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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

One gene provides diagnoses for 30 patients whose condition was unexplained for years

A team of researchers has identified 30 patients with previously undiagnosed conditions, linking them to rare mutations in the FLVCR1 gene. The study reveals a range of severe developmental disorders, including anemia and bone malformations, which share similarities with mice lacking the Flvcr1 gene and Diamond-Blackfan anemia.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2024

Lurie Children’s study to link genetics and long-term cardiorespiratory outcomes of children born prematurely for more precise diagnosis and treatment

A new NIH-funded study at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago will use AI to identify disease subtypes based on genetic data and associated outcomes in premature infants. The four-year study aims to establish disease subtypes that can predict longer-term cardiorespiratory outcomes, enabling earlier interventions.

Researchers identify neurodevelopmental symptoms that indicate genetic disorders

A new study found that motor delay and low muscle tone were common signs of an underlying genetic diagnosis in children with neurodevelopment disorders. The research suggests that these early neurodevelopmental symptoms can benefit both patients' families and doctors by identifying the need for genetic testing.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2024

Research heralds new era for genetics

The study analyzed the genetic profiles of 80,000 people and found that repeat expansion disorders (REDs) are common across different populations. The findings suggest a significant shift in how we think about genetic testing, profiling, and counseling for these conditions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 1, 2024

World's first individual gene mutation test for predicting risk of sudden cardiac death

A new individualized risk prediction tool has been developed to predict the severity of heart disease in people suffering from Long QT syndrome. The test analyzes genetic mutations associated with the condition and can identify those at high risk of sudden cardiac death, allowing for tailored treatment.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

Study confirms fibrosis as a prognostic indicator in the most common breast cancer, and opens the way to antifibrotic drug treatments

Researchers confirm that fibrosis in HER2-negative breast tumors is associated with an adverse prognosis and better treatment outcomes with nintedanib. A new test, MeCo Score, analyzes gene activity related to fibrosis and indicates the effectiveness of supplementing chemotherapy with antifibrotic therapy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024