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Autism-risk mutations reveal two opposing patterns of brain gene activity

Researchers identified two opposing patterns of brain gene activity in mice carrying autism-risk mutations, which vary by sex and respond differently to experimental drugs. The patterns, which are shared across multiple analyses, suggest that many different genetic mutations converge into a limited number of molecular brain states.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2026

Despite Medicare coverage, many cancer patients still do not receive testing that guides treatment options

A recent analysis found that while genomic testing increased among Medicare recipients, many patients still lack next-generation sequencing tests. This limits their access to precision medicine and targeted therapies. The study highlights the need for further research on how increased testing impacts patient outcomes.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal Review highlights stable CircRNAs as non‑invasive biomarkers for cancer detection and therapy

Circulating circRNAs show high cell-type and tissue specificity, making them ideal for non-invasive cancer management. They can be detected in multiple body fluids and reflect treatment response, positioning them as functional drivers of therapy resistance.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 28, 2026

A new way to map how cells choose their fate

Researchers develop ddHodge, a geometry-preserving method that accurately reconstructs cell state dynamics. The technique reveals repeating processes like the cell cycle and identifies critical biological moments in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 29, 2025

New technique maps genetic variants driving neurodegenerative disease risk

A new method developed by Penn State researchers improves the analysis of genetic data, identifying more genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The technique, BASIC, integrates both bulk tissue samples and single-cell data to uncover shared genetic effects across different cell types.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2025

New world record set for fastest human whole genome sequencing, representing significant step towards revolutionizing genomic care in the NICU

The team achieved rapid genomic sequencing and interpretation within hours, setting a Guinness World Records milestone. This breakthrough has the potential to expedite precise treatments for critically ill babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), reducing waiting times from days to hours.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 15, 2025

Genomic techniques can streamline breeding for grain quality

Researchers developed a strategy to predict multiple traits at once based on the whole genome, increasing predictive ability by 2-10 times. This method, called multi-trait genomic selection (MT-GS), combines genetic markers with known trait links for more accurate predictions, making it a promising tool for efficient and cost-effective...

City of Hope-led study demystifies tumor formation’s two-step process — a foundational understanding needed to prevent cancer

Researchers at City of Hope discovered that mutated cells can persist for years without becoming cancer and require an additional inflammatory push for malignancy to occur. Chronic inflammation is a key trigger for tumor formation, making it essential to avoid situations like high-fat diets and obesity.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

New open-source platform for high-resolution spatial transcriptomics

A new open-source platform, Nova-ST, is transforming gene expression profiling in tissue samples by offering affordable and high-resolution spatial analysis. This approach allows scientists to map gene expression across a tissue section with a spatial context, enabling the study of complex biological processes.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2024

Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management

The Xanthomonas cucurbitae pathogen that causes bacterial spot has remained genetically uniform across the Midwest, with most isolates sharing over 99% identical DNA sequences. This lack of diversification may hinder the pathogen's ability to evolve and could be leveraged for developing disease-resistant crops.

Consortium including Brazilians sequences the reference genome of Arabica coffee

A consortium of scientists, including Brazilians, has successfully sequenced the reference genome of Arabica coffee. The study identified genes responsible for resistance to rust and other diseases, as well as those related to the aroma of Arabica coffee. By comparing a dihaploid-derived genome with a common tetraploid variety, researc...

Data-processing tool could enable better early stage cancer detection

A team of Rice University researchers has developed a platform for integrating DNA and RNA data from single-cell sequencing with greater speed and precision. The method, MaCroDNA, relies on a classical algorithm to identify matching pairs of data and outperformed state-of-the-art technologies in accuracy measurements.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Whale of a debate put to rest

Researchers have finally solved the mystery of the pygmy right whale's evolutionary history, revealing it as a distinct lineage not related to right whales. The study, published in Marine Mammal Science, used genome sequencing and morphology to confirm the whale's unique characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJul 10, 2023

Rice U.’s Todd Treangen wins NSF CAREER Award

Rice University's assistant professor of computer science, Todd Treangen, has been awarded a $599,943 National Science Foundation CAREER Award to develop a comprehensive computational platform for detecting yet-unseen microbial pathogens. The project aims to characterize previously unseen pathogens that could pose a risk to humans.

Scientists can now assemble entire genomes on their personal computers in minutes

Researchers at MIT and Institut Pasteur have created an efficient method for assembling entire genomes, including the human genome, in minutes using personal computers. This approach uses minimizer-space de Bruijn graphs to store only a small fraction of nucleotides while preserving overall genome structure, enabling faster processing ...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Thoughts on plant genomes

The sequencing of plant genomes has accelerated significantly, with over 181 horticultural species now sequenced. These advancements have provided new insights into the inheritance of traits and evolutionary aspects of various plant species, including fruit development and ripening. The data will benefit future research projects and pr...