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?
#2693
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.
#2693
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

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 28th, 2024

How to make mRNA therapeutics safe from the start
The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has unleashed a flood of interest in using the technology to create more vaccines and treatments for everything from rare diseases and infections to cancer.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
An international research team led by QIMR Berghofer and Peter MacCallum Cancer Center has discovered that people with the hereditary cancer disorder Li Fraumeni syndrome are at greater risk of a much broader spectrum of cancers than previously thought.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

Research identifies genetic change associated with human tail loss
A genetic change in our ancient ancestors may partly explain why humans don't have tails like monkeys, finds a new study led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

Understanding genetic risk could save sight and predict multiple sclerosis earlier in young people
Young people could be spared from going blind by a new genetic risk tool that could also help diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) earlier, to start effective treatments.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

Whole genome sequencing reveals new genetic marker for cardiomyopathy
In the first study to use whole genome sequencing to examine tandem repeat expansions in heart conditions, scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have laid the groundwork for early detection of and future precision therapies for cardiomyopathy.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 26th, 2024

Human stem cells coaxed to mimic the very early central nervous system
The first stem cell culture method that produces a full model of the early stages of the human central nervous system has been developed by a team of engineers and biologists at the University of Michigan, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and the University of Pennsylvania.
February 26th, 2024 — Source or Source

RNA-sequencing analysis reveals key genes behind eggplant peel variation
Anthocyanins give fruits and vegetables their red, purple, and blue colors, offering health benefits. Their biosynthesis involves specific enzymes and is regulated by the MBW complex of transcription factors. Research has linked color variations in plants to anthocyanin content and structure, with transcriptomic analyses revealing genes involved in these differences.
February 26th, 2024 — Source

Ultima announces UG 100™ and reveals disruptive cost and accuracy profile to enable the era of the $100 genome and beyond
Ultima Genomics, Inc., a developer of a revolutionary new ultra-high throughput sequencing architecture, announced the full commercial availability of the UG 100TM sequencer today. The UG 100TM system, Ultima's first commercial product, leverages Ultima's unique sequencing architecture featuring an open silicon wafer substrate to replace the traditional flow cells and enable the $100 genome and beyond.
February 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 23rd, 2024

Advancing gene regulatory network inference with causal discovery and graph neural networks
Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) depict the regulatory mechanisms of genes within cellular systems as a network, offering vital insights for understanding cell processes and molecular interactions that determine cellular phenotypes. Transcriptional regulation, a prevalent type for regulating gene expression, involves the control of target genes (TGs) by transcription factors (TFs).
February 23rd, 2024 — Source

Genes affect your blood pressure from early childhood, data show
Certain genes associated with hypertension affect blood pressure from early in life, and they increase the risk of cardiovascular disease as you get older. But you can do something about it.
February 23rd, 2024 — Source

Key link discovered between spread of antibiotic resistance genes and drug resistance evolution
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have uncovered a key link between the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and the evolution of resistance to new drugs in certain pathogens.
February 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 21st, 2024

Digital DNA melting analysis can be a faster and more reliable tool for pathogen detection
A new analysis method can detect pathogens in blood samples faster and more accurately than blood cultures, which are the current state of the art for infection diagnosis. The new method, called digital DNA melting analysis, can produce results in under six hours, whereas culture typically requires 15 hours to several days, depending on the pathogen.
February 21st, 2024 — Source

Physical inactivity and inflammation drive age-related gene changes in skeletal muscles
New research indicates that some age-related changes in gene and protein expression in the skeletal muscles of older individuals may be affected more by physical inactivity and chronic inflammation than primary aging, or intrinsic maturational processes.
February 21st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 19th, 2024

Analysis identifies more than 275 million previously unreported genetic variations
An analysis of genomic data from nearly 250,000 participants in the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program has identified more than 275 million previously unreported genetic variations, nearly 4 million of which have potential health consequences.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Genetic risk prediction for ten chronic diseases moves closer to the clinic
By analyzing millions of small genetic differences across a person's genome, researchers can calculate a polygenic risk score to estimate someone's lifetime odds of developing a certain disease. Over the past decade, scientists have developed these risk scores for dozens of diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer, with the hope that patients could one day use this information to lower any heightened risk of disease.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Husker research duo selected as Phase 1 winners in the NIH's Targeted Genome Editor Delivery Challenge
A Husker research duo was named a first-round winner in a National Institutes of Health competition aimed at generating solutions for delivering genome-editing technology to the cells of people with rare and common diseases.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Identification of genetic determinants of micronucleus formation
In a recent study published in Nature, researchers identified the genetic determinants of micronuclei formation (MN).
February 19th, 2024 — Source

New technique for revealing genetic repeats yields surprising insights into Huntington's disease
Neurodegenerative diseases are among the most complex human ailments, and their exact causes and mechanisms are the subject of ongoing research and debate. When it comes to Huntington's disease, steadily accumulating evidence over the past 30 years has led to a model of molecular events that explains several key features of the disease, including why it has an earlier onset in some people and why it causes symptoms such as involuntary movements and mood swings.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Newly discovered genetic markers help pinpoint diabetes risks, complications
In the largest genome-wide association study to date on type 2 diabetes, a team of international researchers, co-led by a University of Massachusetts Amherst genetic epidemiologist, has located 1,289 genetic markers associated with type 2 diabetes (145 of which are newly identified) and generated risk scores for diabetes complications.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Researchers optimize genetic tests for diverse populations to tackle health disparities
To prevent an emerging genomic technology from contributing to health disparities, a scientific team has devised new ways to improve a genetic testing method called a polygenic risk score. Since polygenic risk scores have not been effective for all populations, the researchers recalibrated these genetic tests using ancestrally diverse genomic data.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Study highlights importance of genetic sequencing to diagnosis of growth disorders
In an article published in the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers based in Brazil describe the case of a nine-year-old boy admitted to hospital with multiple symptoms and overlapping conditions that made diagnosis difficult, such as short stature, thin tooth enamel (dental enamel hypoplasia), moderate mental deficiency, speech delay, asthma, mildly altered blood sugar, and a history of recurring infections in infancy.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 16th, 2024

Data science shown to expedite return of ancestral Indigenous remains
The return of the ancestral human remains of Australian and other Indigenous peoples held in anthropological collections could be sped up using machine-based deep learning according to a new study led by QUT computer scientists.
February 16th, 2024 — Source

Behold, a giant AI-generated rat penis
The anatomically incorrect ratwurst was somehow published in a scientific journal.
February 16th, 2024 — Source

Nature versus nurture: Twin study sheds light on heritable brain activity
The way our brain processes different emotional and cognitive tasks may be underpinned by common factors, find scientists from UNSW and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA).
February 16th, 2024 — Source

New genetic therapy shows promise for motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia
Macquarie University neuroscientists have developed a single-dose genetic medicine that has been proven to halt the progression of both motor neuron disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in mice—and may even offer the potential to reverse some of the effects of the fatal diseases.
February 16th, 2024 — Source

Stabilizing mRNA vaccines for delivery to cells
Vaccines and therapies based on messenger RNA could be more readily delivered due to a non-toxic polymer that protects RNA and controls its release inside cells.
February 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 14th, 2024

Genetic and therapeutic landscapes in cohort of pancreatic adenocarcinomas using NGS and machine learning
A new research paper titled "Genetic and therapeutic landscapes in cohort of pancreatic adenocarcinomas: next-generation sequencing and machine learning for full tumor exome analysis" has been published in Oncotarget.
February 14th, 2024 — Source

Key genes linked to DNA damage and human disease uncovered
More than one hundred key genes linked to DNA damage have been uncovered through systematic screening of nearly 1,000 genetically modified mouse lines in a new study published in Nature.
February 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 12th, 2024

CRISPR could be used for faster monkeypox testing
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease that is spread through physical contact between people. Currently, testing for mpox requires lab equipment and can take a few hours to get test results. But new research suggests a way for faster testing that could be done in any clinic soon.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

Differential expression of Mad2 gene in human esophageal cancer
A new research paper titled "Differential expression of Mad2 gene is consequential to the patterns of histone H3 post-translational modifications in its promoter region in human esophageal cancer samples" has been published in Oncotarget.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

How the quantum world can help scientists engineer biology
CRISPR-Cas is a tool that allows scientists to make targeted changes to an organism's DNA. This tool consists of two parts. The first is a microscopic substance called a nuclease Cas protein (e.g., Cas9) that can cleave DNA. The second is an RNA molecule (also called guide RNA or gRNA) that determines where these edits are made.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

New biotech startup targets genes to treat skin diseases
Alys Pharmaceuticals has launched today with $100M seed funding
February 12th, 2024 — Source

New study finds that pregnancy complications can also affect child's health later in life
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes (GDM) are two of the most common pregnancy complications and put pregnant people at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

Scandinavia's first farmers slaughtered the hunter-gatherer population, DNA analysis suggests
Following the arrival of the first farmers in Scandinavia 5,900 years ago, the hunter-gatherer population was wiped out within a few generations, according to a new study from Lund University in Sweden, among others. The results, which are contrary to prevailing opinion, are based on DNA analysis of skeletons and teeth found in what is now Denmark.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

Understanding how natural genetic variation contributes to adaptive responses to low oxygen
Humans are still evolving, and Tatum Simonson, PhD, founder and co-director of the Center for Physiological Genomics of Low Oxygen at University of California School of Medicine, plans to use evolution to improve healthcare for all.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 9th, 2024

Researchers discover one million new components of the human genome
Researchers at the University of Toronto's Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research have found nearly one million new exons—stretches of DNA that are expressed in mature RNA—in the human genome.
February 9th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 7th, 2024

Mitochondria on the move: New discovery could revolutionize treatment of brain diseases
The human brain is an organ that takes nearly from 20 to 25% of the energy the body needs. This high energy demand for neuronal functions depends on the transport and precise distribution of mitochondria — the energy-generating cell organelles — in each neuron.
February 7th, 2024 — Source

New sex-specific genetic variants for chronic kidney disease identified
Working with an international consortium, scientists at Leipzig University have identified new genes that may play a role in chronic kidney disease. They analyzed data from more than 900,000 people and found effects that in some cases differed between men and women.
February 7th, 2024 — Source

Researchers introduce new approach for accurately assessing cell composition in the pancreas
Research introduces new DNA methylation-based method for accurately assessing cell composition in the human pancreas, addressing a critical gap in diabetes research. By overcoming limitations of traditional protein marker-based approaches, the study provides a more precise means to identify specific cell types.
February 7th, 2024 — Source

The MagBinder® Fit24 nucleic acid purification system
Omega Bio-tek, an innovator of nucleic acid purification applications for 25 years, announces the 2024 debut of the MagBinder® Fit24 at SLAS 2024, its first piece of hardware for labs isolating DNA or RNA from various sample types for downstream analysis.
February 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 5th, 2024

Chinese genetic study seeks to make generational medical discoveries
A team of medical researchers at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, working with colleagues from several other institutions in China, has conducted a large-scale genetic study. Publishing in the journal Nature, the group analyzed genetic sequencing data from thousands of Chinese participants.
February 5th, 2024 — Source

Computer-engineered DNA to study cell identities
All the cells in our body have the same genetic code, and yet they can differ in their identities, functions and disease states. Telling one cell apart from another in a simple manner, in real time, would prove invaluable for scientists trying to understand inflammation, infections or cancers.
February 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 2nd, 2024

Gene editing offers hope for people with hereditary disorder
A group of patients with a hereditary disorder have had their lives transformed by a single treatment of a breakthrough gene-editing therapy, according to the lead researcher of a trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
February 2nd, 2024 — Source

Gene editing precisely repairs immune cells
Some hereditary genetic defects cause an exaggerated immune response that can be fatal. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, such defects can be corrected, thus normalizing the immune response, as researchers led by Klaus Rajewsky from the Max Delbrück Center now report in Science Immunology.
February 2nd, 2024 — Source

Identifying genomics markers to predict radiation sensitivity
As the effectiveness of radiotherapy varies greatly between tumors, finding gene signatures to predict the radiation response could better guide clinicians to personalize treatment plans.
February 2nd, 2024 — Source

SPT Labtech Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer
SPT Labtech is pleased to announce the appointment of Morten Frost Norgreen as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) as of February 1st, 2024. 
February 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — February 1st, 2024

A nanotechnology‐based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery system for genome editing in cancer treatment
In a study published in MedComm—Biomaterials and Applications Professor Changyang Gong and his Ph.D. student Shiyao Zhou elaborate on the mechanism of CRISPR/Cas9 system. The CRISPR/Cas9 system consists of Cas9 protein and single stranded directing RNA (sgRNA).
February 1st, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 31st, 2024

Groundbreaking genome editing tools unlock new possibilities for precision medicine
A team of researchers at the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology Dresden, led by Prof. Frank Buchholz, has achieved a major breakthrough in genome editing technology. They've developed a cutting-edge method that combines the power of designer-recombinases with programmable DNA-binding domains to create precise and adaptable genome editing tools.
January 31, 2024 — Source

Meta-analysis of ACE inhibitor--induced angioedema identifies novel risk locus in genome
Angioedema is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to ACE inhibitors. In a joint analysis of eight European study collectives, researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) for the first time conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with more than 1,000 affected individuals.
January 31, 2024 — Source

New genome editing tools unlock possibilities for precision medicine
A team of researchers at the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology Dresden, led by Prof. Frank Buchholz, has achieved a major breakthrough in genome editing technology. They've developed a cutting-edge method that combines the power of designer-recombinases with programmable DNA-binding domains to create precise and adaptable genome editing tools.
January 31, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 29th, 2024

Gene variant linked to increased miscarriage risk through disrupted chromosome pairing
Scientists at deCODE genetics, a subsidiary of Amgen and their collaborators from Iceland, Denmark and USA published a study today in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology titled "Variant in the synaptonemal complex protein SYCE2 associates with pregnancy loss through effects on recombination".
January 29, 2024 — Source

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging during convective gene therapy in brain
Real-time magnetic resonance (MR) imaging during gene therapy in the nervous system provides foundational impact on optimizing the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of gene therapy delivery to the nervous system.
January 29, 2024 — Source

Researchers report on ctDNA-based detection of residual disease prognostic for resected CRC
For patients with radically resected, stage II to IV colorectal cancer (CRC), circulating tumor (ct)DNA-based detection of molecular residual disease (MRD) in response to adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is prognostic of outcomes, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, held from Jan. 18 to 20 in San Francisco.
January 29, 2024 — Source

RNA sequencing analysis may yield better diagnosis, targeted treatment of pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, representing more than 30% of all pediatric cases. A pilot study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics confirms the feasibility of implementing an RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-Seq) workflow for clinical diagnosis of molecular subtypes in pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).
January 29, 2024 — Source

Should doctors who are public officials have the right to spread medical misinformation to the general public?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration say the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks.
January 29, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 26th, 2024

Discovery of a third RNA virus lineage in extreme environments
There are numerous RNA virus species on Earth. However, their diversity and evolution as well as roles in the ecosystem remain unclear.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Genomic 'butterfly effect' explains risk for autism spectrum disorder
Researchers in the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) examined the genetics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by analyzing mutations in the genomes of individuals and their families. They discovered that a special kind of genetic mutation works differently from typical mutations in how it contributes to the condition.
January 26, 2024 — Source

New tool improves the search for genes that cause diseases
A new statistical tool developed by researchers at the University of Chicago improves the ability to find genetic variants that cause disease. The tool, described in a new paper published January 26, 2024, in Nature Genetics, combines data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and predictions of genetic expression to limit the number of false positives and more accurately identify causal genes and variants for a disease.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Scientists develop high-precision droplet printing platform for single cell phenotype screening
With the rapid development of genome synthesis and editing technologies, droplet-based single-cell phenotype screening has become increasingly important. However, precise and high-throughput distribution of target droplets into specific macroscopic media for downstream multi-omics analysis remains a technical challenge.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Stem cell study shows how gene activity modulates the amount of immune cell production in mice
As people age or become ill, their immune systems can become exhausted and less capable of fighting off viruses such as the flu or COVID-19. In a new mouse study published in Science Advances, researchers from the USC Stem Cell lab of Rong Lu describe how specific gene activity could potentially enhance immune cell production.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 24th, 2024

Can genetics affect the need for surgery in patients with thumb osteoarthritis?
Rhizarthrosis, also known as trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the thumb, and treatments range from splints to surgery. Investigators have uncovered various genetic differences between individuals with rhizarthrosis who undergo surgery for their condition versus those who opt for nonsurgical treatments.
January 24, 2024 — Source

How a timekeeping gene affects tumor growth depends entirely on context
A new study has found that the circadian clock—which synchronizes physiological and cellular activities with the day-night cycle and is generally thought to be tumor suppressive—in fact has a contextually variable role in cancer.
January 24, 2024 — Source

mRNA therapy revives p53 to combat ovarian tumors
Ovarian cancer is often very aggressive and responds poorly to the therapies currently available. A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt and University Hospital Frankfurt offers hope that this could change in the medium term. The researchers used an mRNA as a therapeutic. With its help, the tumor cells produced a protein again that prevents their own uncontrolled proliferation or induces cell death. The mRNA therapeutic successfully combated cancerous cells and tumors in vitro as well as metastases in mice.
January 24, 2024 — Source

New study illuminates the genetics of thumb arthritis treatment
Rhizarthrosis, also known as trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the thumb, and treatments range from splints to surgery. Investigators have uncovered various genetic differences between individuals with rhizarthrosis who undergo surgery for their condition versus those who opt for nonsurgical treatments.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Retinal imaging and genetics data used to predict future disease risk
The retina is said to provide a window into a person's systemic health. In a new study published January 24 in Science Translational Medicine, physician-researchers from Mass Eye and Ear, a member of Mass General Brigham, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard combined retinal imaging, genetics and big data to estimate how likely a person is to develop eye and systemic diseases in the future.
January 24, 2024 — Source

RNA Therapies in Liver Disease: Insights from Ochre Bio's CEO
In this interview, we speak with Jack O'Meara, co-founder and CEO of Ochre Bio, a pioneering force in liver disease treatment. O'Meara shares insights into Ochre Bio's innovative RNA therapies, their approach to tackling liver disease, and the company's vision for the future.
January 24, 2024 — Source

UKHSA unveils groundbreaking Pathogen Genomics Strategy for pandemic preparedness
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has today published its Pathogen Genomics Strategy, laying out a 5 year plan for the organization's role in the wider delivery of pathogen genomics to prepare for and respond to infectious disease threats to public health.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 22nd, 2024

CRISPR off-switches: A path towards safer genome engineering?
Using CRISPR, an immune system bacteria use to protect themselves from viruses, scientists have harnessed the power to edit genetic information within cells. In fact, the first CRISPR-based therapeutic was recently approved by the FDA to treat sickle cell disease in December 2023. That therapy is based on a highly studied system known as the CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissor.
January 22, 2024 — Source

DNA becomes our 'hands' to construct advanced nanoparticle materials
Significant leap forward in assembling polyhedral nanoparticles
January 22, 2024 — Source

Industrial vegetable oils show dangerous levels of toxic elements, surpassing traditional oils
In a recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health, a team of researchers analyzed samples of industrially and traditionally made edible vegetable oils, such as sunflower, sesame, olive, and peanut oil, to determine whether they contained potentially toxic elements such as cadmium, lead, iron, arsenic, and zinc.
January 22, 2024 — Source

Mouse study finds genetic variation determines the actions of gene regulatory factors
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that genetic variation determines chromatin accessibility and the binding of transcription factors. Chromatin consists of DNA and proteins attached to it. The density of this packaging is regulated by transcription factors, and DNA accessibility is required for gene expression. The research is published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research.
January 22, 2024 — Source

Scientists unravel key steps in the road to DNA repair
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have been studying DNA repair by homologous recombination, where the RecA protein repairs breaks in double-stranded DNA by incorporating a dangling single-strand end into intact double strands, and repairing the break based on the undamaged sequence.
January 22, 2024 — Source

'Shredding' unique genetic features of cancer cells with CRISPR-Cas3
Cornell researchers have taken an important step toward harnessing CRISPR gene editing in "targeted, safe and potent" cancer treatment, according to Ailong Ke, professor of chemistry and chemical biology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
January 22, 2024 — Source

'Water bear' genomes reveal the secrets of extreme survival
Tardigrades may be nature's ultimate survivors. While these tiny, nearly translucent animals are easily overlooked, they represent a diverse group that has successfully colonized freshwater, marine, and terrestrial environments on every continent, including Antarctica.
January 22, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 19th, 2024

DNA origami folded into nanoscale electromotor
Scientists have created the world's first working nanoscale electromotor, according to research published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology ("A DNA turbine powered by a transmembrane potential across a nanopore"). The science team designed a turbine engineered from DNA that is powered by hydrodynamic flow inside a nanopore, a nanometer-sized hole in a membrane of solid-state silicon nitride.
January 19, 2024 — Source

New discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of a rare skeletal disorder
A McGill-led team of researchers have made an important discovery shedding light on the genetic basis of a rare skeletal disorder. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that a defect in a specific gene (heterozygous variants in the matrix Gla protein, or MGP) may cause a disorder that affects the structure of connective tissues that supports the body.
January 19, 2024 — Source

Using DNA origami to show how an important cell receptor can be activated in a previously unknown way
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have used DNA origami, the art of folding DNA into desired structures, to show how an important cell receptor can be activated in a previously unknown way. The result opens new avenues for understanding how the Notch signalling pathway works and how it is involved in several serious diseases.
January 19, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 16th, 2024

Cryo-microscopy reveals nano-sized copy machine implicated in origin of life
How the intricate molecular machinery of life arose from simple beginnings has been a long-standing question. Several lines of evidence point towards a primordial "RNA world," where an "RNA copy machine" (a so-called replicase) started making copies of itself and other RNA molecules to kick-start evolution and life itself.
January 16, 2024 — Source

Meet pAblo·pCasso: A new leap in CRISPR technologies for next-gen genome engineering
A new CRISPR-Cas toolkit, dubbed "pAblo·pCasso," is set to transform the landscape of bacterial genome editing, offering unprecedented precision and flexibility in genetic engineering. The new technology, developed by researchers at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain), expands the range of genome sites available for base-editing and dramatically accelerates the development of bacteria for a wide range of bioproduction applications.
January 16, 2024 — Source

We must not rush to implement new genetic screening programs, experts warn
There is a danger that population genetic screening programs may be introduced without the necessary scrutiny and rigor that is usually applied when screening programs are put into effect, experts have warned.
January 16, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 15th, 2024

Ancient genomes reveal origins of multiple sclerosis risk in Europe
In a recent study published in Nature, researchers investigated the variables contributing to geographical heterogeneity in multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence and the impact of genetic and environmental factors on the disease's development.
January 15, 2024 — Source

Engineers uncover new mechanism for gene transfer
If you still remember that "Dear King Phillip Came Over For Good Spaghetti," you'll likely also recall the corresponding taxonomic ranks of biology: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. The domains include prokaryotes, single-celled organisms such as bacteria and archaea, and eukaryotes, which include fungi, plants and animals.
January 15, 2024 — Source

Pioneering Genomic Progress: An Interview with Rami Mehio, Illumina's Software and Informatics Expert
In this interview, Rami Mehio, head of software and informatics at Illumina, shares his experiences and contributions to major genomic projects like the UK Biobank's whole genome sequencing. He discusses the challenges and innovations in genomic data analysis, highlighting Illumina's role in advancing genetic research and precision medicine.
January 15, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 12th, 2024

Building trust and saving lives: A community approach to genetic education
Changes to DNA, known as mutations, can increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Specifically, people with mutations in their BRCA 1 and 2 genes are substantially more likely to develop hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. But how do people know if they have these mutations?
January 12, 2024 — Source

New genetic findings offer therapeutic approaches for incurable autoimmune disease SLE
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system that normally protects the body from invading microbes, turns against the body's own cells. This autoimmune attack can affect any organ and patients commonly develop skin rashes, joint inflammation, blood clots, kidney failure, heart disease, fatigue and psychiatric problems.
January 12, 2024 — Source

Researchers trace a form of lupus back to a single mutation
Sometimes a single mutation in our genetic make-up is enough to cause disease. This is also the case with the autoimmune disease lupus. Lupus causes severe inflammation throughout the body and can have a serious impact on the lives of those affected. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin have now discovered a mechanism that can trigger lupus in children.
January 12, 2024 — Source

Scientists develop noninvasive way to monitor gene expression dynamics in the brain
In a recent study published in Nature Biotechnology, a group of researchers introduced a non-invasive, sensitive method for monitoring gene expression in the brain using engineered reporters called released markers of activity (RMAs), which can exit the brain into the blood for easy detection.
January 12, 2024 — Source

Team explores role of 'stimulator of interferon genes' in body's innate immune system
When pathogens attack the body, the innate immune system goes to work protecting against the invading disease. The innate immune system is the first line of defense. It detects precisely what the virus or bacteria is and then activates the proteins that fight the pathogens. Wanting to better understand how the body's innate immune system works, a team of scientists undertook a study of STING, a protein that plays a vital role in innate immunity.
January 12, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 11th, 2024

Revolutionary blood test monitors gene expression dynamics in the brain
The brain is the most protected organ in the body, sheathed in a complex and nearly impenetrable barrier of specialized blood vessels. While this particular anatomical setup protects it from outside invaders, it also makes it difficult for researchers to study how specific genes are expressed ⎯ and how such changes in gene expression may lead to disease.
January 11, 2024 — Source

Study shows genetically modified pluripotent stem cells may evade immunological rejection after transplantation
One of the biggest barriers to regenerative medicine is immunological rejection by the recipient, a problem researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are one step closer to solving after genetically modifying pluripotent stem cells to evade immune recognition.
January 11, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 10th, 2024

Ancient DNA reveals reason for high multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's rates in Europe
Researchers have created the world's largest ancient human gene bank by analyzing the bones and teeth of almost 5,000 humans who lived across western Europe and Asia up to 34,000 years ago.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Genetics may influence the body's response to low oxygen, study finds
University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine researchers uncovered a fundamental mechanism that controls the body's response to limited oxygen and regulates blood vessel disease of the lung.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Research finds one of the deleted genes linked to Williams syndrome is responsible for mitochondrial function in brain
In a first, Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that the production and regulation of mitochondrial organelles in the brain's nerve cells (neurons) becomes significantly impaired with the deletion of a gene called Gtf2i, one of the 25 genes deleted in Williams syndrome.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Scientists use blood test to track gene expression in the brain
The brain is the most protected organ in the body, sheathed in a complex and nearly impenetrable barrier of specialized blood vessels. While this particular anatomical setup protects it from outside invaders, it also makes it difficult for researchers to study how specific genes are expressed ⎯ and how such changes in gene expression may lead to disease.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 9th, 2024

Largest genetic study of gestational diabetes discovers nine novel genetic regions linked to severe and common pregnancy complication
In a recent study published in Nature Genetics, a group of researchers investigated the genetic underpinnings of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and its relationship with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) through a genome-wide association study ((GWAS), identifying distinct and shared genetic factors.
January 9, 2024 — Source

Health — DNA — Genetics — January 8th, 2024

Engineered virus-like particles power up gene editing, correcting blindness in mice
Prime editing, a versatile form of gene editing that can correct most known disease-causing genetic mutations, now has a new vehicle to deliver its machinery into cells in living animals.
January 8, 2024 — Source

Research discovers gene that links deafness to inner ear cell death
Researchers have found a gene that links deafness to cell death in the inner ear in humans—creating new opportunities for averting hearing loss.
January 8, 2024 — Source

Targeting the mRNA of 'undruggable' proteins in the fight against Parkinson's disease
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute, Florida, have developed a new method to counteract α-synuclein protein levels by targeting the mRNA that forms them. The strategy unlocks many research doors with potential therapeutic approaches for addressing neurodegenerative diseases.
January 8, 2024 — Source

Transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning and its applications
Transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning represents a unique tool to selectively and efficiently recover a given chromosomal segment up to several hundred kb in length from complex genomes (such as animals and plants) and simple genomes (such as bacteria and viruses). The technique exploits a high level of homologous recombination in the yeast Sacharomyces cerevisiae.
January 8, 2024 — Source