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Duke-NUS scientists develop new technique to reveal the hidden genome

Researchers have identified nearly 8,000 short RNA sequences that code for microproteins and peptides, opening new avenues for disease research and drug development. The technique used to discover these sequences provides a comprehensive map of human smORFs, highlighting overlooked functional components of the genome.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2022

Ridge-to-reef ecosystem census reveals hidden reservoir for microbiomes

A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022

Leading scientists use Genomics England data set to propose updated global guidelines to improve rare disease diagnosis

Leading scientists propose updated global guidelines to improve rare disease diagnosis using whole-genome sequence data, building on insights from Genomics England's rare disease participants. The guidelines aim to address the challenge of interpreting non-coding region variants and provide a framework for standardizing diagnoses.

SourceGenomics England·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Repairing nature with DNA technology

Genomics offers vital support for reversing ecosystem decline by improving seed sourcing practices under climate change and screening for threatened species. The technology also enables the detection of invasive weeds and animals, as well as tracking of soil microbes that support life on earth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2022

The secret lives of mites in the skin of our faces

Researchers analyzed DNA of Demodex folliculorum mites living in human hair follicles, finding unusual body features and behaviors due to their isolated existence. The study suggests these mites may transition from external parasites to internal symbionts as they shed unnecessary genes and cells.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022

New inherited retroviruses identified in the koala genome

Researchers from Uppsala University have identified new inherited retroviruses in the koala genome, including novel ERV lineages related to the squirrel monkey retrovirus. These findings provide a potential model for studying retroviral establishment and health effects in real-time.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2022

PCR test for Okinawa mozuku could increase yields and lead to climate-tolerant strains

Researchers from OIST developed a PCR test that detects nine sex-determining genes in Okinawa mozuku germlings, enabling the identification of male and female haploid and diploid stages. This allows for crossbreeding to create heat-tolerant strains, improving yields and addressing issues with detachment and contamination.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhycological Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Pre-historic Wallacea - a melting pot of human genetic ancestries

Researchers analyzed 16 ancient genomes from Wallacea, revealing striking differences between regions and a previously unknown ancestry contribution from Mainland Southeast Asia. The findings suggest multiple human dispersals into Wallacea and major implications for the understanding of Neolithic dispersals into Island Southeast Asia.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 9, 2022

Study: Black kidney transplant patients exhibit faster clearance rates of key immunosuppressive medicine tacrolimus

A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPharmacotherapy The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy·DateApr 18, 2022

UNC Charlotte team developed a universal AI algorithm for in-depth cleaning of single cell genomic data

The UNC Charlotte team developed a universal AI algorithm called AutoClass to clean noisy single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data. The algorithm effectively removes noise and enhances downstream analysis in multiple aspects, demonstrating its robustness and scalability.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

Are egg cells in aging primates protected from mutations?

Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

Personalized testing for safety and effectiveness of common medicines must be offered throughout the health service

A report by the British Pharmacological Society and Royal College of Physicians recommends integrating pharmacogenomic testing to ensure medicines work safely and effectively for individual patients. The UK is a world leader in genomic medicine, and expanded testing would further demonstrate this leadership.

SourceBritish Pharmacological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

How new bird species arise

A study reveals that new bird species arise in lowland habitats before moving higher into mountainous areas, where genetic differences accumulate. The research suggests that climate fluctuations, particularly during the Pleistocene era, contributed to the evolution of these high-altitude populations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2022

A new molecular family tree of grasses

A new molecular study of grasses reveals a clear picture of their evolutionary relationships, shedding light on the evolution of C4 photosynthesis involved in heat and drought tolerance. The research provides evidence that this type of photosynthesis evolved independently multiple times within different grass lineages.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Discovery of 29 new acne risk genes provides hope for new treatments

A recent study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with acne, providing potential new targets for treatment and helping clinicians identify individuals at high risk of severe disease. The research, involving over 20,000 individuals with acne, also found a link between genetic risk and disease severity.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

New benchmark could improve detection of genetic variants linked to spinal muscular atrophy, other diseases

A new DNA benchmark, developed by NIST and collaborators, enables more accurate detection of genetic variants linked to diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy. The benchmark, based on HiFi sequencing technology, helps labs and clinics sequence genes with high accuracy, critical for disease diagnosis and treatment.

CHOP researchers use deep learning to find genetic causes of mental health disorders in frequently understudied African American population

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used deep learning to analyze whole genome sequencing data from African American patients with mental disorders. The model demonstrated over 70% accuracy in distinguishing between disorders and identifying multiple disorders.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

Genes newly linked to longer human lifespan

A new study published in Genome Research has identified a group of genes that play a crucial role in building cellular components and may contribute to human longevity. Inhibiting these genes may increase lifespan by reducing their impact on the body later in life.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGenome Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022