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‘Fingerprints’ of childhood cancer treatment provide clues that may help mitigate second cancers

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified therapy-specific mutations that could guide safer treatments among childhood cancer survivors. The study analyzed genetic mutations in subsequent neoplasms of 160 survivors who developed breast, thyroid malignancies and meningiomas after treatment.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2026

University of Minnesota researchers develop new method providing clearer view of how genome functions in cancer

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have developed a new method called PARTAGE that provides a clearer picture of how the genome is regulated and disrupted in diseases like cancer. The method allows for the measurement of three key features from the same sample: DNA duplication, genomic alterations, and gene activ...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 8, 2026

How does mitochondrial DNA affect your health?

Salk Institute researchers have developed a new biological platform for studying mitochondrial DNA in human physiology, adaptation, and therapeutic development. The platform allows scientists to investigate mitochondrial DNA variation in health and disease, enabling therapeutic innovation for mitochondrial disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2026

First-of-its-kind analysis reveals the structural variant landscape driving pediatric cancer development

Researchers identified structural variants as a key driver of childhood cancer, with RAG-mediated recombination found in nearly all subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemias. The analysis highlights the importance of structural variants in pediatric blood cancers and provides new insights into the mechanisms driving these diseases.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Flipped chromosomal segments drive natural selection

New research finds that chromosomal inversions help Atlantic silversides maintain genetic differences suited to cold and warm waters, influencing growth rates and vertebrae numbers. This discovery suggests a fundamental role for chromosomal inversions in local adaptation and may shape population responses to ocean warming.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2026

Scientists form complex DNA structures without hydrogen bonds

Researchers at NYU's Department of Chemistry have discovered a way to assemble complex DNA structures without sticky ends, using shape alone to guide assembly. This breakthrough enables the creation of varied 3D structures made entirely out of DNA, with potential applications in optical, electronic, and biomedical technologies.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2026

Reducing disease through gene manipulation

Dr. Gregory Reeves' team has developed a method to measure the amount of Dorsal protein in the nucleus, revealing its interaction with DNA and providing a predictive model for therapeutic purposes. The study aims to control cellular processes and prevent diseases like cancer.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2026

Rice stink bug genetic mapping offers clues to curb a costly crop pest

Researchers have discovered that native rice stink bugs have more genetic diversity than invasive species, which could help monitor the spread of insecticide resistance. This study provides valuable insights into pest management for Arkansas rice growers, who face significant costs due to the bug's impact on their crops.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalFlorida Entomologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Big data and human height: ISTA scientists develop algorithm to boost biobank data retrieval & analysis

Researchers from ISTA developed an algorithm that can extract and analyze information from the world’s most extensive biobank with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The method, dubbed gVAMP, enhances the framework's ability to extract complex information from the dataset at hand, providing a detailed overview of the effects on a trait ...

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Genomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026

From cytoplasm to nucleus: A new workflow to improve gene therapy odds

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed a new method to improve gene therapy by increasing the efficacy of gene delivery while minimizing harmful side effects. The new workflow allows for increased control of nuclear DNA delivery, with greater than tenfold increase in nuclear DNA delivery observed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2026

New clues to preventing stillbirth

Flinders University researchers discovered a biological process that could explain some stillbirths and pave the way for early detection. The study found that molecules called circular RNAs build up in the placenta too quickly during pregnancy, compromising its ability to nourish the baby.

SourceFlinders University·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2025

From dots to lines: new database catalogs human gene types using ’ACTG’ rules

Researchers have developed the Joint Open Genome and Omics Platform 1.0 (JoGo 1.0), which organizes human gene types into four levels based on global frequency. The database catalogs 19,194 human genes with a novel naming system, enabling secure integration of sensitive datasets and linking each gene type to public resources.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2025

Ancient genetics and modern pollutants could provide a clue to endometriosis risk

A new study suggests that genetic differences passed down from ancient human ancestors and exposure to common chemicals could explain why some women are more likely to develop endometriosis. Researchers identified six genetic variants linked to the condition, which also occur in genes sensitive to modern pollutants.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2025

Counting salmon is a breeze with airborne eDNA

Researchers at the University of Washington successfully tracked salmon populations using airborne eDNA, finding that the airborne DNA concentration fluctuated with visual counts reported by the hatchery. The technique links air, water, and fish, providing a valuable tool for population health monitoring and management.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

Discovery of plant reproductive success provides insights into human fertility

Scientists have discovered a protein called SCEP3 that ensures even chromosome segregation in plants, preventing infertility and genetic diseases. This finding has implications for plant breeding and understanding human fertility, with the equivalent gene SIX6OS1 potentially playing a role in promoting correct chromosome segregation.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

New approach expands possibilities for studying viruses in the environment

A new method enables scientists to read the genomes of individual cells and viral particles in the environment more quickly and efficiently. The approach, known as environmental microcompartment genomics, increases throughput by an order of magnitude and provides unique insights into the diverse world of marine viruses.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2025

Turbo Platform for Plant Research

Scientists have created a micro-algal platform that allows for automated and fast testing of chloroplast genetic modifications, opening up plant chloroplasts to high-throughput applications. This platform enables researchers to fine-tune genetic circuits and identify which modifications have real potential.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 3, 2025