Researchers have created a detailed map of individual malaria parasite behavior, giving the highest resolution view of malaria parasite gene expression to date. The Malaria Cell Atlas presents possible targets for developing antimalarial drugs, vaccines, and transmission blocking strategies.
African malaria parasites exhibit distinct genetic features in different regions, sharing genes that confer resistance to antimalarial drugs. This study highlights the risk of multi-drug resistance compromising previous success in controlling malaria.
Researchers discovered that Clostridium difficile is evolving into two separate species, with one group highly adapted to spread in hospitals. The emerging species, named Clade A, has evolved genes that metabolize simple sugars, allowing it to thrive on Western sugar-rich diets and evade common hospital disinfectants.
Researchers have found that hospitals are a significant source of extremely drug-resistant bacteria in Europe, with certain strains spreading rapidly and outcompeting more easily treatable bacteria. The study emphasizes the importance of infection control and genomic surveillance to combat antibiotic resistance.
The freely available data set includes unique comparisons of almost 1,000 cancer cell lines' responses to 453 licensed and experimental drugs. The dataset offers a rich resource for cancer scientists to discover more about how cancer cells work and generate new therapeutics and drug combinations.
A study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute reveals that a multidrug-resistant malaria strain has spread aggressively across Southeast Asia, replacing local parasite populations in Vietnam, Laos, and northeastern Thailand. The resistant strain has picked up additional genetic changes, enhancing its resistance to treatment.
Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute found that low doses of radiation increase p53 mutations, giving cancer-capable cells a competitive advantage. However, antioxidants can boost healthy cells to outcompete mutant cells.
Scientists have created a detailed anatomical map of the respiratory airways, producing the first draft Human Cell Atlas of the lung. The study revealed an entirely new cell state that produces mucus in asthma patients, and large differences between normal and asthmatic lungs.
The study reveals 621 genetic strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae worldwide, showing evolutionary changes that lead to vaccine evasion. It provides crucial information for future vaccine strategy and helps save lives by identifying important strains for new vaccines.
Scientists have successfully derived Expanded Potential Stem Cells (EPSCs) from both pig and human cells, offering new opportunities to study human development and regenerative medicine. These EPSCs possess developmental potency, enabling researchers to investigate pregnancy complications and develop treatments for diseases.
Researchers sequenced DNA of over 2,000 Group A Streptococcus samples from 22 countries to identify common genetic targets for a global vaccine. The study reveals that current vaccine candidates may have limited coverage in low-income areas where Strep A is most prevalent.
Researchers used CRISPR to analyze over 8,000 gene fusions in human cancer cell lines, finding that 90% do not play an essential role in cancer. A new fusion, YAP1-MAML2, was identified as critical for progression of multiple cancers, offering a potential new drug target.
Researchers discovered a key clue into pancreas development by studying rare patients born without a pancreas. A previously unexpected pathway was identified, confirming its role in human and mouse pancreas formation.
A recent study of ancient DNA from Crusader skeletons confirms they intermingled with local populations, forming families and fighting alongside them. The researchers found that the Crusaders' genetic presence was short-lived, with no lasting impact on Lebanese genetics.
A large-scale study of mouse mutants identified 38 new genes involved in hearing loss, revealing molecular pathways and regulatory processes. The findings provide a rich source of therapeutic targets for restoring hearing and suggest therapies may need to be directed at common molecular pathways.
Researchers used CRISPR technology to disrupt every gene in over 300 cancer models from 30 cancer types, discovering thousands of key genes essential for cancer's survival. The team developed a system to prioritize and rank 600 drug targets promising for development into targeted cancer treatments.
Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute have sequenced the genome of a non-toxigenic strain of Vibrio cholerae from WWI, showing it is distantly related to strains causing modern pandemics. The strain lacked a flagellum and possessed genes for ampicillin resistance.
Researchers have identified a major mutation pattern in human cancer that occurs in bursts, with the cause of these mutational bursts remaining mysterious. The study, published in Cell, provides a vast resource for investigating the biological mechanisms behind cancer mutations.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of human, canine, and equine mucosal melanoma tumours to identify key genes driving the disease. The study reveals genetic similarities between species, shedding light on why immunotherapies are ineffective for some patients with this rare type of cancer.
A study published in Immunity reveals that T regulatory cells have tissue-specific receptors and adaptations to localize themselves in specific tissues. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases by manipulating therapeutic T cells to specific locations in the body.
A study has discovered and isolated more than 100 completely new species of bacteria from healthy people's intestines, creating the most comprehensive collection of human intestinal bacteria to date. This will help researchers worldwide to investigate how our microbiome keeps us healthy and its role in disease.
Researchers identified interleukin 10 receptor (IL-10R) as key player in regulating immune response to parasitic whipworms. The discovery helps understand the signalling mechanism maintaining a balance between host, parasite, and gut bacteria.
Scientists used genome sequencing to improve diagnoses of abnormalities in developing babies picked up during ultrasound scans, with a 10% increase in accurate diagnoses. The study supports the mainstream use of genetic testing to provide clearer answers for parents about their child's condition.
Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Pacific Biosciences successfully assembled the genetic code of a single Anopheles coluzzii mosquito, opening doors to understanding genetic diversity in insects. The breakthrough reduces DNA needed for genome sequencing by an order of magnitude, enabling studies on previously inaccessibl...
A genetic study of over 77,000 people with osteoarthritis has identified 52 new genetic changes associated with the disease. The research could lead to new medicines and improved treatment options for those affected by the condition.
Scientists have created a retroviral CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing library to explore the regulation of mouse T cells, mapping the most important genes for controlling T helper cells and identifying several new regulatory genes. This could help develop new treatments to activate the immune system.
The strain of cholera causing the current outbreak in Yemen was estimated to come from Eastern Africa and entered the country through human migration. Genomic data analysis has enabled researchers to estimate the risk of future outbreaks and inform targeted interventions.
The European robin and Turtle dove genomes have been sequenced for the first time, enabling researchers to explore genetic switches controlling bird migration. The study will also provide insights into the magnetic compass that helps birds navigate.
Scientists discover compound inhibiting SRPK1, a key gene controlling RNA splicing, effectively kills MLL-rearranged AML cells. The research offers a potential new approach to treating acute myeloid leukaemia with minimal harm to healthy blood cells.
A large population study in sub-Saharan Africa discovered three new strains of hepatitis C, which may not be effective against current antiviral drugs. The findings highlight the need for further research and clinical trials to inform optimal treatment strategies and vaccine development.
A new machine learning predictive tool, FORECasT, enables scientists to predict the exact mutations resulting from CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, saving time and resources. The tool was developed using a massive dataset of 40,000 DNA sequences and analysis of over 1 billion DNA sequences.
Researchers mapped over 70,000 single cells at the uterus-placenta junction to understand maternal immune system modifications. This study provides a reference map for healthy pregnancy development, shedding light on disorders such as miscarriages and pre-eclampsia.
A study has discovered that only a small fraction of rare, undiagnosed developmental disorders in the British Isles are caused by recessive genes. The researchers found that five percent of patients had inherited disease-causing gene mutations from both parents, far fewer than previously thought.
The largest genomic study of parasitic worms has identified hundreds of thousands of new genes and predicted many new potential drug targets. The research could lead to new de-worming treatments to help prevent and treat the diseases caused by parasitic worms worldwide.
Researchers have created a comprehensive summary of human cancer genes, known as the Cancer Gene Census. The resource catalogues over 700 genes involved in cancer and describes their functions across different types. This knowledge will help scientists find drug targets and design treatments tailored to individual cancers.
Researchers analyzed 250,000 cells from six mammalian species to chart the evolution of antiviral and antibacterial immunity. They found that genes involved in the immune response have highly variable activity in different cells within an individual's tissue.
Scientists discover that healthy oesophagus tissue contains hundreds to thousands of mutations per cell by middle age, with only a dozen genes driving competition. The study reevaluates the role of some cancer genes in light of normal tissue sequencing, raising new questions about ageing and disease progression.
Researchers developed a method to make personalized predictions of future disease outcomes for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. By combining genetic and clinical information, the study identified eight different genetic subgroups that link to patterns of clinical disease and patient prognosis.
The Wellcome Sanger Institute has completed sequencing the genomes of 25 UK species, enabling research into their biodiversity and potential for conservation. The newly-sequestered genomes will shed light on various biological phenomena, such as brown trout migration patterns and robin magneto receptors.
The Cell Model Passports hub provides a central platform for accessing high-quality cancer cell models and genomic data. This will streamline the process of finding relevant models for research, enabling scientists to accelerate cancer research and develop new treatments.
Researchers have discovered that mutant skin cells in humans compete with each other for survival, leading to only the fittest mutants progressing to form cancer. This study reveals that normal human skin is more resilient to cancer than previously thought, and can function normally despite a battle between mutated cells.
A new study reveals that common genetic variants can affect the risk of rare developmental disorders, changing our understanding of their causes. The research found that these variants can contribute to a range of conditions, including autism and schizophrenia.
A new study approach reveals that healthy adults have between 50,000 and 200,000 blood-creating stem cells in their bone marrow. This finding opens up new opportunities for studying how stem cells change during ageing and disease, and may lead to insights into cancer development and effective stem cell therapies.
Scientists discovered complex genetic rearrangements in Ewing Sarcomas that can take years to form, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. These findings suggest that some childhood cancers may be detectable before they reveal themselves as disease.
Researchers identified specific gene activity in each cell, revealing that Wilms' tumour cells have the same characteristics as normal developing kidney cells. Adult renal carcinoma cells were found to be a version of rare healthy adult kidney cells called PT1.
Scientists have discovered that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can cause extensive mutations, including DNA deletions and insertions, leading to major implications for its use in gene therapies. The study highlights the need for specific testing and caution when using CRISPR/Cas9 in therapeutic applications.
Scientists have discovered genetic mutations in healthy people's blood that can reveal their high risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) years before they develop the disease. The study found that blood tests can identify these changes, which could lead to earlier detection and monitoring of people at risk.
A large-scale genomic study found that nearly 80% of cholera transmission in Dhaka occurred between people sharing a household. Preventing this spread could significantly reduce outbreaks and save lives. Local interventions such as sanitation and hygiene improvements can help break the chain of transmission.
Scientists discovered genetic causes of a group of related infant cancers that are targetable by existing drugs used to treat lung cancer and melanoma. Researchers identified mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and BRAF genes, which can be treated with afatinib and other targeted agents.
A genetic mutation in FOS and its relative FOSB has been identified as a hallmark of osteoblastoma, distinguishing it from the more aggressive osteosarcoma. This discovery will enable clinicians to correctly diagnose osteoblastoma and direct appropriate treatment.