Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Landmark genetic study sheds new light on how the eye develops its sharpest vision

Researchers have identified over 120 genetic signals shaping foveal development, including pathways involved in vitamin A metabolism and retinal cell fate. The study provides the first comprehensive genetic dissection of human foveal pit architecture, revealing new insights into childhood visual disorders.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2025

Genetic test predicts response to weight-loss drugs

Mayo Clinic researchers developed a genetic test that can predict how people will respond to weight loss medications. The test estimates an individual's calories to satiation, linking it to treatment success and providing personalized estimates of expected satiation threshold.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 17, 2025

Giant DNA discovered hiding in your mouth

Scientists have identified a new genetic material called Inocles, which are large DNA elements hosted by bacteria in the mouth. These findings provide fresh insight into how oral bacteria colonize and persist in humans, with potential implications for health and disease research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2025

Genetic testing beneficial in critically ill adults

A study of 365 adults found nearly one in four had a genetic condition causing their ICU admission, which was unknown to nearly half of those patients and their doctors. The researchers recommend offering genetic testing to all adults admitted to the ICU to improve care and reduce health disparities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2025

Genetic testing for children with autism and intellectual disabilities remains rare in Medicaid, despite national guidelines

Despite clinical recommendations, genetic testing is underutilized among Medicaid-enrolled children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. The study found stark racial disparities, with Black children less likely to receive genetic testing than their white peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2025

Team publishes correspondence article reevaluating ‘seriousness’ in genetic conditions

A survey of stakeholders in Japan found that incorporating patient voices into assessments of genetic conditions can recalibrate people's ideas about seriousness, shifting perceptions from a tool of societal burden reduction to individual reproductive autonomy. The study emphasizes the need for including patient voices in shaping ethic...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 26, 2025

UMass Amherst tick researchers identify new strain of rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans

Researchers at UMass Amherst's New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases have identified a new strain of Rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans. The discovery in Maine suggests rabbit ticks could be a zoonotic vector for serious infections, contradicting the usual dog tick vector.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases·DateApr 24, 2025

Rise in claim denial rates for cancer-related advanced genetic testing

Researchers at Georgetown University found that claim denials for cancer-related advanced genetic testing increased between 2016 and 2021, despite a recent Medicare national coverage determination. The study analyzed nearly 30,000 claims filed by over 25,000 unique Medicare beneficiaries and suggests uncertainty remains around coverage...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2025

New study reveals potential link between GLP1 agonists and depression: Calls for urgent attention

A recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology suggests a potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and depression, particularly in individuals with low dopamine function. The authors urge caution and recommend genetic testing to identify individuals at risk before prescribing these medications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Neuropharmacology·DateApr 17, 2025

Cutting-edge optical genome mapping technology shows promise for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic options of multiple myeloma

Researchers have developed an innovative optical genome mapping technique that can identify structural variants and copy number variations across the entire genome in a single test. The method has been shown to reduce material requirements and improve prognostic stratification for patients with multiple myeloma.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Novel genes linked to rare childhood diarrhea

Researchers at SickKids identified three new genes associated with rare childhood diarrhea, providing a diagnosis for 48% of cases. The study found that genetic testing and targeted treatments can improve the quality of life for children like Sophie, who was diagnosed with CODE at just two days old.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 2, 2025

New study offers reassurance for patients with some cancer-linked genes

A new study led by the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center found that patients with three specific variants face no extra risk of dying from their cancer. The researchers used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results programs in Georgia and California, looking at a total of about 78,000 patients with breast, colo...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2025

Mayo Clinic researchers identify a measurable genetic mutation as a significant predictor of metastasis and survival in pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that detectable mutant KRAS circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) indicates a higher risk of cancer spread and worse survival rates for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The study suggests that ctDNA assays should be performed prior to treatment to have the highest yield.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMar 19, 2025

New CRISPR-based diagnostic test detects pathogens in blood without amplification

Researchers developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic test that rapidly detects low levels of pathogen genetic material in blood without nucleic acid amplification. The test demonstrated unprecedented sensitivity and could be used to develop highly sensitive CRISPR-based diagnostic tests for detecting pathogens in minutes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2025

Gene classifier tests for prostate cancer may influence treatment decisions despite lack of evidence for long-term outcomes

A systematic review found that genomic classifier tests can influence risk classifications and treatment decisions for patients with localized prostate cancer, but more research is needed to understand their cost-effectiveness and impact on racial groups. The tests may lead to more conservative management options, such as active survei...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 20, 2025

Genetic testing changes course of care in children with neurodevelopmental conditions

A new UCLA Health study found that adding genetic testing to the evaluation of pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders led to more individualized care, including changes in medication, referrals to clinical trials or specialists, and surveillance for potential medical issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2024

Study finds new blood test predicts prognosis for advanced prostate cancer patients

A new DNA sequencing test called AR-ctDETECT has been found to distinguish between patients with poor and favorable prognoses in advanced prostate cancer. The test identified circulating tumor DNA in 59% of patients and showed that detectable ctDNA was associated with worse overall survival.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2024

New genetic explanation for heart condition revealed

A new study has found that hundreds of genes, rather than a single 'aberrant' genetic variant, contribute to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Researchers developed a polygenic risk score to assess individual risk and found those with the highest genetic risk had a fourfold chance of developing the disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

New blood test offers early detection of drug-induced tissue damage in cancer patients

A new blood test can detect early signs of lung damage caused by antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in cancer patients, providing a safer alternative to frequent scans. This breakthrough method analyzes specific markers in circulating DNA, enabling doctors to monitor patients for lung complications without relying solely on imaging scans.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalESMO Open·TypeCase study·DateNov 12, 2024