Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Genetic study offers new insights into DCIS biology, progression

A new genetic study published in Nature Genetics found that roughly one in five invasive breast cancers following ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are genetically unrelated to the original DCIS. The findings provide a deeper understanding of DCIS biology and suggest that DCIS should be considered a risk factor for the development of inv...

Repeats are key to understanding humanity's genome

Researchers fill in gaps in Human Reference Genome, discovering repetitive sections are a major source of human variation and genetic diversity. The Telomere-2-Telomere project reveals complex architectural features with significant consequences for understanding human evolution and biological function.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

New assay shows promise for advancing personalized cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a rapid and affordable test to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells using SuperSelective PCR primers. This assay can detect rare mutations, enabling targeted therapy and monitoring minimal residual disease. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach for personalized cancer treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

RNA sequencing from single blood draw can predict pregnancy health and preeclampsia prediction

Researchers have developed a technique that analyzes cell-free RNA in a mother's blood to predict healthy pregnancy outcomes and detect potential complications like preeclampsia. The approach showed promise in identifying patterns of gene expression associated with a healthy pregnancy and predicting preeclampsia risk with high accuracy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Burrowing snakes have far worse eyesight than their ancestors

Scientists found that seven genes associated with bright-light vision are absent in burrowing snakes, demonstrating extensive vision gene loss over millions of years. This challenges the hypothesis that all modern snakes evolved from extreme burrowers, suggesting a different evolutionary path for these subterranean snakes.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Early warning signals could help monitor disease outbreaks

Researchers developed a novel sequential analysis method to detect EWSs in daily COVID-19 case data across 24 countries, finding warnings were regularly detectable prior to exponential cases changes. The reliability of these signals depended on the time between successive waves and mathematical likelihood of critical transition.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBiology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2021

Powerful new tool makes coral reef monitoring faster, easier, cheaper

Researchers have developed a powerful new tool that can determine the diversity of hard corals on a reef by analyzing DNA in seawater samples. This method is faster, easier, and less expensive than traditional visual identification, allowing for more accurate coral reef conservation and restoration.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Neanderthal genes tell us about how old our ancestors were when they had children

A new study using Neanderthal fragments suggests that generation intervals have fluctuated over the past 40,000 years, with human life history changing in response to environmental and cultural factors. The research found that Eurasian populations reproduced at a younger age than those in Europe, indicating a difference of 3-5 years in...

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2021

Machine learning analysis identifies 50 conserved genes in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans strongly associated with neurological aging, suggesting potential for further aging-related studies using fruit flies as a model organism

A machine learning analysis has identified 50 genes strongly associated with neurological aging in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans. The study suggests that fruit flies could be used as a model organism to further investigate aging-related processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Equalizing the microbial research playing field

The KAUST Metagenomic Analysis Platform (KMAP) enables researchers worldwide to analyze massive microbial data, eliminating the need for advanced bioinformatics skills. KMAP allows scientists to identify proteins and enzymes with potential applications in various industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2021

State-driven resettlement in southern Peru

A recent study using ancient DNA, archaeological artifacts, and written records confirms the existence of state-enforced resettlement in 15th century southern Peru. The research reveals that nonlocal people were forcibly relocated to support the economy and quell threats to authority, transforming the Andean sociopolitical landscape.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

All in the family: Focused genomic comparisons

A team of researchers sequenced and annotated the genomes of six Aspergillus species, identifying biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites of interest. The study highlights a new analysis method that pinpointed candidate genes for diverse compounds, providing potential tools for improving biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2018

A new mutation in kidney disease

Researchers at Osaka University found a new mutation in the MUC1 gene that may act as an early marker of medullary cystic kidney disease type 1 (MCKD1). The mutation was discovered through whole-exome sequencing and suggests a potential biomarker for non-genetic testing to evaluate the risk of MCKD1.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJun 14, 2017

Hawaiian fruit flies had multiple ancestors

Researchers found that Hawaiian drosophilids had plural continental ancestors, independently migrating to Hawaii at different times. The team discovered 11 non-Hawaiian Scaptomyza species and reconstructed their phylogeny, estimating ancestral distributions and divergence times.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEntomological Science·DateAug 18, 2016

European Society of Human Genetics urges caution over use of new genetic sequencing techniques

The European Society of Human Genetics urges caution on using new genetic sequencing techniques due to potential risks and benefits. The society recommends targeted analysis to limit unsolicited findings, ensuring patients' rights are protected while also providing them with necessary health information.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 16, 2013

Prenatal molecular diagnosis for tuberous sclerosis complex

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have developed a prenatal testing method for identifying tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in the womb. The technique, which sequences TSC genes in amniotic fluid cells, has been shown to detect nearly 93% of mutations, offering improved treatment options for affected families.

SourceBoston University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 2, 2009

Genes reveal new clues about the first flower

A Penn State study finds that both water lilies and Amborella are equally close genetically to the first flowering plant, offering new insights into its evolution. The analysis of DNA from three cellular compartments reveals a more diverse ancestry at the base of the angiosperm family tree.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2000