Articles tagged with Genetic Analysis
Researchers will develop algorithmic methods and models to aid in complex DNA mixture interpretation, including identifying multiple contributors and determining match strength. The goal is to achieve accurate and reliable methods for interpreting forensic data from physical evidence.
Scientists analyzed DNA from ancient European skulls and found that they were intolerant to lactose for 5,000 years after adopting agriculture. Major technological transitions in Central Europe were associated with changes in genetics of these populations.
Research at ASHG 2014 Annual Meeting uses genetic analysis to break down complex conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and obesity into their underlying metabolic proteins. This approach enables the development of new drugs that directly target these processes, with potential treatments on the horizon.
A new DNA isolation technique using MagnaCel paramagnetic cellulose particles has been shown to improve the quality and quantity of DNA extractions across a wide range of flowering plants. This method outperformed traditional techniques like CTAB and DNeasy, providing an average of twice the DNA yield and more consistent DNA purity.
A UCSF study found that educating pregnant women about their choices on prenatal genetic testing leads to a decrease in the number of tests. Women who received clear information and unbiased guidance were less likely to undergo diagnostic testing, scoring higher in knowledge of genetic testing.
Researchers are using multiparental populations to map complex trait genes in organisms such as mice, fruit flies, and maize. This approach enables the identification of specific gene regions associated with traits like nicotine resistance and toxicity of chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers have identified 5 genes differentially expressed in normal accompanying cells of colorectal tumors. These genes can be used to classify tumors and predict patient outcomes, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions about chemotherapy treatment.
A global study of 80,000 men with prostate cancer has identified another 23 prostate cancer risk loci, bringing the total to 100 genetic regions associated with the disease. The study found that these genetic variants explain 33% of familial risk and can be used to predict aggressive form of prostate cancer.
A study published in Nature Genetics has identified a genetic marker that increases the risk of pancreatitis in patients prescribed thiopurine drugs. Researchers found that 17% of patients with two copies of the marker are at high risk, four times more than those with one copy.
North Carolina State University researchers have identified candidate genes controlling the hypersensitive defense response in corn, a rapid localized cell death that limits pathogen spread. The findings could help build better defense responses in corn and other plants.
The BitSeq method has been found to produce clearly the most reliable results in measuring gene expression, outperforming other methods in accuracy and efficiency. The approach accounts for uncertainty and error in RNA-seq data, providing a more accurate representation of gene expression levels.
Researchers have identified chemical changes in DNA that could screen people for Crohn's disease and reveal possible targets for new treatments. These genetic changes can be detected in blood samples, opening the door to a simple test for the condition.
A recent study reveals that genetic selection has imprinted its signature on the genomes of poplars, a finding that could improve predictive climate change models and tree breeding programs. By analyzing over 1,100 wild poplar trees, researchers identified 397 genomic regions contributing to adaptive traits.
Researchers use simulation techniques to characterize the mechanisms of knot formation in DNA strands as a function of nano-channel diameter. Below 50 nanometers in diameter, knot formation decreases dramatically.
The OncoFinder algorithm reduces errors in transcriptome analysis by mapping gene expression onto signalling pathways, allowing for more effective evaluation and analysis. The method enables scientists to characterise functional states of transcriptomes more accurately, improving research and clinical applications.
A recent study found that flexible sigmoidoscopy screening significantly reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer by 20% and mortality rate by 27%, compared to no screening. The screening method was effective in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of age group.
A large new genetic study in thousands of children and adolescents offers early glimpses of the overall patterns and connections among cognitive abilities such as language reasoning, reading skill, and types of memory. The findings may lead to new tools in understanding human cognitive development and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new species of frog was discovered in Malaysian swampland, genetically distinct from its doppelganger on Siberut Island. Genetic analysis using Next Generation Sequencing confirmed the separation, making it a unique finding in herpetology.
Recent studies reanalyze gene expression patterns in mouse models, finding greater similarities with human disease conditions, contrary to a 2013 study that suggested poor correlation. The new research highlights the potential of mouse models for studying human disorders and developing treatments.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science discover that genetic mutations affecting only half the population, like those causing male sterility, occur twice as often as those affecting males and females equally. This finding has implications for understanding causes of genetic diseases and developing targeted treatments.
Researchers found that imprinted genes influence puberty timing, linking it to breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease risks. The study suggests a possible biological conflict between parents over their child's development, with the genetics involved potentially contributing to age-related conditions.
A study of over 180,000 women found that imprinted genes, active only when inherited from one parent, influence the age of puberty in girls. These genetic variations were associated with a difference in development between boys and girls.
A new study found that genetic variations, particularly imprinted genes, play a significant role in determining the age of puberty in girls. The research analyzed DNA data from over 180,000 women and identified six imprinted gene variants associated with earlier or later menstrual cycles.
A UK-led study has discovered over 100 genetic risk factors linked to schizophrenia, shedding light on the biological cause of the condition. The findings point to new biological mechanisms and pathways, including genes associated with schizophrenia being active in the immune system.
A study published in Nature Communications found that around half of the genes influencing reading ability also impact mathematics skills. The research suggests a substantial overlap in genetic variants affecting both traits, with complex interactions between genetics and learning environment playing a crucial role.
Researchers have uncovered 31 genes crucial to the development, growth, and spread of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. The study found eight previously unlinked genes and six unknown to any cancer type, highlighting potential new therapeutic targets.
Researchers from MGH have uncovered new information about genes that may increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias. The studies identified a greater role for calcium signaling in regulating cardiac function and pinpointed specific genes involved in the biology of cardiac repolarization.
A study in southern England found that queen bumblebee queens often disperse widely, sometimes several kilometers away, before founding their own nests. This suggests that genetic diversity is maintained through queen dispersal, highlighting the importance of preserving flower-rich habitats for bumblebee conservation.
Researchers mapped a gene variant among Greenlanders that markedly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The gene variant is primarily found in Greenlanders and explains 15% of cases in the country.
A team of researchers has identified six new gene loci associated with forced vital capacity, a volume parameter of lung function. The study suggests involvement of these genes in lung development and certain pulmonary diseases.
A study published in BMC Ecology found that British Columbia's mainland wolves and coastal wolves are more genetically distinct than previously thought. The researchers attribute this difference to the varying ecological environments of the two regions.
A study has found that copy number variants (CNVs) are a common event contributing to various conditions, including blindness, deafness, and metabolic disorders. CNV screening can aid in diagnosis, clinical management, and prognosis, providing valuable information for reproductive counselling.
Exome sequencing may miss a high proportion of clinically relevant regions in key disease-causing genes, raising concerns about patient diagnosis. The study's findings highlight the need for improved methods to provide reliable coverage of these genes.
Myriad Genetics Inc. presented new data on its BRACAnalysis CDx and HRD tests, supporting their clinical efficacy in predicting platinum-based therapy response for triple negative breast cancer patients. The company also announced an early access launch of the HRD test in FY15.
Exposure to environmental toxins like benzene and stress may affect biological age, with cigarette smoke considered the most significant gerontogen. Researchers advocate for molecular tests to predict toxicity and accelerate aging research.
Researchers have identified a specific DNA stretch controlling genes that determine face structure and those producing building materials. The region's regulatory elements affect gene Myc activity, leading to facial changes and increased susceptibility to environmental factors like smoking during pregnancy.
A genetic study has identified an ancient girl as part of a genetic lineage shared by modern Native Americans, resolving years of speculation about the Americas' first inhabitants. The study, published in Science, used mitochondrial DNA from her tooth to confirm that she came from the same source population as living Native Americans.
A 12,000-year-old girl's DNA has revealed a significant genetic connection to modern Native Americans. The study found that Naia's skull shape was distinct from modern Native American populations, but her mitochondrial DNA showed a strong link. Researchers hope to sequence the full genome of this ancient girl in future studies.
Researchers found that a variant of the KLOTHO gene not only has anti-aging effects but also enhances brain function by increasing klotho levels. The improvements occur regardless of age, with beneficial effects observed in aging mice as well as young animals.
Researchers developed a new gene expression analysis approach to identify cancer-associated genes from microarray data, outperforming traditional methods. The variance-based approach identified high variation in adjacent 'normal' tissue samples and preferentially selected genes specifically associated with cancer.
A researcher is working on procedures to identify female menstrual blood and vaginal material at crime scenes, while also identifying male fluids. This study aims to differentiate between seminal fluid and semen to prove the occurrence of sexual intercourse in cases of false accusation or prosecution.
A genome-wide association study found a strong link between ABCC9 gene variations and an increased risk of Hippocampal Sclerosis of Aging (HS-A). The study also suggests that sulfonylurea medication use is associated with an elevated risk for HS-A. Researchers hope this discovery may inform new strategies to search for cures.
Immunology is the study of the human immune system, which seeks out and destroys dangerous bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also explores how its activity connects with other body systems, influencing metabolism, hormone levels, and overall well-being.
Researchers found that multiple types of primitive cells in blood provide the same benefits as a single stem cell, including protecting and repairing blood vessels. The study used a systems approach to analyze gene activity patterns, identifying 15 genes with cardiovascular-relevant functions.
A study of active US military personnel found higher rates of Graves disease among blacks and Asian/Pacific Islanders compared to whites. Hashimoto thyroiditis incidence was highest in whites, lowest in blacks and Asians.
A new circadian gene named Chrono has been discovered to function as a transcriptional repressor of the negative feedback loop in the mammalian clock. Mice lacking this gene exhibit longer circadian cycles, highlighting its importance in regulating daily rhythms.
Research reveals that beneficial insects like dung beetles and flies react differently to ivermectin due to varying levels of sensitivity. This poses a risk to ecosystem functioning and highlights the need for more comprehensive safety tests to protect these organisms.
A new epidemiology model developed by Brown University researcher Yen-Tsung Huang integrates genomic data from SNPs, gene expression, and methylation to find significant associations with diseases like asthma and brain cancer. The model improves performance and validity across different subjects, paving the way for further applications.
A University of Alabama researcher advocates for a greater emphasis on the body's metabolites in understanding illnesses, highlighting their potential to predict heart disease and response to environmental change. The study used fruit flies as animal models and identified nine new metabolites that are good predictors of these traits.
Scientists from Museum für Naturkunde Berlin use genetic data and sound analysis to determine the taxonomic status of two West African treefrog species. They found that two previously considered a single species actually belong to two distinct species, one large and one small, with different call characteristics.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have identified over 1,000 genes in rice that play key roles in managing stress responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The study found that 70% of these genes are co-expressive, turning on under both kinds of stress.
A comprehensive analysis of government grants and publications revealed that only a minor fraction of the funding was intended for aging research. Gerontogenes, which increase lifespan when overexpressed or mutated, are involved in stress response pathways that confirm the existence of a genetics-longevity program.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can predict if a child will become obese based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The study found that a rise in DNA methylation levels at age 5 was associated with up to 12% more body fat at age 14, regardless of physical activity or puberty timing.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict obesity levels in children based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The test, conducted on 40 children aged 5, showed a 10% rise in DNA methylation levels was associated with up to 12% more body fat at 14 years.
A new multi-target stool DNA test detects 92.3% of colon cancers, outperforming the current standard fecal immunochemical test. The test identified advanced precancerous polyps nearly 70% of the time compared to 45% for the existing method.
Cologuard detects precancer and cancer with high sensitivity rates, surpassing existing non-invasive tests, offering a user-friendly approach to expand screening effectiveness and curb colorectal cancer rates. The test's accuracy has transformed how we think about colorectal cancer screening.
Research suggests that obese children are more likely to have lower levels of physical activity, which may contribute to further weight gain. The study used genetic data to analyze the relationship between childhood adiposity and physical activity, finding a causal association between the two.
A study found that children with a specific variation of the serotonin-transporter gene were more likely to consume high amounts of violent media and exhibit ADHD-related behaviors. The researchers suggest that genetic factors may play a role in shaping children's media use habits.
A University of Chicago-based team used Beagle, a powerful supercomputer, to analyze genomic data, significantly accelerating speed and accuracy. The findings have immediate medical applications, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a new gene (PIM1) that could be an effective target for innovative treatments and therapies for psoriasis. The study highlights the role of PIM1 and the IL-22 cytokine in skin inflammation, suggesting a direct link between these two.