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Heredity is about more than just DNA

Scientists discovered that a temporary change in gene regulation can be inherited for at least 15 generations in C. elegans without altering the DNA sequence. This epigenetic inheritance occurs through a succession of mechanisms, allowing organisms to respond to changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2026

Autism-risk mutations reveal two opposing patterns of brain gene activity

Researchers identified two opposing patterns of brain gene activity in mice carrying autism-risk mutations, which vary by sex and respond differently to experimental drugs. The patterns, which are shared across multiple analyses, suggest that many different genetic mutations converge into a limited number of molecular brain states.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

New brain imaging measure reveals how closely blood flow matches brain cells’ energy needs

Researchers developed a new brain imaging measure, CCSI, to study how blood flow and cellular organization align across the brain. CCSI revealed patterns of blood flow and cellular density that correlated with mitochondrial activity and energy demands, offering new insights into brain function and potential treatments for diseases.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2026

An atlas reveals the hidden "physical code" in the DNA sequence

Researchers have created the first comprehensive atlas of DNA's physical properties, revealing how its sequence influences genome regulation and evolution. The study analyzed 2,080 unique DNA fragments and found that certain sequences can preserve physical properties necessary for DNA function, potentially influencing genome evolution.

What happens when a shoreline scavenger consumes microplastics?

Researchers found altered gene expression in wharf roach guts after consuming expanded polystyrene, but no significant impact on lifespan. The gut microbiome showed little change, but rare microbes were detected in EPS-fed specimens. This highlights the need to manage EPS waste carefully and prioritize coastal cleanup efforts.

SourceKyushu University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Dongguk University researchers develop innovative electromagnetically controllable gene switch

Researchers at Dongguk University have developed an innovative gene switch that uses electromagnetic fields to control gene expression. The switch, which targets the Lgr4 gene, demonstrates precise activation with no detectable adverse effects, making it a promising platform for non-invasive gene therapies.

SourceDongguk University Evaluation and Audit Team·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2026

How old are you really? Study explains what makes ‘epigenetic clocks’ tick, debuts new prediction tools

Researchers from USC-led study found that different epigenetic clocks capture distinct aspects of cellular aging, while introducing new gene-expression based clocks with stronger predictive power. These tools can better predict age-related disease and mortality by examining DNA methylation patterns and gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·Journalnpj Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2026

New algorithm improves gene expression marker identification across diverse biological systems

Researchers developed a new computational approach to identify genes that characterize different cellular states from mRNA-seq data, offering more accurate and interpretable analysis of complex biological data. The Cartesian Distance-Based Gene Expression (CDBGE) algorithm was evaluated using multiple publicly available datasets, demon...

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2026

Emerging roles of hepatocellular carcinoma gene signatures in prognosis and immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) gene signatures can predict prognosis and respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, validating these signatures across different platforms and overcoming ethical concerns hinder their widespread adoption. Integrating multi-omics approaches with liquid biopsy holds promise for personalized therapy,...

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateJul 14, 2026

Genes follow precise switching rules

Researchers discovered a new framework explaining how cells regulate genes, which operates out of thermodynamic equilibrium and costs energy. The 'optimal switching principle' balances random on/off switching with precise average expression patterns, optimizing information flow.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

NF-κB signaling pathway: a central hub in the pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of immunological diseases

The NF-κB signaling pathway plays a central role in pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of immunological diseases. Dysregulation underpins many conditions, making it a crucial target for treatment. Emerging concepts like ubiquitin code editing and spatial immunology hold promise but require experimental validation.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateJul 13, 2026

Researchers develop an artificial intelligence–based tool capable of identifying biological profiles associated with thrombosis risk

A new AI-based tool identifies hundreds of molecular signals associated with thrombosis and improves the characterization of people with different risk profiles. By integrating clinical, genetic, and transcriptomic information, researchers can more accurately describe individuals with varying levels of risk.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2026

Aging-linked cells emerge as unexpected allies in tendon healing

Recent studies suggest that p16INK4a+ cells, previously thought to be non-beneficial due to their association with aging, actually contribute to tendon regeneration. These mesenchymal cells produce collagen and factors promoting new blood vessel and nerve growth, crucial for normal tendon function.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2026

Body clock found to control inflammatory responses in macrophages

Researchers from Kyushu University discovered that the circadian clock protein BMAL1 drives macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory M1 state by activating inflammatory signaling pathways. This mechanism links the body clock to intracellular metabolism and immune function, offering new insights into treating inflammatory diseases.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

Understanding Rett syndrome before symptoms appear

Researchers at Texas Children's Hospital identified a set of dysfunctional genes and specific cell types that are vulnerable to genetic changes in female mice modeling Rett syndrome before symptoms appear. They found that even healthy cells with normal MECP2 gene had changes in gene activity due to neighboring defective cells.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2026

Deep sea an untapped ‘evolutionary engine’ says new study

A new study has analyzed over 2100 samples to build a genetic dataset containing more than 500 million unique genes, revealing the immense potential of deep-sea biodiversity for developing new technologies. The research found that despite vast genetic diversity, deep-sea organisms rely on stable, core designs to survive extreme conditi...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026

DNA repair protein gene gone rogue may unlock new cancer treatments

Researchers discovered that overproduction of a DNA repair protein creates DNA damage mimicking BRCA mutations, which may respond to targeted treatments. Tumors with high levels of EXO1 protein exhibit characteristics similar to BRCA-mutant cells, suggesting personalized therapies could be effective.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Scientists show genes give neurons a ‘GPS’ to form the brain’s neural circuits

Researchers develop machine learning analysis method SPERRFY that combines datasets on brain region connections and gene activity. The study finds a 'GPS' system of genes that predict which brain regions are connected, supporting the chemoaffinity theory and offering new avenues for research into brain development and disease.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Mapping the hidden triggers of jaw joint arthritis at the cellular level

A study mapped early molecular and cellular changes in the jaw joint that may trigger temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. The research found structural and molecular changes in joint tissues, including inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolic shifts. Single-cell sequencing revealed diverse cell populations interacting within the synov...

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

Study finds each protein in the epigenome produces a different pattern of gene expression

A new study found that every type of epigenome protein produces a distinct pattern of gene expression, surpassing the on/off switch functionality. This discovery has significant implications for cellular engineering, enabling more dynamic control over cellular behavior and potential applications in biomanufacturing and bioproduction.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

AI spots hidden behavior patterns in self-organizing bacteria

A custom-built AI system helped uncover how bacterial communities organize themselves, showing that early moments of a biological transition carry more information than previously considered. The findings bring new insight into the relationship between genotype and phenotype in Myxococcus xanthus.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Terahertz radiation-induced remodeling of purine metabolism and membrane raft signaling in human melanoma cells

Exposure to terahertz radiation induces significant changes in purine metabolism, pantothenate/CoA biosynthesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Gene network analysis reveals associations with membrane raft reorganization and receptor-mediated signaling involving epidermal growth factor receptor and G-protein subunits.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateMar 27, 2026

Optimus protein

Researchers at Kyoto University identified DHX29 as a central regulator of codon-dependent gene expression. They found that DHX29 preferentially interacts with ribosomes decoding non-optimal codons and recruits a protein complex to selectively repress mRNAs enriched in these codons.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 19, 2026

Toward autonomous self-organizing biological robots with a nervous system

In a breakthrough study, researchers successfully integrated neuronal precursor cells into biobots, resulting in the formation of functional nervous systems. This development has significant implications for neuroscience, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine, enabling the investigation of fundamental questions about the origin of ...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

New study clarifies how temperature shapes sex development in leopard gecko

Researchers investigated temperature-dependent sex determination in leopard geckos, finding that temperature influences sex development during a specific window of embryonic development. Early genetic changes, including the activation of male and female developmental pathways, occur before physical differences become apparent.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalDevelopmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

Mapping 3D-super-enhancers with machine learning to pinpoint regulators of cell identity

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed BOUQUET to analyze 3D-enhancer architecture in machine learning-based graph theory framework, identifying protein condensates and predicting gene expression. The findings provide new insight into how cells regulate genes controlling specialized identities.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 9, 2026

How do GLP-1 agonists affect gene expression?

Salk Institute researchers identified Med14, a protein connected to GLP-1 drug effects on pancreatic beta cells, leading to improved viability, insulin production, and stress resistance. The study suggests a potential molecular link between GLP-1 drugs and broader benefits, including type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 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