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Two new genes linked to Alzheimer's risk

Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered two new genes that increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings build on previous research identifying 24 susceptibility genes and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 17, 2017

Maths and maps make you nervous? It could be in your genes

A new study by researchers at King's College London found that genetic factors play a significant role in anxiety related to spatial and mathematical tasks. The study identified several forms of anxiety, including general, mathematics, and spatial anxiety, with non-shared environments contributing to differences between individuals.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2017

Unlocking crop diversity by manipulating plant sex

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a key to increasing crop diversity by manipulating plant sex through the HEI10 gene. This breakthrough has significant implications for introducing novel disease resistance genes into elite crop varieties, addressing a major limitation in crop improvement.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 20, 2017

UT Southwestern researchers identify gene that protects against inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers identified a gene called Gatm that plays a crucial role in maintaining the intestinal mucosal barrier, which guards against inflammation caused by bacteria. Mice with a mutation in this gene showed improved symptoms when treated with creatine, highlighting its importance for energy metabolism in IBD.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2017

The French-Canadian connection

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics identified a rare genetic variation in the RNF213 gene that is linked to an increased risk of intracranial aneurysm in French-Canadian individuals. The study found that 10% of patients with IA had at least one of these variants, compared to 0% in controls.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 31, 2016

Causative gene for sensorineural hearing loss identified

A Japanese research team has identified the causative gene for a common type of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, which affects one in every 1000 infants. The gene, DIAPH1, is involved in actin filaments and their maintenance in auditory hair cells, leading to progressive deafness in transgenic mice.

SourceKobe University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 6, 2016

Does brain size really matter?

A massive MRI study identified seven genetic hotspots regulating brain growth, memory, and reasoning, as well as predicting the onset of Parkinson's disease. The research supports the notion that brain size can be used to measure 'brain reserve' and promote resilience to age-related brain diseases.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 5, 2016

A microRNA signature for infantile hemangioma

A set of microRNAs, known as C19MC, was found to be specific to infantile hemangiomas and detectable in patient plasma. These microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for IH diagnosis and treatment monitoring, with levels decreasing before tumor regression but rebounding upon re-growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 8, 2016

New rapid gene test for mitochondrial disease

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a genetic test to diagnose mitochondrial disorders, identifying six patients from four families affected by the disease. The test, which takes 2-3 days to produce results, has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating condition.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 7, 2016

Unraveling the genes for sexual traits in stag beetles

Researchers built a gene expression database of a stag beetle species and identified key genes involved in sex determination and differentiation. The study found that the intersex gene plays a crucial role in determining female-specific traits, while the transformer-2 gene affects more than just sex-specific characteristics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJul 3, 2016