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Genes for nose shape found

A UCL-led study identifies five genes controlling nose and chin shape, providing new insights into human face evolution and potential forensics applications. The study analyzed over 6,000 individuals with varied ancestry and found specific genes influencing facial features.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

Why do tomatoes smell 'grassy'?

Researchers from Kobe University identified enzymes that convert 3-hexenal into 2-hexenal, reducing the grassy odor in tomatoes. This breakthrough can be used to produce sweet tomatoes with less unpleasant fragrance.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 11, 2016

Gene cascade specifies 2 distinct neuron sets expressing Nplp1

Researchers identified two distinct neuronal cell lineages expressing Nplp1, driven by different spatiotemporal cues and converging on a common terminal selector cascade. The study provides new insights into neuronal cell fate specification and the role of feed-forward loops in regulating gene expression during development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Sleep tight -- gene responsible for sleep deprivation and metabolic disorders identified

A study at Florida Atlantic University identifies a gene, translin, that regulates sleep and metabolism, linking it to sleep deprivation and metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. The researchers used fruit flies to test the gene's role in sleep regulation, finding that it is essential for modulating sleep in response to metabo...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 24, 2016

A new recessive disease identified

Researchers at the University of Geneva identified a new recessive disease caused by the failure of a single gene, PIGG, which affects protein production and leads to intellectual disability, epilepsy and hypotonia. The discovery provides hope for early detection and prevention through personalized genetic diagnosis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 17, 2016

First gene for grey hair found

Researchers identify IRF4 as the first gene associated with greying hair, revealing a genetic link to human aging. The study analyzed 6,000 people from diverse ancestry, uncovering additional genes influencing hair shape, curliness, and density.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2016

Link between stress fracture injuries and genes found

A study by University of Liverpool researchers found that specific gene variations are associated with stress fracture injuries in healthy, exercising individuals. This discovery may lead to the development of preventative measures and tailored treatments for athletes and military personnel at risk of developing this common sports injury.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPurinergic Signalling·DateFeb 9, 2016

Snappy Sleep Stager system identifies gene related to shorter sleep

Researchers at RIKEN QBiC have developed a new method for monitoring mouse sleep cycles using the Snappy Sleep Stager, a non-invasive and automated system. The system has identified a new short-sleeper gene, Nr3a, which is associated with schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, all of which are linked to sleep disturbances.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 7, 2016

Using genes to understand the brain's building blocks

Researchers at the Allen Institute for Brain Science have developed a taxonomy of cells in the mouse visual cortex based on single-cell gene expression, identifying 42 neuronal and 7 non-neuronal cell types. This study provides a basic understanding of brain function by categorizing cellular building blocks.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 4, 2016

A gene for new species is discovered

A University of Utah-led study identified a long-sought 'hybrid inviability gene' responsible for dead or infertile offspring when two fruit fly species mate. The discovery sheds light on the genetic and molecular process leading to formation of new species, and may provide clues to how cancer develops.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2015

Earliest embryonic lethality gene identified

Researchers have identified a single gene, TLE6, responsible for human embryonic lethality at an earlier stage of development than previously documented. The mutation impairs the binding of components of the sub-cortical maternal complex, leading to arrest in early embryonic development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 4, 2015

New gene a key to fighting sepsis

Researchers at Australian National University and Genentech have identified a gene, Gasdermin-D, that triggers the inflammatory condition leading to sepsis. The discovery could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease, which kills an estimated one million people in the US each year.

New strategy improves detection of genetic mutations in hereditary colorectal cancer

A new testing method developed to accurately detect PMS2 gene mutations has been shown to improve diagnosis and support genetic counseling and medical management for individuals with Lynch syndrome. The approach combines targeted capture next-generation sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and long-range PCR fo...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 27, 2015

Paternal sperm may hold clues to autism

A small study found distinct patterns of regulatory tags in DNA from fathers' sperm linked to children's early signs of autism. The presence or absence of these tags was statistically related to Autism Observation Scale for Infants scores, suggesting a potential contribution to the condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 15, 2015

New targets for rabies prevention and treatment

Scientists have discovered 63 genes linked to rabies sensitivity, with potential applications in prevention and treatment. The study's novel screening method can be used to uncover host-based genes involved in various infections and responses to drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 16, 2015