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Personalized support and navigation increased genetic testing of hereditary cancers among immediate family members

A new study found that personalized support and navigation services significantly increased genetic testing of hereditary cancers among immediate family members, with 73% uptake among at-risk relatives. The study revealed that with navigation support, genetic testing uptake for BRCA increased from 51% to 73% among family members in six...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 29, 2026

People say they would not want to test embryos for traits like low IQ. But if given the information, they act on it

A study of over 2,000 people in the US and China found that the distinction between medical and non-medical traits does not match public preferences. When given information, people decide not to implant embryos with a raised chance of low IQ or antisocial behavior about as often as they decide not to implant embryos with a raised chanc...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateAug 26, 2026

Large-scale population studies needed to reduce risks from newborn genome screening

Researchers emphasize the need for large-scale population studies to assess the risks of newborn genome screening and minimize overdiagnosis. The study highlights that most genetic research has been conducted in individuals with a condition or high-risk family, resulting in underestimated risk estimates.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

Predicting genetic risk for Type 1 diabetes just got more accurate thanks to UC San Diego study

The study demonstrates that the T1GRS tool can identify children and adults at high risk for Type 1 diabetes earlier than current methods, enabling preventive measures before the disease develops. The researchers grouped individuals into four sub-types based on genetic features, each with unique clinical profiles and outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2026

Markers of lymphoma cancer relapse identified

A new study from the University of Missouri identified over 10 genetic or molecular markers that predict follicular lymphoma relapse early, allowing for targeted surveillance testing. This could improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary imaging tests, and lower healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2026

Chronic alcohol use reshapes gene expression in key human brain regions linked to relapse vulnerability and neural damage

Chronic alcohol consumption alters endocannabinoid gene expression in reward- and decision-related brain regions, offering insights into addiction biology. This study reveals changes in CB1 and CB2 receptor genes, as well as GPR55 and FAAH enzymes, potentially leading to targeted therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalAddiction·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2026

Detecting early-stage cancers with a new blood test measuring epigenetic instability

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a novel liquid biopsy approach to identify early-stage cancers by measuring DNA methylation patterns. The Epigenetic Instability Index (EII) successfully distinguished patients with early-stage lung and breast cancers from healthy individuals, showing promise in detecting...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 2, 2026

New 3D genome mapping tool reveals hidden complexity in DNA

A novel 3D chromosome mapping method has been developed to detect hidden structural variants in DNA, revealing new discoveries for genetic disorders. The study successfully identified known large chromosomal variants with 100% concordance and uncovered 12 novel structural variants missed by standard clinical tests.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2025

First 3D genetic mapping of the heart uncovers genes implicated in sudden death

A new study has uncovered 42 genetic locations associated with hypertrophy of the left ventricle, a major risk factor for sudden death. The research, conducted using three-dimensional MRI images and genome-wide analysis, could lead to earlier identification of individuals at greater risk.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2025

Olympians' hearts in focus: groundbreaking study reveals elite rowers' surprising AFib risk

A new study involving 121 former elite rowers from Australia found that one in five develops atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The researchers identified genetic and clinical tools that enable early preventive strategies, highlighting the paradox that AFib is more common among fit athletes.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

Engineers develop genetic testing device to detect rare mutations

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a portable device capable of detecting rare genetic mutations from a single drop of blood. The device combines allele-specific polymerase chain reaction with electrical impedance to quickly and accurately test for conditions like hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2025

Study: NIPT identifies twice as many down syndrome cases as STSS

A novel study analyzing the cost-effectiveness of different Down syndrome screening strategies confirms that non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) significantly outperforms second-trimester serum screening (STSS). NIPT identifies twice as many DS cases as STSS, offering a more reliable option with lower incremental costs.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMay 16, 2025

ACMG response to the NASEM report on newborn screening and recent federal government actions

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) commends NASEM for its report on sustaining and advancing excellence in newborn screening. The report outlines nine recommendations to improve the program, including national leadership, multistakeholder input, and expanded education and awareness.

Israeli breakthrough identifies key gene in common heart disease, unlocking life-saving diagnostic potential

A pioneering Israeli study identifies TRIM63 as a significant genetic contributor to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which could transform genetic screening and treatment protocols. The findings provide compelling evidence for the gene’s role in both causing and increasing susceptibility to HCM.

SourceClalit Research Institute·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2025

First guideline on newborn screening for cystic fibrosis calls for changes in practice to improve outcomes

A new guideline recommends testing for all CF-causing gene variants, including those less common in people of color. Genetic sequencing can be used as an intermediate improvement strategy if not all variants are included in the panel. Early coordination between public health departments and specialists is crucial for timely diagnosis.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalInternational Journal of Neonatal Screening·DateApr 2, 2025

Three out of ten breast cancers are detected between screenings

A new study found that interval cancers, which are detected between two screening sessions, account for 30% of all breast cancers. Women with high breast density, hormone therapy, and a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk. More frequent or improved screening methods could significantly improve early detection rates.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2025

Effort seeks to increase cancer-gene testing in primary care

Researchers assess two approaches to test patients' hereditary cancer risks in primary care clinics, finding the point-of-care approach increases completion rates while the direct patient engagement method boosts testing rates among those eligible. The study's goal is to develop ways to improve uptake and reduce barriers to testing.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 7, 2025