A research group has discovered a genetic mechanism that controls the development of wood cells in plant roots, allowing for potential engineering of more wood-producing plants. The study, published in Current Biology, sheds light on the formation of water-transporting tissues and their role in plant colonization of land.
Researchers found nearly indistinguishable mitochondrial genomes between two species, suggesting possible interbreeding. The study's lead author believes the individual could be a hybrid of both species, challenging traditional views on North American mammoth evolution.
Researchers have expanded on existing knowledge of Alzheimer's disease by identifying a novel location within the MS4A gene cluster associated with the condition. The study suggests that the immune system plays a key role in its progression, with several genes implicated in allergies and autoimmune diseases.
A new study shows that when students write for Wikipedia, they become more diligent in their research and fact-checking. The study found that this is due to the perceived transferability of these skills to other areas of life.
A recent study published in Neurology found that stress does not increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Researchers studied two groups of nurses and found no significant link between severe stress at home or during childhood and adolescence and the development of MS.
Researchers found a 95% chance of an unaffected child when mutant mtDNA levels are below 18%, enabling PGD as a viable option. This discovery gives genetic counselling and the chance to have a healthy baby to women at risk, affecting 146,000 European families.
Scientists have launched a major push against Striga, a parasitic weed causing up to $1.2 billion in damage to maize and cowpea crops in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to introduce proven technologies for fighting the weed, resulting in 50% higher yields for farmers.
A phase 3 trial of a novel gene therapy failed to reduce amputations or deaths in patients with critical limb ischemia. The study highlights the need for effective treatments for this condition, which affects millions worldwide and results in significant healthcare costs.
Researchers mapped hereditary factors for venous thromboembolism in the Swedish population, finding higher risks in children of parents with VTE. Hereditary factors are significant at younger ages and occur equally in men and women, making a parental history an important risk factor to include in medical histories.
In flowering plants, maternal gene activity dominates early embryogenesis, silencing paternal genes. This finding may be crucial for maintaining species boundaries and could aid in developing novel crop varieties.
Scientists have solved the structure of a key malaria parasite protein that controls cell movement, overturning decades-long understanding. The discovery could lead to novel anti-malarial treatments and cancer therapies targeting actin proteins.
Researchers at Brown University found a significant link between climate change and the Norse settlements' disappearance in Greenland. The Little Ice Age, which began in the 1400s, is believed to have played a major role in their demise.
New research suggests that same-sex classrooms can have a positive impact on girls' academic performance. However, the study also highlights the challenges and limitations of such arrangements. The study's findings challenge traditional views on single-sex education and provide new insights into its effectiveness.
Researchers found that woolly mammoths interbred with the Columbian mammoth, a species 25% larger, due to climate change and geographic overlap. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary history of these ancient creatures.
A new study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that private weight-loss surgery clinics in Canada offer significantly shorter wait times than the public system, with median wait times of only one month compared to 21 months in the public health-care system. However, the quality of patient care may be suffering due to a lack of critica...
Researchers developed a new test that identifies specific tumour types in ovarian cancer patients, enabling doctors to personalize treatment programmes. The test may improve survival rates by identifying aggressive forms of cancer that respond well to targeted drug treatments.
A recent study by Rachel Kalf found that DTC genetic tests have moderate predictive ability but often assign increased risk to individuals without substantially higher disease rates. The researchers concluded that these tests are inaccurate and do not provide significant benefits to individuals.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics discovered a genetic cause of progressive hearing impairment: mutations in the SMPX gene. The disease affects both males and females, although women are usually less severely affected.
A case report reveals NDM-1 enzyme was acquired by a Canadian resident without travel history, highlighting local transmission risk. Enhanced precautions, including isolation and screening procedures, are necessary to contain the outbreak.
Researchers have identified a small noncoding RNA that promotes the production of an alternative splice variant of KCNIP4, leading to neurodegeneration and potential disruption in beta-amyloid processing. Elevated levels of this RNA were found in brain cells from Alzheimer's disease patients.
E-waste has been linked to adverse effects on human health, including inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Researchers found significant increases in inflammatory response and oxidative stress markers in lung epithelial cells exposed to e-waste air samples.
A recent Korean survey found that most cancer patients, family members, oncologists, and the general public are receptive to ending futile life-sustaining treatments for terminally ill patients. This positive attitude towards withdrawing such treatments is attributed to patient autonomy and hastening the dying process.