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New type of human jumping gene found in a poxvirus

Scientists at Cornell University discovered a human genetic element in a poxvirus that is both essential for brain function and a jumping gene capable of inserting itself in genomes. The gene, BC200, was found to be expressed in neurons and has been linked to various diseases, including Alzheimer's and tumors.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2026

Two ways to read a genome: Scientists reveal the first body-wide, single-cell atlas that maps DNA folding and epigenetics together

Researchers at Salk Institute create a body-wide single-cell atlas of two major epigenetic systems, revealing that cell-type-specific epigenetic features can affect disease risk. The study identifies over 1.36 million differentially methylated regions and 283,606 differential chromatin loops across the human body's cell types.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2026

Researchers uncover the inside story on plant organ growth

A study by John Innes Centre researchers reveals that inner tissues play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, contradicting the widespread assumption that external layers control growth. By analyzing cell division orientation and gene editing techniques, they discovered genes affecting stem thickness in Arabidopsis.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Trafficked pangolin DNA reveals hotspots of illegal wildlife trade

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that small samples of trafficked pangolin DNA can track illegal trade routes and hotspots, including southwest Cameroon, Myanmar, and Africa. The research highlights the interconnectedness of domestic and international markets, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to disrupt traffick...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2026

Eleven genetic variants affect gut microbiome

Researchers identified 11 genetic regions influencing gut bacteria and roles they play, including connections to gluten intolerance, haemorrhoids, and cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed genetic data from over 28,000 individuals, providing insights into the complex relationship between genes and gut microbiome.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2026

False alarm in newborn screening: how zebrafish can prevent unnecessary SMA therapies

A zebrafish model was used to test the functional significance of rare SMN1 variants in children with false positive SMA diagnoses. The research found that both variants were functional and did not cause the disease. This breakthrough could prevent unnecessary SMA therapies and provide families with security.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

Largest genetic study of schizophrenia and African ancestry reveals shared biology across global populations

A recent study published in Nature identified over 100 new genetic regions linked to schizophrenia that had not been previously discovered. These findings show that while specific genetic variants may differ across populations, the core biological mechanisms underlying schizophrenia are shared worldwide.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

ECOG-ACRIN and Caris Life Sciences unveil first findings from a multi-year collaboration to advance AI-powered multimodal tools for breast cancer recurrence risk stratification

Researchers developed multimodal models integrating imaging, clinical, and molecular data from TAILORx tissue biorepository for early-stage breast cancer. The models demonstrated enhanced prognostic performance compared to existing methods, highlighting their potential for personalized treatment decision-making.

New statistical tools sharpen the search for causal DNA changes in livestock

Researchers developed a new suite of statistical methods to pinpoint DNA changes responsible for important traits in livestock. The work addresses challenges in fine-mapping, especially in populations with closely related animals, and introduces tools that incorporate 'relatedness-adjusted' genomic correlations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2025

New technique maps genetic variants driving neurodegenerative disease risk

A new method developed by Penn State researchers improves the analysis of genetic data, identifying more genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The technique, BASIC, integrates both bulk tissue samples and single-cell data to uncover shared genetic effects across different cell types.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2025

Finding microproteins to treat obesity and metabolic disorders

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified dozens of microproteins that play a crucial role in regulating fat cell proliferation and lipid accumulation. This breakthrough discovery offers new potential drug targets for treating obesity and metabolic disorders, building on recent advances in CRISPR gene editing technologies.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2025

Face processing abnormalities identified in autism dog model

A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities, similar to those observed in human ASD patients. The research provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, contributing to social impairments.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

Pusan National University researchers developed an advanced AI model for accelerating therapeutic gene target discovery

The new AI model leverages hypergraphs to quickly and accurately identify therapeutic gene targets for diseases. HIT outperformed existing models in all tested metrics, demonstrating its accuracy in classifying therapeutic gene targets with great precision.

SourcePusan National University·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2025

A new gene identified in the search for a therapy to treat malignant cardiac arrythmia

Researchers have discovered a novel gene therapy that can reverse conduction slowing and prevent cardiac arrhythmias by introducing the SCN10a-short gene into heart muscle cells. The treatment has shown promise in animal models and human cell studies, offering a potential solution for millions affected by arrhythmias worldwide.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 20, 2025

Chinese scientists find key genes to fight against crop parasites

Researchers have identified two ABCG family SL transporter genes, SbSLT1 and SbSLT2, responsible for sorghum's resistance to Striga. Knocking out these genes inhibits SL secretion, preventing Striga germination and infestation. This breakthrough has wide-ranging applications in enhancing parasitic plant resistance across various crops.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

UTHealth Houston study reveals two new genes associated with variants linked to epilepsy, offering new hope for personalized therapies

Researchers at UTHealth Houston have discovered two novel genes, DYRK1A and EGFR, linked to genetic mutations causing epileptic brain lesions. This breakthrough offers a new framework for understanding epilepsy and developing targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 6, 2025

Colored nuclei reveal cellular key genes

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an optical CRISPR screening method called NIS-Seq that allows for the identification of key genes involved in biological processes. This method is faster and more efficient than traditional methods, working in almost all cells and providing results in a matter of days.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 19, 2024

New insights into genes' role in craniofacial development and genetic disorder

A team of experts has discovered that the ARID1A gene regulates a critical genetic program for cell migration, with ZIC2 identified as a crucial regulator in this process. This study expands our understanding of craniofacial development and provides valuable insights into the genetic causes of congenital diseases.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2024

New genetic explanation for heart condition revealed

A new study has found that hundreds of genes, rather than a single 'aberrant' genetic variant, contribute to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Researchers developed a polygenic risk score to assess individual risk and found those with the highest genetic risk had a fourfold chance of developing the disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

How hypoxia helps cancer spread

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified 16 genes that breast cancer cells use to survive in the bloodstream, including MUC1, which is already in clinical trials. The research showed that hypoxic cells are able to migrate to higher oxygen levels and form metastasis in the body, leading to a worse prognosis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2024

‘Forever chemicals’ linked to poor sleep among young adults in first-of-its-kind study

A study published in Environmental Advances found a significant association between four types of PFAS and poor sleep in young adults. The researchers identified genes involved in the body's natural defenses and a hormone that regulates sleep, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of PFAS' impact on sleep.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 3, 2024