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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

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

Genomic techniques can streamline breeding for grain quality

Researchers developed a strategy to predict multiple traits at once based on the whole genome, increasing predictive ability by 2-10 times. This method, called multi-trait genomic selection (MT-GS), combines genetic markers with known trait links for more accurate predictions, making it a promising tool for efficient and cost-effective...

Integrative approach reveals promising candidates for Alzheimer’s disease risk factors or targets for therapeutic intervention

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers identifies 123 genes associated with increased AD risk in humans, including MTCH2, which shows promise as a potential therapeutic target. The team also found that reversing the alterations in these genes has a neuroprotective effect in living organisms.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Machine learning model to predict the fitness of AAV capsids for gene therapy

A new machine learning model accurately predicts the fitness of AAV capsids based on their amino acid sequence, enabling more efficient and cost-effective gene therapies. The model's robustness and generalizability have been demonstrated through tests on independent datasets, offering a promising tool for capsid engineering.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2025

Test predicts which patients with prostate cancer are most likely to develop long-term side effects from radiation therapy

A UCLA study validates the predictive power of PROSTOX, a genetic test that uses microRNAs to identify patients at higher risk of developing long-lasting urinary side effects from radiation therapy. The test helps doctors and patients choose safer treatment options, reducing the burden of long-term complications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 7, 2025

Study identifies Shisa7 gene as key driver in heroin addiction

A study published in Biological Psychiatry identified the Shisa7 gene as a key driver of heroin addiction. The research team used machine learning to analyze brain tissue from human opioid users and found that modulating this gene's expression influenced heroin-seeking behavior and cognitive flexibility.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

New AI predicts inner workings of cells

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed an AI method that can accurately predict the activity of genes within any human cell, revealing the cell's inner mechanisms. The system can also uncover hidden biology of diseased cells and explore the role of genome's 'dark matter' in cancer and other diseases.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025

FunMap reveals a functional network of genes and proteins in human cancer

The study revealed a comprehensive functional network of 10,525 genes constructed using supervised machine learning that integrates protein datasets and RNA sequencing data from 11 cancer types. The approach identified protein modules and a hierarchical modular organization linked to cancer hallmarks and clinical characteristics.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2024

Study finds new blood test predicts prognosis for advanced prostate cancer patients

A new DNA sequencing test called AR-ctDETECT has been found to distinguish between patients with poor and favorable prognoses in advanced prostate cancer. The test identified circulating tumor DNA in 59% of patients and showed that detectable ctDNA was associated with worse overall survival.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2024

Genetic data from ‘biobanks’ may help improve prediction of effectiveness, side effects of common medications, study finds

A new framework developed by UCLA researchers suggests that genetic data from large libraries of sequenced human genomes can improve the predictive power of genetics in determining how well a patient will respond to commonly prescribed medications and the severity of any side effects. The study, which analyzed data from over 342,000 pe...

Study reveals how deadly brain tumor evades treatment; identifies potential new treatment strategy

A new study from UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center introduces a combined genetic and functional profiling approach to predict how glioblastoma will respond to therapy. The approach helps identify new ways to target and treat the tumors more effectively, including using an experimental drug called ABBV-155.

A 36-gene predictive score of anti-cancer drug resistance anticipates cancer therapy outcomes

Researchers developed a 36-gene predictive score that surpasses conventional methods in predicting tamoxifen treatment resistance. The polygenic score UAB36 has potential as a tool for personalized medicine, helping identify patients at higher risk of poor survival and suggesting alternative treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 7, 2024

Bowel cancer breakthrough

Researchers identified three long noncoding RNAs associated with worse outcomes in colorectal cancer patients, potentially serving as prognostic markers. The study's findings could enable doctors to separate high-risk patients from those at low risk of disease recurrence, leading to more effective treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Otago·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·DateOct 29, 2024

World's first individual gene mutation test for predicting risk of sudden cardiac death

A new individualized risk prediction tool has been developed to predict the severity of heart disease in people suffering from Long QT syndrome. The test analyzes genetic mutations associated with the condition and can identify those at high risk of sudden cardiac death, allowing for tailored treatment.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

Purdue researchers acquire and analyze data through AI network that predicts maize yield

Purdue researchers have developed an AI model that can predict maize yield using remote sensing data and environmental factors. The model, which combines hyperspectral cameras, LiDAR instruments, and genetic markers, can categorize healthy and stressed crops before farmers or scouts can spot a difference.

SourcePurdue University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024

Illinois scientists to revamp corn breeding with focus on climate resilience

Researchers are working on a new approach to breeding corn that incorporates genomic selection and gene expression analysis to improve climate resilience. They aim to develop high-accuracy prediction models that can identify suitable genotypes for specific locations and future climates, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches.

Recent study reveals key immune cells as critical factors in lung cancer prognosis

A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology highlights the crucial role of tissue-resident memory T cells in non-small cell lung cancer. The research found that these cells can significantly impact patient outcomes and guide personalized treatment strategies, particularly those involving immunotherapy.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

High throughput prediction of sugar beet root weight and sugar content in a breeding field using UAV derived growth dynamics

A UAV-based method was developed to accurately predict sugar beet root weight and sugar content, improving breeding efficiency and cultivar development. The approach achieved significant correlation coefficients (R^2 = 0.89 for RW and 0.83 for SC) using canopy coverage and height data.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024