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20 nM Pladienolide B +6 h treatment = totipotent stem cells? The new method captures totipotency

A new method captures totipotency using a short-term high-dose treatment of Pladienolide B, reprogramming classical mouse embryonic stem cells into transient totipotent blastomere-like stem cells. These cells exhibit remarkable developmental potential and self-organize into blastoid structures mimicking early embryonic development.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

How researchers are shining a light on kidney disease

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a way to identify and track material carried by extracellular vesicles, which play a key role in the development of renal diseases like polycystic kidney disease. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for patients with PKD, a common genetic disorder.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2025

Why does one person develop schizophrenia while another does not? A leading psychiatric geneticist investigates the answer

Dr. Consuelo Walss-Bass shares her groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. She also discusses her work with induced pluripotent stem cells to develop personalized psychiatry and reduce stigma around mental health.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2025

Stowers scientists uncover principles underlying the toxicity of “selfish” genes

Researchers found that selfish genes use self-assembly properties to harm cells, with aggregate size and distribution being key factors in toxicity. The study also reveals an evolutionary arms race between sabotage and salvation, where rapid evolution of 'selfish' genes can lead to their own destruction.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

Tattoos may be linked to an increased risk of cancer

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that tattooed individuals are more frequently diagnosed with skin and lymphoma cancers compared to those without tattoos. The study suggests that chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes triggered by tattoo ink may lead to abnormal cell growth and an increased risk of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2025

Novel molecular insights into bone remodeling

Researchers identify Fam102a as a key regulator of both osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, leading to enhanced osteoblast formation and bone volume. The study reveals significant protein-protein interactions involving Fam102a and Kpna2, shedding light on the critical molecular interactions involved in bone remodeling.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Revealing hidden genetic ties

A new bioinformatics pipeline analyzes whole-genome sequencing data to accurately estimate genetic relatedness in animal populations. The tool identifies identical DNA fragments inherited from a common ancestor, revealing previously undetected relatives and providing more detailed insights into relatedness structures.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2025

'Black box' of stem cell transplants opened in world-first blood study

Researchers tracked the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in patients' bodies up to three decades post-transplant. They found that younger donors produce more vital stem cells, while older donors experience reduced immunity and higher relapse risk. The study provides new insights into donor selection and transplant success.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2024

As temperatures rise, researchers identify mechanisms behind plant response to warming

Plant biologists have mapped two paths that plants implement during elevated heat conditions to minimize heat damage. Carbon dioxide sensors play a central role in the stomatal warming-cooling responses, while a second heat response pathway bypasses normal photosynthesis-driven responses, leading to increased water use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

STUDY: Sourcing genomically diverse seedlings to create climate-change resilient forests brings optimism for partnerships between science and practice

Researchers developed a method to collect and plant genetically diverse red spruce seeds, resulting in higher establishment success and increased forest resilience. The approach pools multiple seed sources, increasing evolvability and minimizing deleterious mutations.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2024

Genomes of “star algae” shed light on origin of plants

Researchers have generated complete genome data for four filamentous 'star algae' species, revealing overabundances of signalling genes and environmental response factors that underpin molecular mechanisms shaping plant bodies. The findings provide insights into the origins of land plants and their ability to adapt to environments.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2024

An omega-6 fatty acid may reduce the risk for bipolar disorder

Researchers found a genetic link between higher circulating levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk for bipolar disorder. The study suggests that altering arachidonic acid synthesis pathways may reduce bipolar disorder risk, particularly in those with compromised pathways.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Rutgers health researchers develop software to predict diseases

The IntelliGenes software combines conventional statistical methods with cutting-edge machine learning algorithms to produce personalized patient predictions and visualize significant biomarkers for disease prediction. Researchers applied the software to discover novel biomarkers and predict cardiovascular disease with high accuracy.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Mount Sinai researchers develop novel method to improve disease prediction across diverse ancestries

A team of scientists has developed a statistical technique called BridgePRS to enhance disease prediction in people of non-European ancestry, particularly those of African descent. This advancement aims to reduce health care inequities and enable more personalized medical interventions based on genetic information.

Why it’s important to improve communication of unanticipated genomic findings to patients with late-stage cancer

A qualitative study by City of Hope highlights the importance of proper patient preparation for unanticipated, inheritable genetic findings prior to tumor sequencing. The research emphasizes the need for scalable educational interventions that facilitate informed consent, such as online tools and applications.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 15, 2023

DNA from discarded whale bones suggests loss of genetic diversity due to commercial whaling

A study from Oregon State University found that commercial whaling in the 20th century led to a loss of maternal DNA lineages among blue and humpback whales, potentially resulting in cultural memory loss. Whale populations near South Georgia Island have begun to recover, but the genetic diversity remains low.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Heredity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

Study reveals significant difference in cardiomyopathy genes between Black and White patients

Researchers found that African ancestry patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have fewer clinically actionable variants in DCM genes compared to European ancestry patients. The study enrolled 1,198 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing a racial imbalance in genetic trials for heart failure.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

Higher levels of lean muscle might protect against Alzheimer’s disease

A large study suggests that higher levels of lean muscle mass may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used Mendelian randomisation to analyze the relationship between genetically proxied lean muscle mass and Alzheimer's disease risk, finding a modest but statistically robust association.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Traces from the past

A team of researchers has developed a non-destructive method to extract DNA from bones and teeth, allowing for direct attribution of cultural objects to specific individuals. The breakthrough enabled the recovery of ancient human DNA from a 20,000-year-old pendant, providing insights into Paleolithic societies.

Cell quality control

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have found that gland cells in Drosophila melanogaster can remove defective secretory particles as early as the secretion process begins. This discovery sheds new light on crinophagy, a previously understudied process crucial for maintaining cellular quality and function.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTraffic·DateDec 15, 2022

Artificial Intelligence in Health: USC Researchers receive $10.5 million to develop cutting edge machine learning approaches in cancer research

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...