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Single-cell sequencing reveals unexpected protist diversity

Researchers at Earlham Institute isolated and sequenced genomes from seven uncultured Bodo spp. single cells, revealing three potentially novel species with unique genetic diversity. The study advances the field of single-cell sequencing in protists, shedding light on hidden biodiversity and symbiotic relationships.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Mapping proteins in African genomes reveals new paths to fight type 2 diabetes

Researchers mapped nearly 400 genetic regions regulating circulating proteins, identifying 18 with a likely causal link to T2D. These findings provide new insights into disease biology and could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, as well as treatments tailored to African populations.

AI offers ‘roadmap’ to plant genetics

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory developed an AI-powered approach to identify redundant genes in plants. By analyzing evolutionary data and machine learning models, they predicted which genes to edit to modify specific traits, providing a new 'roadmap' for plant breeders.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 8, 2025

Positron emission tomography in psychiatry: Dr. Romina Mizrahi maps the molecular future

Dr. Romina Mizrahi's PET-based neuroimaging sheds light on brain workings, integrating genetics, environment and imaging to understand psychiatric illness as a complex biological puzzle. She advocates for precision psychiatry paradigm with customized treatments based on molecular profiles, and calls for diversity in academic leadership.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 8, 2025

The cacao tree species (Theobroma cacao L.), from which we get chocolate, is likely about 7.5 million years old, with chloroplast genomes indicating that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs

Researchers analyzed chloroplast genomes of cacao trees from northern Peru to determine the species' age and diversity. The study found that the current known diversity diversified during the Pliocene or Miocene epochs, approximately 7.5 million years ago.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 5, 2025

'Black box' of stem cell transplants opened in world-first blood study

Researchers tracked the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in patients' bodies up to three decades post-transplant. They found that younger donors produce more vital stem cells, while older donors experience reduced immunity and higher relapse risk. The study provides new insights into donor selection and transplant success.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2024

Review shows bird flu control strategies ‘not working’

A review highlights gaps in data collection and testing mechanisms for H5N1 influenza transmission between cows and humans, posing risks of silent spread through farm worker barracks or developing countries. The authors emphasize the need for new control strategies, including vaccination, to mitigate the potential for a human pandemic

SourceThe Pirbright Institute·JournalNature·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 24, 2024

Most new recessive developmental disorder diagnoses lie within known genes

A recent study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute and GeneDx analyzed nearly 30,000 families with developmental disorders, revealing that known genes explain over 80% of cases caused by recessive genetic variants. The team identified several new genes associated with these conditions, providing answers for previously undiagnosed families...

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2024

Genome study informs restoration of American chestnut tree

A genome study has identified regional adaptations in American chestnut trees, informing restoration efforts and climate resilience. The research provides guidance for conserving genetic diversity across the Appalachian region, with a focus on preserving the most genetically diverse southern population.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2024

Finding hidden genetic treasure: Study uncovers untapped diversity in historic wheat collection

A decade-long study has discovered a vast untapped genetic potential in modern wheat varieties, revealing that at least 60% of the genetic diversity found in a historic collection is unused. This discovery provides an unprecedented opportunity to improve modern wheat and sustainably feed a growing global population. The study used a cr...

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2024

Filling in genomic blanks for disease studies works better for some groups than others

A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that genome-wide association studies' imputation technique works better for European, African American, and Latino groups than others. The researchers evaluated over 100 global populations, finding that imputation is less reliable for those farther away from Europe.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 10, 2024

Largest diversity study of ‘magic mushrooms’ investigates the evolution of psychoactive psilocybin production

Researchers have sequenced 52 Psilocybe specimens, including 39 species previously unsequenced, to understand the evolution of psychoactive psilocybin production. The study reveals two distinct gene orders within the psilocybin-producing gene cluster, suggesting an ancient split in the genus.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Analysis finds diversity on the smallest scales in sulfur-cycling salt marsh microbes

Researchers analyzed DNA sequenced datasets of microbes collected from salt marsh sites to study the relationship between cordgrasses and sulfur-cycling microbes. They found diverse microbial communities with varying combinations of genes for sulfate reduction and sulfur oxidation, allowing them to thrive in salt marsh sediments.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Syphilis transmission networks and antimicrobial resistance in England uncovered using genomics

Researchers use genomic surveillance to identify distinct sexual networks for syphilis transmission in England, highlighting the presence of drug resistance. The study reveals information beyond standard epidemiological surveillance data, aiding public health strategies to break transmission chains.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

Bronze Age family systems deciphered: Mainz palaeogeneticists analyse a 3,800-year-old extended family

A groundbreaking study has unraveled the secrets of a 3,800-year-old extended family from a Bronze Age necropolis in the Russian steppe. The research reveals that most women buried in the kurgan were immigrants, while their sisters found new homes elsewhere, highlighting the importance of female marriage mobility in prehistoric societies.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateAug 22, 2023

Moving towards a more inclusive approach to medicine

A new human pangenome reference has been released, representing the genetic diversity of 47 individuals from around the world. This development may lead to breakthroughs in targeted medical treatments and a better understanding of disease responses, as regions previously missed are now being explored.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2023

The ACMG publishes statement on clinical, technical and environmental biases influencing equitable access to clinical genetics/genomics testing

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has published a statement addressing factors that contribute to bias in clinical genetic testing. The statement highlights three main areas: environmental, clinical, and technical biases, which affect health equity for individuals from historically marginalized populations.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 14, 2023

Genome analysis just got personal

Researchers have created a new tool, EN-TEx, to analyze genetic mutations and predict disease risk. The catalog of allele-specific variants provides rich data for accurate personal genomics, enabling scientists to study the effects of genetic mutations in tissues that are difficult to obtain without surgery.

Ancient genomes reveal immunity adaptation in early farmers

Researchers found that a large genetic region responsible for immune responses showed rapid evolution and more Mesolithic hunter-gatherer ancestry, suggesting that genetic variants already present in Europe were passed down preferentially. This suggests that diversity in immune genes may be just as important as adaptation to lifestyle.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

Genomic analysis shows the Amazon’s Ashaninka people are made up of two subgroups with distinct histories

A recent genomic study identifies two genetically distinct Ashaninka subgroups, suggesting a complex history of interactions with neighboring populations. The research also hints at a possible migration from southeastern South America or the Southern Cone, shedding new light on the genetic origins of this Indigenous group.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023