Articles tagged with Genetic Testing
A recent study found that the epigenetic age of a tissue is influenced by the frequency and activity of its stem cells. Stem cells in skin and intestine had a higher rate of division, resulting in a younger epigenetic age compared to those in muscle and blood.
A recent study found that Chinese patients with ovarian cancer often carry a specific variant of the RAD51D gene, which can promote tumor growth. The variant also makes these patients more sensitive to PARP inhibitors, leading to a favorable prognosis and potential new treatment methods.
Researchers found large language models are more accurate with concise, textbook-like medical questions than patient-written summaries. The models achieved higher accuracy when using standardized language, but struggled with variable phrasing and format of patient write-ups.
A Chinese Medical Journal study developed an AI-based system to automate embryo selection and eliminate subjectivity in IVF. The system improved human embryo assessment and selection, achieving higher accuracy in embryo aneuploidy screening than experienced embryologists.
Researchers have discovered a method to identify shark species using medical gauze from first-aid kits after bite incidents. This approach can provide accurate and timely information on species, aiding prevention measures and reducing incidents.
A recent commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that free genetic testing may have trade-offs, particularly regarding patient data protection and potential harm. The authors emphasize the need for comprehensive guidance to help practitioners navigate this complex issue.
A new genetic test has identified a mutation causing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in English Shepherd Dogs, allowing breeders to eliminate the disease from their population. The test is available for purchase and will help prevent the disease from being passed on to puppies.
Researchers found that subretinal adeno-associated virus 8 injections trigger proinflammatory T-cell responses, but co-injection of immunodominant peptides can modulate the immune system. This study suggests a new approach to AAV gene therapy for retinal diseases.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center found that nearly three-quarters of patients who were eligible for genetic testing at diagnosis received it over the study period. Those who got testing and found they had a genetic variant were most likely to talk with their family about the results.
A novel diagnostic test combining LAMP molecular amplification with a 3D printer-based DNA extraction system shows comparable sensitivity to PCR, offering a simple and rapid solution for detecting T. cruzi infection in newborns. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, which was successfully applied in the study.
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing can predict how patients will respond to systemic therapies, enabling personalized treatment plans and optimizing medication dosages. A specific gene variant, HSD3B1, has been linked to castration-resistant prostate cancer progression.
A new liquid biopsy method analyzes gene fragments in the bloodstream to detect and track cancer, enabling oncologists to tailor treatment approaches to individual patients. This non-invasive test can help monitor treatment success, detect cancer recurrence, and improve patient quality of life.
The RENEW system, launched in 2022, uses new research discoveries to pinpoint genetic variants causing rare diseases. Researchers successfully diagnosed 63 patients out of 1,066 undiagnosed cases with an average diagnosis time of 20 seconds.
A study published in Genetics in Medicine found that workplace genetic testing led to increased health behavior changes and follow-up with healthcare professionals among employees who received test results indicating elevated cancer or heart disease risk. Employees with negative test results reported feeling reassured about their healt...
Researchers developed a rapid genotyping test for patients with central nervous system lesions, detecting key mutations associated with brain cancers in samples taken during a lumbar puncture. The test eliminated the need for surgical brain biopsies in seven cases and significantly accelerated time to treatment, from an average of 12 d...
A study published in BMC Medicine found that personalized alcohol-reduction advice based on genetic information significantly reduced alcohol consumption among young excessive drinkers. The intervention group showed lower alcohol consumption and AUDIT-C scores compared to the control group, with continued reductions in scores over time.
Kotaro Sasaki and his team developed an in vitro seminoma model to study chromosomal anomalies and signaling pathways in testicular cancer. The model sheds light on the cellular origin of seminoma, providing new insights into its development.
A study found that low doses of filtered kretek cigarette smoke altered rat lung histometric measurements, increasing the size of respiratory bronchioles. P53 gene overexpression was also observed in response to exposure. The findings suggest potential health risks from even low levels of kretek cigarette smoke.
This study found that lowering the fecal immunochemical test positivity threshold can achieve comparable sensitivity and specificity to the multitarget stool RNA test without additional testing. The findings are similar to previous observations with multitarget stool DNA testing, suggesting a potentially simpler screening method.
Pharmaceutical genomic testing can optimize drug dosages and minimize adverse events in treating metastatic prostate cancer. By understanding an individual's genetic variations, clinicians can tailor treatments more effectively.
A new study from the University of Lausanne reveals that both high and low levels of the AFF3 protein can lead to severe intellectual deficits and developmental disorders. The research, led by Alexandre Reymond, identifies a critical role for the gene in development and highlights the importance of precise dosage.
Scientists have discovered 17 new genes involved in clonal haematopoiesis, a process associated with ageing linked to increased risks of blood cancers. The findings highlight the clinical significance of these genes in driving mutant blood cell clones, offering new avenues for studying disease development and promoting healthier ageing.
Researchers found that specific combinations of interferon proteins, including I, II, and III, are associated with various lupus symptoms like skin rashes, kidney inflammation, and joint pain. Elevated levels of these interferons can lead to severe disease presentations.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology highlights the importance of testing for measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing bone marrow transplants. The researchers found that detecting MRD can help predict cancer recurrence and improve patient outcomes.
A new genetic testing procedure identifies patients at high cardiovascular risk due to clonal haematopoiesis and carotid artery stenosis. This allows for early detection of increased mortality and a personalized cardiovascular risk profile, enabling therapy adaptation and prevention of atherosclerotic disease progression.
A global consortium has studied the connection between a specific gene variation and Pick's disease, a rare form of early-onset dementia. The research found that the MAPT H2 genetic variant is associated with an increased risk of Pick's disease in people of European descent.
Researchers discovered that mutations in noncoding regions of cancer-driving genes can alter mRNA abundance, leading to increased or decreased protein production. This discovery may lead to the development of prognostic testing tools and a better understanding of gene regulation mechanisms in cancer progression.
Young breast cancer survivors without germline pathogenic variants are at lower risk for developing a second primary breast cancer within the first decade after diagnosis. This study informs treatment decision-making and follow-up care considerations in this population.
A new study found that access to genomic testing for cancer is limited by factors such as test availability, patient information, and insurance coverage in both Japan and Switzerland. Despite universal insurance coverage, barriers persist due to differences in hospital accessibility, language barriers, and varying levels of reimbursement.
Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.
Researchers developed a single-assay approach using exome sequencing data to detect large-scale pathogenic mutations, detecting 91 previously undetectable mutations. This shift could enable earlier diagnoses and save the NHS vital resources.
Researchers developed an Integrated Classifier Pipeline (ICP) tool to analyze CRISPR edit outcomes and track unintended 'bystander' edits. The ICP system provides a genetic fingerprint of how material is being inherited, helping scientists untangle complex biological issues.
Researchers found that next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified more patients with microsatellite instability than immunohistochemistry (IHC), potentially leading to thousands of missed diagnoses and patients receiving incorrect treatment. NGS could guide the standard of care towards using this test method instead of IHC.
Researchers created a first-of-its-kind super minigene to study the Survival Motor Neuron 2 (SMN2) gene, which causes spinal muscular atrophy. The compact model allows scientists to see how changes play out across the entire gene expression process.
A new study published in Neurology found significant racial disparities in the evaluation and prescription of genetic testing among patients with neurologic conditions. Black patients were half as likely to be evaluated for genetic testing as white patients, despite having similar levels of office visits before evaluation.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a new technology offering test strips for rapid, on-the-spot disease detection. The test strips are accurate and cost-effective, making them suitable for various applications including public health, environmental diagnostics, and cancer cell detection.
A new machine learning approach using Alu elements in blood plasma has improved the detection of cancer early by reaching 98.9% specificity. The test can catch 41% more cancer cases than existing biomarkers and is expected to complement other cancer tests.
A Cancer Research UK-funded study uses AI to identify two distinct subtypes of prostate cancer, termed evotypes, which could lead to personalized treatments. The discovery has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes, saving thousands of lives in the future.
Researchers have developed a genetic risk tool that combines genetic factors with demographic information to improve MS risk prediction in young people presenting with optic neuritis. The study shows that this approach can help identify patients at high risk of MS, potentially enabling earlier treatment and improving long-term health.
A new study published in Oncotarget reveals a higher prevalence of germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in ovarian cancer patients from the Salento peninsula, with 28.6% having familial cases and 39.7% having sporadic cases. The study found that 29.8% of patients were carriers of BRCA1/2 mutation.
Scientists at UCSF discovered a new way to test for autism by measuring how children's eyes move when they turn their heads. Children with severe autism have an unusual form of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, which can be measured with a simple eye-tracking device.
Researchers optimized polygenic risk scores using ancestrally diverse genomic data to improve accuracy across diverse populations. The recalibrated tests provided a more accurate assessment of disease risk for individuals with varied ancestral backgrounds.
Researchers developed a novel assay that integrates data from four fusion callers to identify disease-related gene fusions in pediatric tumors with high accuracy and efficiency. The new bioinformatics platform detected fusions, prioritized them, and custom curated downstream processes for consensus fusion calling.
A new study has identified a genetic marker that can predict which patients are likely to respond to immunotherapy in various types of cancer. Tumors with high intragenic rearrangement (IGR) burden, which indicates cryptic structural rearrangements of the genetic code, may respond better to immunotherapy.
Researchers develop epigenetic clocks based on regional disorder of DNA methylation patterns, identifying common responses and critical differences from canonical clocks. These findings suggest a fundamental decoupling of epigenetic aging processes.
A pilot study proposes a promising global genomic assay for diagnosing molecular subtypes in pediatric B-ALL, leading to more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment options. RNA sequencing analysis accurately identified subtypes in all known cases and determined genetic subtype in 79% of previously unknown cases.
A team of researchers from MIT and the Broad Institute developed two types of injectable molecules called 'priming agents' that can boost DNA levels in blood samples, allowing for earlier cancer diagnosis and more sensitive detection of tumor mutations. The approach could also help improve detection of cancer recurrence.
Rice bioengineer Jerzy Szablowski and colleagues have engineered a synthetic serum marker that enables non-invasive neural monitoring by tracking gene expression dynamics in the brain. This breakthrough allows researchers to investigate brain development, cognitive function and neurological diseases more effectively.
A research team developed a novel blood test called desNIPT to screen pregnant women for genetic diseases in their unborn children. The test has demonstrated effectiveness in identifying alterations in fetal genes, similar to invasive procedures like chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis.
The Association for Molecular Pathology published a report outlining considerations for a slice testing strategy, including gene selection and quality. This approach combines the advantages of high-quality gene panels with flexibility and broad scope of exome sequencing.
A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.
Researchers developed a framework to identify genetic contributors to disease by applying stress tests to human blood cells. This study found links between blood-response characteristics and subsets of common diseases.
A new study suggests that genetic testing for depression could lead to significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes. The test, known as pharmacogenomic testing, can help match patients with medications that are more likely to be effective and cause fewer side effects.
The study demonstrates that concurrent DNA and RNA sequencing improves the detection of novel variants in individuals undergoing hereditary cancer testing, expanding identification of those with hereditary cancer predisposition. This advancement enables personalized therapeutics and surveillance for these individuals.
The LoCKAmp device uses lab-on-a-chip technology to detect Covid-19 and other pathogens in just three minutes, providing rapid and accurate results. The device has the potential to be used in remote healthcare settings and could also detect conditions like cancer.
A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that trust is the key factor in British South Asians' participation in genetic testing. Participants emphasize the importance of General Practitioners (GPs) as trustworthy professionals and personalized prescribing with genetic information to enhance trust and medication adherence.
A new method extracts DNA from cat hair, linking suspects and crime scenes, with potential applications in dog cases too. Researchers found a single cat hair contains usable DNA, which can be sequenced for a more powerful link.
Researchers developed a new epigenetic clock that accurately measures biological aging in healthy and unhealthy tissue, outperforming current clocks. The Glasgow-Karolinska Clock showed promise in assessing the impact of chronic kidney disease on aging, even after dialysis treatment.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that serial blood tests can identify patients who benefit from additional immunotherapies, suggesting a potential early marker of treatment response. The study also showed that ctDNA analyses correlated with tumor size and survival, making it a promising strategy for guiding therapy.
The study analyzed 10,000 gene expression signatures to assess their prognostic ability, finding that they lead to accurate patient prognosis in no more than 80% of cases. The researchers emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach incorporating molecular, clinical, histological, and other factors to ensure an accurate prognosis.