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Mount Sinai researchers the first to apply single-cell analysis to reveal mechanisms of a common complication of Crohn’s disease

A study by Mount Sinai researchers has identified several pathophysiological mechanisms underlying perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease. The findings highlight key transcription factor binding events and epigenetic phenomena that contribute to the higher rates of complications in African American patients. The research provides avenues...

Researchers identify new genetic risk factors for persistent HPV infections

Researchers have identified new genetic variants linked to susceptibility of cervical cancer-causing virus, raising the risk of getting cervical cancer from high-risk HPV infection. The study found polygenic risk scores to determine likelihood of having prevalent or persistent HPV infections.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 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

Tiny brain bubbles carry complete codes

Scientists discovered that tiny brain bubbles called small extracellular vesicles carry more complete instructions for altering cellular function than previously thought. Researchers found nearly 80% of identified mRNAs were full-length, allowing them to be transcribed by recipient cells into viable proteins.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Researchers identify novel genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease

A new study has identified 17 significant genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's disease in five genomic regions. The findings highlight the value of whole genome sequencing data in gaining long-sought insight into the ultimate causes and risk factors for Alzheimer's, which is the fifth leading cause of death among people 65 and older.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2024

Large-scale study explores genetic link between colorectal cancer and meat intake

Researchers linked red/processed meat consumption to increased colorectal cancer risk, highlighting two genetic markers (HAS2 and SMAD7) that alter cancer risk levels based on meat intake. The study analyzed data from nearly 70,000 people and found a 30-40% increased risk for those with high red or processed meat intake.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Genome-wide network analysis of above- and below-ground co-growth in Populus euphratica

This study introduces a computational model that uncovers the genetic architecture of tree growth in Populus euphratica, focusing on above- and below-ground traits. The model successfully delineates genetic contributions and network topology driving phenotypic formation, highlighting distinct time-varying growth characteristics.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2024

Addressing societal concerns of genetic determinism of human behavior by linking environmental influences and genetic research

A new perspective article suggests that integrating environmental effects into genetic research is crucial to understand the intricate nature of gene-environment interactions. The authors propose expanding genome-wide association studies by incorporating environmental data, which could help mitigate deterministic thinking in genetics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 27, 2024

Large, diverse genetic study of glaucoma implicates vascular and cancer-related genes

A large, diverse genetic study identified novel genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The study implicated vascular and cancer-related genes in POAG risk, with 20% of associated genes related to primary cilia.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

December issues of APA journals cover childhood resilience and adult outcomes, genetics and postpartum depression, increasing rates of suicide among Black women, and more

The December issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services explore postpartum depression, responses to stress in adulthood, and adversity in children. APA highlights increased rates of suicide among Black women, shedding light on childhood resilience and genetics.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2023

Predicting the molecular functions of regulatory genetic variants associated with cancer

Researchers discuss a new approach integrating genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and machine learning methods to identify functional genetic variants and characterize their mode of action in regulating target genes. This method aims to improve understanding of disease etiology and prioritize causative inherited genetic variants.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

New pathways of Alzheimer's disease identified

A new study has identified two main pathways involved in Alzheimer's disease, with one acting through amyloid and tau proteins and the other based on immune system reactions. The research also found that certain genes have opposite effects in men and women, suggesting a need for further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Lübeck·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2023

Being a vegetarian may be—partly—in your genes

A genome-wide association study reveals 34 genes potentially involved in choosing a vegetarian diet, including those related to lipid metabolism and brain function. The findings suggest that genetics play a role in the ability to subsist on a vegetarian diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2023

Researchers discover genes behind antibiotic resistance in deadly superbug infections

Australian researchers analyzed over 1,300 Golden staph strains, linking specific genes to antibiotic resistance and the bacteria's ability to linger in the bloodstream. The study highlights the diagnostic power of integrating clinical and genomic data to develop targeted solutions for deadly superbug infections.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Largest genetic study of epilepsy to date provides new insights on why epilepsy develops and potential treatments

A massive genetic study has identified specific DNA changes that increase the risk of developing epilepsy. The research found 26 distinct areas in our DNA involved in epilepsy and proposed alternative drugs targeting these genes. The findings may inform better diagnosis, classification, and treatment strategies for epilepsy.

SourceRCSI·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Having a bad hair day? Blame your genes!

A new study has identified four genetic variants associated with the direction of human scalp hair whorls, revealing a polygenic inheritance pattern. The findings may help unravel biological processes related to abnormal neurological development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

NEW STUDY: Discovery of chemical means to reverse aging and restore cellular function

A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified six chemical cocktails that can restore cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. The study builds upon the discovery of Yamanaka factors, which can convert adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, raising hopes for treating age-related diseases and injuries. The im...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Higher levels of diglycerides and triglycerides adversely associated with glaucoma

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that higher levels of diglycerides and triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. The research suggests that these lipid metabolites play a role in the disease's pathogenesis, highlighting potential new targets for prevention or treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2023

Scientists map complete genome of millet

Researchers have unlocked the large-scale genomic analysis of foxtail millet, an important cereal crop that has been grown for roughly 11,000 years. The study identified key genes and marker-panels for its evolution and improvement in different environments.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 8, 2023

The look of your eyebrows is in your genes; A new study uncovers genes that define the appearance of eyebrows

A recent study has uncovered three previously unreported genetic loci associated with eyebrow thickness in Europeans, as well as rediscovering two of the four genetic loci previously found in non-Europeans. The research expands genetic knowledge on human eyebrow variation, with implications for dermatology and other fields.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Honey bee colony aggression linked to gene regulatory networks

A new study explores the genetic mechanisms underlying honey bee colony defense and aggression, revealing that gene regulation influences collective behavior and division of labor. Researchers found that brain gene regulatory networks differ between soldiers and foragers, particularly in more aggressive colonies.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Next-generation statistical simulator gives medical and biological researchers a benchmarking tool capable of closely mimicking single-cell and spatial genomics data

A new computer-modeling system, scDesign3, has been developed to generate realistic synthetic data for analyzing genetic makeup of cells. The system can help researchers evaluate and validate computational methods for tasks such as gene expression analysis and cell trajectory modeling.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2023

*Free* Ancient DNA reveals population continuity in pre-Hispanic central Mexico

A new study using ancient DNA from northern and central Mexico reveals population continuity despite drastic environmental change, providing new insights into the region's demographic history. The research also identifies two 'ghost' populations contributing to pre-Hispanic populations, revealing a complex demographic landscape.

UC Santa Cruz to lead data collection center for major federal project on genetic underpinnings of neurological conditions

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute will run the Data Coordination Center for the Scalable and Systematic Neurobiology of Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Disorder Risk Genes (SSPsyGene) Consortium. The team will coordinate an initial selection of 250 relevant genes from nearly 30,000 protein coding genes in the human genome.