The Genetics Society of America has announced five recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics. The award provides a $1,000 travel grant to attend conferences that enhance their career goals. This year's awardees include graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from various institutions.
A new study suggests that performance in foundational biology courses is a strong predictor of performance in high-level animal science courses. Students who take genetics as sophomores and juniors tend to perform well, while those who wait too long may struggle with advanced courses.
Researchers found that reducing ataxin-1 protein levels by 20% can significantly delay onset of spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1) symptoms. A molecular pathway modulated to reduce toxic protein levels may provide a therapeutic approach for this devastating inherited condition.
Researchers found that Africans develop type-2 diabetes through increased insulin resistance, while East Asians develop it through lower insulin-secretion ability. This understanding could lead to more targeted therapies for the disease.
The European Society of Human Genetics urges caution on using new genetic sequencing techniques due to potential risks and benefits. The society recommends targeted analysis to limit unsolicited findings, ensuring patients' rights are protected while also providing them with necessary health information.
The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation has awarded Dr. Faraz Farooq a $90,000 Champions of Genetics: Building the Next Generation Grant to study Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in mice, accelerating the research process and potentially leading to new treatments for rare diseases.
Researchers developed powerful data-sifting algorithms to assemble the most complete genetic profile of acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. The work aims to lead to new AML treatments based on the genetics of each patient's disease.
Researchers discovered a previously unrecognized organelle gatekeeper function in C. elegans, which restricts the flow of Golgi and endosomal organelles into axons. Additionally, two studies identified novel players in meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA in Neurospora, providing insights into genome integrity and transmission.
Nine undergraduate students presenting their research using Drosophila as a model organism discussed cell death, immunity and neural development. The students won the Victoria Finnerty Undergraduate Travel Awards to attend the 54th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in Washington, D.C.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released a policy statement on noninvasive prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy, highlighting its advantages and limitations. The statement recommends following up positive results with invasive diagnostic tests to avoid patient harm.
This April issue of the Genetics Society of America's journal features research on genotyping-by-sequencing, a novel gene silencing system in fungi, and the role of protein chaperone HSP90 in facilitating gene duplicate divergence. Additionally, studies explore genome integrity and RNA editing in mice.
Caleb P. Bupp, a medical geneticist, received the 2013 ACMG Foundation/Signature Genomics Travel Award for his presentation on twenty years of neural tube defect surveillance and prevention in South Carolina. The award recognizes young researchers in the field of medical genetics and genomics.
Lindsay Burrage and Shane Quinonez received the 2013-14 Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Medical Genetics Training Award in Clinical Biochemical Genetics. The award provides $75,000 per year for one year of clinical genetics subspecialty training in biochemical genetics after residency.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center have identified new DNA sequences linked to an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. The findings, published in three studies, will help improve risk models and support new prevention strategies for these diseases.
An international study has identified up to 80 new regions of the genome associated with increased susceptibility to breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers. Researchers have also discovered a total of 41 new genes or regions that may contribute to the development of breast cancer.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released a report on incidental findings in clinical exome and genome sequencing. The report provides guidelines for laboratories to return incidental genetic findings to doctors ordering the tests, who will then manage the information with patients. This is expected to benefit ...
A new teaching resource, Primer in the March 2013 journal GENETICS, pairs undergraduate teaching concepts with current research on speciation and sequencing in crickets. The Primer provides a concise overview of necessary genetics concepts and guidance for instructors to use primary literature in the classroom.
Researchers recommend exploring genetic testing to identify people at high risk for preventable diseases, with the technology becoming increasingly accessible and affordable. A carefully selected panel of genetic tests could avert disastrous health consequences in individuals at high risk.
Research reveals that age-related dementia may begin with neurons' inability to dispose of unwanted proteins, leading to their accumulation. This decline in protein disposal mechanisms contributes to the development and progression of dementia, making it a promising area for novel therapies.
The March 2013 issue of Genetics journal highlights several key findings, including a study on oocyte-expressed genes that support early cloned embryo development and the role of cytoskeletal proteins in controlling clone quality. Additionally, research on self-incompatibility genes in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals the structural and fu...
Researchers have identified seven new genetic regions associated with AMD, explaining up to 65% of the genetics of the disease. The study combined existing data from over 17,000 patients and 60,000 people without AMD, revealing genes involved in immune system signaling, lipid metabolism, and blood vessel development.
Påebo is being honored with the prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on extracting DNA from ancient human remains and sequencing Neandertal's nuclear DNA. The prize recognizes his discovery that Neandertals contributed up to 4% of modern humans' genetic material.
Aravind Asokan, assistant professor of genetics at UNC School of Medicine, received the award for his significant contributions to gene therapy. His lab developed a synthetic viral toolkit to unravel viral infectious pathways and produce novel vectors for gene therapy.
The Cleveland Clinic has developed a clinical screening program for Lynch syndrome, the most common genetic cause of colon cancer in adults. The program uses universal screening for colorectal cancers surgically removed at the clinic and successfully referred individuals whose tumors screen positive to genetics professionals.
Researchers investigated genetic changes responsible for species divergence, developed new approaches to Drosophila genome manipulation, and found minimal effect of gene clustering on expression in bacteria. These findings shed light on mechanisms driving speciation and gene regulation.
Scientists review research on dog cranium development to identify genetic variations that may inform human skull development. The study suggests a connection between canine and human craniofacial development, potentially leading to new insights into craniofacial deformities such as Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes the importance of genomic knowledge for nursing care, highlighting its relevance to advancing patient care. Genomic studies published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship provide insights on genetic applications in nursing practice, including cancer risk assessment and prevention.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze genetic data to learn about population history, using the Ashkenazi Jews and Masai people as test subjects. This approach allows for detailed events in recent history to be recovered within the last few centuries.
23andMe has received NIH grants totaling $573,000 to support projects on allergies and asthma genetics, sequencing technology accuracy, and database development. These projects aim to accelerate human genetic research and improve diagnostics and treatments for allergic conditions.
A new study published in Genetics reveals that assessing skin cancer risk can be improved by accounting for genetic factors, such as family history and ethnicity. The researchers developed a more precise model for assessing risk using phenotypic and genetic information from over 5,000 participants.
The December issue of Genetics Society of America's journal features research on genetic variation in yeast, gene functional trade-offs, and serotonin signaling in C. elegans. These studies explore how genetic variations affect function and provide insights into the evolution of pleiotropy and the mechanism of signaling by serotonin.
A study published in Genetics Society of America's journal found that Native Americans and Northern Europeans are more closely related than previously thought. The research used statistical tools to show that Neanderthals mixed with modern humans also revealed a common ancestor between Native Americans and Northern Europeans.
Dr. Aristotle Voineskos has won the prestigious Polanyi Prize for his research combining brain imaging and genetics to improve diagnostic classification and treatment strategies for severe mental illness.
The Nowgen Schools Genomics Programme provides free, multi-media resources to update the study of modern genetics in schools and colleges. The resources aim to bring cutting-edge research into the classroom, helping teachers and students explore the impact and potential of modern genetics.
A new study by 23andMe finds that combining family history with genetic testing provides the most accurate predictions for complex diseases. For highly common conditions like coronary artery disease, family history is essential, while genetic tests offer more value for less common diseases.
Researchers studying fruit fly genomes reveal strong evidence of pervasive natural selection, contrasting with human genome adaptation over the last 100,000 years. The study provides new insights into the forces shaping genetic variation and has implications for understanding human genetic variation.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences of thousands of influenza strains to predict trends and understand the rules of flu virus evolution. This knowledge can help develop more effective vaccines against emerging strains.
Researchers explored AMP-activated protein kinase's role in Drosophila energy homeostasis and tissue-specific gene expression in Arabidopsis. Cellular memory of stress resistance was also studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, revealing a multifaceted response mechanism.
This September 2012 issue of the Genetics Society of America's journal features studies on weak selection in molecular evolution, a new method for mapping quantitative trait loci onto phylogenetic trees, and the role of DNA replication defects in causing chromosome rearrangements. Additionally, researchers investigate ultraconserved el...
The Gruber Foundation honored Mary Gehring and Valerie Horsley with the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award for their groundbreaking research in Arabidopsis epigenetics and mouse genetic models. The awards recognize early career female scientists making significant contributions to genetics.
Researchers uncover nearly 358 genetic variants associated with disease predisposition, including rare regulatory variants that were previously undetectable. This study sheds new light on the complex role of gene regulation in human diseases.
Researchers have created a genetic mouse model to study primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a condition affecting one in a hundred women. The model replicates the effects of POI on ovaries and fertility, providing new insights into its causes and potential treatments.
Recent studies suggest genes play a significant role in shaping political preferences and traits. Twin studies have implicated several genes in influencing political issues such as the death penalty, unemployment, and abortion, with future research holding promise for deeper insights into genetic influences on politics.
A team of scientists identified a gene that is vital to the transport of vitamin into cells, leading to early diagnosis and potential treatment for a rare genetic disorder. The discovery sheds light on how vitamin B12 functions in the body.
Researchers found that humans inherit more than three times as many mutations from their fathers as from their mothers. The study also suggests that the mutation rate in fathers doubles with age, while there is no association with mother's age. This new insight challenges theories of human evolution and sheds light on conditions such a...
Recent studies have discovered new negative regulators in Egfr signaling, explored whole-genome association mapping in yeast, and resolved the mutation load paradox in humans. Researchers also developed a method for identifying lethal alleles using next-generation sequencing.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Inherited Disease Research has received $101 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health. The center, part of the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, will support the genetics community in finding genes that contribute to disease through DNA genotyping and sequencing.
A new Primer series in the Genetics journal provides accessible scientific papers for undergraduate students, focusing on contemporary research and promoting active learning. The resource aims to engage students in critically analyzing primary research, a vital part of research training.
Researchers found several genes in nematode worms that could be potential targets for anti-cancer therapies. By inhibiting these genes, they may reverse key traits associated with cancer cells.
A study published in the Genetics Society of America's journal found that genes responsible for immune response at youth are almost completely different from those in middle age. This discovery opens doors to understanding genetic interactions underlying why older people struggle more with infections.
The July 2012 Genetics Society of America's journal features research on increasing association mapping power and resolution in mouse genetic studies through meta-analysis for structured populations. The study also explores the properties and power of a Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource for dissecting complex traits.
Presentations at the Genetics Society of America's Model Organism to Human Biology meeting revealed key findings on cancer genomic pathways. Researchers identified mediators of metastasis and potential drug targets in model organisms such as zebrafish, fruit flies, and roundworms.
Dr. Douglas Wallace's groundbreaking work on mitochondria has led to a better understanding of their role in human evolution and disease. His research has also shed light on ancient human migration patterns and the link between mitochondrial DNA mutations and various diseases.
Wallace's pioneering work helped understand the role of mitochondria in disease and human evolution, leading to discoveries like Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and links between mtDNA mutations and age-related diseases. He is the first laureate to receive the award at Yale University.
A study by European Society of Human Genetics researchers identifies a crucial factor, CD36 fatty acid transporter protein, in suppressing response to VPA treatment. Monitoring blood for CD36 levels can help doctors determine response to treatment before starting therapy.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study has found that genetics significantly impact the severity of opiate side effects, such as nausea and respiratory depression. The research also suggests that genetic variations can influence an individual's risk of addiction to these powerful painkillers.
A new study published in Genetics reveals a gene in Caenorhabditis elegans, similar to a human gene correlated with Alzheimer's disease, is involved in multiple metabolic pathways, including insulin. The discovery suggests that this gene plays a role not only in Alzheimer's but also in diabetes.
The FASEB MARC Program awarded two $1,650 travel grants to promote diversity in biomedical research. The recipients, Dr. Oni Mapp and Dr. Catherine McCollum, will present their work at the 2012 GSA Zebrafish Development and Genetics Meeting.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded a $1,650 travel grant to Shanelle Joseph from Southern University and A tM College for her poster/platform presentation at the 2012 meeting. The program aims to increase underrepresented minority engagement in biomedical research.
The Genetics Society of America has awarded six graduate students and seven postdoctoral researchers with the DeLill Nasser Travel Award, valued at $1,000 each. The awards support attendance at national or international meetings or laboratory courses to enhance their careers.