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Researchers find plastic-degrading enzymes in nature

Researchers from Aarhus University have discovered 12 new enzymes that can break down polyurethane and nylon. The best candidate, CC PUR1, was found in a compost heap and has a wide binding cleft, making it more stable and effective at breaking down plastic. This breakthrough could improve the recycling of difficult-to-degrade plastics.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 11, 2026

New conservation committee led by Applied Microbiology International calls on science community to get on board with microbial conservation

The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is a new coalition of experts aiming to integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. The group's priorities include building a global network, mapping microbial conservation hotspots, developing microbe-specific Red List criteria, and mapping existing projects.

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) releases highly anticipated evidence-based clinical guideline for phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has published a new evidence-based clinical guideline for phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency diagnosis and management. The guideline provides recommendations for treatment, implementation considerations, research priorities, and economic considerations to improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 4, 2024

Defense or growth – How plants allocate resources

A new study reveals that plant species invest less in defense to prioritize growth, with a negative correlation between defense genes and growth traits observed. Researchers identified significant variation among plant species in their investment in disease defense, using open databases to analyze 184 plant species.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2024

Unlocking the genetic mysteries of modern roses

Researchers have decoded the genetic makeup of 'Samantha' rose variety to create a powerful resource for future comparative genomic studies. The study found that human selection has significantly influenced the genetic diversity of modern roses, but preserving genetic traits is essential for their health and adaptability.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2024

How bread dough gave rise to civilization

A study by the Open Wild Wheat Consortium explains how Aegilops tauschii, a wild grass, contributed to the genetic diversity of bread wheat, enabling its rapid spread across different climates. This hybridization event allowed humans to settle down and form societies.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2024

Finding hidden genetic treasure: Study uncovers untapped diversity in historic wheat collection

A decade-long study has discovered a vast untapped genetic potential in modern wheat varieties, revealing that at least 60% of the genetic diversity found in a historic collection is unused. This discovery provides an unprecedented opportunity to improve modern wheat and sustainably feed a growing global population. The study used a cr...

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2024

HudsonAlpha researchers create valuable genomic tools for the cotton industry

Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have created high-quality genome sequences for three modern upland cotton cultivars, providing necessary resources for breeders. The new genomes revealed genetic material from Pima cotton within modern varieties, enabling efficient selection of progeny with improved fiber quality.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 30, 2024

Variations in telomere lengthening genes may predispose some people to papillary thyroid cancer

Researchers found a correlation between genetic variations in three telomere-related genes and an increased risk of developing papillary thyroid cancer. The study suggests that individuals with these variants may benefit from closer monitoring for secondary cancers, and highlights the role of long telomeres in cancer development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 13, 2024

Single primer enrichment technology - a new genomic resource to investigate the diversity of lettuce germplasm

A new genotyping method called Single Primer Enrichment Technology (SPET) was used to investigate the genetic diversity of lettuce and identify genomic regions underlying important agronomic traits. The study revealed over 80,000 high-quality SNPs, allowing researchers to group accessions by type and geographic origin.

International workgroup of cancer genetics experts convened by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics develops guidance on clinical management of CHEK2 pathogenic variants and cancer risks

A new clinical practice resource provides valuable information for healthcare professionals caring for individuals with pathogenic variants in the CHEK2 gene. The resource assesses personalized risk estimates based on family history, specific variant, and other factors.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

How selfish genes succeed

A study published in PLoS Genetics reveals the mechanism by which a selfish gene in yeast, wtf4, enables its function using a poison-antidote strategy. This strategy involves the production of poison protein that can kill spores, but is countered by an antidote protein produced only by those spores that inherit the drive allele.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Vitamin D deficiency linked to premature death

A new study from the University of South Australia found that severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The research evaluated 307,601 records from the UK Biobank and found that individuals with low vitamin D levels had a significantly decreased risk of death over a 14-year follow-up period.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

EURISCO – a pillar for documenting and making available the world's crop diversity

EURISCO is an international aggregated database documenting over 2 million plant genetic resources across 6,737 genera and 45,175 species. The catalogue provides a central entry point for information on crop diversity, facilitating access to data on crop improvement programmes.

Researchers expand and upgrade the 1000 Genomes Project resource using high-coverage whole-genome sequencing and improved analytic approaches

The expanded 1000 Genomes Project resource now includes nearly all parent-child trios alongside the original samples, sequenced at high coverage using Illumina NovaSeq instruments. This comprehensive analysis presents significant improvements in variant calls, especially among rare SNVs, INDELs, and SVs.

SourceNew York Genome Center·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2022

Monitoring genetic mutations will be important for Florida panther management

A new study found nearly half of Florida panther mutations originated from Texas and Central American pumas, bringing both good and bad genetic material. Researchers emphasize the need to monitor genetic health due to potential risks, especially with small population sizes. Genetic screening for future introductions may be necessary.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Heredity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2022