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PNU researchers reveal cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause of lichen striatus hypopigmentation

A study by Pusan National University researchers found a significant association between Cutibacterium acnes and lichen striatus hypopigmentation, suggesting the potential for targeted therapy to reduce LS duration and hypopigmentation. The research team identified other likely candidates in skin microbiota imbalance.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 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

New study reveals crucial 'housekeeping' genetic elements and their potent role to fight cancer

A new study reveals around 11,000 housekeeping cis-regulatory elements (HK-CREs) that play a crucial role in maintaining cellular stability and function. These elements were found to have potential as essential housekeeping tumor suppressors, with reduced activity in diverse cancer subtypes.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Some sea cucumbers like it hot

A team of scientists sequenced the full genome of a sea cucumber collected at a hydrothermal vent, revealing expanded gene families involved in DNA repair and iron metabolism. The research provides valuable insights into the unique adaptations of marine animals to survive in extreme environments.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Were Neanderthals morning people ?

Genetic material from Neanderthal ancestors may have influenced the preference for waking up early in some people. Studies found that introgressed genetic variants from Neanderthals are associated with increased morningness and a shorter circadian period, which is beneficial at higher latitudes.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 14, 2023

International collaboration uses faculty member’s research on ancient Roman migration, seeks to understand Balkan genomic history

A multidisciplinary team reconstructed the genomic history of the Balkan Peninsula during the first millennium CE, finding an influx of genetically similar individuals who spoke Slavic languages. This study sheds light on the cosmopolitanism of the Roman frontier and the long-term consequences of migrations that accompanied the breakdo...

SourceMississippi State University·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

Accelerating drug development for lung diseases: New insights from single-cell genomics

A new experimental model, human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS), was used to study lung disease mechanisms and understand treatment response. The team leveraged single-cell genomics to analyze cell activity in hPCLS after specific treatments.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis may be under-diagnosed, says genomic analysis in southern Mozambique

A genomic analysis in southern Mozambique found that new molecular tests are needed to detect a wider range of mutations conferring resistance to first-line TB drugs. The study identified high numbers of isoniazid-resistant cases, which were also missed by the Xpert/Ultra test.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Younger people are more vulnerable to the effects of cardiovascular risk associated with high blood cholesterol and hypertension

A new study reveals that younger people are more vulnerable to the effects of high blood cholesterol and hypertension, atherosclerosis can be reversed if risk factors are controlled early enough. The study suggests aggressive control of cardiovascular risk factors at younger ages.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 20, 2023

Genomic analysis in snakes shows link between neutral, functional genetic diversity

Researchers found that neutral genetic diversity correlates with functional genetic diversity in Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, suggesting a more efficient approach for species conservation. This discovery has implications for endangered species conservation, as it may not be necessary to sequence entire genomes for all cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 16, 2023

Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science

Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Capturing immunotherapy response in a blood drop

A phase 2 clinical trial found that serial blood tests can identify patients who benefit from additional immunotherapies, suggesting a potential early marker of treatment response. The study also showed that ctDNA analyses correlated with tumor size and survival, making it a promising strategy for guiding therapy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 9, 2023

New findings on hair loss in men

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified five rare genetic variants associated with male-pattern hair loss. The researchers analyzed the genetic sequences of 72,469 male participants from the UK Biobank project and found associations between rare variants in genes such as EDA2R, WNT10A, HEPH, CEPT1, and EIF3F.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2023

How bats evolved to avoid cancer

A new study has found that bats' extraordinary ability to host and survive infections may be linked to their low cancer rates. Researchers sequenced the genomes of two bat species and compared them to other mammals, discovering genetic adaptations that allow bats to tolerate viral infections.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

Groundbreaking research unveils genetic characteristics and improved prognosis of triple negative apocrine carcinoma

Researchers identified distinct genomic characteristics that impact prognosis for patients with triple negative apocrine carcinoma. The study confirmed a five-year disease-free survival rate of 92.2% for these patients, significantly higher than those diagnosed with other types of TNBC.

Invasive red fire ants confirmed in Europe for the first time

Researchers confirm invasive red fire ant species Solenopsis invicta has established itself in Sicily, with potential to spread across Europe due to climate change. Urban areas are particularly at risk, and the team plans a multi-year treatment plan to eradicate nests and monitor the ants' spread.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Malaria-causing parasites resistant to both treatment and detection have emerged in Ethiopia

Scientists have detected new strains of malaria-causing parasites in Ethiopia that are resistant to current treatments and escape detection by common diagnostic tests. The prevalence of these double-resistant parasites is a concern for malaria control and elimination efforts in Africa, where the disease remains endemic.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

Copy number variation implements pregnancy as an aging model

Researchers found that pregnant mice experiencing copy number variation (CNV) showed similarities to aging, with biomarkers and genetic effects appearing during pregnancy and reversing after delivery. This study aims to revolutionize aging treatment by investigating the mechanisms behind post-labor rejuvenation.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 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