Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Similar to humans, elephants also vary what they eat for dinner every night

A new study reveals that elephants' dietary habits are more varied than previously thought, with individual preferences playing a significant role. The research used DNA metabarcoding to analyze fecal and hair samples from two groups of elephants in Kenya, finding that even family members may eat different plants on the same day.

SourceBrown University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

*Free* Ancient DNA reveals population continuity in pre-Hispanic central Mexico

A new study using ancient DNA from northern and central Mexico reveals population continuity despite drastic environmental change, providing new insights into the region's demographic history. The research also identifies two 'ghost' populations contributing to pre-Hispanic populations, revealing a complex demographic landscape.

First-in-Canada clinical RNA sequencing platform may improve rare disease diagnostics in pediatrics

A new clinical RNA sequencing platform at SickKids is helping researchers understand complex genetic conditions and improve diagnosis for patients with rare diseases. The platform has been validated to be used in the clinical space, providing valuable diagnostic information that complements genome sequencing.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 13, 2023

Inbreeding contributes to decline of endangered killer whales

Research found that inbreeding is a major factor contributing to the decline of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. The study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, indicates that inbred individuals have lower survival rates and birth rates compared to those with lower levels of inbreeding.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

Genes reveal kidney cancer’s risk of recurrence

A new study links genetic changes in kidney cancer to patient outcomes, identifying four groups of patients based on mutation presence. This research may lead to more effective prediction of recurrence risk and personalized treatment for thousands of patients annually.

SourceMcGill University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Genes reveal kidney cancer’s risk of recurrence

A decade-long international study has linked genetic changes in kidney cancer to patient outcomes, identifying four groups of patients based on specific genes. The findings suggest that tumour DNA sequencing may provide a more effective way to predict patient risk of kidney cancer recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 23, 2023

Oncotarget | Extreme phenotype approach identifies rare ATR variants as potential male breast cancer susceptibility alleles

Researchers have identified three novel pathogenic variants of the ATR gene as predisposing to male breast cancer. These variants were found in a cohort of individuals with early onset and familial breast cancers, using a combination of exome sequencing and functional investigations. The study suggests that extended genetic analysis ca...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

The coastal cod population is not extinct

A study by University of Gothenburg researchers identifies two distinct types of cod, 'offshore cod' and 'coastal cod', genetically adapted to different environments. The coastal cod remain in the fjords, but their adult stage is uncertain, with possible spawning locations still unknown.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Study using DNA analysis of sacrificial spider monkey suggests Mesoamerican diplomacy

A study using DNA analysis of a sacrificial spider monkey at Teotihuacàn, Mexico, reveals the earliest evidence of primate captivity and translocation in the Americas. The research provides insight into ancient trade networks and suggests that the spider monkey was a diplomatic gift between Teotihuacàn and the Maya civilization.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2022

Evolutionary analysis shows SARS-CoV-2 variants converging

A new web-based tool called Taxonium is helping scientists track the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses by analyzing massive genetic datasets. The analysis reveals that COVID-19 variants worldwide are repeatedly evolving the same mutations, suggesting a convergent evolutionary process.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 15, 2022

Head and neck cancer: Markers to facilitate better treatment in the future

A study published in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging identified specific genetic markers associated with high risk of head and neck cancer. The research used DNA sequencing, artificial intelligence, and positron emission tomography to analyze cellular characteristics of tumors. These markers can facilitate mo...

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateOct 25, 2022

Even good gene edits can go bad

Researchers at Rice University have developed a procedure to quantify unintended changes that accompany on-target CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, potentially threatening the efficacy and safety of therapies. The new method uses single-molecule sequencing with unique molecular identifiers to detect large deletions, insertions, and chromosomal...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Pitt-developed genetic test for pancreatic cancer outperforms current guidelines

A new genetic test called PancreaSeq accurately classifies pancreatic cysts as potentially cancerous or benign, improving the accuracy of diagnoses compared to current guidelines. The test distinguishes between different types of cysts with higher accuracy than traditional forms of surveillance and current pancreatic cyst guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalGastroenterology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

Using nanopores to detect epigenetic changes faster

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have successfully characterized epigenetic modifications using nanopore analysis. The technique allows for rapid detection of protein fragments with varying levels of acetylation, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 31, 2022

New technique opens swathes of shells for genetic analysis

A new DNA extraction technique has enabled researchers to analyze genetically diverse mollusc species from museum collections, shedding light on their evolutionary history and informing conservation management. The method's success opens up novel research avenues, particularly for endangered or never-before-seen-alive molluscs.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateAug 24, 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

Study finds genetic method for identifying hundreds of disease agents ‘promising’

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers reveals a promising genetic method for identifying hundreds of disease agents using next-generation sequencing. The Respiratory Pathogen Infectious Diseases/Antimicrobial Resistance Panel (RPIP) system shows near-comparability to traditional diagnostics in identifying pathogens.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateAug 9, 2022