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Kidney cancer in Central Europe

A new study by CAGEKID consortium reveals a strong connection between kidney cancer and aristolochic acid, an ingredient in herbal remedies. The research found that genetic changes associated with this type of cancer were observed in patients from Romania with high frequency, suggesting exposure to aristolochic acid as a potential cause.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2014

Sequencing at sea

A team of researchers from San Diego State University overcame numerous challenges to successfully sequence DNA samples in real-time at sea. Despite equipment failures, space constraints, and shark encounters, they managed to collect and analyze data on the Line Islands, developing new research questions and hypotheses along the way.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 19, 2014

New tool advances investigations of disease outbreaks

A new computational tool in Molecular Biology and Evolution helps public health officials investigate disease outbreaks by analyzing genomic data, correctly inferring source cases and transmission clusters. The tool complements traditional epidemiology methods, providing valuable insights into outbreak dynamics.

Amino acid fingerprints revealed in new study

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a technique to identify amino acids, including subtly modified variants, by analyzing electrical activity signals. This breakthrough advances the prospect of clinical protein sequencing and discovery of new biomarkers for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 6, 2014

Genomics for judges: Educating Illinois judges on how genetic info impacts court decisions

The Genomics for Judges seminar, offered by the University of Illinois, aims to educate judges on how genetic information affects court decisions. The two-day course covers DNA sequencing, gene function, and genome analysis, preparing judges to deal with legal questions involving genomics in the courts today and in the future.

Chromosomes show off their shapes

A new method combines high-throughput DNA sequencing and computer analysis to produce reliable maps describing contacts between genes along individual chromosomes. The results suggest that the arrangement of genes on chromosomes is modular and based on their functions, with active genes exposed at chromosome boundaries.

Largest, most accurate list of RNA editing sites

The researchers validated 1,799 sites and predicted an additional 1,782 sites, resulting in a combined list of 3,581 accurate sites. The team gained insights into the model organism's fundamental biology, including patterns of editing and alternative splicing.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 29, 2013

Seeing the forest and the trees

Researchers developed a novel robotic camera mount and software to study plant movements across wide panoramas. The technique captures interactions between environment and plants in a single sequence, enabling the visualization of changes over time.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateSep 25, 2013

No need to prepare

Researchers sequenced DNA molecules directly without library preparation, using less than one nanogram of DNA. The technique has potential for fast and efficient identification of organisms in hospitals and healthcare settings.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalBioTechniques·DateDec 11, 2012

MRSA outbreak mapped by DNA sequencing

Researchers used DNA sequencing to map an MRSA outbreak in a special care baby unit, tracking its spread into the community. The technique allowed for quicker identification and isolation of outbreaks, containing the infection and preventing substantial illness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 13, 2012