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Cells rockin' in their DNA

A study by Kyoto University has found that certain 'mechanosensitive' genes are suppressed when exposed to audible sound. The effects vary depending on the cell type, with some cells showing significant suppression while others show little response.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 2018

Lab-on-a-chip for tracking single bacterial cells

Researchers used a novel lab-on-a-chip to study gene regulation in single E. coli bacteria under changing environmental conditions. The chip allows for the precise growth and behavior of individual bacteria to be tracked over several days, revealing new insights into bacterial adaptation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2018

Expert panel issues new guidelines for lung cancer molecular testing

The new guidelines update the 2013 recommendations to include genetic alterations driving lung cancer and new drugs to target these alterations. Testing for ROS1 in all cases of lung adenocarcinoma is now recommended, as well as using circulating tumor DNA and cytology specimens when tissue is unavailable.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalArchives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine·DateJan 30, 2018

New Carnegie Mellon dynamic statistical model follows gene expressions over time

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new dynamic statistical model to visualize changing patterns in networks, including gene expression during developmental periods of the brain. The model, Persistent Communities by Eigenvector Smoothing (PisCES), combines information across multiple networks over time to identif...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Hereditary facial features could be strongly influenced by a single gene variant

A single gene variant can have a significant impact on human facial features, according to a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research found three genetic variants tied to specific facial characteristics, including those related to steroid biosynthesis and mucolipidosis type IV.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2018

A risk factor for drug-induced skin disease identified

A type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene, HLA-DQB1*03:01, is associated with an increased risk of developing bullous pemphigoid (BP) in diabetic patients taking DPP-4 inhibitory drugs. The gene was found to be present in 86% of non-inflammatory BP patients administered with DPP-4i, compared to 18% in the general population.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateDec 6, 2017

Blood test could help predict skin cancer's return

Researchers found that a blood test for tumour DNA can predict the likelihood of aggressive skin cancer returning, with 33% of patients who tested positive being alive after five years compared to 65% of those who didn't. The study also revealed that patients with faults in genes BRAF and NRAS are more likely to experience a return wit...

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateDec 5, 2017

New test provides accurate measure of DNA damage from chemical compounds

A new biomarker test developed by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center can predict, with up to 90 percent certainty, which chemical compounds can cause DNA damage that could lead to cancer. The test, called TGx-DDI, is based on genes that are actively transcribed in a cell and can identify stress due to DNA damage.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

Trisomy 21: Research breaks new ground

The study found that trisomy 21 affects proteins on all chromosomes, leading to an overdose of proteins and dysregulated cellular functions. This deregulation disrupts the cell's ability to regulate protein production, resulting in symptoms such as intellectual impairment and congenital heart disease.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Barley is flavor of the month as new study settles centuries-old brewing debate

A new study reveals that specific barley varieties contribute to beer flavor beyond the malting process, with genetics and environment playing a significant role. The research found that breeding for malting quality does not necessarily result in brewing for flavor, providing insights for future barley breeding programs.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalJournal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists·DateNov 27, 2017

New toolkit reveals novel cancer genes

Researchers have identified 27 novel tumour suppressor genes that may prevent cancer formation, using a powerful statistical model on over 2000 tumours across 12 human cancer types. This discovery could pave the way for targeted cancer therapies and deepen our understanding of cancer genomics.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2017

The Lancet: Afternoon heart surgery syncs with body's circadian clock and is linked to better outcomes for patients

A study published in The Lancet found that moving heart surgery to the afternoon can reduce the risk of heart damage and major cardiac events. Afternoon surgery was associated with a 50% lower risk of major cardiac events compared to morning surgery, suggesting that synchronization with the body's circadian clock may improve outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 26, 2017

Genes critical for hearing identified

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified 52 previously unknown genes that play a crucial role in human hearing. The research used 'knock-out' mice to assess their hearing thresholds and found that these genes can lead to mild to severe hearing loss or difficulties at specific frequencies.

SourceMedical Research Council·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2017

Supporting women's autonomy in prenatal testing

The Hastings Center recommends adopting reimbursement policies and guidelines to support clinicians in providing informed consent for prenatal genetic testing. The authors also suggest funding education and counseling approaches to help patients make decisions about testing.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 9, 2017

Gene drives likely to be foiled by rapid rise of resistance

Researchers found that mutations giving rise to resistant genetic sequences formed frequently in fruit flies, hindering the efficiency of gene drives. This development may necessitate new approaches to overcome resistance in genetically diverse populations, making gene drive technology less reliable.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 20, 2017

Too many bats are being killed for research

A study highlights the need to limit bat collection for scientific research due to their slow reproduction rates and dwindling populations. Modern technology can often replace killing bats, allowing for the preservation of these species.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateJul 19, 2017

Through fossil leaves, a step towards Jurassic Park

Using infrared spectroscopy and statistical analysis of organic molecules in fossil leaves, researchers have solved long-standing questions about extinct plant relationships. The study reveals that ancient plant species grouped according to well-established botanical relationships, shedding light on their evolution.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 4, 2017

What percentage of ALS is genetic?

A study published in Neurology found that approximately 17% of ALS cases are caused by gene mutations, with rare and likely harmful variants being more common in those with the disease. The research highlights the importance of genetic factors in ALS development and suggests a larger percentage of sporadic cases may be linked to genetics.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 21, 2017