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Researchers identify genetic bottlenecks that explain the emergence of cholera

Researchers have identified genetic bottlenecks that explain the emergence of pandemic cholera strains. These specific combinations of genes and allelic variants grant an advantage in human intestinal colonization, allowing a small subset of Vibrio cholerae to become deadly pathogens.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2025

How a genetic tug-of-war decides the fate of a honey bee

Researchers at Penn State uncovered the molecular mechanisms controlling how genes inherited from the father and mother determine a honey bee larva's fate. They found that patrigenes were expressed at higher levels in queen-destined larvae, while matrigenes were expressed at higher levels in worker-destined larvae.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 20, 2025

Research contributes understanding to one of the most compelling and enduring mysteries in human history

A new study analyzing ancient genomes from seven individuals in present-day Honduras provides insights into the genetic origins of the Classic Maya people and their population expansion or decline during the rise and fall of their civilization. The research contributes to our understanding of human history, population dynamics, and env...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 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

Modulation of antiviral response in fungi via RNA editing

A study by University of Fukui researchers reveals that two adjacent gene pairs in Neurospora crassa regulate antiviral response and symptom induction via RNA editing. The findings indicate that the modification of master transcription factor genes is crucial for controlling fungal antiviral responses.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 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

Asians made humanity’s longest prehistoric migration and shaped the genetic landscape in the Americas, finds NTU Singapore-led study

A groundbreaking NTU Singapore-led study has identified the earliest known Asian migrants who traveled over 20,000km from North Asia to South America. The GenomeAsia100K study reveals that these ancient humans arrived in the Americas approximately 14,000 years ago, diverging into four major groups and adapting to diverse environments.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2025

Mammal’s lifespans linked to brain size and immune system function, says new study

A new study found that mammals with bigger brains and more complex immune systems tend to live longer. The research suggests that the immune system plays a major role in driving the evolution of longer lifespans across mammals, removing aging and damaged cells, controlling infections, and preventing tumor formation.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 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

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

City of Hope-led study demystifies tumor formation’s two-step process — a foundational understanding needed to prevent cancer

Researchers at City of Hope discovered that mutated cells can persist for years without becoming cancer and require an additional inflammatory push for malignancy to occur. Chronic inflammation is a key trigger for tumor formation, making it essential to avoid situations like high-fat diets and obesity.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

Study identifies Shisa7 gene as key driver in heroin addiction

A study published in Biological Psychiatry identified the Shisa7 gene as a key driver of heroin addiction. The research team used machine learning to analyze brain tissue from human opioid users and found that modulating this gene's expression influenced heroin-seeking behavior and cognitive flexibility.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

Stowers scientists uncover principles underlying the toxicity of “selfish” genes

Researchers found that selfish genes use self-assembly properties to harm cells, with aggregate size and distribution being key factors in toxicity. The study also reveals an evolutionary arms race between sabotage and salvation, where rapid evolution of 'selfish' genes can lead to their own destruction.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

Uprooting Cassava Disease: scientists identify causes of two devastating diseases

Researchers have identified the pathogens and diagnostic tests for the two diseases, revolutionizing cassava disease management in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The study, published in peer-reviewed journals, marks a significant milestone in fighting the spread of these devastating diseases.