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High-status Danish Vikings wore exotic beaver furs

Researchers analyzed ancient proteins in high-status Viking graves to identify beaver fur, supporting the idea that it was a luxury item. The discovery suggests that wearing exotic fur was an obvious visual statement of affluence and social status during the Viking Age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2022

Spanish scientists combine genetic and imaging data to improve the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy

A Spanish study combines genetic and imaging data to predict patient prognosis, identifying those at risk of malignant arrhythmias or severe complications. The findings open the way for personalized medicine in treating dilated cardiomyopathy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 26, 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

Oncotarget | Role of germline variants in the metastasis of breast carcinomas

Researchers analyzed germline variants in breast cancer patients to identify their role in metastasis development. The study found that host genetic makeup contributes to metastasis through dysregulation of gene expression, promoting the dispersion of metastatic seeds and establishing a conducive environment for their growth.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Sperm are masters of Tetris packing

Researchers discovered that the process of hypercondensation, where DNA is compressed, relies on a second type of protamine, PRM2, which may be crucial for fertility. The study sheds light on the complex mechanism behind sperm development and could lead to new treatments for male infertility.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 11, 2022

How to find marker genes in cell clusters

A new statistical method called Association Plot facilitates the determination and analysis of marker genes in single-cell data. This allows researchers to trace back RNA molecules to their cell of origin, providing insights into cell-type specific genes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2022

A closer look into the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bioaerosols and its monitoring

Researchers explore the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes in bioaerosols, including sources and detection strategies. The study highlights the need for monitoring and understanding the relationship between human, animal, and environmental microbiomes to counter the spread of AR.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalReviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 30, 2022

The art of getting DNA out of decades-old pickled snakes

Researchers at the Field Museum used innovative techniques to extract usable DNA from centuries-old specimens, including a two-foot-long greenish-brown snake from Borneo. The study successfully determined the snake's family affiliation, providing insights into biogeography and evolutionary history.

SourceField Museum·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 30, 2022

Microbial link between Western-style diet and incidence of colorectal cancer uncovered

Researchers analyzed data from over 134,000 participants and found a strong association between Western diets and colorectal tumors containing the pks+ E. coli bacteria. The study suggests that specific components of Western-style diets may increase the risk of colorectal cancer by promoting the growth of these pathogenic bacteria.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalGastroenterology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2022

What sea cucumbers can teach us about self-defense

Researchers have discovered how sea cucumbers produce defensive chemicals using genome mining techniques. The animals' unique ability to biosynthesize toxins has been found to be linked to the diversion of a sterol-producing enzyme, resulting in the production of valuable medicinal compounds.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Genes reveal coffee is safe during pregnancy

Researchers found that moderate coffee consumption during pregnancy does not increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. The study used genetic analysis to mimic a randomized control trial and suggested pregnant women can safely enjoy coffee with limited risk.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2022

Vitamin D deficiency leads to dementia

A world-first study from the University of South Australia found a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of dementia and stroke. The study analyzed data from 294,514 participants and found that up to 17% of dementia cases might have been avoided by boosting vitamin D levels.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2022

Cover crops not enough to improve soil after decades of continuous corn

Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.

Species thrive through social connections

A Kyoto University study shows that even though biodiversity increases with more interactions, mean interaction strength decreases. The interaction capacity hypothesis proposes that this weakening of interspecific interactions may be due to increased community diversity.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a tool for studying inflammatory diseases related to COVID-19

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

Genetic study identifies migraine causes and promising therapeutic targets

Researchers have found blood proteins that cause migraine, including DKK1 and PDGFB, which inhibit Wnt signalling pathways. Lower levels of antioxidant proteins FARS2, GSTA4, and CHIC2 also contribute to inflammation linked to migraine. Therapies targeting increased DKK1 levels may represent novel tools for treatment.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Crystal study may resolve DNA mystery

A study by Rice University bioscientists has revealed the presence of a central metal ion critical to DNA replication and implicated in misincorporation. The research found that three metal ions are involved in the process, with the first supporting nucleotide binding and the second stabilizing the binding of loose nucleotides. This di...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Scientists announce comprehensive regional diagnostic of microbial ocean life using DNA testing

Researchers developed a comprehensive regional diagnostic method using DNA testing, allowing for precise identification of microorganisms and estimation of their abundance. The technique has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the ocean's food web and its role in removing greenhouse gases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2022

Genetic links revealed between severe COVID-19 and other diseases

A large-scale study found genetic links between COVID-19 severity and various medical conditions, including venous embolism, type 2 diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. The analysis also revealed shared genetic architecture with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and reduced risk of autoimmune conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Finding new weapons in nature's battlesites

A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology has identified 1,000 biosynthetic gene clusters, over half of which are previously unknown. These natural products have been found to be eukaryotic proteasome inhibitors that suppress the immune system of insects, as well as other virulence factors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 28, 2022

Study shows importance of ensuring participant and provider follow-up after a genetic screening result

A study from the Healthy Nevada Project found that only 10% of patients with electronic health records containing genetic diagnosis experienced a change in care, emphasizing the need for follow-up education and conversations. The study also highlights the importance of including genetic diagnoses into electronic health records to maxim...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2022

Genes can affect our nutrient tolerance

A study found that small genetic variations impact an organism's ability to utilize energy from various nutrients. Researchers identified several genes contributing to sugar tolerance in fruit flies, which are also present in humans and linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2022

Popular male dolphins produce more offspring

A recent study led by the University of Zurich found that well-integrated male dolphins with strong social bonds to many alliance partners produce the most offspring. The researchers analyzed 30 years of behavioral data from 85 male dolphins and used genetic data to conduct paternity analyses for more than 400 dolphins.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2022