A recent study published in Science reveals that the skin microbiome is much more diverse than previously thought, with varying levels of bacteria at different body sites. The research found that dry and moist skin had a broader variety of microbes than oily skin, and that certain skin areas were more stable over time.
The NIH has launched a new program to develop therapeutics for rare and neglected diseases, providing funding for preclinical research and product development. The program aims to stimulate research collaborations with academic scientists and improve the drug development process.
Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the domestic cattle genome, identifying approximately 22,000 genes and sharing about 80% with humans. The findings provide critical insights into the structure and function of the human genome, including segmental duplications that affect immunity and metabolism.
The PhenX toolkit provides a set of standardized measures for research subjects' physical characteristics and environmental exposures. This will allow researchers to compare data from multiple studies, accelerating efforts to understand the complex genetic and environmental factors that cause common diseases. The toolkit contains stand...
Researchers at the NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute have discovered a new tumor suppressor gene, MMP-8, that helps prevent melanoma growth. The finding may lead to more individualized cancer treatment strategies and improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers have devised a novel method to identify functional elements in non-coding DNA by surveying the landscape of DNA structure. This topographical approach reveals that about 12% of non-coding DNA appears functionally important, twice as much as detected using sequence comparison.
Researchers found that firefly luciferase tests can produce false positive results, which may impact the screening process. The study's findings suggest more work is needed to ensure the accuracy of the screening process.
A multi-institution team has identified 26 genes that are frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma, more than doubling the number of known associations with the disease. The study also detailed key pathways involved in lung cancer and described patterns of genetic mutations among different subgroups of patients.
The NIH Human Microbiome Project awards funding to develop innovative technologies and computational tools for analyzing microbial communities in the human body. Researchers aim to improve understanding of how microbes interact with health and disease.
Researchers have found that an experimental anti-cancer drug can prevent and reverse cardiovascular damage in a mouse model of progeria, a rare genetic disorder causing human premature aging. The study suggests that the drug may also have potential in treating other forms of coronary artery disease.
The NIH's Genes, Environment and Health Initiative has awarded grants to six studies aiming to identify genetic factors associated with stroke, glaucoma, high blood pressure, prostate cancer, and other conditions. Genome-wide association studies will be conducted to rapidly scan DNA markers across large groups of people.
The Cancer Genome Atlas identifies new genetic mutations, including NF1, ERBB2, and PIK3R1, and core pathways disrupted in glioblastoma. The study provides an unprecedented overview of the genomic landscape of this deadly cancer.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded over $20 million in grants to develop innovative DNA sequencing technologies that can sequence a person's genome for $1,000 or less. The goal is to enable routine sequencing of genomes to advance scientific knowledge and healthcare.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded $31 million in grants to study the relationship between genetic variants and common diseases. Researchers will examine how genetic factors interact with environmental factors to influence health outcomes.
Three biotech companies, 454 Life Sciences, Applied Biosystems, and Illumina Inc., will contribute to the 1000 Genomes Project by sequencing hundreds of human DNA samples. The project aims to create the most detailed map of human genetic variation for medical research.
The NIH's Undiagnosed Diseases Program aims to provide answers for patients with mysterious conditions that have long eluded diagnosis. The program will utilize the expertise of senior attending physicians from various specialties to evaluate patients and identify new diseases or treatments.
The first duck-billed platypus genome analysis reveals clues about early mammalian genome organization and the evolution of unique characteristics. The study found that the platypus shares more than 80% of its genes with other mammals, but also has distinct genetic features associated with reptilian and avian traits.
A nationwide team of researchers has produced the first sequence-based map of large-scale structural variation across the human genome. The map reveals new variations and provides a more detailed look at nearly 1,700 structural variations, including deletions, out-of-place insertions, and copy number variants.
A new study has identified a human protein that can be targeted to block HIV infection, offering a potential breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. By inactivating this protein, called interleukin-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK), researchers have found that HIV's ability to infect and replicate within immune cells is slowed or blocked.
A team of researchers has discovered six new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, bringing the total number of genetic risk factors to 16. The study used combined genetic data from over 70,000 people and provides new clues to the processes that go wrong when diabetes develops.
Researchers have identified chemical compounds, oxadiazoles, that inhibit a crucial enzyme vital to the survival of Schistosoma parasites causing schistosomiasis. The compounds showed promise in killing the parasite in all stages and were active against major species.
A genome-wide association study on Parkinson's disease has made its raw data available to researchers through the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, provides valuable insights into the genetic factors underlyi...
The NIH and EPA have formed a collaboration to improve the safety testing of chemicals using high-speed screening robots and cells. This new approach aims to generate data more relevant to humans, reduce animal testing, and increase the number of chemicals tested.
A new study found evidence that common genetic variants linked to osteoarthritis may also play a minor role in human height. The variants, associated with an average difference of about 0.4 cm, lie in the region of the GDF5 gene, which influences cartilage development and bone growth.
The Human Microbiome Project aims to understand the interactions between microorganisms and the human body, with potential applications for preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases. The project will sequence microbial genomes from over 1,000 sources, including healthy volunteers and those with specific diseases.
A global research consortium sequenced 12 closely related fruit fly species, revealing thousands of novel genes and functional elements. The study highlights how evolution has shaped the fruit fly genomes, shedding light on fundamental biological processes.
A comprehensive analysis of the genomic changes underlying lung cancer has uncovered a critical gene alteration not previously linked to any form of cancer. The study revealed over 50 genomic regions frequently gained or lost in lung adenocarcinoma, with one region pinpointing an important gene that controls lung cell growth.
The Phase II HapMap contains over 3.1 million SNPs, three times more than the initial version, improving the detection of genetic variants involved in common diseases and exploring human genetic variation. Researchers have associated over 60 common DNA variants with risk of disease or related traits using this powerful new tool.
Two new centers will address critical ethical, legal and social questions in genetic and genomic research, with a focus on large-scale genomics. The centers will develop innovative research approaches and provide training for the next generation of researchers.
The ENCODE project aims to identify and characterize regions of open chromatin, comprehensive characterization of the human transcriptome, and integrated annotation of gene features. This expanded effort will uncover even more exciting surprises about human health and disease.
Research reveals that very low maternal cholesterol levels may increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, with no such link observed in African American women. Full-term babies born to mothers with low cholesterol also weighed less on average.
The NIH has funded eight genome-wide association studies to identify novel genetic variants associated with increased risk for common diseases like prostate cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These studies will also measure personal environmental exposures using wearable sensors.
The National Human Genome Research Institute is funding two new centers to explore genomic mechanisms in vertebrate diversity. The centers will use the stickleback fish model to identify genetic signatures driving adaptive changes, with potential implications for human diseases.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded over $15 million in grants to support the development of innovative technologies for DNA sequencing. The goal is to reduce the cost of sequencing a mammalian-sized genome to $100,000, enabling the widespread use of personalized medicine.
The NIH has awarded $3.4 million to support the development of innovative technologies for exploring the genomic underpinnings of cancer. Eight research teams will focus on analyzing methylation, epigenomics, and gene expression patterns in various types of cancer.
The ENCODE project reveals that most DNA in the human genome is transcribed into functional molecules and that genes are just one part of a complex interwoven network. This challenges the long-standing view that the human genome consists of a small set of discrete genes with vast amounts of non-biologically active 'junk' DNA.
Researchers developed a treatment strategy for hereditary inclusion body myopathy, a rare muscle disease, based on clues from transgenic mice. The approach also may benefit patients with certain kidney disorders.
The modENCODE project will analyze the genomes of Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans to identify functional elements, such as regulatory sequences and non-coding genes. These findings will aid in understanding human biology and medicine by providing insights into the conservation of genetic mechanisms across species.
The first marsupial genome sequence has been published, providing new insights into human evolution and the origins of the human genome. The study found that most genetic innovations leading to the human genome sequence lie in areas referred to as 'junk' DNA, highlighting the importance of non-gene regions in shaping mammalian genomes.
Researchers investigate interest in genetic testing among healthy young adults and its impact on healthcare decisions. Participants receive free multiplex genetic testing, which detects variants of genes linked to various diseases.
Researchers have identified at least four new genetic variants associated with increased risk of diabetes and confirmed the existence of six more, boosting the number of known genetic variants to 10. These findings may lead to personalized medicine approaches by exploring how these genetic factors interact with lifestyle factors.
The rhesus macaque genome sequence comparison with the chimpanzee and human genomes revealed significant genetic differences, including genes involved in hair formation, immune response, and membrane proteins. The study also identified nearly 200 key player genes that may contribute to differences among primate species.
A study led by the National Human Genome Research Institute identified a key genetic variant associated with small size in dogs. The IGF-1 gene was found to play a strong role in regulating body size across various breeds, offering potential insights into skeletal body size programming in humans and disease susceptibility.
The horse genome sequence has been successfully assembled, offering a comprehensive understanding of the equine genome. The data provides valuable insights into genetic variations in horses, which can help identify the causes of various diseases affecting these animals.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded funding to three large-scale sequencing centers, which will focus on unlocking genomic secrets of human diseases. The centers will utilize existing technology to sequence important targets and pursue new technologies to increase speed and reduce costs.
Two new outreach projects involving Alaska Native and urban Appalachian communities aim to increase awareness about the importance of family health histories. The projects will develop community-based models to promote health and prevent disease, using technology to quickly read genomes and devise personalized health strategies.
The Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN) has selected six studies to undergo whole genome analysis to identify genetic contributions to common illnesses. The studies focus on disorders of the brain, skin, and kidney, including depression, bipolar disorder, and diabetes.
NHGRI aims to lower genome sequencing costs to $100,000 and eventually $1,000 or less, enabling personalized medicine. New grants support innovative sequencing technologies with potential to revolutionize biomedical research and healthcare.
The Genetics and Public Policy Center will conduct a public discussion about future potential large U.S. population-based studies examining the roles of genes and environment in human health. The study aims to unravel complex genetic and environmental factors contributing to common diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
The National Institutes of Health has launched the first phase of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project to study genomic changes in lung, brain, and ovarian cancers. The TCGA pilot project aims to identify key genomic alterations associated with cancer development and progression.