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Identifying species from a single caviar egg

A new tool enables identification of high-end caviar from Beluga sturgeons by analyzing DNA from a single caviar egg, contributing to conservation and fair international trade. The development helps distinguish Beluga caviar from Bester and other species using targeted genetic variants.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2017

The new method of analysis in record high speed DNA assay device

The new synergistic PCR (sPCR) technique developed by Curiosity Diagnostics combines the advantages of analogue and digital PCR methods. It offers faster analysis times, reduced calibration requirements, and increased accuracy in detecting genetic material. The method is particularly useful for laboratory staff to independently verify ...

Forget sponges: The earliest animals were marine jellies

A team of evolutionary biologists from Vanderbilt University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison devised a new approach to settle contentious phylogenetic tree-of-life issues. They found that comb jellies have considerably more genes supporting their 'first to diverge' status in the animal lineage than do sponges.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 10, 2017

New research on rape kit processing sees improvements

A new study by BYU nursing professor Julie Valentine found that sexual assault kit submission rates in Utah improved significantly from 38 percent in 2010-2013 to 75 percent in 2014. The study analyzed 2,317 kits and showed notable improvements in various jurisdictions, with Washington County seeing the most significant increase.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateFeb 23, 2017

Research pushes concept of entropy out of kilter

New research at Brown University finds that a non-equilibrium phenomenon relies on entropy to emerge, surprising scientists who thought disorder would decrease as systems move away from equilibrium. The study's results have implications for our understanding of entropy and may lead to new practical applications.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 2, 2017

Deciphering the emergence of neuronal diversity

Neuroscientists at the University of Geneva have identified three main sub-groups of inhibitory interneurons in the cortex by analyzing cell-type specific genes and their expression patterns. These findings will aid in understanding neuro-developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2017

Biologists identify reproductive 'traffic cop'

Researchers discover FKB-6, a protein that regulates the speed of chromosome pairing in nematodes, ensuring accurate genetic information swap during reproduction. The findings offer new insight into animal fertility and could help understand defects contributing to conditions like Down syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 24, 2017

Meet Canada's 'poop lady'

Catherine Girard, a Canadian researcher, studied the diet and health of the local Inuit population in Resolute Bay. Her findings, published in mSphere, mark the first time that Inuit microbiome has been described, revealing a surprisingly similar gut microbiome compared to Montreal residents.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalmSphere·DateJan 10, 2017

Controlling the body clock

Researchers at RIKEN create genetic knock-out rescue mice to study circadian timekeeping and identify key sites in the CRY1 gene that affect the duration of the circadian period. They find that specific mutations near the p-loop region influence phosphorylation levels, leading to longer or shorter circadian periods.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2016

Medical care of child with Down syndrome probably not a financial burden for most families

A study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics found that medical care costs for children with Down syndrome are less than $100 a month higher than those for typically developing children. The average monthly cost difference is lower when the child is older, ranging from $537 a year for children aged 13-18.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateDec 14, 2016

Unlocking big genetic datasets

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new machine-learning algorithm called TeraStructure to analyze massive genetic data sets. The algorithm can estimate population structure more accurately and twice as fast as current state-of-the-art algorithms, making it potentially useful for identifying disease-causing genetic mutations.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 7, 2016

E-cig vapor does not induce genetic mutations associated with cigarette smoke exposure

In a lab-based test using the Ames assay, scientists found that e-cigarette vapour did not cause DNA mutations in bacteria, unlike tobacco smoke. The results suggest that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than cigarettes, supporting growing evidence of their potential as a safer alternative.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateNov 4, 2016

Giraffes more speciose than expected

Scientists have reclassified giraffes into four distinct species based on genetic analysis, revealing new insights into their biology and conservation needs. The study highlights the urgent need for protection efforts to safeguard these endangered animals in Africa.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 8, 2016