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.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered a protein that promotes the adoption of bipolar glial shape in zebrafish, encouraging nerve regeneration and potentially offering a new therapeutic target. The findings suggest an alternative approach to scar tissue formation, which is a major barrier to spinal cord repair in mammals.
Researchers use zebrafish to study the biological mechanisms underlying human disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, doxorubicin-induced heart failure, spinal muscular atrophy, and acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The models provide valuable insights into causes and potential treatments for these diseases.
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.
Scientists have discovered that zebrafish can only absorb cholesterol when fed a high-fat diet, and certain long-chain fatty acids enhance this process. The study sheds light on the complex biological mechanisms of cholesterol processing and its regulation by dietary fat.
Research reveals that environmental estrogens, such as BPA and genistein, activate estrogen receptors in the heart valves of zebrafish embryos. This finding suggests that these compounds may have a critical role in early developmental stages, potentially leading to deleterious effects.
Researchers showcased the breadth of zebrafish research at an international conference, focusing on cancer and nicotine dependence. A study found that mid-differentiated cells play a key role in tumor growth, challenging traditional views on cancer stem cells. Another study used zebrafish to identify novel candidate genes involved in n...
Researchers found that the SETDB1 gene accelerates cancer progression in zebrafish with human BRAF mutations, similar to its effect in humans. The study suggests that SETDB1 may be a master regulator of melanoma and could lead to new treatments.
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 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.
Scientists have developed a new technique to determine which patients with homocystinuria are most likely to respond to vitamin B6 treatment based on their genotypes. The study correlates specific gene mutations with disease severity and may help physicians prescribe treatment based on genotype.
The Genetics Society of America announced nine award recipients for their poster presentations at the 53rd Annual Drosophila Research Conference. The winners include undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers who showcased their research in the field of genetics.
A new study suggests that even with a small initial virus population, HIV rapidly evolves to evade immune defenses and treatments due to mutation, recombination, and random genetic changes. This findings sheds light on the difficulty in developing an HIV cure and highlights the need for novel strategies to control the virus.
Researchers present new information on neural diseases and kidney stones using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster model. Studies reveal links between cellular changes and behaviors in flies with human counterparts such as ataxia-telangiectasia and Rett Syndrome.
Studies on Drosophila melanogaster have provided insights into human stem cell development, particularly in the formation of specialized cells. The research also explores the role of membrane lipids in establishing polarity in sperm cells, which may contribute to cancer progression.
Researchers presented at the Drosophila conference explored metabolic disorders, aging and monarch butterfly migration using the fruit fly as a model organism. Studies found connections between fly and human disease, revealing new insights into diabetes, aging and the mechanisms behind monarch migration.
The Collaborative Cross (CC) resource, a genetically diverse mouse model, will advance understanding of complex human diseases. Key findings highlight the CC's potential in identifying genes influencing various traits and human diseases.
Scientists from the University of Oxford developed a new strategy to combat antibiotic resistance by increasing the biological cost of resistant bacteria. The approach aims to reduce the competitiveness of drug-resistant strains and prolong the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
A new gene-spreading system has been proposed to control mosquito populations without pesticides. The system involves spreading disease-resisting genes in mosquito populations, rendering them infertile or killing females that mate with transgenic males.
Research published in GENETICS suggests that being around the opposite sex activates genes in fruit flies that cause them to perform certain courtship behaviors. This study provides insight into the complex genetic machinery that affects social interactions, potentially leading to new understanding of disorders such as autism.
Researchers have identified new yeast genes that improve ethanol tolerance, allowing for higher ethanol concentrations in biofuel production. This breakthrough could make cellulosic ethanol economically competitive with fossil fuels.
Researchers from Hopkins, Baylor, and Stanford discovered that arsenite affects the TCP protein folding machine in yeast cells, which is also present in humans. This knowledge could lead to developing safer therapeutic alternatives to arsenite-based medicines.
Researchers identify key genes that allow fruit flies to differentiate between smells, enabling the development of more effective insect repellents. By understanding how these genes are regulated, scientists can target similar genes in other insects to create substances that repel pests.
Research suggests SSRIs affect more than one cellular process, including phospholipid membranes and vesicle trafficking, in yeast cells. This discovery could lead to new therapies and explain why different people respond differently to the same medication.
A study published in Genetics found that genetic interaction with diet is the primary cause of variation in metabolic traits like body weight. This discovery helps explain why fad diets are effective for some individuals but not others.
A new study published in Genetics found that mutations in 10 different genes of worms can extend lifespan without reducing oxidative stress. This discovery challenges the long-held notion that oxidative stress is responsible for aging and suggests a slow rate of metabolism may be key to increasing longevity.
Researchers discovered a small group of genes in fruit flies that likely play important roles in regulating the formation of plaque-like protein aggregates within cells. The identified genes have human counterparts and may be manipulated to stop or slow the formation of these aggregates, which are a hallmark of Huntington's disease.
The Genetics Society of America recognized nine students with poster awards for their outstanding research work at the 51st Annual Drosophila Research Conference. The award recipients included postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students who showcased their innovative research in genetics and molecular biology.
Scientists have made a significant discovery in corn breeding that could lead to higher crop yields, improved disease resistance and heartier plants able to withstand severe weather. By understanding the genetics of photoperiod response, researchers hope to be able to overcome the barrier to using tropical maize for temperate varieties.
The Genetics Society of America has announced the recipients of the 2010 DeLill Nasser Travel Awards, which support young geneticists attending national and international meetings or laboratory courses. The six winners will use their awards to attend various conferences and workshops in the US and internationally.
Researchers found that some antiviral drugs may make viruses stronger, rather than killing them, raising concerns about their effectiveness and potential to create super viruses
Researchers have identified at least three different genes involved in the emergence of stripes, spots, and other markings on domestic cats. The study's findings may also contribute to understanding human skin disorders that follow standardized patterns.
Researchers identify key molecular switches controlling GABA transport, which could prevent seizure onset. The study uses C. elegans worms to reveal genetic factors contributing to epilepsy susceptibility.
Researchers have discovered how a 'genetic symphony' of genes affects plant development, enabling potential disease resistance and increased yields. The study found that combining different ACS genes regulates ethylene production, which impacts various aspects of plant growth.
Researchers discovered a major metabolic switch in fruit flies that plays a key role in alcohol tolerance and found direct translation to humans. This discovery provides a crucial explanation of why some people tolerate alcohol better than others and offers a potential target for preventing or eliminating alcoholism.
Dr. Jue D. Wang and Dr. Iiris Hovatta have been awarded the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Awards for their pioneering work on DNA replication regulation and neuropsychiatric diseases. They will receive a $75,000 award over three years to support their research.
A study published in Genetics suggests that superoxides from the air can harm muscle tissue, leading to problems like aging and Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that introducing a mitochondrial enzyme helped protect muscle cells, increasing survival rates in fruit flies.
A study published in the journal Genetics identified five new proteins necessary for memory, providing insight into fragile X mental retardation. The researchers used an artificial system to analyze the eye deformities caused by overexpression of a key protein, revealing that each protein is required for its function.
A new epigenetic model suggests that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping disease risk and heritability. The study provides a theoretical foundation for future public health interventions to reduce genetic risk by limiting or eliminating epigenetic changes.