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Cell-free synthetic biology comes of age

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in cell-free gene expression, enabling high-yielding protein synthesis and expanding genetically encoded chemistry. This has opened doors to create new types of enzymes, materials, and therapeutics. Northwestern University's Center for Synthetic Biology is at the forefront of this field.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateDec 2, 2019

Building a better flu shot

Researchers at Michigan State University have found that cellular RNA levels change significantly following infection or vaccination. The study's findings could help identify new targets for building better flu vaccines and aid in the design of a universal vaccine.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 26, 2019

Each mouse is different

Researchers create algorithm to identify stable traits that capture mouse behavior, revealing unique individual characteristics and genetic basis. The method has potential to advance knowledge of mouse personality and its relation to mental health and disease.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 2019

Fish fathers exhibit signatures of 'baby brain' that may facilitate parental care behavior

A study of stickleback fish found that male parental care is accompanied by changes in gene activity in the brain, similar to those experienced by mammals. The researchers identified genes associated with mothering and aggression, suggesting a molecular link between fish and mammal parents.

How procrastinators and doers differ genetically

A study found that women tend to procrastinate due to a genetic predisposition towards high dopamine levels, which affects brain regions involved in decision-making and impulse control. This trait is not observed in men, who show no correlation between the tyrosine hydroxylase gene and action control.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJul 11, 2019

WINTHER trial results

The WINTHER trial successfully matched personalized therapy to 35% of patients with advanced cancer, showing improved overall survival for those with a high degree of matching. The trial's strategy employed RNA expression testing to tailor treatment based on gene expression differences between tumors and normal tissues.

SourceWIN Consortium·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019

Reproduction: How male flies enforce their interests

Researchers found that male fruit flies produce fewer proteins in their seminal fluid when females are without competition, leading to health disadvantages for the females. In contrast, polygamous males with no competition can manipulate females through protein receipt, increasing their own reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2019

New insights into genetics of fly longevity

A new study published by the Moskalev Lab has revealed how overexpressing the pro-longevity gene Gclc in Drosophila melanogaster leads to life extension and changes in the thorax's transcriptome, including genes involved in metabolism, immune system, and circadian rhythmicity.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateMar 25, 2019

Genetic 'usual suspects' identified in researchers' new list

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a ranked list of genes that are likely to be involved in any disease, allowing researchers to distinguish between these 'usual suspects' and those unique to specific conditions. The study's findings provide valuable context for interpreting gene activity in disease onset.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2019

Ant societies' arms race: Gene activity in defenders depends on invading slavemaking ants

Gene activity in defenders reflects origin of attacking slavemakers, with successful invaders triggering weaker defenses. Researchers found that host ants react aggressively to rare slave-makers and not to common ones, highlighting the complex co-evolutionary relationship between parasites and their hosts.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 28, 2019

Figuring out the fovea

A team of researchers led by Joshua Sanes created the first cellular atlas of the primate retina, identifying 65-70 separate cell types and their expressed genes. The study sheds light on the mechanisms that give rise to differences in foveal cells and offers a foundation for understanding vision-related diseases.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateFeb 21, 2019