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Brain calcium controls how long we sleep

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered that calcium inside neurons regulates slow-wave sleep, with seven genes identified as critical for controlling sleep duration. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders and neurologic diseases associated with them.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateMar 17, 2016

Huntington's disease gene dispensable in adult mice

Researchers found that deleting the huntingtin gene in adult mice does not lead to lethal consequences, offering hope for treatment strategies involving gene silencing. The study suggests that gene suppression or editing strategies may be safe for adults, but further research is needed to understand the long-term effects.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

A digital test for toxic genes

Tel Aviv University researchers developed a computer algorithm that predicts which genetic genes are lethal to cells when overexpressed. The new algorithm, called Expression Dependent Gene Effects (EDGE), helps guide metabolic engineering to produce new chemicals in more efficient ways.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2014

2 genes do not make a voter

Researchers question the validity of studies linking specific genes to complex behaviors like voting due to methodological errors and inconsistencies across multiple studies. The findings contradict current understanding of genetics' role in shaping human traits.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 29, 2012

When is a gene not a gene?

Researchers have developed a new catalogue of loss-of-function (LoF) variants to better understand the normal function of human genes. The study identifies over 1000 LoF variants, some of which are rare and potentially harmful, while others may not have a significant effect on health.

Genome-scale network of rice genes to speed the development of biofuel crops

Researchers have created a genome-scale model called RiceNet to predict the functions of genes and gene networks in rice, accelerating the development of biofuel crops. The model, which encompasses nearly half of all rice genes, was developed using publicly available data sets and validated through experiments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2011

Chromosome imbalances lead to predictable plant defects

A study by Purdue University researchers found that specific chromosome imbalances in plants can lead to predictable physical defects. The team used polyploid and aneuploid plants to identify easily measured characteristics associated with imbalanced chromosomes, offering insights into correcting genetic defects.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGenetics·DateNov 3, 2010

Small dogs originated in the Middle East

Researchers found that the IGF1 gene variant responsible for small size in dogs is closely related to that found in Middle Eastern wolves, supporting an ancient origin. The study also suggests that smaller body size may have been desirable in densely populated agricultural societies where dogs lived indoors or in confined spaces.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 23, 2010

Gene function discovery: Guilt by association

Researchers created AraNet, a network that connects over 19,600 plant genes based on physical neighborhood and co-expression patterns. The network accurately predicted the functions of three uncharacterized genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize fundamental plant biology and agricultural research.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 31, 2010

Genes may hold the keys to how humans learn

Scientists have identified three genes associated with dopamine functioning in the brain, predicting individual differences in learning behaviors. These genes affect implicit reward learning and change choice strategies after negative feedback. The study offers insights into the genetic basis for learning differences and potential impl...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2007

Gene predicts better outcome as cortex normalizes in teens with ADHD

A specific gene variant associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also predict better clinical outcomes and higher IQ in teens. The variant, called the 7-repeat version of the dopamine D4 receptor gene, is linked to thinner brain areas controlling attention but confers advantage only among youth with ADHD.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 6, 2007

Taking heart failure to the MAT1

A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that the MAT1 gene plays a crucial role in regulating energy production in heart cells. Researchers found that infant mice lacking MAT1 developed catastrophic heart failure, highlighting the importance of this gene in maintaining cardiac function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2007

Circadian gene helps the brain predict mealtime

Researchers have identified a critical gene in the circadian time-keeping system that enables animals to predict mealtime. The Period 2 gene plays a key role in the brain's ability to anticipate food availability, but not its effect on physiological coordination outside the central nervous system.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 23, 2006

'Looking' at Eyeless from two directions

A team of scientists has identified 21 key genes that are targets of the Eyeless protein, which plays a crucial role in eye development. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into how eyes develop in fruit flies and humans, potentially shedding light on diseases related to vision.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 8, 2006

Genetic prediction of Type 2 diabetes

Scientists have identified genetic variants in PPARG and CAPN10 genes that increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, particularly in individuals with other risk factors. A large-scale study found that these variants can predict diabetes in high-risk individuals from families with T2D.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 31, 2005

Cornell finds natural selection in humans

A study published in Nature analyzed 11,624 genes and found that around 9% have evolved too rapidly to be explained by chance. The researchers suggest that positive Darwinian natural selection is responsible for the increased rate of evolution, particularly in genes involved in immune function and sensory perception.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2005

Prediction of gene function in mammals

Researchers from the University of Toronto developed a new method for predicting mammalian gene function by analyzing RNA expression patterns. They used a support vector machine algorithm to analyze over 40,000 known mouse mRNAs and predicted functions for thousands of genes, with high accuracy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateDec 5, 2004

Gene-based screen sorts cancer cases, say Stanford researchers

A new gene-based screen developed by Stanford researchers can accurately predict a person's response to treatment and identify patients who may benefit from novel therapies. The screen uses a technique called RT-PCR to analyze genes associated with cancer survival, offering a more accessible alternative to existing microarray technology.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 28, 2004