Articles tagged with Genetic Epidemiology
A recent study has provided significant genomic insight into tar spot of corn, a destructive disease causing $1.2 billion in yield loss. The researchers identified over 100 novel effectors that play a crucial role during infection, warranting further investigation.
A large-scale study found that replacing sedentary time with physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, especially in individuals at high genetic risk. The study analyzed data from over 77,000 participants and found that even small amounts of physical activity can lower relative risk.
A new Australian study suggests harnessing genomic surveillance technology can detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs', slowing their evolution and spread to improve global health outcomes. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted 'One Health' approach to surveillance, with practical recommendations for implementation.
A new genetic study found that consistently sleeping less than five hours a night may raise the risk of developing depressive symptoms. The study, published in Translational Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 7,000 people and found that short sleep was associated with the onset of depressive symptoms.
A new study by Duke University researchers has found endemic malaria in Turkana County, Kenya, with a significant incidence of Plasmodium vivax, a parasite historically rare in sub-Saharan Africa. The presence of invasive mosquito species Anopheles stephensi also poses challenges to the continent's malaria control efforts.
A recent study identified 17 genetic changes contributing to MASLD, revealing seven disease subgroups that can be targeted with new treatments. The research also found high-risk individuals who may benefit from early screening and targeted care.
A study led by UCSF researchers discovered that people who remain asymptomatic after contracting COVID-19 often carry a specific gene variation that helps their immune system recognize the virus. This mutation, HLA-B*15:01, is common among asymptomatic individuals and can also help those with symptoms to recover more quickly.
A recent study has elucidated the genetic factors involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development. The researchers found that HLA-DRB1*15:01 is primarily associated with SLE development in the Japanese population, suggesting its role in influencing disease progression. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of anal...
Researchers developed a polygenic scoring system to predict ALS disease risk, improving case status prediction in Michigan and Spain. The system takes into account common genetic variants and explains 4.1% of ALS cases caused by genetic factors.
A recent study found that seven per cent of Aspergillus fumigatus samples from the Three Parallel Rivers region in Yunnan, China were drug resistant, capable of propagating quickly and taking over local populations.
Professor Nicholas Harvey received the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his outstanding scientific contributions to osteoporosis. The award recognizes his work on fracture risk assessment tools and musculoskeletal research.
A team from Kennesaw State University is studying the cultural, historical, and health significance of artisanal alcohol production in Cabo Verde. The researchers aim to understand the economic, social, and environmental impacts of grogue production, a national liquor produced by fermenting sugar cane.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that people with obesity due to genetic predisposition have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 twins and medical registries, suggesting that genetics may play a role in mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have successfully used AAV1.NT-3 gene therapy to improve muscle physiology and prevent age-related sarcopenia in mice. The treatment resulted in restored muscle mass, strength, and neural connections, offering a potential new option for managing this debilitating condition.
A recent study has identified nine new genetic variants that increase the risk of prostate cancer in men of African descent, including a variant linked to aggressive forms. The findings can be used to refine polygenic risk scores and identify high-risk patients for earlier screenings.
A transnational collaboration led to the characterization of Physostegia chlorotic mottle virus (PhCMoV), a plant disease first identified in Austria in 2018. The study revealed that PhCMoV can infect at least nine plant species, causing severe fruit symptoms on economically important crops.
A new software developed by researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory can accurately infers continental ancestry from tumor DNA and RNA. This technology has the potential to lead to more targeted and personalized cancer treatments by identifying genetic connections between cancer and race or ethnicity.
The National Cancer Institute awards $10.5 million to USC's Division of Biostatistics to develop statistical methods for uncovering new risk factors associated with cancer by integrating large volumes of health, genomic, and exposure data. The project aims to provide new insights into complex biological processes and discoveries of nov...
Research findings suggest that skewed X chromosome inactivation may indicate increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. XCI-skew is a measure of how many cells in a tissue inactivate the same parental X chromosome.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a strong connection between the gut microbiome and certain blood metabolites. The research, led by Uppsala University, analyzed fecal and blood samples from over 8,500 participants in the SCAPIS study, identifying novel associations between gut bacteria and plasma metabolite s...
Researchers at UC San Diego and Scripps Research developed a wastewater sequencing tool to track regional infection dynamics. This approach proved effective in identifying emerging variants and predicting COVID-19 surges, enabling early detection of cases and informing public health interventions.
A massive global study of diverse populations has significantly advanced the understanding of type 2 diabetes by identifying 117 genes that contribute to the disease. The research used genetic data from almost 181,000 people with type 2 diabetes and 1.16 million without it.
A gene defect among people of Inuit ancestry has been discovered, putting children at risk of dying from child vaccines or simple viral infections. The defect is found in 1 out of 1500 Inuits and can be screened for using heel prick blood test samples.
A new study has shown that increasing genetic diversity can improve researchers' ability to identify important genetic markers for health conditions. The study, which analyzed data from over 470,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, identified 42 previously unidentified regions of the human genome related to BMI, height, and waist-to-hip ra...
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified two genes associated with accelerated aging in childhood cancer survivors. The study used genome-wide association studies to find variants that correlate with epigenetic age acceleration, a measure of the difference between biological and chronological age.
Analyses of ancient TB genomes from coastal Peru and inland Colombian Andes sites reveal a marine-associated strain of the pathogen that suggests a zoonosis from seals. The findings support a complex distribution network for TB on land, with trade networks potentially playing a key role in transporting the pathogen.
The Sanford Children's Genomic Medicine Consortium has initiated a whole genome sequencing research project to investigate undiagnosed illnesses in children with suspected inborn errors of immunity. The study aims to sequence the genomes of up to 25 patient genomes and learn information that can benefit patients and others.
A new study has identified 74 previously unknown genomic regions that influence how people's bodies break down food into energy. These findings could help develop more personalized ways to maintain a healthy weight by taking into account an individual's genetic profile.
Researchers report that combining infection and vaccination produces high-quality antibodies effective against COVID-19 variants. The study found that prior-infected individuals who received a vaccine had potent antibodies against new variants, contrary to previous findings suggesting reduced potency.
Researchers developed EDS-HAT, an AI-powered system combining machine learning and whole genome sequencing to detect clusters of similar infections in real-time. The system identified 99 clusters of infections and prevented potential transmissions in 65.7% of cases, saving the hospital $692,500.
Researchers developed a viral panel that enables simultaneous testing for SARS-CoV-2 and common respiratory viruses, providing insight into coinfections and viral spread. The tool helps predict and mitigate future outbreaks by tracking novel viral variants and their patterns of spread.
Researchers found that physically active participants experienced less increase in systolic blood pressure on high-salt diets compared to sedentary individuals. The study's findings suggest that increasing physical activity and reducing sodium intake can help lower blood pressure, particularly among those who are more sedentary.
A study of Amish individuals found a rare mitochondrial haplogroup X associated with successful aging, while another haplogroup J had a negative association. The research suggests that genetic variants may play a role in maintaining physical and cognitive function in older age.
Easton's work on BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations has significantly impacted breast cancer research. He established the Breast Cancer Linage Consortium, providing estimates of breast and ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers.
A study by the Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium (GELCC) found strong evidence for a lung cancer susceptibility gene co-inherited with a genetic marker on chromosome 6. The researchers identified a region of interest on chromosome 6q23-25, which contains multiple genes that may contribute to lung cancer risk.
A recent study by UCSF researchers has found a strong genetic link between early stage, non-invasive breast cancer cells and disease recurrences. The study suggests that second tumors are caused by residual cells left over from the primary lesion, highlighting the importance of wide surgical margins to prevent recurrence.
Vanderbilt's Program in Human Genetics will play a key role in identifying genes involved in common diseases, with initial focus on depression and sepsis. The program will utilize cutting-edge technology to analyze DNA samples and develop targeted treatments.
A genetic trait has been found to predispose people to Gulf War syndrome, a condition where veterans of the war may have gotten ill from chemical exposures. The study reveals that people with high levels of a specific enzyme did not get sick, while those with low levels did.
A new genetic mutation, APC I1307K, is found to modestly increase the risk of hereditary breast cancer in women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The mutation's effect is most significant in those who already carry BRCA mutations.
Research found genetic make-up plays a significant role in determining individual responses to cholesterol-lowering drugs like Lovastatin. A gene variant associated with unresponsiveness was identified, suggesting that 1 in 12 individuals may not benefit from the treatment.