Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study finds genetic method for identifying hundreds of disease agents ‘promising’

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers reveals a promising genetic method for identifying hundreds of disease agents using next-generation sequencing. The Respiratory Pathogen Infectious Diseases/Antimicrobial Resistance Panel (RPIP) system shows near-comparability to traditional diagnostics in identifying pathogens.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateAug 9, 2022

Genetic findings offer opportunity for personalized heart failure treatment

Researchers discovered distinct genetic mutations in heart failure patients, identifying potential targets for personalized treatment and improving patient care. The study's findings hold enormous potential for rethinking how to treat heart failure by understanding its root causes and the mutations that lead to changes in heart function.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Higher cardiovascular health may partially offset increased genetic risk for stroke

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of stroke, even for people at high genetic risk. The study used data from over 11,500 adults and estimated lifetime stroke risk based on polygenic risk scores.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 20, 2022

Synthetic tools conduct messages from station to station in DNA

Researchers used deactivated Cas9 proteins to target key segments of the human genome and synthetically trigger gene transcription. The study revealed that enhancers can send messages in both directions, but with a predominant regulatory mode where an enhancer tracks toward corresponding promoters.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Genetic discovery to improve lung cancer treatment

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have found a genetic link between human leukocyte antigens and immunotherapy side effects in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The discovery enables doctors to tailor treatment to individual patients, reducing the risk of toxicities and improving overall outcomes.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Genetic test can diagnose certain immune system disorders

Researchers developed a genetic test that diagnoses primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID), revealing inherited genetic defects in nearly half of patients. The test uses next-generation sequencing technology to identify specific gene variants associated with PID, enabling targeted treatment and earlier intervention for family members.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

DAP array casts a wide net to fix mutations

A new genome-editing strategy called DAP array can correct dozens of errors at the same time with high precision and efficiency, avoiding off-target edits. The technique leverages tRNA to drive multiple guide RNAs on a single array, then released individually by cells to direct genome editors for edits at multiple human genomic sites.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

New tool developed by WVU researchers makes it easier to identify pregnant patients with eating disorders

A new screening tool has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of eating disorders, allowing for early intervention and treatment. The Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool, created by WVU researchers, uses a 12-question screener to assess symptoms and emotions associated with eating disorders.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalArchives of Women s Mental Health·DateMay 17, 2022

50 years of traditional crop conservation a success but some crops still lack protection

A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of traditional farmer crop varieties are already represented in genebanks, but conservation gaps persist for key crops like pearl millet and potatoes. The analysis highlights areas with high diversity in landraces, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India.

Cedars-Sinai April research highlights

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed an AI tool that accurately predicts pancreatic cancer patients based on CT scan images. Lowering blood cholesterol has also been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer by enhancing immune cell action. Additionally, a new study found that an ultrasound probe plugged into a smartphone can b...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCancer Biomarkers·DateApr 29, 2022

In the race to solve Alzheimer’s disease, scientists find more needles in the haystack

Researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have identified 33 genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, doubling the known list. This discovery adds 42 new genetic variants to the existing gene list, shedding light on emerging pathways of Alzheimer's biology and potential treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 20, 2022

Uncovering a cooperation between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that keep transposable element RNAs under control

Researchers have uncovered a collaboration between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that work together to control the levels of transposable element RNAs, preventing genetic instability. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Researchers expand target range of CRISPR/Cas Systems

Scientists have developed a new approach to expand the target range of CRISPR/Cas systems, allowing for slight variations in target DNA while maintaining local specificity. This technology could help realize the potential of CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy and pathogen diagnosis, particularly for diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Correcting night blindness in dogs

Researchers have developed a gene therapy that restores night vision in dogs with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), a condition affecting the ON bipolar cells. The treatment enables dogs to navigate mazes in dim light and has a lasting therapeutic effect, paving the way for potential human treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Pioneering technique could unlock targeted treatments for cancer

Researchers have described a pioneering chemical technique that can degrade proteins implicated in cancer, potentially increasing the potency and selectivity of new and existing drugs. This technique, known as proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), targets specific structures within cancerous cells to reduce harmful side effects.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022