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Forensic science on trial

The Innocence Project has helped free nearly 300 wrongfully convicted prisoners due to improper use of forensic science. Improved sensitivity in DNA testing has highlighted issues of cross-contamination, affecting accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 12, 2012

Massive data for miniscule communities

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a computational technique that reduces memory requirements by 40-fold, allowing scientists to analyze large genomic sequence datasets without supercomputers. This breakthrough enables the efficient examination of complex microbial communities living in soil or the ocean.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2012

23andMe acquires CureTogether, Inc.

23andMe's acquisition of CureTogether expands its capacity for people-powered research and community-driven projects. The combined platforms will facilitate the sharing of genetic and phenotypic data to accelerate research discoveries.

Baby's genome deciphered prenatally from parents' lab tests

Researchers successfully sequenced the fetal genome without invasive sampling, enabling the detection of thousands of disorders. They overcame obstacles by applying statistical modeling and technical advances to resolve maternal haplotypes with high accuracy. The breakthrough paves the way for comprehensive prenatal genetic screening.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 6, 2012

Penn and Genographic Project scientists illuminate the ancient history of circumarctic peoples

Two studies led by University of Pennsylvania scientists uncover new information about Native American and First Nations migration patterns, genetic impact of cultural practices and historical relationships among groups. The research provides the first clear evidence of shared markers in DNA of people living in the circumarctic region.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2012

Ancient giant turtle fossil revealed

Scientists have found a 60-million-year-old giant turtle with a shell measuring 172 centimeters long, making it one of the largest turtles ever discovered. The turtle's massive size allowed it to thrive in its ecosystem, where other giant reptiles like snakes also existed.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateMay 17, 2012

Leeches are DNA bloodhounds in the jungle

A new method developed by the University of Copenhagen allows researchers to track mammal species in Southeast Asian rainforests using DNA-analysis from collected leeches. The technique has been successfully tested on local Vietnamese mammals, including rare species, and could revolutionize the monitoring of threatened wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2012

Diagnostics for viruses a step closer to reality

Scientists at the University of Leeds create a biosensor technology that can detect Adenovirus viruses, identify individual strains, and count virus particles. This breakthrough could lead to faster, simpler, and less costly testing for viruses, ultimately benefiting patients.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 14, 2012

Genetic risks for type 2 diabetes span multiple ethnicities

A recent large and comprehensive analysis of 50,000 genetic variants has identified four genes associated with type 2 diabetes and six independent disease-associated variants at previously known loci. The study provides valuable insight into the genetic risk for T2D across multiple ethnicities.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2012

Scientists crack medieval bone code

Researchers at Michigan State University used advanced DNA testing to confirm the presence of brucellosis in skeletal remains from medieval Albania, suggesting the disease was endemic in the region since the Middle Ages. The findings provide valuable insights into the history of infectious diseases and their impact on human health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJan 3, 2012