The study identified 35 genetic factors associated with motion sickness, including those affecting balance, eye, ear, and cranial development, as well as glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest a role for the nervous system in motion sickness and may provide insight into other nausea-related conditions.
A study published in Nature Communications identified Sestrin 3 as a major regulator of the epileptic gene network, which could lead to more effective treatments. The researchers used novel computational and genetics techniques to analyze the activity of genes in epilepsy, providing new insights into the disease.
A large-scale study found rare genetic mutations in three genes (GRASP, GSDMB, and MTHFR) associated with asthma risk, but only in specific ethnicities. These findings suggest gaps in the current understanding of asthma genetics.
A new study reveals that genetic factors influencing obesity vary depending on the era of birth and when the research is conducted. Researchers found a stronger association between the FTO gene variant and obesity for individuals born after 1942 compared to those born before 1942.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers confirms that whole-genome sequencing can successfully identify cancer-related mutations in patients. The method was used to analyze the genomes of 258 cancer patients, detecting nearly 90% of clinically identified mutations and discovering additional cancer gene mutations.
A recent study published in BioScience found that media reports on behavioral genetics can lead to unfounded beliefs and misunderstandings among the public. The study involved reading articles about research in genopolitics and asking participants to estimate the influence of genes on various traits.
Robert R. Gotwals, Jr., M.S., receives the Genetics Education Award for his innovative and student-centered approach to teaching genetics. He has developed resources, including a high school genetics research program and computational chemistry server, to promote genetic understanding.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is expanding its genetic screening program to 22 North Texas counties, serving underserved populations with HBOC and Lynch syndrome risk. The new grant will connect patients with genetic specialists through telemedicine, increasing accessibility and reducing transportation costs.
A new study by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute suggests that lifestyle choices, not just genetics, may contribute to the risk of heart attack. The study found that severe coronary artery disease can be inherited, but the presence of heart attacks in people with less severe disease was not clustered in families.
Research at ASHG 2014 Annual Meeting uses genetic analysis to break down complex conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and obesity into their underlying metabolic proteins. This approach enables the development of new drugs that directly target these processes, with potential treatments on the horizon.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine have made significant breakthroughs in whole exome sequencing, confirming a molecular diagnosis in 25% of patients and identifying rare genetic events as major contributors to disease susceptibility. The technology is expected to revolutionize the field of pediatrics and medicine.
Researchers analyzed 360 tomato varieties and wild strains to understand the impact of domestication and breeding on cultivated tomatoes. The study identified genes responsible for larger fruit size and increased disease resistance, but also found areas of genetic uniformity that could be addressed in future breeding.
The University of Chicago has established a national Center of Excellence to study the genetics of drug abuse in rats, using genome-wide association studies and behavioral research. The center aims to shed light on the genes behind drug addiction and explore potential therapeutic interventions.
Scientists have created a global database that increases detailed knowledge of the cattle genome by several orders of magnitude. The database contains genomes of over 1,200 animals from various breeds, providing a comprehensive resource for studying cattle genetics and livestock history.
A study by Myriad Genetics presented at the 2014 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) annual meeting shows that its Tumor BRACAnalysis CDx test identifies cancer-causing BRCA1/2 mutations in 44% more patients than germline blood testing. This could expand treatment options for ovarian cancer patients with these genetic mutations.
Research found that environment plays a significant role in the development of eosinophilic esophagitis, a severe and often painful food allergy. The study also identified several environmental risk factors, including food allergies and high twin birth-weight difference.
Researchers are using multiparental populations to map complex trait genes in organisms such as mice, fruit flies, and maize. This approach enables the identification of specific gene regions associated with traits like nicotine resistance and toxicity of chemotherapy drugs.
A study found that primary care physicians struggle with providing genetics assessments due to insufficient knowledge and time limitations. The researchers emphasize the importance of practical guidelines, point-of-care tools, and tailored education to address these barriers.
The Genetics Society of America has awarded seven researchers with poster prizes for their outstanding contributions to yeast genetics research. The winners were selected from nearly 400 research posters presented at the 2014 Yeast Genetics Meeting, which took place in Seattle, WA.
The American Society of Human Genetics and National Human Genome Research Institute have awarded a genetics and public policy fellowship to Katherine D. Blizinsky, PhD. The 16-month appointment aims to develop and implement genetics-related health and research policy at a national level.
The ASHG/NHGRI Genetics and Education Fellowship aims to help early-career geneticists expand their skills and network for a career in genetics education. Ms. Tuck's diverse experience will be leveraged to address challenges in genetics education.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the recipients of its travel awards for the 2014 American Society of Human Genetics meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research, and this year's awardees represent a total of $29,600.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded $3,700 to two students, Hilmarie Muniz-Talavera and Zuania Cordero Badillo, from underrepresented groups. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research.
A large-scale study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that genetics and lifestyle factors play a crucial role in protein levels, enabling the use of more effective biomarkers. The study analyzed 92 protein biomarkers in 1,000 healthy individuals, finding that hereditary factors contribute to over 75% of proteins.
The VCU Alcohol Research Center will investigate the genetic systems contributing to alcoholism using advanced statistical and bioinformatic methods. Researchers will focus on gene networks influencing alcohol behaviors in humans and animals.
Using new statistical tools, researchers found that about 52% of autism cases are linked to common genes, while spontaneous mutations account for only 2.6%. Inheritability outweighs environmental risk in the disorder.
Jay Shendure received the 2014 HudsonAlpha Life Sciences Prize for his pioneering work on next-generation sequencing technologies. He completed a detailed DNA sequence of HeLa cells, the first immortal human cell line grown in a lab.
A new hypothesis proposes that breeding for tameness causes changes in diverse traits, including floppier ears, patches of white fur, and more juvenile faces, due to impaired development or migration of neural crest cells. This unified explanation ties together several components of the domestication syndrome.
Researchers from MGH have uncovered new information about genes that may increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias. The studies identified a greater role for calcium signaling in regulating cardiac function and pinpointed specific genes involved in the biology of cardiac repolarization.
A study of adoptees found that genetics play a significant role in the development of these three types of cancer. The risk was 80% higher when an adoptee had at least one biological parent with the same cancer.
Researchers found that genes influenced the propensity to practice and music accomplishment in musicians, with genetics becoming more important as individuals practiced. The study challenged the theory that innate ability can be overcome with enough training.
A special collection of research articles addresses the genetic underpinnings of host defenses against pathogens, revealing the complex determinants of immunity. Studies examine how genes influence immune responses, including those related to autoimmune thyroid diseases and insect resistance.
Research on genetics of sex determination explores the evolutionary loss of Y-chromosomes and mechanisms preventing self-fertilization. The collection includes studies on yeast, nematodes, maize, and Brassicaceae, shedding light on the biological processes behind sex differences.
Recent advances in genetic research offer new hope for treating coronary artery disease by identifying specific genetic variants and pathways associated with cardiovascular risk. Human genetic data suggest that targeting LDL-C and triglycerides may be effective in reducing major cardiovascular events.
The Genetics Society of America has honored nine young researchers with poster awards for their innovative work on Drosophila melanogaster. The winners, who presented at the 55th Annual Drosophila Research Conference, explored various aspects of genetic and molecular biology. Their research has significant implications for understandin...
A new framework increases the ability to detect genetic associations and interactions by utilizing data from existing genomic studies. The approach improves performance over standard methods and identifies promising candidates for genetic interactions affecting various diseases.
The National Science Foundation has awarded LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site grant to provide training for 10 weeks during the summers of 2014-16. The project will focus on research fields including genetics, microbiology, and neurosciences.
Two recipients, Paldeep S. Atwal and Jamie J. Barea, received the award to support their training in clinical biochemical genetics and metabolic diseases diagnosis and treatment. The $75,000 grant will sponsor one year of subspecialty training in biochemical genetics after residency.
Dr. Huma Q. Rana received the 2014 Richard King Trainee Award for her manuscript on Parkinson Disease Risk in GBA Mutation Carriers. The award recognizes outstanding research in genetics and genomics, supporting trainees' careers and promoting high-quality publications.
Dr. Xiangling Wang, a medical genetics resident at the Mayo Clinic, has received the inaugural Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Clinical Genetics Combined Residency for Translational Genomic Scholars Fellowship Award. The award aims to advance education, research, and standards of practice in medical genetics.
Jun Shen, Ph.D., was honored as the 2014 recipient of the ACMG Foundation/Signature Genomics from PerkinElmer Inc. Travel Award for her platform presentation on a novel combinatorial algorithm predicting pathogenicity of human missense variants. The award recognizes Dr. Shen's scientific merit and supports her work in medical genetics ...
A team of University of Missouri researchers completed the genetic history of 134 cattle breeds worldwide, revealing that ancient domesticated African cattle originated in the Fertile Crescent region. This finding proves that cattle were brought to Africa as farmers migrated south and interbred with wild aurochs.
A team of researchers found that ancient domesticated African cattle originated in the Fertile Crescent region nearly 10,000 years ago. The genetic history of 134 cattle breeds worldwide reveals mixing and admixture between native and imported breeds.
Scientists used caffeinated fruit flies to map genetic variations associated with resistance to insecticides. The study identified two key genes that contribute to resistance, offering insights into developing more targeted and efficient pest control strategies. By exploring the genetics of xenobiotic resistance, researchers can uncove...
Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with two forms of rheumatoid arthritis, sero-positive and sero-negative. This breakthrough could lead to better diagnosis and targeted treatment for patients.
Researchers found de novo genes in female Drosophila flies that originate from ancestral non-coding DNA sequences. These genes appear to play a role in female reproduction and may have been previously overlooked in favor of male-biased gene expression.
Researchers Beatriz Vicoso and Doris Bachtrog found that genes on the 'dot chromosome' of fruit flies are X-linked in three other species, suggesting a history as a sex chromosome. They identified nine independently evolved sex chromosomes with balanced gene expression between males and females.
A study of 546 senior athletes found that genetics may play a role in preserving hip joints, with 72% of hips with FAI showing little to no evidence of OA. Most hips with signs of FAI will not develop osteoarthritis, suggesting other factors like cartilage type may contribute to joint health.
A study by The Institute of Cancer Research identified mutations in the DNA methyltransferase gene, DNMT3A, in 13 children with a newly described condition called 'DNMT3A overgrowth syndrome'. The condition causes intellectual disability and unusual growth in children, but has no link to cancer risk.
A new study in PLOS Genetics finds common genetic variants may indicate the presence of influential rare mutations that have yet to be discovered. This 'synthetic association' sheds light on the genetic make-up's large influence on cancer risk, highlighting the importance of identifying causal genetic changes.
Researchers have identified a gene network of 39 biologically related genes associated with alcohol dependence. The study, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, suggests that this network may hold new targets for treating or preventing alcoholism.
A national survey of pediatricians found that many order few genetic tests, don't discuss risks and benefits, and take limited family histories. The study highlights the need for robust education, access to resources, and improved electronic health records systems to enhance integration of genetic medicine into routine primary care.
A global collaboration of researchers has identified 11 new genetic areas of interest contributing to late onset Alzheimer's Disease. The study expands the scope of disease understanding to include new areas such as the immune system, where a genetic overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases was found.
Researchers discovered 11 new regions of the genome that contribute to late-onset Alzheimer's disease, doubling the number of potential genetics-based therapeutic targets. The study also identified a genetic overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
Scientists identify correlation between genetic variation and microbiome composition, suggesting role of host immunity in bacteria levels across the body. The study highlights the complex interaction between human genetics and the microbiome, with potential implications for disease susceptibility.
The journal provides a series of research articles detailing challenges and solutions for integrating genomic data into EHR. Studies discuss the need for patient involvement in decisions about their genomic information, as well as the potential of Genomic Decision Support to improve care.
Researchers discovered 20 million base pairs of genetic sequence hidden in centromeres, a key finding that could aid in mapping the human genome. Latino genomes proved uniquely powerful in filling in uncharted regions due to their African ancestry.
A study by Stanford researchers found that genetic testing improved student learning in a personalized medicine class. Students who had their genome tested as part of the course showed a 31% increase in knowledge compared to those who didn't undergo testing.
Dr. Graeme Bell has been awarded the 2013 Banting Medal for his pioneering work in understanding the role of genetics in diagnosing and treating diabetes. His research focuses on the biology of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta-cells and the use of genetics to personalize treatment.
A new study examines the influence of genetics versus environment on alcohol-related problems in European-American (EA) and African-American (AA) women. Environmental factors play a larger role in EA, particularly parenting and school influences.