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ORC2 regulation of human gene expression shows unexpected breadth and scale

A recent study reveals that ORC2 subunit regulates epigenetics and gene expression by compacting chromatin and attracting repressive histone marks at some sites, but activating gene expression at others. This regulation also prevents CTCF binding at certain sites, leading to changes in chromatin structure and gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2025

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

Major autism study uncovers biologically distinct subtypes, paving the way for precision diagnosis and care

Researchers identified four clinically and biologically distinct subtypes of autism, each with distinct developmental, medical, behavioral, and psychiatric traits. The study linked subtypes to genetic profiles and developmental trajectories, offering new insights into the biology underlying autism.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 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

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

Substance use accelerates brain aging through distinct molecular pathways, groundbreaking study reveals

Researchers identified unique biological mechanisms that cause premature aging in the brains of individuals with alcohol, opioid, and stimulant use disorders. Different substances appear to hijack the brain's natural aging rhythm through distinct molecular mechanisms, though some pathways are shared across different substance types.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 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

Genome Research publishes a special issue on long-read DNA and RNA sequencing applications in biology and medicine

This special issue highlights novel applications of long-read sequencing technologies in biology and medicine, including human disease detection, rare disease diagnostics, and structural variation analysis. Several studies demonstrate the use of long-read sequencing data approaches to overcome challenges posed by repetitive regions, id...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press·JournalGenome Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

KAIST identifies master regulator blocking immunotherapy, paving the way for a new lung cancer treatment​

Researchers at KAIST discovered that DDX54 is the master regulator hindering immunotherapy's effectiveness in lung cancer. Supressing DDX54 enhances immune cell infiltration into tumors and improves immunotherapy efficacy.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 9, 2025

Study implicates 60 genes in congenital heart disease, including some that that also contribute to related to disorders such as autism

Researchers identified 60 genes linked to congenital heart disease, with some also contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The study provides new insight into the genetic architecture of CHD and has implications for prenatal screening and early risk assessment.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2025

Small molecules, big role: snoRNAs in gene regulation

Researchers at ELTE have created an online database of snoRNAs in zebrafish, revealing 67 previously unknown snoRNAs and providing a comprehensive analysis of their expression during development and in adult tissues. The findings may help create better zebrafish disease models and aid understanding of complex human diseases.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNAR Genomics and Bioinformatics·DateMar 18, 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