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World first: First phase 3 trial of in vivo CRISPR therapy successfully completed CRISPR treatment comes one step closer to reality

A large-scale Phase 3 trial of CRISPR therapy has shown an 87% reduction in attacks for patients with hereditary angioedema. The treatment also improved quality-of-life scores and reduced the need for on-demand medication, paving the way for future genetic therapies.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2026

New therapy may reverse autism-related brain deficits

Researchers identified a promising new strategy for reversing autism-related brain deficits by targeting a specific glycine transporter. The therapy restored NMDA receptor function in mouse models and human brain organoids, improving behavioral abnormalities such as social interaction and repetitive behaviors.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

Unlocking the genetic secrets of olive tree flowering: a key to climate adaptation

A recent study identified key genetic loci governing flowering time in olive trees, providing new insights for breeding programs aimed at developing climate-resilient cultivars. The research also highlighted the importance of genomic prediction models and geographical genetic structure in targeted breeding efforts.

Vanderbilt scientists discover shared genetic foundations between musical rhythm and human language

Researchers found overlapping genetic underpinnings between rhythm-related skills and language-related traits, including dyslexia. The study identified 16 regions of the genome that overlapped between rhythm and language, suggesting a complex genetic architecture shared by these fundamental human traits.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2024

Discovery of a potential molecular mechanism to reduce cardiovascular risk in 6 genetic regions through the metabolites they regulate

Researchers have identified 44 genetic regions associated with metabolite levels in the body, which can influence cardiovascular risk. The study found a potential molecular mechanism by which six genetic loci are linked to cardiovascular risk through the metabolites they regulate.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

Infections from these bacteria are on the rise. New blood test cuts diagnosis time from months to hours

Tulane University researchers have developed a CRISPR-based platform for diagnosing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, allowing for accurate results in as little as two hours. The blood test can identify over 93% of patients with an NTM infection, enabling rapid treatment plans and reducing the risk of complications.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 14, 2024

Large, diverse genetic study of glaucoma implicates vascular and cancer-related genes

A large, diverse genetic study identified novel genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The study implicated vascular and cancer-related genes in POAG risk, with 20% of associated genes related to primary cilia.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

New clues to early development of schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered axonal dysregulation in the prenatal brain as a mediator of genetic risk for schizophrenia. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional brain organoids to identify key genes involved, including CYFIP1, which is highly expressed in microglia.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

Researchers construct first “multiome” atlas of cell development in the human cerebral cortex from before birth to adulthood

Researchers created the first 'multiome' atlas of brain cell development in the human cerebral cortex, revealing specific changes in chromatin structure that precede gene expression. The study pinpointed regions associated with genes linked to neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

New genetic relations between irritable bowel syndrome and psychiatric diseases discovered

A new study has identified thousands of shared genetic variants between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. This discovery provides a new understanding of the brain-gut axis and holds promise for developing effective treatments for IBS.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

The look of your eyebrows is in your genes; A new study uncovers genes that define the appearance of eyebrows

A recent study has uncovered three previously unreported genetic loci associated with eyebrow thickness in Europeans, as well as rediscovering two of the four genetic loci previously found in non-Europeans. The research expands genetic knowledge on human eyebrow variation, with implications for dermatology and other fields.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Study provides more clarity on the genetic causes of children's food allergies

A study published in Nature Communications has identified five genetic risk loci associated with food allergies in children, highlighting the importance of skin and mucous membrane barriers. The research, involving over 1,500 participants, also found that four of the five risk loci are linked to other chronic inflammatory diseases.

New genes associated with extreme longevity identified

Researchers found five genetic loci associated with successful aging, involved in cell senescence, autoimmunity, and Alzheimer's disease. These genes may provide clues about physiological mechanisms for healthy aging and have the potential to improve health outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 17, 2015

Genes behind obesity mapped in large-scale study

A large-scale study identified seven new gene loci linked to obesity, showing a significant overlap with genetic mechanisms causing milder forms of overweight. The research included over 260,000 participants and demonstrated that extreme obesity shares similar genetic factors as normal or slightly elevated BMI.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 7, 2013

One gene, two important proteins

Researchers found that a single fly gene encodes two proteins with opposing actions: one inhibits the other's activity. This discovery provides insight into complex biological phenomena and may lead to novel treatments for human cancers, particularly those with overactive STAT proteins. The study highlights the importance of considerin...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 14, 2002