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Scientists map the human genome in 4D

Researchers created detailed maps of the human genome's three-dimensional organization across time and space, revealing how genes interact and fold as cells function. The study provides a powerful framework for predicting which genes are likely to be affected by pathogenic variants.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 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

Why do we love carbs? The origins predate agriculture and maybe even our split from Neanderthals

A new study finds that the gene for starch-digesting saliva may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes modern diet. This early duplication set the stage for significant variation in the amylase region, allowing humans to adapt to shifting diets with increasing starch consumption.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024

Distant relatedness in biobanks harnessed to identify undiagnosed genetic disease

A new method using shared segments within the genome has identified undiagnosed cases of Long QT syndrome, a rare disorder that can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. The approach was developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and applied to a DNA biobank to detect carriers of rare disease-ca...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Hunt for herbicide solution in snap bean reveals master switch for stress resistance

A new study reveals that snap bean germplasm has a master switch controlling multiple stress tolerance genes, offering a potential solution to waterhemp and other herbicides. The genomic region responsible for this tolerance acts like an on-and-off switch, with higher expression of certain enzymes and antioxidants in tolerant plants.

Genome study informs restoration of American chestnut tree

A genome study has identified regional adaptations in American chestnut trees, informing restoration efforts and climate resilience. The research provides guidance for conserving genetic diversity across the Appalachian region, with a focus on preserving the most genetically diverse southern population.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2024

Big boost for new epigenetics paradigm: CoRSIVs, first discovered in humans, now found in cattle

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discover that cattle have CoRSIVs, regions on the DNA that regulate gene expression and can predict desirable traits such as milk production and disease resistance. The study opens new possibilities for improving production efficiency in the cattle industry.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2024

Researchers find genetic stability in a long-term Panamanian hybrid zone of manakins

Hybrids between two manakin species in Panama have remained relatively stable over the past 30 years, with minimal changes in genomic markers. The phenotypic transition zone also shows stability, with only one trait having shifted location, suggesting a potential selection for green bellies.

Blast from the past

Researchers have discovered a new source of resistance to the devastating wheat blast disease, leveraging a gene that also protects against powdery mildew. The Pm4 gene, found in European wheat varieties, confers dual protection against the pathogen and its effector molecule AVR-Rmg8.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Determining sex in ants

A noncoding gene has been identified as the deciding factor in determining sex in Argentine ants, with a specific genomic region being crucial to this process. The gene does not encode a protein but rather produces an RNA that influences sex determination.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 6, 2024

LJI scientists develop new method to match genes to their molecular 'switches'

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology developed a computational method to link gene activity to molecular marks on DNA, potentially aiding in the detection of solid tumors and more accurate cancer diagnoses. This new approach utilizes machine learning tools to identify connections between genes and enhancers in the genome.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Cultural and linguistic networks of Central African hunter-gatherers have ancient origin

A study led by Andrea Migliano from the University of Zurich has discovered previously unknown links between culture, language, and genes among different hunter-gatherer populations in Central Africa. The team found that musical instruments were exchanged long before agricultural populations arrived in the region, suggesting extensive ...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2024

Study explores role of epigenetics, environment in differing Alzheimer’s risk between Black and white communities

A study from North Carolina State University found that environmentally caused alterations in the genome may contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk, particularly in Black people. The research identified stable epigenetic features that distinguish Alzheimer's brains from those without the disease.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClinical Epigenetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 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

A new antibody capture method reveals G-quadruplex landscape and its regulation

Researchers developed an improved method for G4 landscape determination, revealing that sequence property-specific constraints in the nuclear environment mitigate G4 formation. The technique, AbC G4-ChIP, captures G4s efficiently without bias, showing that depletion of a repeat-binding protein enhances net G4 capture at specific sites.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2024

New study finds corn genome can gang up on multiple pathogens at once

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified genomic regions associated with resistance to four diseases in corn: Goss's wilt, gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and southern corn leaf blight. The study found that multiple genes working together can provide durable resistance against different pathogens.

Shining a new light on the tug-of-war between virus and host

Scientists at Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research developed a new method called SHIFTR, enabling the discovery of interactions between specific RNA regions and proteins in live cells. This breakthrough has shed light on SARS-CoV-2 replication and identified potential targets for innovative antiviral therapies.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Genomic “butterfly effect” explains risk for autism spectrum disorder

Researchers discovered that de novo mutations in promoter regions of TADs containing known ASD genes are associated with increased ASD risk due to interactions in the three-dimensional structure of the genome. This 'butterfly effect' explains how mutations can affect distant ASD-related genes, highlighting the need for a new diagnostic...

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

IU researchers fill the final gaps in the Arabidopsis genome sequence and gain insights into gene regulatory mechanisms relevant to humans

Researchers at Indiana University have completed the final gaps in the Arabidopsis genome sequence, revealing how ribosomal RNA genes are organized and regulated. The study found that one NOR is nearly completely silenced in growing plants, while the other accounts for almost all ribosomal RNA gene activity in its central region.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 15, 2023

Spanish scientists identify the molecular mechanisms controlling the genes involved in proper formation of the heart valves

Researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares discovered the molecular mechanisms behind proper heart valve formation and prevention of calcification. They found that Notch signaling pathway disruption causes both valve defects and calcification.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

No IKAROS, no antibodies

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Massachusetts General Hospital mapped the genome to understand how IKAROS controls healthy B cell development. They found that IKAROS solves a big problem in B cell development by bringing together far-away genes through looping, leading to proper expression and antibody production.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

The first semi-wild-type melon T2T genome assembled by Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and China Agricultural University

Researchers from China and Spain assembled the first high-quality genome of a semi-wild melon, discovering genetic variants linked to resistance against diseases and unique fruit ripening mechanisms. The study provides valuable resources for future research on resistance breeding in melons.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Study illuminates mechanism that annotates genetic information passed from fathers to offspring

Researchers at Van Andel Institute have identified a key part of a mechanism that annotates genetic information before it is passed from fathers to their offspring. The findings shed new light on genomic imprinting, a fundamental biological process linked to diseases such as Silver-Russell syndrome and certain cancers.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023