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New study investigates the microbiomes of dogs across the world

Researchers sampled fecal microbiomes from dogs across diverse populations in South Africa, India, and Laos, revealing similar metabolic functions. The study suggests that industrialization may affect the human microbiome diversity in non-industrialized settings.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2022

Genetic test can diagnose certain immune system disorders

Researchers developed a genetic test that diagnoses primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID), revealing inherited genetic defects in nearly half of patients. The test uses next-generation sequencing technology to identify specific gene variants associated with PID, enabling targeted treatment and earlier intervention for family members.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Gametophytes are ready for their close up: Methods used to study obscure sexual portion of plant life cycle focus of Applications in Plant Sciences special issue

A new special issue of Applications in Plant Sciences explores techniques for studying gametophytes, essential for understanding biodiversity and conservation. The study reveals the complexity of gametophyte biology, including their limited size and invisibility in some plants.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateMay 10, 2022

Environmental DNA reveals secret reef inhabitants

A new study using environmental DNA reveals a 16% higher fish diversity on coral reefs than traditional visual observations. The approach detects pelagic, reef-bound, and cryptobenthic species that are difficult to spot by divers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Extreme genetic drift in the Maniq hunter-gatherers of southern Thailand

A recent study on the Maniq population found they exhibit high levels of genetic differentiation, similar to other isolated populations. The researchers also discovered that the Maniq retain a unique hunter-gatherer lifestyle and Hòabìnhian-related ancestry, setting them apart from other Southeast Asian groups.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 18, 2022

Greater diversity in genetic studies helps researchers uncover new insights

A new study has shown that increasing genetic diversity can improve researchers' ability to identify important genetic markers for health conditions. The study, which analyzed data from over 470,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, identified 42 previously unidentified regions of the human genome related to BMI, height, and waist-to-hip ra...

SourcePenn State·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2022

How new bird species arise

A study reveals that new bird species arise in lowland habitats before moving higher into mountainous areas, where genetic differences accumulate. The research suggests that climate fluctuations, particularly during the Pleistocene era, contributed to the evolution of these high-altitude populations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2022

Single test for over 50 genetic diseases will cut diagnosis from decades to days

A new DNA test has been developed to identify a range of hard-to-diagnose neurological and neuromuscular genetic diseases quicker and more accurately than existing tests. The test uses Nanopore sequencing technology to scan for abnormally long repeats within patients' genes, which are the hallmarks of disease.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022

The future of data storage is double-helical, research indicates

A team of researchers has developed a DNA-based data storage platform with an expanded molecular alphabet, enabling the storage of vast amounts of digital information. The new system uses nanopores to distinguish between natural and chemically modified nucleotides, increasing storage density and sustainability.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

Environmental DNA analysis to manage fecal contamination

A team of researchers has developed a new method using environmental DNA analysis to track the source of fecal contamination in surface water. By analyzing specific DNA sequences, they can identify the main contributors to pollution and potentially pinpoint areas with faulty wastewater treatment infrastructure or poor manure management.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateFeb 24, 2022

New detailed immune-profiling method uses only DNA from blood

A novel immune-profiling method can return detailed immune cell type proportions using only DNA from blood, potentially allowing for individualized prediction of outcomes in immunotherapy patients. This approach offers the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the immune system in health and disease.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

New benchmark could improve detection of genetic variants linked to spinal muscular atrophy, other diseases

A new DNA benchmark, developed by NIST and collaborators, enables more accurate detection of genetic variants linked to diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy. The benchmark, based on HiFi sequencing technology, helps labs and clinics sequence genes with high accuracy, critical for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Small group of genetic variants found in extremely ill patients with COVID may help explain big differences in how sick people get

Researchers identified seven rare structural variants affecting 31 genes in severely ill COVID-19 patients, shedding light on individual responses to the virus. These genetic variations may help explain differences in illness severity and suggest potential targets for early intervention.

New sequencing technique established for low-biomass, degraded or contaminated microbiome samples

A new sequencing technique called 2bRAD-M has been developed to accurately identify species-level information from low-biomass and degraded microbiome samples. The method uses restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) to produce high-resolution profiles of bacteria, archaea, and fungi down to the level of species.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 25, 2022

Roswell Biotechnologies demonstrates molecular electronics sensors on a semiconductor chip in peer-review paper

Roswell Biotechnologies has developed a molecular electronics sensor on a semiconductor chip, enabling real-time detection of single molecules for diverse applications including drug discovery, diagnostics, and DNA sequencing. The platform offers unlimited scalability in sensor pixel density and high resolution measurements.

SourceRoswell Biotechnologies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Scientists demonstrate utility of Bilateral Tumor Model for evaluating anti-cancer T-cell responses

A new bilateral tumor model was demonstrated to be useful for investigating the relationship between T-cell repertoire and cancer immunotherapy's therapeutic effects. The study found that T-cell profiles of both tumors were almost identical, indicating a similar anti-tumor response in a single mouse.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Zoo air contains enough DNA to identify the animals inside

Researchers have successfully identified animal species in zoo air by collecting airborne environmental DNA, offering a valuable tool for tracking biodiversity without intensive fieldwork. By analyzing millions of DNA sequences and comparing them to reference databases, scientists can detect even elusive or inaccessible species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

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

First study of its kind to investigate a high priority but little known pathogen found in Irish hospitals: Trinity research

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin investigate the epidemiology and population biology of Enteroccocus faecium, a high-priority pathogen. They found that Irish isolates have evolved independently and are diverse, with a unique genetic transposon element encoding vancomycin resistance.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

Should all babies have their genome sequenced at birth?

Experts debate whether newborn genome sequencing should be routine, with some arguing it can save lives and be cost-effective. A phased rollout is advocated, with genomic information disclosed sequentially at appropriate ages. The rollout requires data quality improvement and informed consent.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 17, 2021