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Prenatal opioid exposure may trigger neurological, behavioral changes later in life

A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Study highlights undiscovered potential of bacterial compounds and genes linked to colon cancer-related toxin

A team of scientists has developed a novel computational approach to analyze DNA sequences of thousands of bacteria, revealing previously unknown gene clusters responsible for producing metabolites of interest. The study highlights the potential of these bacterial compounds in treating colon cancer and improving treatment options.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSynthetic and Systems Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2022

AI identifies cancer cells

A new machine learning algorithm called 'ikarus' has found a gene signature characteristic of tumors, distinguishing between healthy and tumor cells in various types of cancer. The algorithm was trained on single-cell sequencing data sets and demonstrated an extraordinarily high success rate in distinguishing between different cell types.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2022

The gut microbiome as a health compass

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict NAFLD development based on gut microbiome data, showing 90% of subjects who developed the disease had subtle differences in their samples. The model combines easily measurable information from blood and microbiome data with high accuracy.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

Same symptom – different cause?

Researchers developed an algorithm to classify patients into disease subtypes based on molecular changes, enabling more targeted treatments. The tool has shown potential in a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, identifying lipid biomarkers for disease progression.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a tool for studying inflammatory diseases related to COVID-19

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

Two birds with one stone: a refined bioinformatic analysis can estimate gene copy-number variations from epigenetic data

Researchers have developed a refined tool to identify potentially druggable gene amplifications in tumors using epigenetic data. The new methodology improves the characterization of somatic copy number alterations up to 20% with high accuracy, reaching 100% specificity and 93.3% sensitivity.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Tracing a cancer’s family tree to its roots reveals how tumors grow

A team of researchers used a CRISPR-based approach to study the evolution of lung cancer cells, tracking their history from the first activation of cancer-causing mutations. The study revealed significant diversity between subpopulations of cells within the same tumor, with certain groups becoming more fit and aggressive over time.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Japanese scientists found potential food contamination routes of a newly identified foodborne pathogen

A recent study by Japanese researchers found that Staphylococcus argenteus, a bacterial organism causing food poisoning, was present in 13.9% of tested chicken samples. The study also revealed cross-contamination among retail foods and slaughterhouses, suggesting a potential link between the two.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Are egg cells in aging primates protected from mutations?

Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Scientific consortium established by national institutes of health provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection

The SAVE program, a NIH initiative, provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection. It uses a coordinated approach to identify and curate data about these variants, their impact on immunity, and their effects on vaccine protection.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2022

The next frontier for African genomics - safeguarding African biodiversity

The African BioGenome Project aims to sequence the genomes of Africa's endemic plants, animals, fungi, and protists. This will build resilience in breeding, sustainable food systems, and biodiversity conservation, aligning with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceUniversity of South Africa - Cape Town Campus·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 15, 2022

Endless forms most beautiful: Why evolution favors symmetry

A team of researchers found that evolution has an overwhelming preference for simple algorithms, leading to the emergence of highly symmetric structures in biology. This is because simple recipes are more efficient and easier to follow than complex ones, resulting in a higher probability of producing symmetrical outcomes.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2022

Gene important in soybean protein content found after 30-year search

University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.

Facial analysis improves diagnosis

Researchers developed an AI system called GestaltMatcher that uses facial characteristics to detect rare diseases with high accuracy. The system considers similarities between patients and can even suggest diagnoses for previously unknown diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 10, 2022

Revolutionary approach for drug-resistant TB has important implications for other diseases

Researchers have identified a potential novel mechanism of action against drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) caused by mutations in the EmbR protein, which binds to transmembrane kinase PknH. This study proposes a new approach for computer-aided drug discovery and has important implications for treating other critical diseases.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSynthetic and Systems Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2022

Neuroscientists see how practice really does make perfect

Researchers at Duke University used new tools to monitor neurons and analyze machine learning data to see how zebra finches practice their courtship calls. They found that a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline shuts down variability in the song, making it more precise when performed under pressure.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

A new treatment for glaucoma?

Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2021

The hidden talent of fungi

Researchers at TU Wien propose a new method to interpret and mine fungal genomes to predict essential genes for the production of valuable substances. The FunOrder method identifies co-evolved genes that are functionally necessary, distinguishing them from gap genes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Calculated risk – A new tool to predict mortality in patients with liver failure

A novel mortality risk prediction method helps tailor treatment decisions and transplant needs for patients based on individual symptoms. The new tool uses a random survival forest algorithm to predict individual mortality risk curves, calculate mortality at any given time, and provide a 95% confidence interval.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Math researchers find new ways to improve the science of ‘trade-offs’

QUT researchers developed a new mathematical model to enable faster solutions for complicated problems in agriculture, ecology and medicine. The method improves how to determine the 'best' intervention strategies, balancing benefits and side effects, and can be applied to farming practices and chemotherapy.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021