Research on the human genome and what it shapes. Covers AI genomics, molecular aging, biodesign, and gene-environment effects.
A team of researchers analyzed the DNA of nine 13th-century Crusaders, revealing a genetically diverse group that intermixed with local populations. The findings provide insights into the history of the Crusades and highlight the importance of ancient DNA in understanding historical events.
Researchers found cold-resistant phenotypes in Alaskan Iñupiat and immune response genes in central Mexican and southeastern US populations. Genetic adaptations varied depending on population history and geography.
Researchers discover SRC-1 gene variants disrupt body weight regulation in mice and humans, highlighting the protein's key role in the hypothalamus. Genetic variants identified in severely obese children contribute to poor body weight control.
A new CRISPR-Cas3 system allows for efficient genome editing in human cells, erasing long stretches of DNA from targeted sites. This technology holds promise for treating viral diseases such as herpes simplex and hepatitis B, which are major public health threats.
A team of biologists has discovered new rules governing cell decision-making in genetics, revealing how genes are activated under specific conditions. The study found that a protein called Zelda strengthens Dorsal activity, allowing cells to make decisions about gene activation based on their environment.
A genetic study of an outbreak of Enterococcus faecalis revealed how the organism became resistant to new antibiotics and adapted to infect human blood. The research identified multiple mutations that enabled the bacteria to resist host immune systems and antibiotics.
The Human Genetics Scholars Initiative aims to increase workforce diversity in human genetics research by providing intensive mentoring, skill-building, and community-building opportunities. The program will support up to 240 diverse young researchers over five years.
A new CRISPR-Cas3 tool has been developed for long-range DNA editing in human cells, allowing scientists to target and delete large expanses of DNA. This technique harnesses a different type of CRISPR system than the widely used Cas9 tools, enabling precise control over DNA degradation.
A new online tool allows researchers to determine the genetic ancestral origin of over 1300 cancer cell lines, revealing a lack of representation from diverse populations. The study found that European and East Asian origins were overrepresented, while African American and Hispanic/Latino origins were underrepresented.
A recent study in Molecular Biology and Evolution reconstructed artificial genomes with the analyses of 565 contemporary South Asian individuals to extract ancient DNA signals. The researchers found valuable genetic components that allow them to elucidate the genetic composition of ancient populations in the region. Additionally, they ...
Scientists have developed a kinder gentler way to deliver big molecules like Cas9 enzyme into cells, improving efficiency and safety. The new technique, nanopore-electroporation, creates fewer than a dozen tiny holes in each cell, allowing for more effective gene editing and delivery of therapeutic proteins.
The bias in human genomics research limits understanding of health and disease, and the ability to make accurate predictions and develop new treatments. The authors call for increased diversity in studies to address health inequalities and mistrust
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found that chromatin changes quickly in response to low oxygen, preceding gene expression activation. This discovery sheds light on how cells respond to oxygen deprivation and may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
The NIH supports an international moratorium on clinical germline editing due to safety, ethical, and philosophical concerns. The call comes after irresponsible research in China, where twins were born with altered DNA before implantation.
Researchers have identified an association between a MUC5B gene variant and systemic vasculitis, a lung disease prevalent in the Japanese population. The study found that patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis are more likely to have ILD if they carry this specific genetic variation.
Researchers from the University of Rochester discover that LINE1 retrotransposons become more active with age, triggering inflammation and age-related diseases. By understanding the impacts of these genomic parasites, scientists can develop strategies to inhibit them and combat aging.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) have identified key genes that promote spinal cord regeneration in axolotls. By activating these genes, scientists were able to force human cells to undergo regeneration, highlighting similarities between species.
A comprehensive analysis of 14 IBD patient groups and 1,800 intestinal biopsies pinpointed a key genetic component linked to more severe cases. The protein PAI-1 was found to exacerbate colon inflammation by targeting tPA, which protected against injury in mice
A new study confirms dingoes are a distinct species in Australia, with specific characteristics that differentiate them from domestic dogs and other wild canids. The finding highlights the importance of preserving dingo populations for their ecological role in managing invasive predators.
Researchers at Shinshu University found that a gene influencing snail shell coil direction also plays a key role in snail evolution, potentially leading to the creation of new species. The study reveals that genetic expression levels can determine handedness in snails, with reduced expression resulting in reversed handedness.
The completed genome of the Antarctic blackfin icefish reveals genes that have adapted or disappeared as the fish acclimated to rising oxygen concentrations. The study provides insights into how these traits arose and may help understand human disease mechanisms and potential new therapies.
Researchers have developed a neuron-optimized CRISPR activation system that efficiently regulates genes involved in learning and memory, plasticity, and neuronal development. This breakthrough paves the way for studying genetic influences on brain health and disease using model organisms more closely resembling humans.
Researchers discovered a link between Escherichia coli and colorectal cancer risk through colibactin, a genotoxic warhead that damages DNA. The study identified potential biomarkers for assessing colorectal cancer risk and provides significant mechanistic insights into the carcinogenic activities of colibactin.
Researchers reconstructed the phylogenetic tree of six African baboon species, revealing that genes were exchanged between species, leading to new species emergence. This study sheds light on fundamental biological processes producing new species and provides an analogous model for understanding human evolutionary history.
A 34,950-33,900 year old skull from Mongolia has been identified as the oldest known modern human in the region. The ancient skull's presence confirms its link to the Early Upper Palaeolithic industry, which is typically associated with modern humans.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that machine learning can provide an equally accurate and reliable prognosis for patients with cardiovascular disease, compared to traditional methods. The use of genetic programming reduces bias and human error, allowing complex associations to be made transparent to clinicians.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have assembled the axolotl genome, a salamander that can regrow body parts. The completed genome will help scientists understand how this animal achieves its remarkable regenerative abilities.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven discovered a genetic mutation that can cause a juvenile form of inflammatory joint disease. The study used next-generation sequencing and immunology approaches to unravel the disease mechanism, providing insights into the development of targeted therapies.
Researchers discovered 677 genes and small RNAs expressed differently between African and global Salmonella strains, leading to alterations at the protein level. The study provides a powerful tool for understanding the bacteria's genetic basis and potential antibiotic resistance.
Scientists identify epigenetic marker and genes that cause heart failure in fruit fly offspring, even when fed a normal diet. Reversing the epigenetic modification or over-expressing these genes protects subsequent generations from negative heart effects.
A new study has found a genetic factor on chromosome 6 that increases the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare and atypical form of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The genetic variant, known as rs9349379, is also associated with a small protective effect from classic heart attacks.
Researchers have identified a group of genes that induce differences in the developing brains of male and female roundworms, triggering puberty. This genetic pathway may serve the same function in controlling human sexual maturation timing, providing new insights into sex-based brain differences.
A new mouse model has revealed the crucial role of PARL in maintaining mitochondrial respiratory chain function and structural integrity. The study found that mice lacking PARL display symptoms reminiscent of Leigh syndrome, highlighting the importance of understanding the protein's mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.
Neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's disease may be beneficial as it removes dysfunctional neurons, according to new research published in Cell Reports. The study suggests that the anti-aging mechanism of 'cell competition' plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from damage.
Researchers discovered shared and virus-specific mechanisms used by dengue and Zika viruses to counteract human and mosquito immune defense, hijack host proteins, and disrupt brain development. They found that Zika virus causes microcephaly in fruit flies by disrupting the function of ANKLE2 protein.
The study identifies genes associated with longevity in parrots, including telomerase, which may also play a role in human aging. The researchers also found parrot-specific gene-regulating regions near neural development genes linked to human cognition.
Researchers found that vorinostat effectively inhibited HPV DNA amplification and virus production in preclinical experiments. Additionally, the treatment induced programmed cell death in infected cells. The study suggests that HDAC inhibitors could be promising compounds for treating benign HPV infections.
Researchers in the University of Helsinki have confirmed a fossilized seal hybrid between grey and ringed seals, with genetic analysis suggesting possible interbreeding in the wild. The discovery provides insights into hybridization between mammalian species, including early humans.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a comprehensive way to evaluate how immune responses of humanized mice measure up to actual humans. The study highlights an experimental paradigm to address the gap in understanding immune responses to human pathogens and potential vaccines.
The study found the earliest evidence of Siberian ancestry in Fennoscandia in a population inhabiting the Kola Peninsula, Russia, dating to around 4,000 years ago. Ancient DNA from Finland reveals that people genetically similar to present-day Saami people inhabited areas in much more southern parts of Finland than the Saami today.
A new AI model has been developed to translate mouse model data to human disease conditions, increasing the accuracy of extrapolation by up to 50%. The model, known as Found In Translation (FIT), has been tested on 28 different human diseases and uncovered novel disease-associated genes.
A new gene, slincR, discovered in zebrafish could help explain human susceptibility to chemicals. The study found that the gene regulates sox9b, a crucial gene in human development.
Scientists have created a model of the upper chambers of the heart using 3D-engineered human heart tissue, which can serve as a tool for evaluating disease mechanisms and testing new drugs. The tissue is derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells and responds to atrial-selective drugs.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that closely replicates human diabetic nephropathy, revealing a key role for immune and inflammatory responses in promoting kidney damage. This finding suggests targeting these pathways may be useful for preventing or slowing the development of diabetic nephropathy.
Researchers have identified a new gene, LSS, responsible for hypotrichosis simplex, a rare form of hair loss. The gene's mutation impairs an enzyme crucial to cholesterol metabolism, leading to progressive hair loss from childhood on.
A new analysis of an aggregated set of family trees suggests that the heritability of life span is well below past estimates, likely no more than seven percent. This finding could be due to assortative mating, where people select partners with similar traits, including longevity.
Researchers found that dietary restriction maintains cellular fitness in intestinal cells, preventing age-related damage and leaky gut. A rich diet promotes excessive cell loss and permeability, linked to human conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
A new study published in Human Fertility found that single women who freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons are trying to avoid 'panic parenting.' The research also highlights the need for clearer information about the likelihood of having a baby with these eggs. Many participants reported feeling emotionally difficult and unsupport...
Researchers identified a 48-hour cycle regulating the skin's response to ultraviolet rays, revealing a tradeoff between stress response and pigmentation. The 'UV-protection timer' optimizes sun damage prevention by synchronizing natural defense mechanisms.
Researchers aim to improve guidelines for human-animal chimera research, considering moral status and animal welfare. The project will address conceptual, ethical, and procedural limitations in existing ethics guidance.
Researchers developed a polygenic risk score for lifespan based on weighted contributions from relevant genetic variants, predicting which participants were likely to live longest. They also found associations between genetic variants and Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and smoking-related conditions with overall lifespan.
Researchers have identified a novel human immunodeficiency syndrome caused by a mutation in the IKBKB gene. The mutation disrupts the immune system, resulting in excessive inflammation and reduced numbers of antibody-producing B cells and effector T cells.
Researchers found a correlation between AMY1 gene copy numbers and faster starch digestion rates. Individuals with more copies of the gene displayed higher blood glucose responses to starchy foods.
A new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has identified a human RNA molecule called nc886 as a potent activator of the innate immune system. The RNA molecule's ability to turn on protein OAS sets off a chain of events that destroys viruses.
A genetic mutation in IFNλ4 reduces its effectiveness against the hepatitis C virus in humans compared to chimpanzees and African Pygmies. This discovery highlights a potential weakness in human immunity to certain viral infections.
Researchers at the Buck Institute have developed a new method to pinpoint genetic differences between closely related species, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding human longevity, disease resistance, and regenerative abilities. The technique was tested using an ancient divergence in yeast and has wide applicability to pl...
A team of scientists discovered a gene signature linked to spinal cord injury severity, which can predict functional recovery. The study identified key genes that are switched on or off in response to injury, potentially informing the development of biomarkers for treatment.
A study found that viruses influenced the evolution of humans, particularly in adapting to pathogens. Neanderthal DNA was shared with modern humans, providing resistance to viruses, and its presence suggests selective benefits.
Researchers at DTU Bioengineering have developed a high-tech antivenom against black mamba venom using human antibodies, which can potentially save thousands of lives annually. The breakthrough antivenom uses a biotechnological method to discover human antibodies, allowing for large-scale production and industrial use.
A study published in PNAS reveals that an ancient retrovirus, HK2, is more frequently found in drug addicts and associated with addiction. The virus integrates near a gene involved in dopaminergic activity, manipulating nearby genes and predisposing individuals to addictive behavior.