Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Darwin's Ark invites research collaboration on the world's largest community science initiative for cats and dogs

Darwin's Ark has established the world's largest community-powered pet research initiative, combining genetic data with owner information to explore questions about pet health, behavior, ancestry, and evolution. Researchers can collaborate by submitting a request form, accelerating discoveries that benefit animal and human health.

SourceDarwin's Ark·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2026

Fondazione Telethon’S Genomic Program end the diagnostic odissey for hundreds of children

The program achieved a definitive genetic diagnosis in nearly half of enrolled children, identifying pathogenic variants across 330 genes. Families received timely diagnoses, allowing accurate genetic counseling and informed reproductive choices, while guiding clinical management and opening access to targeted therapies.

SourceFondazione Telethon·JournalGenetics in Medicine Open·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

International researchers develop practical recommendations to strengthen cancer microbiome research

International researchers have developed a checklist of best practices for cancer microbiome research, emphasizing the importance of preventing contamination and validating findings. The guidelines aim to improve reproducibility and confidence in the field, supporting future discoveries about microbes and cancer.

Capsule technology opens new window into individual cells

Researchers developed a capsule-based method to analyze individual cells through multiple experimental steps, overcoming a long-standing limitation in cell research. The technology, called semi-permeable capsule technology, allows scientists to keep cells' DNA intact and analyze hundreds of thousands of cells simultaneously.

SourceUmea University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

New tech can unlock mysteries of genome’s hidden half

Researchers have found that a new DNA sequencing technology can study how transposons move within and bind to the genome, playing critical roles in immune response, neurological function, and genetic evolution. The discovery has significant implications for agricultural advancements and understanding disease development and treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournaliScience·DateNov 21, 2025

Curious isolation: New butterfly species discovered

The discovery of the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak, a new butterfly species, reveals striking genetic diversity and ecological uniqueness. The isolated population has been separated from its closest relatives for up to 40,000 years, resulting in low genetic diversity and reduced adaptability to changing climatic conditions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 17, 2025

RNA pseudouridine emerges as a novel diagnostic target for colorectal cancer: High-resolution pseudouridine sequencing reveals correlation with clinical markers, offering new avenues for early detection and treatment.

Researchers have discovered RNA pseudouridine as a novel diagnostic target for colorectal cancer. The study found correlations between pseudouridine modifications and clinical markers, enabling potential non-invasive diagnosis. The findings provide a molecular framework for RNA epigenetics-based stratification and targeted interventions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 17, 2025

New ‘shy’ fungus found in old-growth forest

Researchers have discovered five new species of fungi in the Piloderma genus, including one rare species found only in old-growth forests. The discoveries suggest that diversity in this genus is greater than previously thought and highlight the risk of species disappearance as forests are logged.

SourceUppsala University·JournalFungal Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2025

Giant clone of seaweed in the Baltic Sea

The discovery challenges our understanding of seaweed in a changing ocean and has implications for predicting its future. The giant clone, found to be a single species with millions of individuals, thrives in low-salinity waters and provides habitat for various marine life.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2025

DNA barcodes narrow down possible sources of introductions of an invasive banana skipper butterfly pest

Researchers used DNA barcodes to narrow down the possible sources of introductions of an invasive banana skipper butterfly, finding evidence of aircraft-borne introductions in Japan and potentially in Mauritius. The study suggests that gravid females may be attracted to airport lights, increasing the risk of spread to new areas.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

New study reveals Neanderthals experienced population crash 110,000 years ago

A new study found that Neanderthals experienced a drastic loss of genetic variation approximately 110,000 years ago, leading to their eventual extinction. The research measured the morphological diversity in semicircular canals, which revealed lower diversity in classic Neanderthals compared to pre-Neanderthals and early Neanderthals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2025

Unexpected discoveries in study of giraffe gut flora

Researchers have discovered that giraffes maintain species-specific gut flora, even when eating different sets of plants. This finding has significant implications for the conservation of endangered giraffe species, highlighting the importance of understanding their diets and habitats to ensure their survival.

SourceUppsala University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2025

DNA barcodes and citizen science images map spread of biocontrol agent for control of major invasive shrub

A CABI-led study uses publicly-shared DNA barcodes and citizen science images to detect the establishment of a biological control agent used to tackle Lantana camara. The research found two genetically distinguishable populations of Orphanostigma haemorrhoidalis, one in south-eastern USA and the other widespread in Neotropics.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2025

Deep dive into genome of dogs within Chornobyl Exclusion Zone shows genetic differences are not due to mutations

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the genomes of dogs within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone did not exhibit genetic mutations from radiation exposure. Instead, researchers suggest that low-level environmental toxin exposure over many years may have contributed to genetic differences between dog populations. The findings offer ...