longer-lasting—at smaller doses and with fewer side effects.
August 21st, 2024 — Source

Disruption of protein interaction in T cells linked to autoimmune disease
The immune system is tightly regulated to ensure that it only responds to actual health threats, instead of attacking our own bodies, which happens in cases of autoimmunity. Now, researchers from Japan report a new protein--protein interaction that could account for some autoimmune conditions and suggest new avenues for treatment.
August 21st, 2024 — Source

Study finds 'DNA scavengers' can stop some antibiotic resistance from spreading
For nearly a century, scientists have waged war on antibiotic-resistant microbes. Michigan State University researchers say they've found a new way to prevent it—by unleashing "DNA scavengers" in wastewater treatment plants.
August 21st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 16th, 2024

Combining genetic diversity data with demographic information reveals extinction risks of natural populations
Genetic diversity, a key pillar of biodiversity, is crucial for conservation. But can snapshot estimates of genetic diversity reliably indicate population extinction risk? New research shows that genome-wide genetic diversity is a strong predictor of extinction risk, but only when confounding factors are accounted for.
August 16th, 2024 — Source

DNA study challenges thinking on ancestry of people in Japan
A genetic study led by researchers from RIKEN's Center for Integrative Medical Sciences has uncovered evidence that people in Japan descend from three ancestral groups.
August 16th, 2024 — Source

Knocking out one key gene leads to autistic traits, mouse study shows
More than 70 genes have been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental condition in which differences in the brain lead to a host of altered behaviors, including issues with language, social communication, hyperactivity, and repetitive movements. Scientists are attempting to tease out those specific associations gene by gene, neuron by neuron.
August 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 14th, 2024

Decoding the world's largest animal genome
Genome thirty times the size of the human genome
August 14th, 2024 — Source

Leading AI models struggle to identify genetic conditions from patient-written descriptions
NIH researchers find that large language models rely on concise, textbook-like language to evaluate medical questions.
August 14th, 2024 — Source or Source

Light-responsive gene regulation at the mRNA level
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have established a new optogenetic approach that can control the bacterial production of proteins at the mRNA level using blue light. The new system gates the activation of the genetic substance particularly effectively and thus surpasses previous approaches. It provides new tools for basic research and biotechnology.
August 14th, 2024 — Source

New haplotype reference panel for UK Biobank identifies several new rare-variant associations for tested traits
In research reported in SourceNature Genetics, Professor Sir Mark Caulfield with Dr. Sinan Shi and Professor Simon Myers, both from Statistics at the University of Oxford, used records from over 78,000 individuals in the Genomics England (GEL) dataset with whole genome sequences to build a new reference panel with 342 million autosomal variants, and which contained a diverse ethnic representation.
August 14th, 2024 — Source

New TNIP1 mutation discovery offers fresh hope for disease that can cause blindness
An international team of scientists including researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have identified a rare, mutated version of a protein called TNIP1 that causes a chronic autoimmune disease similar to Sjogren's Syndrome—a condition that leads to extreme dryness of the eyes and mouth that can cause blindness if left untreated.
August 14th, 2024 — Source

Q&A: Expert discusses advances in RNA research
RNA hit prime time during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the average American waiting in line for their shot knew that the vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were made using mRNA. But while RNA has since become a part of the vernacular, ribonucleic acid remains extraordinarily complex, even for the scientists who study it.
August 14th, 2024 — Source

Researchers call for genetically diverse models to drive innovation in drug discovery
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) have unveiled a new approach to drug discovery that could revolutionize how we understand and treat diseases. Their commentary in the Aug.14 issue of Nature Biotechnology explains the limitations of studies using traditional mouse models and proposes using genetically diverse mice and mouse and human cells to better predict human responses to drugs and diseases.
August 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 8th, 2024

Breakthrough in molecular control: New bioinspired double helix with switchable chirality
The deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, the molecular system that carries the genetic information of living organisms, can transcribe and amplify information using its two helical strands. Creating such artificial molecular systems that match or surpass DNA in functionality is of great interest to scientists.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

DNA Topoisomerase insights hold potential for drug discovery and plant protection
Insights into the function of DNA Topoisomerase VI (Topo VI) may provide a springboard for drug discovery and crop protection.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

MAPLEX exosome-based delivery system carries therapeutic proteins into cells
A multi-institutional team of biochemical engineers has developed an exosome-based delivery system that can carry beneficial proteins into cells to allow new kinds of medical treatments. Their paper is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

Research demonstrates genetically diverse crowds are wiser
A new study led by Dr. Meir Barneron from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that genetically diverse groups make more accurate collective judgments compared to genetically homogeneous groups.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

Study finds a new pathway connecting diet, genetics and body weight
A new biochemical pathway linked to diet and body weight hints at the possibility of a new class of anti-obesity drugs, Stanford Medicine researchers and their colleagues have found.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

Technology to predict the deformation of DNA origami structures induced by DNA-binding molecules
A research team has developed a technology that can quickly predict the mechanochemical shape changes of DNA origami nanostructures. The team includes Professor Do-Nyun Kim's research team from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The College of Engineering of Seoul National University.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

Wide genetic diversity in South American indigenous groups highlights diversity gap in genomics research
Amazonians are as genetically different from Andeans as Europeans are from East Asians when it comes to genetic variants that affect the response to certain drugs, according to a commentary published August 8 in the journal Cell.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 6th, 2024

Association between osteoporosis and telomere shortening
A shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is reported to be associated with age-related diseases, including osteoporosis. Many studies have tried identifying the association between LTL and osteoporosis, although it remains controversial.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and Illumina Accelerate Oncology Research with Launch of TruSight Oncology 500 DNA/RNA Application
Assay Automation Makes Cutting-Edge Research More Accessible to Labs.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

MIP Discovery rebrands as Tozaro as it completes transition to supporting cell and gene therapy viral vector analytics and purification
MIP Discovery today announced the Company’s rebrand to Tozaro, completing its transition to becoming a technology innovator in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) bioprocessing sector.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

Researchers identify gene responsible for marsupial fur color
Fur is a defining characteristic of mammals, coming in a wide variety of colors and patterns—thanks to a world-first study, we now know which genes make a marsupial's coat black or gray.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

The shape of molecules to come: A Q&A on designing DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications
By discovering new ways to manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular levels, advances in nanotechnology are paving the way for innovations in medicine, electronics, materials science and environmental remediation, among many other areas.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

Using genetics to help smokers quit: Study investigates abnormal dreams on varenicline
Researchers have identified variants in a gene that influences the likelihood of smokers developing abnormal dreams while taking a medication to help them quit.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — August 2nd, 2024

Genetic mutation prompts 'deadbeat dad' fish to start raising their offspring
University of Maryland researcher Cheng-Yu Li was in the lab one day when he noticed a fish with a protruding jaw: A telltale sign that it was incubating eggs in its mouth, keeping its offspring safe until they were big enough to swim solo.
August 2nd, 2024 — Source

Genetic signatures of domestication identified in pigs and chickens
Wild boars and red junglefowl gave rise to common pigs and chickens. These animals' genes evolved to express themselves differently, leading to signatures of domestication—such as weaker bones and better viral resistance—in pigs and chickens, according to a research team based in Japan.
August 2nd, 2024 — Source

Research identifies gene--environment interactions to reveal biological insights into complex traits
Xiaofeng Zhu, professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at the School of Medicine, has led research to screen for interactions across the genome. The team has empirically demonstrated that interaction and mediation are the major contributors to genetic effect size heterogeneity across populations.
August 2nd, 2024 — Source

Researchers demonstrate mechanism that may have stabilized the first RNA molecules
The origins of life remain a major mystery. How were complex molecules able to form and remain intact for prolonged periods without disintegrating? A team at ORIGINS, a Munich-based Cluster of Excellence, has demonstrated a mechanism that could have enabled the first RNA molecules to stabilize in the primordial soup.
August 2nd, 2024 — Source

The effects of whole genome duplication on the plant metabolome
Whole genome duplication (WGD) is a common mutation in plants with profound evolutionary potential. While it is well-known that an increase in genetic material can lead to larger cell sizes, the impact of gene dosage multiplication on the metabolome remains largely unexplored.
August 2nd, 2024 — Source

Using advanced CRISPR to boost efficiency of CAR-T cell therapies
CAR-T cells are highly effective in treating selected blood cancers. However, challenges remain with this new therapy, which was first approved in 2017 in the USA and a year later in Europe for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). For instance, no effective CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors exist. Furthermore, CAR-T-induced remissions are not always durable, and the production of CAR-T cells is slow and laborious.
August 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 31st, 2024

Automated DNA nanotube synthesis method advances molecular engineering capabilities
DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool for manipulating matter at the nanoscale, offering unprecedented control over the positioning and assembly of molecular components.
July 31st, 2024 — Source

Researchers elucidate the switch molecule in muscle stem cells that initiates muscle formation
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have made a significant contribution to the understanding of the regeneration of skeletal muscle stem cells, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying muscle aging and regeneration.
July 31st, 2024 — Source

Scientists solve mystery of DNA damage detection and repair caused by sunlight, alcohol, and pollution
A collaboration between researchers at the Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) in London and the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge, has solved a decades-old mystery which could pave the way to better cancer treatments in the future.
July 31st, 2024 — Source

Skin may hold key to neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses
A genetic diagnostic method using a small sample of skin from the upper arm could identify rare neurodevelopmental disorders in a non-invasive way, according to researchers at the University of Adelaide.
July 31st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 29th, 2024

New project launched to accelerate development and accessibility of H5N1 mRNA vaccine candidates
A new project aiming to accelerate the development and accessibility of human avian influenza (H5N1) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine candidates for manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries has been launched today. The Argentinian manufacturer Sinergium Biotech will lead this effort leveraging the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) mRNA Technology Transfer Programme.
July 29th, 2024 — Source or Source

Should people with kidney disease get genetic testing?
About 37 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease and studies show that genetics may explain between 10% and 20% of cases in adults (and as many as 70% of cases in children).
July 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 26th, 2024

Cellular competition determines X chromosome usage in female bodies
A new study published in Nature Genetics by the Lymphoid Development Group at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences has reveals that the contribution of cells expressing maternal or paternal X chromosomes can be selectively skewed in different parts of the body.
July 26th, 2024 — Source

How epigenetics influence memory formation
In an important study for understanding how memories are made, cientists show that the flexibility of chromatin -- packaged DNA inside the cell -- plays a crucial role in 'deciding' which neurons are involved in forming a specific memory.
July 26th, 2024 — Source

Maternal and paternal X-chromosomes show skewed distribution in different organs and tissues
A study published in Nature Genetics by the Lymphoid Development Group at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences reveals that the contribution of cells expressing maternal or paternal X chromosomes can be selectively skewed in different parts of the body.
July 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 24th, 2024

Study links sequence variants to DNA methylation and diseases
A new study by scientists at deCODE Genetics shows that sequence variants drive the correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression. The same variants are linked to various diseases and other human traits.
July 24th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 22nd, 2024

Genetic diagnostics of ultra-rare diseases: Large multicenter study identifies 34 new genetic diseases
The majority of rare diseases have a genetic cause. The underlying genetic alteration can be found more and more easily, for example, by means of exome sequencing (ES), leading to a molecular genetic diagnosis. ES is an examination of all sections of our genetic material (DNA) that code for proteins. As part of a Germany-wide multicenter study, ES data was collected from 1,577 patients and systematically evaluated.
July 22nd, 2024 — Source

Improving the design of mRNA-loaded nanocarriers for targeted therapies
Among the vastly different ways of tackling a disease, controlling the genetic expression of cells is undoubtedly one of the most powerful.
July 22nd, 2024 — Source or Source

Nanoparticles Deliver Gene Therapy Directly to Bone Marrow
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have created unique nanoparticles that can deliver gene therapy straight to different kinds of bone marrow cells, fixing the mutations that cause the disease. The complicated, drawn-out gene therapies used to treat sickle cell disease can occasionally have grave side effects like blood cancer or infertility.
July 22nd, 2024 — Source

Q&A: Gene editing could add new power to a 100-year-old tuberculosis vaccine
Tuberculosis dates back more than 9,000 years. It is the most infectious bacterial disease, and in 2022 10.6 million people fell ill with it. Of these cases, 23% occurred in Africa.
July 22nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 19th, 2024

Rhythmic gene expression in plants is crucial for symbiosis with nutrient-providing bacteria, study finds
Legumes thrive in low-nitrogen environments by partnering with rhizobia, soil bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, a usable form for the plants. These beneficial bacteria are housed in root nodules formed on legume roots.
July 19th, 2024 — Source

Understanding molecular drivers of lymphedema
Northwestern Medicine scientists have uncovered molecular mechanisms underlying lymphatic valve development, a discovery which could prove useful in treating lymphedema, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
July 19th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 18th, 2024

Researchers develop new technique for diagnosing disorders of sex development
Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) are difficult to diagnose because of the multiple phenotypes and genes involved, but a new technique developed at Hudson Institute of Medical Research is set to change all that.
July 18th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 9th, 2024

A genome-wide screen in live hosts reveals new secrets of parasite infection
Apicomplexan parasites are a common cause of disease, infecting hundreds of millions of people each year. They are responsible for spreading malaria; cryptosporidiosis—a severe childhood diarrheal disease; and toxoplasmosis—a disease that endangers immune compromised people and fetuses, and is the reason why pregnant women are told to avoid changing cat litter.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

Team pioneers a 'one-pot platform' to promptly produce mRNA delivery particles
Imagine a scenario where a skilled hacker must upload critical software to update a central server and thwart a potentially lethal virus from wreaking havoc across a vast computer network. The programmer, armed with the lifesaving code, must navigate through treacherous territory teeming with adversaries, and success hinges on promptly getting a safe, stealthy delivery vehicle that can place the hacker exactly where they need to be.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 5th, 2024

Novel approach to nanopore design enhances molecule capture without compromising sensing accuracy
Nanopore technology has emerged as a powerful tool for single-molecule sensing, offering unprecedented capabilities in fields ranging from DNA nanopore sequencing to protein analysis. These nanoscale pores, whether biological or solid-state, act as molecular gateways, allowing researchers to detect and analyze individual molecules as they pass through.
July 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — July 2nd, 2024

Genetic study points to oxytocin as possible treatment for obesity and postnatal depression
Scientists have identified a gene which, when missing or impaired, can cause obesity, behavioral problems and, in mothers, postnatal depression. The discovery, reported in Cell, may have wider implications for the treatment of postnatal depression, with a study in mice suggesting that oxytocin may alleviate symptoms.
July 2nd, 2024 — Source

Modulating gene expression using small molecules
The correct functioning of cells relies heavily on the ability to finely control gene expression, a complex process by which the information contained in DNA is copied into RNA to eventually give rise to all the proteins and most of the regulatory molecules in the cell. If DNA can be imagined as a dense technical manual, gene expression is the method by which the cell extracts useful information from it.
July 2nd, 2024 — Source

Scientists develop silver nanoparticle sensor to detect genes causing hearing loss
A team of scientists from the University of Sharjah say they have invented a biosensor capable of detecting the gene mutations responsible for the loss of hearing.
July 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 28th, 2024

ERC Advanced Grant aids study on ubiquitin in DNA repair and genome stability
Professor Helle Ulrich, Executive Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) and professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), has been awarded an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). She will receive EUR 2.5 million over the next five years to support her research on how a small regulatory protein called ubiquitin contributes to DNA repair and the maintenance of genome stability.
June 28th, 2024 — Source

Study reveals significant differences in RNA editing between postmortem and living human brain
Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have shed valuable light on the nuanced functions and intricate regulatory methods of RNA editing, a critical mechanism underlying brain development and disease.
June 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 26th, 2024

Nf1 gene mutations disrupt brain cell plasticity and motor learning in mice
Neurogenetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), are diseases caused by a defect in one or more genes, which can sometimes result in cognitive and motor impairments. Better understanding the neural underpinning of these disorders and how they affect motor and cognitive abilities could contribute to the development of new treatment strategies.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Researchers improve measurement of gene expression in single cells
Northwestern Medicine scientists have developed a new technique to identify individual cells for RNA sequencing, which will empower scientists to gather more accurate and precise scientific data, according to details published in Cell Genomics.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Researchers pioneer noninvasive gene therapy for brain disorders
A new method developed by a research team led by Rice University's Jerzy Szablowski offers hope for treating brain disorders through gene therapy. The innovative approach could transform treatments for inherited conditions and mental health issues by targeting specific regions of the brain with newfound precision. The researchers' work was published in Nature Communications.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Scale Biosciences announces ScalePlex technology to simplify single cell genomics studies of any scale
Scale Biosciences (ScaleBioTM), an innovator in accessible, flexible, and scalable single cell omics solutions, today announced the availability of ScalePlex an advanced single cell multiplexing technology designed to simplify large-scale single cell genomics studies. With massively parallelized single cell barcoding and effortless sample multiplexing, ScalePlex enables ultimate experimental flexibility from small to large-scale, multi-sample, multi-condition studies while generating high quality data.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Scientists discover genetic 'off switch' in legume plants that limits biological ability to source nutrients
A genetic "off switch" that shuts down the process in which legume plants convert atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients has been identified for the first time by a team of international scientists.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Scientists develop a new generation of DNA tests for a wide range of applications
A research group led by Dr. Edward Curtis has developed two new types of catalytic DNA molecules (deoxyribozymes) that can reveal the presence of target molecules through fluorescence or color. Several types of sensors were also developed, one was used to identify small molecule inhibitors of a ribonuclease from SARS-CoV-2 in a high-throughput screen.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 24th, 2024

Circulating microRNAs likely as effective as A1C for predicting type 2 diabetes in youth
Type 2 diabetes in young people ages 10 to 19 has more than doubled in the past 20 years, yet it remains difficult for physicians to predict who will be diagnosed and who will improve with treatment. A new study shows that measuring the circulating abundance of microRNAs -- which affect insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas -- is likely as effective as measuring the level of sugar in the blood for determining how a young person with the condition will fare.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Researchers develop RNA-targeting technology for precisely manipulating parts of human genes
Researchers at the University of Toronto have harnessed a bacterial immune defense system, known as CRISPR, to efficiently and precisely control the process of RNA splicing. The technology opens the door to new applications, including systematically interrogating the functions of parts of genes and correcting splicing deficiencies that underlie numerous diseases and disorders.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

New technology helps solve the unsolvable in rare disease diagnoses
At Mayo Clinic, the mission to solve the unsolvable is at the heart of every rare disease case. Each diagnosis is a testament to perseverance, innovation and the relentless pursuit of answers.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Study elucidates crucial role of G900 gene enhancers in asthma-associated inflammation
Study elucidates crucial role of G900 gene enhancers in asthma-associated inflammation
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Uniting DNA origami and CRISPR to enhance detection of genetic mutations in cancer diagnostics
The detection of genetic mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has long been a critical challenge in cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine. Traditional methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing have limitations in sensitivity and accuracy, especially when dealing with minute quantities of genetic material or distinguishing single-base mutations.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 21st, 2024

Beyond CRISPR: seekRNA delivers a new pathway for accurate gene editing
Scientists at the University of Sydney have developed a gene-editing tool with greater accuracy and flexibility than the industry standard, CRISPR, which has revolutionized genetic engineering in medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.
June 21st, 2024 — Source

Gene therapy may cure rare diseases. But drugmakers have few incentives, leaving families desperate
Robin Alderman faces an agonizing reality: Gene therapy might cure her son Camden's rare, inherited immune deficiency. But it's not available to him.
June 21st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 20th, 2024

Study reveals genetic associations between coffee and harmful health outcomes such as obesity and substance use
Scientists have found consistent positive genetic correlations of coffee intake with substance use and obesity in US and UK adults of European ancestry. The study is published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.
June 20th, 2024 — Source

Team discovers why people who lack a specific blood group are genetically predisposed to be overweight or obese
A team of international researchers, led by the University of Exeter, has discovered that people with a genetic variant that disables the SMIM1 gene have higher body weight because they expend less energy when at rest.
June 20th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 17th, 2024

Drug approved as sickle cell disease treatment may help stabilize vision in rare genetic disease
Roughly 50 families scattered across the world share ultra-rare variants in a particular gene. Silent for years, the inherited mutations make themselves known when patients reach the fourth decade of life. Changes in vision start a cascade of symptoms. Five to 20 years later, the illness is fatal.
June 17th, 2024 — Source

Gyros Protein Technologies introduces Gyrolab Generic Anti-AAV Kit to support gene therapy development
Gyros Protein Technologies AB, a pioneer in automated nanoliter-scale immunoassays and leading provider of peptide synthesizers, today announced its Gyrolab® Generic Anti-Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) Kit. The new ready-to-use kit facilitates the qualitative assessment of pre-existing binding antibodies against AAV vectors, enabling screening in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
June 17th, 2024 — Source

Newly designed genetic therapy could alleviate debilitating giant moles in rare skin condition
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) have designed a new genetic therapy that could alleviate debilitating giant moles in a rare skin condition.
June 17th, 2024 — Source

Researchers discover potential mole reversal therapy in rare condition
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) have designed a new genetic therapy that could alleviate debilitating giant moles in a rare skin condition.
June 17th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 14th, 2024

Self-assembling and disassembling swarm molecular robots via DNA molecular controller
Researchers from Tohoku University and Kyoto University have successfully developed a DNA-based molecular controller that autonomously directs the assembly and disassembly of molecular robots. This pioneering technology marks a significant step towards advanced autonomous molecular systems with potential applications in medicine and nanotechnology.
June 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 12th, 2024

Inherited genetic factors may predict the pattern of X chromosome loss in older women
A genomic analysis co-led by NIH suggests that the DNA a woman is born with may influence how her cells respond to chromosomal abnormalities acquired with aging.
June 12th, 2024 — Source

Scientists propose novel AI approach for lipid nanoparticles screening in mRNA delivery
The targeted treatment of pan-cancer by messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine is a hot topic in drug research. A key challenge in mRNA design is the construction of delivery systems called lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which serve as carriers to deliver mRNA therapies or vaccines to target cells. The preparation and screening of LNPs components involve long cycles and high costs.
June 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 10th, 2024

Fragile Agile development model is a symptom, not a source, of project failure
Changing the fig leaf can't change what lies beneath ...
June 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 8th, 2024

'Whole family cried': New gene therapy offers hope for deaf kids
Zhu Yangyang babbles away like a typical happy three-year-old, calling out for "mama" and "papa" and accurately naming colors—a remarkable achievement considering he was completely deaf just months ago.
June 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 7th, 2024

Bartonella DNA found in blood of patients with psychosis
A new study has found that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder are three times more likely to have Bartonella DNA in their blood than adults without these disorders. The work further supports the idea that pathogens—particularly vector-borne pathogens—could play a role in mental illness.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

DNA in the feces of snow leopards shows alpine cats eat plants
Cats may not know Scarborough Fair, but felids such as alpine cats—both in the wild and in captivity—do eat plants despite their classification as carnivores. In particular, Panthera uncia—or snow leopards—seem to have a preference for a specific plant species despite normally being unsuited for a herbivorous diet.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

Enhancing forest productivity through improved phosphorus use
A research team has reviewed the mechanisms of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) uptake, transport, and signaling in woody plants based on the backbone of model and crop plants. Their findings emphasize the importance of Pi in photosynthesis, respiration, and genetic information transfer.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

MGI Tech launches whole workflow solution for agricultural large-scale low-pass whole genome sequencing at PAG Asia 2024
MGI Tech Co., Ltd. ("MGI"), a company committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science, today announced a highly efficient whole workflow solution for agricultural large-scale Low-pass whole genome sequencing (Low-pass WGS) based on its proprietary DNBSEQTM platforms during this year's International Plant and Animal Genome Conference Asia (PAG Asia 2024), taking place on June 5-7 in Shenzhen, China.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

New study sheds light on the rate, nature and transmission of mitochondrial DNA mutations in humans
A new study from deCODE genetics uses pedigrees and sequence data from 64,806 Icelanders to shed light on the rate and nature of mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the peculiar dynamics of its maternal transmission.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

Untapped power: Logical operations using RNA droplets
RNA droplets can now be used to perform logical operations that take microRNA sequences as inputs, report scientists from Tokyo Tech. By self-assembling into network-like structures, RNA molecules form liquid-state droplets. These RNA droplets disperse only when the correct microRNA sequences are present by performing the logical AND operation.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — June 6th, 2024

Developing pre-symptomatic diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease using long-read RNA sequencing
Researchers at the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging are working to develop a pre-symptomatic disease diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease.
June 6th, 2024 — Source

Most stem cells die after being injected into the brain. This new technique could change that
When the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord becomes damaged, a number of debilitating conditions can result that limit mobility, inhibit independence and reduce life expectancy. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease, affecting more than 2.5 million individuals globally every year.
June 6th, 2024 — Source

Unlocking RNA functionality: A redox-responsive approach
National University of Singapore (NUS) chemists have developed a strategy using disulfide-containing small molecules to facilitate the reversible control and delivery of ribonucleic acid (RNA).
June 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 31st, 2024

Researchers identify a genetic cause of intellectual disability affecting tens of thousands
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and others have identified a neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by mutations in a single gene, that affects tens of thousands of people worldwide. The work, published in the May 31 online issue of Nature Medicine, was done in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Bristol, UK; KU Leuven, Belgium; and the NIHR BioResource, currently based at the University of Cambridge, UK.
May 31st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 30th, 2024

Existing drug shows promise as treatment for rare genetic disorder
NIH researchers find new pathways towards treatment for autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1.
May 30th, 2024 — Source

Ongoing clinical trials offer hope for people born with genetic mutation behind fibrodysplasia ossificans
Several teams of medical researchers are currently testing new therapies for slowing or stopping the excess or runaway bone growth associated with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP)—a rare bone disease.
May 30th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 29th, 2024

Cellular Origins and Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult collaborate to demonstrate universal automation of CGT manufacturing
Cellular Origins, a TTP Company focused on enabling scalable, cost-effective, and efficient manufacture of cell and gene therapies (CGTs), and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), an independent innovation and technology organization specializing in the advancement of the cell and gene therapy industry, today announced a collaboration to demonstrate universal automation of CGT manufacturing.
May 29th, 2024 — Source

Editing without 'cutting': Molecular mechanisms of new gene-editing tool revealed
Joint research led by Yutaro Shuto, Ryoya Nakagawa, and Osamu Nureki of the University of Tokyo determined the spatial structure of various processes of a novel gene-editing tool called "prime editor." Functional analysis based on these structures also revealed how a "prime editor" could achieve reverse transcription, synthesizing DNA from RNA, without "cutting" both strands of the double helix.
May 29th, 2024 — Source

RNA inhibitor is shown safe and effective in reducing a wide range of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood
A small interfering RNA (siRNA) investigational therapy that inhibits a gene involved in lipoprotein metabolism has been shown in a clinical trial led by Mount Sinai researchers to significantly reduce levels of different types of cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals with mixed hyperlipidemia, a condition in which fats build up in the blood.
May 29th, 2024 — Source

Scientists generate the first complete chromosome sequences from non-human primates
A team of researchers have generated the first complete chromosome sequences from non-human primates. Published in Nature, these sequences uncover remarkable variation between the Y chromosomes of different species, showing rapid evolution, in addition to revealing previously unstudied regions of great ape genomes.
May 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 25th, 2024

New study discovers tiny target on RNA to short-circuit inflammation
UC Santa Cruz researchers have discovered a peptide in human RNA that regulates inflammation and may provide a new path for treating diseases such as arthritis and lupus. The team used a screening process based on the powerful gene-editing tool CRISPR to shed light on one of the biggest mysteries about our RNA--the molecule responsible for carrying out genetic information contained in our DNA.
May 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 24th, 2024

Epigenetic insights: How hybrid poplar regenerates shoots
Understanding plant regeneration at the molecular level is pivotal for advancements in genetic transformation and genome editing. Previous studies have underscored the importance of DNA methylation in model organisms, yet the specific mechanisms in woody plants like hybrid poplar remain largely unexplored. Due to these challenges, it is essential to conduct in-depth research on the regeneration mechanisms of trees.
May 24th, 2024 — Source

Researchers reconstruct genome of extinct species of flightless bird that once roamed the islands of New Zealand
A team of evolutionary biologists at Harvard University, working with colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, East Carolina University, Osaka University and the University of Toronto, has reconstructed the genome of an extinct species of flightless bird that has come to be known as the little bush moa.
May 24th, 2024 — Source

Scientists map networks regulating gene function in the human brain
NIH-funded research details the brain's cellular and molecular regulatory elements and their impact on brain function.
May 24th, 2024 — Source

Study connects genetic risk for autism to changes observed in the brain
A study led by UCLA Health has unveiled the most detailed view of the complex biological mechanisms underlying autism, showing the first link between genetic risk of the disorder to observed cellular and genetic activity across different layers of the brain.
May 24th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 23rd, 2024

Tracking the cellular and genetic roots of neuropsychiatric disease
A new analysis has revealed detailed information about genetic variation in brain cells that could open new avenues for the targeted treatment of diseases such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.
May 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 17th, 2024

Diamond glitter: a play of colors with artificial DNA crystals
The shimmering of butterfly wings in bright colors does not emerge from pigments. Rather, it is photonic crystals that are responsible for the play of colors. Their periodic nanostructure allows light at certain wavelengths to pass through while reflecting other wavelengths. This causes the wing scales, which are in fact transparent, to appear so magnificently colored.
May 17th, 2024 — Source

Using DNA origami, researchers create diamond lattice for future semiconductors of visible light
The shimmering of butterfly wings in bright colors does not emerge from pigments. Rather, photonic crystals are responsible for the play of colors. Their periodic nanostructure allows light at certain wavelengths to pass through while reflecting other wavelengths. This causes the wing scales, which are in fact transparent, to appear so magnificently colored.
May 17th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 14th, 2024

Analysis suggests people with more copies of ribosomal DNA have higher risks of developing disease
Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is present in hundreds of copies in the genome, but has not previously been part of genetic analyses. A new study of 500,000 individuals indicates that people who have more copies of rDNA are more likely to develop inflammation and diseases during their lifetimes.
May 14th, 2024 — Source

Machine learning sheds light on gene transcription
A team led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has developed deep learning models to identify a simple set of rules that govern the activity of promoters—regions of DNA that initiate the process by which genes produce proteins.
May 14th, 2024 — Source

New gene therapy model offers hope for X-linked sideroblastic anemia treatment
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have pioneered a new gene therapy model that offers a potential breakthrough in treating X-linked sideroblastic anemia (XLSA), a rare congenital anemia caused by mutations in the ALAS2 gene crucial for the synthesis of heme, a key compound in hemoglobin.
May 14th, 2024 — Source

People with more copies of ribosomal DNA may have higher risks of developing disease
Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is present in hundreds of copies in the genome, but has not previously been part of genetic analyses. A new study of 500,000 individuals indicates that people who have more copies of rDNA are more likely to develop inflammation and diseases during their lifetimes.
May 14th, 2024 — Source

Research unveils the dual subdomain structure of the centromere
Researchers from the Kops group in collaboration with researchers from the University of Edinburgh, made a surprising new discovery in the structure of the centromere, a structure that is involved in ensuring that chromosomes are segregated properly when a cell divides. Mistakes in chromosome segregation can lead to cell death and cancer development. The researchers discovered that the centromere consists of two subdomains.
May 14th, 2024 — Source

Unraveling the genetic connection between IBD and Parkinson's disease
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a significant discovery, identifying genetic connections between inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson's disease.
May 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 12th, 2024

Researchers show genetic variant common among Black Americans contributes to large cardiovascular disease burden
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Duke University showed that a genetic variant, present in 3-4% of self-identified Black individuals in the U.S., increases the risk for both heart failure and death and contributes to significant decreases in longevity at the population level
May 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 11th, 2024

Study links organization of neurotypical brains to genes involved in autism and schizophrenia
The organization of the human brain develops over time, following the coordinated expression of thousands of genes. Linking the development of healthy brain organization to genes involved in mental health conditions such as autism and schizophrenia could help to reveal the biological causes of these disorders.
May 11th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 10th, 2024

High-speed atomic force microscopy helps explain role played by certain biomolecules in DNA wrapping dynamics
In plants and animals, the basic packaging units of DNA, which carry genetic information, are the so-called nucleosomes. A nucleosome consists of a segment of DNA wound around eight proteins known as histones.
May 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 8th, 2024

Clinical trial shows CRISPR gene editing has exciting potential to treat a rare form of blindness
Retinal degeneration can be inherited or acquired. In the former case, it is an incurable and progressive condition. A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine investigated the potential use of gene editing to correct a congenital retinal degeneration called CEP290 that causes early-onset vision loss.
May 8th, 2024 — Source

Gene linked to intellectual disability can regulate learning and memory
A gene previously linked to intellectual disability has been found to regulate learning and memory in mice.
May 8th, 2024 — Source or Source or Source

Improving Gene Therapy for Lung Disease
Drug delivery researchers at Oregon State University have created a device that could enhance gene therapy for patients with inherited lung diseases like cystic fibrosis, according to a study by Professor Gaurav Sahay published in ACS Nano.
May 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 7th, 2024

New genetic mutation identified for congenital thyroid condition
A team of researchers from the University of Chicago, in collaboration with the Free University of Brussels and the University of Washington, have uncovered a genetic mutation in a non-coding region of DNA that alters the regulation of the thyroid, leading to a rare form of congenital thyroid abnormality.
May 7th, 2024 — Source

Study finds genetic link between growth during puberty and long-term health conditions
A genetic link between height growth during puberty and long-term health in adulthood has been identified by a new study from the University of Surrey and the University of Pennsylvania published in Genome Biology.
May 7th, 2024 — Source

Study: Progression of herpesvirus infection remodels mitochondrial organization and metabolism
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have found that herpesvirus infection modifies the structure and normal function of the mitochondria in the host cell. The new information could help to understand the interaction between herpesvirus and host cells and develop new viral treatments.
May 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 3rd, 2024

Genetics, not lack of oxygen, causes cerebral palsy in quarter of cases: Study
The world's largest study of cerebral palsy (CP) genetics has discovered genetic defects are most likely responsible for more than a quarter of cases in Chinese children, rather than a lack of oxygen at birth as previously thought.
May 3rd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — May 1st, 2024

Researchers identify causal genetic variant linked to common childhood obesity
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have identified a causal genetic variant strongly associated with childhood obesity. The study provides new insight into the importance of the hypothalamus of the brain and its role in common childhood obesity, and the target gene may serve as a druggable target for future therapeutic interventions.
May 1st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 30th, 2024

AI-MARRVEL: A leap forward in diagnosing genetic diseases with over 98% precision NewsGuard 100/100 Score
In a recent study published in NEJM AI, researchers developed the artificial intelligence (AI)-based Model Organism Aggregated Resources for Rare Variant ExpLoration (MARRVEL) model to select causal genes and their mutations for Mendelian illnesses based on clinical characteristics and genetic sequences.
April 30th, 2024 — Source

New study finds genetic markers that explain up to 12% of the differences between two people's blood pressure
National Institutes of Health researchers and collaborators have discovered over 100 new regions of the human genome, also known as genomic loci, that appear to influence a person's blood pressure. Results of the study also point to several specific genomic loci that may be relevant to iron metabolism and a type of cellular receptor known as adrenergic receptors.
April 30th, 2024 — Source or Source

Study finds some people have a uniquely human gene that enhances immune function
University at Buffalo researchers have found that the active form of a gene promotes a broad range of protective traits. The gene is found in 75% of the population and is known to protect against neurodegeneration. Now, UB researchers have found that this same gene enhances immune function, too.
April 30th, 2024 — Source

Tracking the dynamics of biomolecules with optofluidic antennas
In order to better understand fundamental processes in life science at the molecular level, the precise observation of single molecule dynamics is of utmost interest. However, current techniques based on fluorescence measurements in aqueous solutions are unable to track changes in molecular structure with sufficient temporal resolution.
April 30th, 2024 — Source or Source

X-chromosome inactivation may reduce autism risk, study in mice suggests
A study in mice suggests how chromosome inactivation may protect girls from a type of autism disorder inherited from their father's X chromosome.
April 30th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 29th, 2024

After 25 years, researchers uncover genetic cause of rare neurological disease
Some families call it a trial of faith. Others just call it a curse. The progressive neurological disease known as spinocerebellar ataxia 4 (SCA4) is a rare condition, but its effects on patients and their families can be severe. For most people, the first sign is difficulty walking and balancing, which gets worse as time progresses. The symptoms usually start in a person's forties or fifties but can begin as early as the late teens. There is no known cure. And, until now, there was no known cause.
April 29th, 2024 — Source

SCA4 genetic breakthrough: Unveiling the cause of a devastating neurological disease
Some families call it a trial of faith. Others just call it a curse. The progressive neurological disease known as spinocerebellar ataxia 4 (SCA4) is a rare condition, but its effects on patients and their families can be severe. For most people, the first sign is difficulty walking and balancing, which gets worse as time progresses. The symptoms usually start in a person's forties or fifties but can begin as early as the late teens. There is no known cure. And, until now, there was no known cause.
April 29th, 2024 — Source

Study uncovers the mechanism that avoids conflicts in the activity of brain stem cells
Researchers have discovered the mechanism which allows adult brain stem cells to express genes that maintain their identity and those for neuronal differentiation without conflicts in cellular activity. Furthermore, this mechanism enables stem cells to be prepared to respond to differentiation signals readily.
April 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 26th, 2024

Automated machine learning robot unlocks new potential for genetics research
University of Minnesota Twin Cities researchers have constructed a robot that uses machine learning to fully automate a complicated microinjection process used in genetic research.
April 26th, 2024 — Source

CRISPR is promising to tackle antimicrobial resistance, but bacteria can fight back
In his presentation "How to use CRISPR-Cas to combat AMR" at the ESCMID Global Congress, Assistant Prof. Ibrahim Bitar, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Plzen, Charles University in Prague, Plzen, Czech Republic, will give an overview of the molecular biology of CRISPR technology in explaining how it can used to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
April 26th, 2024 — Source

Genetic hope in fight against devastating wheat disease
Fungal disease Fusarium head blight (FHB) is on the rise due to increasingly humid conditions induced by climate change during the wheat growing season, but a fundamental discovery by University of Adelaide researchers could help reduce its economic harm.
April 26th, 2024 — Source

Scientists report that new gene therapy slows down amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease progression
There has been a breakthrough in the research on the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Scientists at Umeå University report that the disease progression in a patient with a particularly aggressive form of ALS disease has slowed down considerably with the use of a new gene therapy.
April 26th, 2024 — Source

US approves gene therapy treatment for hemophilia
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has received US approval for a gene therapy against a form of hemophilia, a rare and inherited blood clotting disorder, the company said Friday.
April 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 24th, 2024

A key gene helps explain how the ability to glide has emerged over-and-over during marsupial evolution
People say "When pigs fly" to describe the impossible. But even if most mammals are landlubbers, the ability to glide or fly has evolved again and again during mammalian evolution, in species ranging from bats to flying squirrels. How did that come about?
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Enhanced CRISPR method enables stable insertion of large genes into the DNA of higher plants
Scientists at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) have succeeded for the first time in stably and precisely inserting large gene segments into the DNA of higher plants very efficiently. To do this, they optimized the gene-editing method CRISPR/Cas, commonly known as "genetic scissors."
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Gene-based therapy restores cellular development and function in brain cells from people with Timothy syndrome
NIH-supported study shows potential treatment pathway for neurodevelopmental disorder.
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Immune cells on standby are constantly stimulated by healthy tissue, new study finds
When pathogens invade the body, the immune system must react immediately to prevent or contain an infection. But how do our defense cells stay ready when no attacker is in sight?
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Researchers uncover SNUPN gene responsible for a new muscular disorder
A study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on a newly identified subtype of muscular dystrophy, revealing an unsuspected role of SNUPN gene in muscle cell function.
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Scientists use ancient DNA, historical context to unravel kinship, social practices of Avar society
A multidisciplinary research team led by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology has combined ancient DNA data with a clear archaeological, anthropological and historical context to reconstruct the social dynamics of Avar-period steppe descent populations that settled in Europe's Carpathian Basin in the 6th century.
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Social change may explain decline in genetic diversity of the Y chromosome at the end of the Neolithic period
The emergence in the Neolithic of patrilineal social systems, in which children are affiliated with their father's lineage, may explain a spectacular decline in the genetic diversity of the Y chromosome observed worldwide between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago.
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Study unveils novel bladder cancer diagnostic model based on key mitochondrial genes
With millions of cases of bladder cancer (BC) around the world, the need for tools to ensure a timely diagnosis of this condition is a matter of concern. Scientists recently used mitochondrial-related genes (MRGs), known to be involved in the progression of the disease, to build a novel diagnostic model using machine learning (ML).
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Vast DNA tree of life for plants revealed by global science team using 1.8 billion letters of genetic code
A new paper published today (April 24) in the journal Nature by an international team of 279 scientists led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew presents the most up-to-date understanding of the flowering plant tree of life.
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 22nd, 2024

New gene therapy for metachromatic leukodystrophy proves effective in mice
Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a rare genetic disorder that mainly affects young children and results in severe neurological symptoms accompanied by a loss of motor and intellectual capacities. At Paris Brain Institute, Françoise Piguet and her colleagues have developed a gene therapy treatment capable of correcting the primary anomaly observed in the disease: the accumulation of sulfatides in the brain and spinal cord.
April 22th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 19th, 2024

Geneticists develop world's first bioinformatic tool to identify amyloids consisting of multiple copies of same protein
Scientists from St Petersburg University and the University of Montpellier have developed the first software enabling the prediction of pairs of proteins in amyloid fibrils capable of co-aggregation, i.e. a process by which proteins become attached to one another. Their studies have shown an accuracy of more than 94%.
April 19th, 2024 — Source

High genetic risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder suggests possible health consequences
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is closely linked to a person's mental and physical health and is often accompanied by a range of health problems in patients. Researchers at the University of Tartu found that this is also true for people who do not have a confirmed diagnosis but are at high genetic risk of developing ADHD.
April 19th, 2024 — Source

New research defines specific genomic changes associated with the transmissibility of the mpox virus
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April 19th, 2024 — Source

Researchers discover dynamic DNA structures that regulate the formation of memory
An international collaborative research team, including scientists from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), has discovered a novel mechanism underlying memory involving rapid changes in a specific DNA structure.
April 19th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 17th, 2024

Electronic health records unlock genetics of tobacco use disorder
By analyzing electronic health records, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified hundreds of new genes associated with tobacco use disorder. They also identified hundreds of potential drug candidates that could help treat the disease.
April 17th, 2024 — Source

Genetic variants found in two types of strabismus, sparking hope for future treatment of eye condition
Determining how genetics contribute to common forms of strabismus has been a challenge for researchers. Small discoveries are considered meaningful progress.
April 17th, 2024 — Source

New genetic insights: Sugary beverages linked to higher risk of atrial fibrillation
In a recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers used Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the associations between the intake of pure fruit juices (PFJ) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
April 17th, 2024 — Source

Researchers uncover human DNA repair by nuclear metamorphosis
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a DNA repair mechanism that advances understanding of how human cells stay healthy, and which could lead to new treatments for cancer and premature aging.
April 17th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 15th, 2024

Bio-Rad announces collaboration agreement with oncocyte to commercialize transplant monitoring with droplet digital PCR
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. a global leader in life science research and clinical diagnostics products, today announced a collaboration agreement with Oncocyte Corporation, a precision diagnostics company, to develop and commercialize transplant monitoring products using Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital™ PCR instruments and reagents.
April 15th, 2024 — Source

First insights into the genetic bottleneck characterizing early sheep husbandry in the Neolithic period
Modern Eurasian sheep predominantly belong to only two so-called genetic matrilineages inherited through the ewes, so previous research has assumed that genetic diversity must already have decreased rapidly in the early stages of domestication of wild sheep.
April 15th, 2024 — Source

Researchers discover cause of a new rare genetic condition: Glutamine synthetase stabilization disorder
An international team of researchers has discovered what causes an unusual and incredibly rare genetic condition, giving hope to the families with it and others with related disorders.
April 15th, 2024 — Source

Tiny DNA circles are key drivers of cancer formation, study suggests NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Tiny circles of DNA that defy the accepted laws of genetics are key drivers of cancer formation, according to an international study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine.
April 15th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 12th, 2024

Developing a machine learning model to explore DNA methylation
A Northwestern Medicine study has detailed the development of a machine learning model to predict DNA methylation status in cell-free DNA by its fragmentation patterns, according to findings published in Nature Communications.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Innovative antiviral defense with new CRISPR tool
The rise of RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 highlights the need for new ways to fight them. RNA-targeting tools like CRISPR/Cas13 are powerful but inefficient in the cytoplasm of cells, where many RNA viruses replicate. Scientists from Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University Munich (TUM) have devised a solution: Cas13d-NCS.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Macroalgae genetics study sheds light on how seaweed became multicellular
A deep dive into macroalgae genetics has uncovered the genetic underpinnings that enabled macroalgae, or "seaweed," to evolve multicellularity. Three lineages of macroalgae developed multicellularity independently and during very different time periods by acquiring genes that enable cell adhesion, extracellular matrix formation, and cell differentiation, researchers report in the journal Molecular Plant.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Meta-analysis uncovers stress-responsive genes in Arabidopsis
Plants can be temperamental. Even weeds along the side of highways or pushing their way up in the cracks of concrete sidewalks can get stressed out by dehydration, cold, excess salt and more. Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified 14 genes that thale cress -; a plant commonly used in genetic investigations since its genome is well documented -; express more when responding to five specific stressors, as well as eight genes that the plant suppresses.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Nanopore sequencing unveils novel telomere length patterns
We depend on our cells being able to divide and multiply, whether it's to replace sunburnt skin or replenish our blood supply and recover from injury. Chromosomes, which carry all of our genetic instructions, must be copied in a complete way during cell division. Telomeres, which cap the ends of chromosomes, play a critical role in this cell-renewal process-;with a direct bearing on health and disease.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

New CRISPR tool orchestrates antiviral defense within cells
The rise of RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 highlights the need for new ways to fight them. RNA-targeting tools like CRISPR/Cas13 are powerful but inefficient in the cytoplasm of cells, where many RNA viruses replicate.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Study reveals how DNA gyrase resolves DNA entanglements
Picture in your mind a traditional "landline" telephone with a coiled cord connecting the handset to the phone. The coiled telephone cord and the DNA double helix that stores the genetic material in every cell in the body have one thing in common; they both supercoil, or coil about themselves, and tangle in ways that can be difficult to undo.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Unveiling the key role of RNA modification in HIV-1 survival and replication NewsGuard 100/100 Score
A chemical modification in the HIV-1 RNA genome whose function has been a matter of scientific debate is now confirmed to be key to the virus's ability to survive and thrive after infecting host cells, a new study has found.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 11th, 2024

Keys to the genome: Unlocking the package with 'pioneer transcription factors'
Scientists at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute have discovered the molecular mechanisms responsible for opening up the human genome and expressing new genes.
April 11th, 2024 — Source

Researchers stimulate gene that enhances CAR T-cell treatments for solid tumors
Researchers at Peter Mac have overcome a major barrier that could see a revolutionary immunotherapy treatment becoming successful on patients with solid cancer types.
April 11th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 10th, 2024

A new coating method in mRNA engineering points the way to advanced therapies
Medicine can help to treat certain illnesses, e.g., antibiotics can help overcome infections, but a new, promising field of medicine involves providing our body with the "blueprint" for how to defeat illnesses on its own.
April 10th, 2024 — Source

Baylor study reveals role of newly inherited DNA variants in recessive diseases NewsGuard 100/100 Score
You have your mother's eyes and your father's smile, but genetics is much more than just what's on the surface. In a study that spans more than a decade, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have looked at generations of families in a specific population to reveal the role newly inherited DNA variants play on recessive disease traits, and in the process, they have created a population specific database revealing unique DNA information unseen in larger cohorts.
April 10th, 2024 — Source

Enhancer-gene mapping with SCENT method offers insights into disease mechanisms NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Genetic studies of diseases map segments of the genome driving disease. But to understand how those changes contribute to disease progression, it is important to understand how they may alter gene regulation of disease genes in cell populations assumed to be driving disease. "Enhancer-gene maps" link genomic regulatory regions to genes and are essential for understanding disease. But constructing them poses challenges due to limitations in current experimental methods, that make it difficult to apply the technique to rare cell populations and genes that only regulate specific cell types.
April 10th, 2024 — Source

Exploring the role of RNA modification in normal hematopoiesis and acute myeloid leukemia pathogenesis
The hematopoietic system is a complex tissue characterized by multiple layers of stem cells, progenitor cells, and mature blood cells. Operating under normal conditions, it ensures a continuous and stable blood supply throughout the body.
April 10th, 2024 — Source

Filling in genomic blanks for disease studies works better for some groups than others
Understanding how genetics affect health is an essential first step toward treating and preventing a host of diseases. New knowledge often comes from genome-wide association studies identifying variations in the genetic code linked with conditions such as cancer and autoimmune disease. The more people's DNA and health histories that are examined in such research, the more likely genetic and biological insights can be garnered.
April 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 6th, 2024

Can language models read the genome? This one decoded mRNA to make better vaccines
The same class of artificial intelligence that made headlines coding software and passing the bar exam has learned to read a different kind of text—the genetic code.
April 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 5th, 2024

A deep dive into the genetics of alcohol consumption
A research group centered at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has drilled deep into a dataset of over 3 million individuals compiled by the direct-to-consumer genetics company 23andMe, Inc., and found intriguing connections between genetic factors influencing alcohol consumption and their relationship with other disorders.
April 5th, 2024 — Source

Study reveals genetic drivers of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
In the largest study of its kind, researchers from the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, have identified genes that appear to drive the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
April 5th, 2024 — Source

UC San Diego researchers discover genetic connections to alcohol consumption NewsGuard 100/100 Score
A research group centered at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has drilled deep into a dataset of over 3 million individuals compiled by the direct-to-consumer genetics company 23andMe, Inc., and found intriguing connections between genetic factors influencing alcohol consumption and their relationship with other disorders.
April 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 4th, 2024

Fontan circulation link to changes in the genetic code may lead to new treatment for heart conditions
Patients who have had surgery to create a Fontan circulation show changes in their genetic code, which may provide a new treatment opportunity to reduce premature aging.
April 4th, 2024 — Source

Gene editing technique shows promise for effectively curing a hereditary liver disease
Argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASLD), also known as argininosuccinic aciduria, is a severe metabolic disease where the body does not process proteins normally, instead resulting in a very dangerous accumulation of argininosuccinic acid and ammonia. Excess ammonia causes disturbances of consciousness, coma and even death.
April 4th, 2024 — Source

YKT6 gene variants cause a new genetic disorder finds a new study
A recent collaborative study has discovered rare variants in the YKT6 gene as the cause of a new neurological disorder characterized by developmental delays along with severe progressive liver disease and a potential risk for liver cancer.
April 4th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — April 2nd, 2024

Gene analysis generates spatial map of intestinal cells and traces their trajectories during gut inflammation
Cells within the intestines perform various roles including nutrient absorption, sensing, and maintaining homeostasis. Certain chronic disorders are distinctly characterized by gut inflammation, which disrupts intestinal cells and can lead to a remodeling of the gut and the introduction of new immune cells.
April 2nd, 2024 — Source

Inside the new Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, which uses DNA to 'record biology over time'
Researchers opened the doors Monday to the new Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, a collaboration between the Allen Institute, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the University of Washington.
April 2nd, 2024 — Source

New study maps a group of rare genetic diseases for the first time
Behind the term ectodermal dysplasia lies a wide range of genetic disorders that can have a major impact on patients' lives and quality of life. Some cannot sweat, others are born with missing or cone-shaped teeth, while others have very little hair, skeletal deformities, or abnormal nails. A total of 49 diagnoses fall under the term, but until now, we have not had an overview of how many Danes actually suffer from an ectodermal dysplasia disorder.
April 2nd, 2024 — Source

YKT6 gene variants cause a new neurological disorder, finds study
A recent collaborative study has discovered rare variants in the YKT6 gene as the cause of a new neurological disorder characterized by developmental delays along with severe progressive liver disease and a potential risk for liver cancer.
April 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 29th, 2024

Gene editing technology reveals molecular mechanisms governing diatom population density signals
The intricate dynamics of diatom blooms, influenced by a myriad of external factors and internal signals, continue to fascinate scientists. After recognizing the potential role of density perception and intracellular signaling in dictating these phenomena, researchers have begun to elucidate the molecular basis of diatom population density regulation.
March 29th, 2024 — Source

Research reveals genetic factors in cerebral palsy development
A Canadian-led study has identified genes which may be partially responsible for the development of cerebral palsy.
March 29th, 2024 — Source or Source

Scientists discover a key quality-control mechanism in DNA replication
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March 29th, 2024 — Source

Structural and biochemical basis of methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase ALDH6A1
ALDH6A1, a member of the ALDH family, plays a crucial role in the catabolic pathways of valine and thymine. Dysregulation of ALDH6A1 expression has been linked to a variety of diseases. Methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (MMSDH deficiency), an autosomal recessive disorder, arises from mutations in the ALDH6A1 gene.
March 29th, 2024 — Source

Single genomic test promises accelerated diagnoses for rare genetic diseases
A single genetic test could potentially replace the current two-step approach to diagnosing rare developmental disorders in children. This shift could enable earlier diagnoses for families and save vital resources.
March 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 28th, 2024

Chemists develop method to confirm mRNA vaccine stability
University at Albany researchers at the RNA Institute have developed a new method to test COVID-19 vaccine integrity that could allow anyone with basic skills in vaccine handling to detect expired vaccines quickly and effectively, without specialized lab equipment.
March 28th, 2024 — Source

Single genomic test promises accelerated diagnoses for rare genetic diseases
A single genetic test could potentially replace the current two-step approach to diagnosing rare developmental disorders in children. This shift could enable earlier diagnoses for families and save the NHS vital resources.
March 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 27th, 2024

A genetic difference in THC metabolism may explain why some young adults have negative experiences with cannabis
Differences in how young adults metabolize THC, the main part of cannabis that makes people feel "high," can influence how they feel after taking the drug as well as their potential risk for developing cannabis use disorder, or CUD.
March 27th, 2024 — Source

How genes work together to shape how much you smoke
Take a puff of nicotine for the first time, and your DNA plays an important role, alongside social and environmental factors, in shaping what happens next.
March 27th, 2024 — Source

Making long-term memories requires DNA damage, researchers discover
Just as you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs, scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have found that you can't make long-term memories without DNA damage and brain inflammation. Their surprising findings were published in the journal Nature in a paper titled "Formation of memory assemblies through the DNA sensing TLR9 pathway."
March 27th, 2024 — Source

New insights into the exacerbation of psoriasis through specific genetic defects NewsGuard 100/100 Score
In a recent study featured in Nature Communications, researchers created mice that carry a gain-of-function (GoF) mutation in the gene encoding the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-b kinase subunit beta (IKBKB), known as the IKK2-encoding IKBKB gene. This was done to explore how this mutation works.
March 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 25th, 2024

DNA nanotube rings: Research team develops important building block for artificial cells
During cell division, a ring forms around the cell equator, which contracts to divide the cell into two daughter cells. Together with researchers from Heidelberg, Dresden, Tübingen and Harvard, Professor Jan Kierfeld and Lukas Weise from the Department of Physics at TU Dortmund University have succeeded for the first time in synthesizing such a contractile ring with the help of DNA nanotechnology and uncovering its contraction mechanism.
March 25th, 2024 — Source

Newly discovered beneficial mutation in mitochondrial DNA seems to help Alzheimer's gene carriers live longer
Researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology have discovered a genetic mutation in a small mitochondrial protein that may promote longevity, preserve cognitive function, and protect against Alzheimer's disease among carriers of APOE4, a gene associated with a dramatic increase in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
March 25th, 2024 — Source

Unraveling epigenetic contributions to autoimmune skin diseases
The central dogma proposed that genetic information predominantly transfers from DNA to RNA during gene expression to make a functional product protein. This absolute theory has been debunked because of the influence of the environment on how genes are transcribed. According to the human genome sequencing and analysis, an extremely complex regulatory mechanism is required to regulate gene expression inside the human body, resulting in the activation or inhibition of pathways or molecules that may contribute to health or illness.
March 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 22nd, 2024

Cops Running DNA-Manufactured Faces Through Face Recognition Is a Tornado of Bad Ideas
In keeping with law enforcement's grand tradition of taking antiquated, invasive, and oppressive technologies, making them digital, and then calling it innovation, police in the U.S. recently combined two existing dystopian technologies in a brand new way to violate civil liberties.
March 22nd, 2024 — Source

Messenger RNAs with multiple 'tails' could lead to more effective therapeutics, say researchers
Messenger RNA (mRNA) made its big leap into the public limelight during the pandemic, thanks to its cornerstone role in several COVID-19 vaccines. But mRNAs, which are genetic sequences that instruct the body to produce proteins, are also being developed as a new class of drugs. For mRNAs to have broad therapeutic uses, however, the molecules will need to last longer in the body than those that make up the COVID vaccines.
March 22nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 20th, 2024

ALG6 acts as a modifier gene in the inherited genetic eye disease retinitis pigmentosa 59
Modifier genes add complexity to precision medicine. A modifier gene is one that has genetic variants such as single nucleotide changes that differ from the most common sequence in the population. These variants do not cause disease by themselves, but can lessen or exacerbate a different genetic disease phenotype by unknown mechanisms.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

E-cigarette users experience similar DNA changes to specific cheek cells as smokers NewsGuard 100/100 Score
E-cigarette users with a limited smoking history experience similar DNA changes to specific cheek cells as smokers, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL (University College London) and University of Innsbruck.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Experimental gene therapy for giant axonal neuropathy shows promise in NIH clinical trial
Treatment for rare childhood disease was well tolerated and slowed loss of motor function.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

New way for states to cover pricey gene therapies will start with sickle cell disease
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration late last year approved two breakthrough gene therapies for sickle cell disease patients. Now a new federal program seeks to make these life-changing treatments available to patients with low incomes—and it could be a model to help states pay for other expensive therapies.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Researchers roll out a more accurate way to estimate genetic risks of disease
Researchers have developed statistical tools called polygenic risk scores (PRSs) that can estimate individuals' risk for certain diseases with strong genetic components, such as heart disease or diabetes. However, the data on which PRSs are built is often limited in diversity and scope. As a result, PRSs are less accurate when applied to populations that differ demographically from the PRS training data.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 18th, 2024

Black individuals with a genetic mutation found to have increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, heart failure
Physician--scientists from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine led a nationwide genetic study examining the role of genetic mutations in the Titin, TTN, gene in Black individuals. In their study, published in Nature Cardiovascular Research they found that Black individuals carrying these genetic variants were at a high risk of developing atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
March 18th, 2024 — Source

Genes identified that allow bacteria to thrive despite toxic heavy metal in soil
Some soil bacteria can acquire sets of genes that enable them to pump the heavy metal nickel out of their systems, a study has found. This enables the bacteria to not only thrive in otherwise toxic soils but help plants grow there as well.
March 18th, 2024 — Source

How genetic therapies transformed the lives of sickle cell patients
Their stories are divided into before and after. First, those long years of pain which flooded every moment—school, relationships, work.
March 18th, 2024 — Source

Illuminating a critical step in initiating DNA replication in eukaryotes
Brandt Eichman and Walter Chazin, professors of biochemistry, have worked together to provide a better understanding of how exactly DNA replication is initiated in eukaryotes. Using Vanderbilt's state-of-the-art instrumentation in the Center for Structural Biology's Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility, Eichman, Chazin, and their colleagues provided detailed visualizations of a multi-functional protein in action, which sheds light on how DNA replication is initiated in humans.
March 18th, 2024 — Source

Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation points to new potential treatment for an intractable genetic disease
A research team led by CiRA Professor Junya Toguchida in collaboration with Assistant Professor Yonghui Jin and graduated student Liping Sun at the Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, has identified a promising therapeutic target for an intractable genetic disease, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).
March 18th, 2024 — Source

Shining a light on the genetic underpinnings of a rare disease impacting children
A team from the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine has completed a new study that reveals the inner workings of gene mutations that result in an ultra-rare syndrome with fewer than 100 reported cases since its first description in the early 1960s.
March 18th, 2024 — Source

Study reveals the inner workings of gene mutations linked to ultra-rare syndrome
A team from the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine has completed an exciting new study that reveals the inner workings of gene mutations that result in an ultra-rare syndrome with fewer than 100 reported cases since its first description in the early 1960s.
March 18th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 15th, 2024

Genome-wide transcriptome profiling and development of age prediction models in the human brain
A new research paper was published in Aging entitled "Genome-wide transcriptome profiling and development of age prediction models in the human brain."
March 14th, 2024 — Source

DNA origami-based vaccines toward safe and highly-effective precision cancer immunotherapy
Therapeutic cancer vaccines are a form of immunotherapy in the making that could not only destroy cancer cells in patients, but keep a cancer from coming back and spreading. Multiple therapeutic cancer vaccines are being studied in clinical trials, but despite their promise, they are not routinely used yet by clinical oncologists to treat their patients.
March 14th, 2024 — Source or Source

DNA parasite now plays key role in making critical nerve cell protein
An RNA has been adopted to help the production of myelin, a key nerve protein.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Large-scale study explores genetic link between colorectal cancer and meat intake
In one of the largest ever gene-environment interaction studies of red meat and colorectal cancer, which explored the impact of red meat consumption on a person's cancer risk based on their genotype, researchers have identified two genetic markers that may help explain the association between the two and explain why some people face a higher cancer risk.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 14th, 2024

FRYL gene variants linked to a new neurological disorder
A recent study from the lab of Dr. Hugo J. Bellen, distinguished service professor at Baylor College of Medicine and investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) links the FRYL gene to a new neurodevelopmental disorder in humans. The researchers used fruit flies to establish that the loss of a functional copy of the FRY-like transcription coactivator (FRYL) gene is the underlying cause of this new disorder in fourteen individuals.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Research reveals the genetic code behind non-identical twins
A QIMR Berghofer-led international team of scientists has unlocked the genetic secrets behind why some mothers are more likely than others to conceive twins.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

New genes implicated in uterine fibroid development
Northwestern Medicine scientists have identified new genes implicated in the development of uterine fibroids, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

New simpler and cost-effective forensics test helps identify touch DNA
Television dramas like CSI and NCIS make criminal investigations look easy. In real life, DNA testing can be challenging and requires expensive equipment, special facilities, and extensive training to identify DNA from a crime scene and determine which belongs to a potential suspect and which may have been transferred from someone who was never there.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Team performs the first gene therapy tests in a whole human liver
In a worldwide first-of-its-kind study published in the journal Nature Communications this week, a team of scientists from Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) have tested novel gene therapies in a whole human liver, with the goal of developing more effective treatments for life-threatening inherited diseases.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 11th, 2024

New insights into the silencing of X chromosome genes passed on from fathers to daughters
Daughters inherit two X chromosomes (one from the mother and one from the father), while sons inherent an X chromosome only from the mother. In new research published in Molecular Cell, investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) discovered that a large part of the X chromosome that a father passes on to his daughter is silent, even before fertilization.
March 11th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 8th, 2024

Study finds microRNA can predict severe Crohn's disease in children
When comparing intestinal samples of children with Crohn's disease and healthy children, one molecule stands out: the microRNA (miRNA) miR-29, which shows significant differences between the two groups, researchers found.
March 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 6th, 2024

Black people half as likely to be evaluated for genetic testing as white people, finds study
Genetic testing has become a more common way to diagnose and manage many neurologic conditions including dementia, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, but a new study has found not everyone may have the same level of access to these tests.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Gene discovered that can protect against severe muscle disease
A specific gene may play a key role in new treatments that prevent muscle in the body from breaking down in serious muscle diseases, or muscular dystrophies.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Key gene found to prevent muscle breakdown in muscular dystrophy
Protein expressed by the gene naturally prevents the muscles around the eye from being affected when other muscles in the body are broken down during muscular dystrophies. In the study, the so-called genetic scissors were used and the gene is expressed in all muscles. The effects were that muscular dystrophin was alleviated throughout the body.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Living heart muscle slices drive RNA research into heart failure
Researchers from Hannover Medical School (MHH) have placed living human heart tissue in a nutrient solution and used it to test new drugs and innovative approaches to combat heart failure.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Research team uncovers novel receptor function in fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome is one of the most commonly inherited forms of autism and intellectual disability, and no treatment currently exists. But a team of University of Illinois researchers led by Vipendra Kumar, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, has discovered a novel receptor function that may be used in a therapeutic approach to treatment.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Silicon nanotube bundles facilitate efficient RNA therapy delivery in cells
Precisely modulating gene expression within cells represents a powerful frontier in treating diseases at their roots, rather than merely managing symptoms. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules have emerged as a versatile tool capable of silencing specific genes by disrupting production of their protein products. However, safely and effectively delivering these delicate RNA strands into cells has remained an obstinate challenge, hindering the broad clinical translation of RNA therapeutics.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Synthetic DNA sheds light on mysterious difference between living cells at different points in evolution
"Random DNA" is naturally active in the one-celled fungi yeast, while such DNA is turned off as its natural state in mammalian cells, despite their having a common ancestor a billion years ago and the same basic molecular machinery, a new study finds.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 4th, 2024

Genetic germline variations influence expression of cancer cell genes, finds study
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine's Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Human Genome Sequencing Center investigated the extent to which forms of genetic variation called germline or inherited structural variation influence gene expression in human cancers.
March 4th, 2024 — Source

Newly discovered protein prevents DNA triplication
Every time a cell divides, its DNA is duplicated so that the two daughter cells have the same genetic material as their parent. This means that, millions of times a day, a biochemical wonder takes place in the body: the copying of the DNA molecule.
March 4th, 2024 — Source

Researchers discover how "leaky" mitochondria can drive harmful inflammation
Researchers have discovered how "leaky" mitochondria -- the powerhouses of our cells -- can drive harmful inflammation responsible for diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists may be able to leverage the findings to develop better treatments for those diseases, improve our ability to fight off viruses and even slow aging.
March 4th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — March 1st, 2024

Early vocabulary size is genetically linked to ADHD, literacy, and cognition
Early language development is an important predictor of children's later language, reading and learning skills. Moreover, language learning difficulties are related to neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
March 1st, 2024 — Source

Weight loss solution inspired by space shuttles: New mRNA delivery breakthrough
Inspired by the design of space shuttles, Penn Engineering researchers have invented a new way to synthesize a key component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the revolutionary delivery vehicle for mRNA treatments including the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, simplifying the manufacture of LNPs while boosting their efficacy at delivering mRNA to cells for medicinal purposes.
March 1st, 2024 — Source