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Scientists map the genetic evolution of dinoflagellates for the first time

A four-year genetic research effort has mapped the major landmarks in the evolution of dinoflagellates, a key species in the environment. The study found that nonphotosynthetic dinoflagellates have retained vital metabolic functions and could lead to a better understanding of bioluminescence and toxic algal blooms.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2017

Mapping the spider genome

Researchers at Aarhus University have sequenced the spider genome, providing a genetic map for future studies. The study reveals genes specific to spiders and sheds light on their incredible abilities, such as making silk and producing venom.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2014

New tool pinpoints genetic sources of disease

Researchers have developed a new tool that combines genetic and epigenetic data to identify the underlying causes of complex diseases. By analyzing overlapping patterns, scientists can pinpoint specific genetic variants linked to conditions such as cancer and metabolic disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 20, 2014

A genetic map for complex diseases

Scientists from the University of Chicago have developed a unique genetic map that identifies associations between single-gene diseases and complex diseases. The study analyzed over 120 million patient records and found statistically significant correlations between 2,909 disease pairs, including previously unknown comorbidities such a...

Latino genomes point way to hidden DNA

Researchers discovered 20 million base pairs of genetic sequence hidden in centromeres, a key finding that could aid in mapping the human genome. Latino genomes proved uniquely powerful in filling in uncharted regions due to their African ancestry.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 8, 2013

A GPS in your DNA

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a method for determining more precise geographical locations of an individual's ancestral origins using genetic traits. By analyzing DNA samples from 1,157 people across Europe, they were able to accurately determine two separate points on the map for an individual's mother and father.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 16, 2012

UCLA Engineering researchers help develop complete map of mouse genetic variation

Researchers from UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science contributed to the development of a comprehensive genetic catalog of 17 strains of mice. The study provides a complete picture of genetic variation in these mouse strains, enabling scientists to accurately predict gene expression levels and identify variant...

The first studies utilizing the Collaborative Cross mice are published in Genome Research

The Collaborative Cross mouse strains have been used to map causative loci for complex traits like body weight and white head-spotting, showcasing the power of ancestry-based approaches. The studies also revealed the scope of phenotypic variation present in the CC lines, providing insights into breeding effects on genetic structure.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 14, 2011

A new approach that saves eyesight and lives in the developing world

A new approach to boosting vitamin A levels in corn has been developed by US scientists, with potential to reduce child blindness and mortality in developing regions. The research identified genetic sequences linked to higher beta-carotene levels in corn and demonstrated an inexpensive method to identify and breed high-yielding varieties.

Scientists map out regulatory regions of genome, hot spots for diabetes genes

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created a first-of-its-kind map of the human genome's regulatory elements, revealing clusters specific to pancreatic islet cells. The study identified genetic variants associated with type II diabetes and found that certain genes are 'turned on' or 'off', opening new avenues for understanding the disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2010

First 'genetic map' of Han Chinese may aid search for disease susceptibility genes

Scientists at the Genome Institute of Singapore have created a genetic map of the Han Chinese population based on genome-wide DNA variations in over 6,000 samples. The map reveals that northern inhabitants were genetically distinguishable from those in the south, consistent with historical migration patterns.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 25, 2009