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Can a healthy gut microbiome help prevent childhood stunting?

Researchers found that children with stable gut microbiomes tend to have better growth outcomes. The study created the first-ever pediatric undernutrition microbial genome catalog, which can predict and prevent malnutrition. This discovery opens the door to new diagnostics and therapeutics for addressing global child stunting issues.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateSep 9, 2025

How plants rot: New method decodes hidden decomposers of wood and leaves

A new bioinformatics-based method, fDOG, has been developed to search for genes with certain functions, including those involved in plant cell wall degradation. The study reveals a detailed global map of enzymes capable of degrading plant cell walls, with surprising discoveries among fungi and animals.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2025

Mayo Clinic AI tool finds early signs of blood mutations linked to cancer and heart disease

A new Mayo Clinic AI tool, UNISOM, has shown promising results in identifying early signs of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), a condition that raises the risk of leukemia and heart disease. The tool helps detect CHIP-related mutations in standard genetic datasets, opening new avenues for research and discovery.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGenomics Proteomics & Bioinformatics·DateAug 26, 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...

First ever one-day island-wide soil microbiome study completed on Crete

A groundbreaking single-day study on Crete's soil microbiome has provided new insights into the environmental factors influencing microbial diversity. The researchers identified several key drivers, including soil moisture and nutrient availability, which can inform strategies for preserving biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Microbiome·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2025

New research simulates cancer cell behavior

Researchers developed a software fueled by genomics to predict cancer cell behavior, combining genomics technologies with computational modeling. The new 'grammar' enables communication between biology and code, allowing scientists to build digital representations of multicellular biological systems and simulate diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 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

The ACMG releases 2025 update to secondary findings gene list; SF v3.3

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released its updated 2025 secondary findings gene list v3.3, adding three new genes to the list and introducing a new publicly available webpage to aid clinical labs in determining reportable variants. The update aims to ensure patient benefit from advances in genomic medicine.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 9, 2025

Genomes reveal the Norwegian lemming as one of the youngest mammal species

Researchers at Stockholm University have uncovered the evolutionary history of the Norwegian lemming, revealing it to be one of the most recently evolved mammal species. The study found that the Norwegian and Siberian lemmings diverged approximately 35,000 years ago, with no evidence of interbreeding between them.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2025

Pusan National University scientists uncover gene mutation tied to poor outcomes in transplant patients

Scientists from Pusan National University discovered a genetic biomarker, FCGBP, that is strongly linked to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and poor outcomes following lung transplantation. The finding may help identify high-risk patients and devise timely immunosuppressive treatments.

SourcePusan National University·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2025

New study finds recovery is still possible for critically endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper with urgent intervention

A new genomic study offers a unique lens for understanding the extinction crisis in Hawai'i, revealing that there is still time to save the critically endangered honeycreeper 'akeke'e. With only 17 species of iconic honeycreepers remaining, efforts to control mosquito populations and conservation breeding programs are underway.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 29, 2025

‘Selfish’ genes called introners proven to be a major source of genetic complexity

Researchers found evidence that introners, a type of selfish gene, are responsible for spreading genetic complexity across species. The study revealed eight instances of horizontal gene transfer between unrelated species, suggesting that introners may hitchhike on giant viruses to transfer between species.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2025

New research on ALS opens up for early treatment

Researchers at Stockholm University and UK DRI have identified a common disease signature across all ALS-causing mutations in motor neurons, revealing early mitochondrial dysfunction. This discovery opens up new avenues for early treatment methods, targeting the energy factories of nerve cells before other signs of disease appear.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

Asians made humanity’s longest prehistoric migration and shaped the genetic landscape in the Americas, finds NTU Singapore-led study

A groundbreaking NTU Singapore-led study has identified the earliest known Asian migrants who traveled over 20,000km from North Asia to South America. The GenomeAsia100K study reveals that these ancient humans arrived in the Americas approximately 14,000 years ago, diverging into four major groups and adapting to diverse environments.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2025

Grains of truth: New focus issue explores how pathogens and pests of cereal crops undermine global food security

The latest focus issue of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions explores the molecular, cellular, and genomic details of cereal crop diseases, highlighting key research on plant-pathogen interactions. Groundbreaking work has advanced the field, offering new insights into disease resistance and management strategies.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMay 7, 2025

Hospital-based outbreak detection system saves lives

A hospital-based outbreak detection system has been shown to prevent infections, save lives and cut costs. The Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) uses genomic sequencing to analyze infectious disease samples from patients, identifying near-identical strains that flag potential outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 28, 2025

Beyond the double helix: Alternative DNA conformations in ape genomes

A team of researchers has comprehensively predicted the location of non-B DNA structures in great apes using newly available telomere-to-telomere genomes. The study suggests that non-B DNA is enriched in these segments and may play a role in genetic diseases and cancer, with potential new functions discovered.

SourcePenn State·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Advanced genome sequencing enables genetic diagnosis for complex psychiatric conditions

A new study describes a case where long-read genomic sequencing (LRS) was used to diagnose RFX3 haplo-insufficiency syndrome in a patient with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. The study highlights the potential benefits of genetic testing in psychiatric care, including expediting workups for inpatient patients.

SourceRady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateApr 9, 2025

Curbing the global spread of sexually transmitted diseases

A team of scientists has developed a cutting-edge technology to analyze bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) using genome sequencing. The 'target enrichment' method enables high-resolution analysis of Chlamydia trachomatis and other pathogens, revealing new insights into their transmission and development pathways.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2025

Coyote genes may show urban evolution at work

A new study explores how city life is influencing the evolution of urban coyotes, revealing genetic changes related to diet, health, thermoregulation, behavior, cognition, and reproduction. The research also highlights the challenges of studying urban coyotes, which are increasingly common in urban areas throughout the US.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJan 15, 2025

Long reads successfully used to find genetic causes of rare diseases

Researchers have successfully used long reads to identify the genetic causes of rare diseases in 93% of cases, surpassing traditional short read techniques. The technique, which can map methylation and sequence longer DNA segments, has shown promising results in detecting complex genetic mutations.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2025

Genomic surveillance studies reveal circulation of multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales in Europe

Two studies found that multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales, particularly Escherichia coli ST131 and Providencia stuartii NDM-1, are spreading in healthcare and community settings across Europe. The emergence of these resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to carbapenem treatment effectiveness.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024