Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Common workplace fumes and dusts may heighten rheumatoid arthritis risk

Exposure to common workplace agents is associated with a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which can be exacerbated by smoking and genetic predisposition. The study found that certain agents, such as quartz dust and gasoline fumes, are strongly linked to an increased risk of ACPA-positive disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

California Academy of Sciences researchers produce first-ever ‘family tree’ for aquarium-bred corals

Researchers developed a pedigree for aquarium-bred corals, revealing relationships between individuals and identifying genetic differences. The study provides insights into maximizing genetic diversity and adaptability in corals bred for conservation, crucial for their resilience to threats like ocean warming and acidification.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Vitamin D deficiency linked to premature death

A new study from the University of South Australia found that severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The research evaluated 307,601 records from the UK Biobank and found that individuals with low vitamin D levels had a significantly decreased risk of death over a 14-year follow-up period.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

Are egg cells in aging primates protected from mutations?

Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

Leveraging AI to work with cells

Researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI-assisted Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system to engineer stem cells. The new method reduces cell loss and increases throughput, enabling selective manipulation of individual cells in micro-arrays.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Xue Sherry Gao wins CAREER Award

Xue Sherry Gao has won a prestigious CAREER Award to create versatile toolkits for controlling gene expression. Her research aims to develop broadly applicable platforms for gene regulation, with a focus on precision dosing and safety features.

Discovery of 29 new acne risk genes provides hope for new treatments

A recent study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with acne, providing potential new targets for treatment and helping clinicians identify individuals at high risk of severe disease. The research, involving over 20,000 individuals with acne, also found a link between genetic risk and disease severity.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

New benchmark could improve detection of genetic variants linked to spinal muscular atrophy, other diseases

A new DNA benchmark, developed by NIST and collaborators, enables more accurate detection of genetic variants linked to diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy. The benchmark, based on HiFi sequencing technology, helps labs and clinics sequence genes with high accuracy, critical for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Scientists expand CRISPR-Cas9 genetic inheritance control in mammals

Researchers have successfully developed CRISPR-Cas9 inheritance control in male mice by shifting the gene editing window to match the timing of meiosis. This achievement expands the potential for human disease research and environmental applications, offering benefits such as laboratory efficiency improvements and cost savings.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Viruses and game theory

Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2022

The link between electrical voltage and brain flexibility a new study by Tel Aviv university found, for the first time; a direct and significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and the brain’s ability to adapt to external changes

A Tel Aviv University study found a significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and brain adaptability. Disabling the voltage sensor of these proteins caused uncontrolled brain flexibility, leading to excessive habituation to odors.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2022

Daring to leave gaps in the genome

Researchers developed a new method to complete genetic data gaps using haplotype blocks, improving breeding efficiency in plants. The approach has shown comparable quality to collecting more information from DNA strands, reducing costs in animal and plant breeding.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2022

New inoculation method can protect soybeans against devastating leaf blight

A new inoculation method can identify resistance against one of the CLB pathogens, allowing breeders to select candidates for genetic material against the disease. This method uses detached leaflets for inoculation and offers an advantage in small experimental designs, enabling screening of soybean genetic materials.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

Correcting inherited gene alterations speeds up

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a method to precisely and rapidly correct genetic alterations in cultured patient cells. The new technique combines two Nobel Prize-winning approaches to produce genetically corrected autologous pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 30, 2021

New evidence identified on safety of IVF embryo screening method

Researchers at the University of Kent identified strong evidence-based benefits of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in IVF. Live birth rates per embryo transferred and per treatment cycle were significantly higher with PGT-A compared to regular IVF, especially in women over 40.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2021

Ancient humans traded dogs for their usefulness

Researchers found that ancient Siberian human populations interacted with outside dog populations at least 2,000 years ago, suggesting dogs were traded as goods. The study reveals that modern dog breeds like Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies maintain significant ancestry from a lineage established prior to 9,500 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateSep 24, 2021

Tracking genetically modified animals

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Scientists mail freeze-dried mouse sperm on a postcard

Researchers in Japan have created a method to preserve mouse sperm by freeze-drying it on a plastic sheet, enabling easy transportation via postcard. The 'sperm book' stored at -30°C, can hold thousands of sperm samples, and the mailing method has shown promising results with high offspring rates.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Malene Hansen, PhD, and Morgan Levine, PhD, honored by AFAR, recognized with 2021 Irving S. Wright Award and Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award

Dr. Malene Hansen receives the Irving S. Wright Award for her work on cellular recycling and aging, while Dr. Morgan Levine wins the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award for her biomarkers of aging research. Both awards recognize their contributions to advancing healthy aging through biomedical research.

ANU researchers find new disease

Researchers at ANU have discovered a new syndrome with an immune deficiency and inflammatory diseases of the skin, lymph nodes, and spleen. The study provides a powerful method for resolving potentially important genetic variants using whole genome sequencing and gene editing.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 18, 2018

A new method to pinpoint genetic differences between species could benefit human health

Researchers at the Buck Institute have developed a new method to pinpoint genetic differences between closely related species, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding human longevity, disease resistance, and regenerative abilities. The technique was tested using an ancient divergence in yeast and has wide applicability to pl...

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 8, 2018

New method provides a tool to develop nematode-resistant soybean varieties

Researchers discovered a repeat of four genes controlling resistance to soybean cyst nematode and developed an assay to quantify gene repeats. This new method improves breeding programs by selecting for more copies of the gene sequence, potentially leading to stronger resistance.

Laboratory-bred corals reproduce in the wild

Researchers have raised laboratory-bred colonies of a threatened Caribbean coral species to sexual maturity, reproducing simultaneously with their natural population. This breakthrough technique increases genetic diversity and provides new hope for the recovery of dwindling elkhorn coral populations.

SourceSECORE International·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateJan 29, 2016