Research on the human genome and what it shapes. Covers AI genomics, molecular aging, biodesign, and gene-environment effects.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher proposes a framework to address ethical questions surrounding potentially revolutionary research on part-human, part-animal embryos. The researcher suggests prioritizing animal welfare while enabling scientific progress in areas of biomedical importance.
A recent study reconstructs the history of human migration to the Tibetan Plateau and discusses possible mechanisms involved. Humans first arrived in the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau from the adjacent Western Loess Plateau via the He-Huang Valley, spreading southwards over four stages.
Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI-based method to quantify dermal fat, total WAT volume and BAT activation in mice and humans. Studies showed that dWAT thickness was highly variable between subjects and increased in genetically obese mice and those fed high-fat diets.
Researchers devise a way to record analog memories in human cells by using CRISPR and self-targeting guide RNA strands. This allows them to track biological events such as inflammation or infection and monitor cell differentiation into various tissues during development.
Scientists have engineered Geobacter bacteria to produce extremely thin nanowires that are thousands of times thinner than a human hair, and are made from non-toxic natural proteins. The resulting wires can be used in medical sensors, military applications, and other electronic devices.
Researchers identified GALNT2 gene as a regulator of HDL-C levels through its effects on phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) function. The study found that humans, mice, and rats lacking GALNT2 had low HDL levels compared to models with normal GALNT2 function.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory decipher genetic code controlling limb regeneration in zebrafish, axolotl, and bichir, revealing common genetic regulators. The discovery may lead to new therapies for wound healing and prosthetic device development, but a timeline for regrowing limbs remains uncertain due to funding constraints.
Researchers identified 930 genes associated with excessive drinking behavior in genetically diverse rats, indicating a complex trait influenced by many genes and the environment. The study confirmed previously linked genes and uncovered new genetic pathways, some of which could be targets for treatment.
A study published in PLOS Genetics has identified hundreds of genes associated with alcohol preference in rats, suggesting a strong genetic component to alcoholism. The research found that critical regulatory pathways involving several genes were crucial in regulating the desire to drink alcohol.
A genetic mutation in modern humans may have allowed them to effectively process toxic compounds produced by fires, potentially giving them an evolutionary edge. This mutation is thought to be linked to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and may have helped humans adapt to environmental toxin exposures.
Research reveals green monkeys in The Gambia acquired S. aureus strains from humans, with most recent transmissions occurring three decades and seven years ago. Strains that jumped between species lost genes for human adaptation.
Researchers found that green monkeys in The Gambia acquired Staphylococcus aureus strains from humans through contact with contaminated food. The bacteria adaptation process was observed as strains lost genes associated with human adaptation, highlighting the risk of pathogen transmission.
The Human SRMAtlas provides highly specific mass spectrometry assays for targeted identification and reproducible quantification of any human protein. This resource enables the measurement of 99.7% of the annotated human proteins, revolutionizing systems-level understanding of physiology and disease.
Researchers at Duke University used fast-changing mouse lemur DNA to paint a picture of Madagascar's forested past. The study suggests that the island was not as tree-covered as previously thought, with grasslands and woodlands dominating the center of the island before human arrival.
Researchers reveal that unusual DNA repeat elements on inactive X chromosomes are crucial for maintaining the three-dimensional structure of this female-specific genetic phenomenon. The study uses genome engineering techniques to demonstrate the importance of these repeats, opening a new era of genomics research.
Scientists have discovered that zebrafish are susceptible to arthritis, mirroring the condition in humans and other mammals. The study uses zebrafish as a model to accelerate therapeutic research into preventing or easing osteoarthritis.
Researchers have found that chromatin remodeling proteins, essential for DNA replication and gene expression, are frequently mutated in human cancers. These mutations indicate tumor suppressive functions, making chromatin remodelers promising new targets for targeted cancer therapy.
Scientists have discovered two new strains of the HTLV-4 virus in hunters bitten by gorillas in Gabon, supporting the notion that gorillas are a major source of infectious agents. The findings suggest that gorilla bites can lead to chronic persistence of the virus in humans.
Researchers created super-sniffer mice using transgenic technology to study human odor receptors, which could lead to land mine detection and novel disease sensors. The mice were able to detect a specific odor two orders of magnitude lower than non-super sniffer mice.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to identify genes associated with complex traits in mice, including 66 different physical and behavioral characteristics. The technique, which uses genotype-by-sequencing and RNA sequencing, has identified two novel genes linked to methamphetamine sensitivity and anxiety-like behavior.
A new artificial intelligence system called ALPHA has been developed by Psibernetix, Inc., which consistently outperforms human experts in simulated air combat. ALPHA's ability to process vast amounts of sensor data and make tactical decisions in milliseconds makes it a formidable opponent, even when its aircraft are handicapped.
A global study has identified four genetically distinct populations of Plasmodium vivax, the parasite responsible for debilitating forms of malaria. The findings provide insights into the movement and adaptation of P. vivax over time, suggesting regional variations in mosquito transmission and human infection.
Researchers have identified 16 distinct neuronal subtypes in the human cerebral cortex, revealing a surprising diversity in gene expression. This discovery provides insights into brain function and may shed light on diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researcher Erika Geisbrecht is studying the connection between a gene called clueless (clu) and genes that cause Parkinson's disease in fruit flies. She aims to understand how muscles develop and maintain themselves throughout a fruit fly's life to apply this knowledge to humans.
A study published in PNAS found that high-altitude Himalayan populations have a remarkably stable genetic make-up despite cultural transitions and outside population exposure. The analysis suggests that these populations originated from East Asia, with genetic stability maintaining across millennia.
A new study reveals that Ice Age species, including sabre-toothed cats and giant sloths, died off around 12,300 years ago due to a combination of human arrival and rapid warming. The research found that it was only when the climate warmed, long after humans first arrived in Patagonia, did the megafauna suddenly disappear.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study used whole-exome sequencing to characterize genetic alterations in 25 commonly used bladder cancer cell lines. The researchers found 76 altered genes, many involving oncogenes like TERT and TP53, which can predict patient response to cisplatin treatment
Researchers from Griffith University's Research Centre for Human Evolution refuted a landmark study suggesting Mungo Man was an extinct lineage of modern humans. The team recovered the genomic sequence of an early inhabitant of Lake Mungo, supporting the argument that Aboriginal Australians were the first inhabitants of Australia.
Non-African humans inherited marginally lower fitness due to Neanderthal inheritance, with estimated 40% reduction in reproductively fit individuals. The study suggests that these harmful gene variants continue to reduce the fitness of some populations today.
Researchers developed a tool to untangle which genetic variants actually create risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. The 'massively parallel reporter assay' technique lets scientists probe thousands of DNA variations to identify ones that affect gene regulation.
A study by NYU sociologist Dalton Conley found that while spouses are sorting themselves by education, it has no significant impact on the genetic makeup of subsequent generations. The research analyzed data from over 2,000 spousal pairs and found no notable trends in spousal similarity or fertility related to education-associated gene...
Researchers at University of Oxford have identified two long intergenic noncoding RNA genes associated with an increased likelihood of developing bacteraemia when infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The genetic variants carry a doubled risk, highlighting the importance of diverse population studies.
Researchers will focus on ion channels and their role in producing electrical pulses, with potential applications in understanding heritable diseases of the nervous system. The study aims to identify genetic changes that enable fast or slow channel operation.
A recent study found that genetic modifications, such as differential gene expression and alternative splicing, contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. The research identifies specific genes implicated in the disease, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers used speed-dating to test whether genetics play a role in mate selection, finding that genotypes consistent with gender norms influenced success. Men and women with specific genetic variants were seen as more desirable or less likely to receive second dates.
Researchers have provided direct experimental proof that the Brazilian Zika virus strain can cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly and neurological diseases. The study used mouse models, human stem cells, and cerebral organoids to demonstrate the causal effect of the Brazilian virus on health.
A team of specialists is working on a project to create new insight into Leonardo da Vinci's life using DNA science. They aim to compare DNA from his relatives past and present with physical remnants associated with the Renaissance figure.
A recent study analyzed genome-wide data from 51 ancient Eurasians, providing insights into the genetic history of modern humans in Eurasia before agriculture began. The findings indicate a decrease in Neandertal ancestry and suggest natural selection against certain variants.
A study found that Labrador retrievers with a genetic variation in the POMC gene are more likely to be obese and food-motivated. The deletion affects dogs' ability to produce neuropeptides, leading to increased hunger and food begging behavior.
The critically endangered Himalayan wolf is distinct from its European cousin and has a separate lineage that diverged thousands of years ago. Local herders view the wolves as a threat to their livelihoods, leading to persecution and killing.
Researchers identified a compound that reverses symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases in genetically altered fruit flies. The study suggests that the treatment could work for humans by targeting a specific enzyme involved in disease progression.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a new model to study the human immune system, using 'dirty mice' that mimic the exposure to microbes found in humans. This new model has shown to improve the accuracy of potential therapeutics and vaccines.
The NASA Twins Study uses omics to compare identical twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly, shedding light on the effects of spaceflight on human health. By analyzing biomolecules, researchers hope to develop personalized countermeasures for astronauts, leading to longer and healthier lives.
A new study by J. Andrew Gillis at the MBL Whitman Center found striking similarities between the genetic mechanism used to pattern gill arch appendages and human limbs.
The Hastings Center has launched a three-year project to examine the fundamental questions of using gene editing in humans, including its impact on human flourishing and core values. The project aims to develop new scholarship, equips journalists, and prepares teachers to engage with these issues.
A study found that FOXO proteins regulate 46 conserved genes across four species, including metabolism and DNA repair processes. This research provides new guidance on understanding the biology of aging and could lead to the development of interventions to promote health and longevity in humans.
Researchers suggest that Neanderthals across Europe were infected with diseases carried out of Africa by waves of anatomically modern humans. This could have weakened the hunter-gathering Neanderthals and contributed to their extinction.
Researchers at NC State University have genetically engineered green bottle fly larvae to produce and secrete human growth factor-BB, a molecule that promotes cell growth and wound healing. The modified maggots show promise for cost-effective wound treatment that could save people from amputation.
Researchers discovered 19 new non-human DNA sequences from ancient viruses, one containing a complete viral genome, found in 50 out of 2,500 human genomes. The study sheds light on how humans and viruses have evolved together over time.
Researchers found that SIX1 plays a more substantial role in human kidney development than previously thought, remaining present beyond the initial branching of the kidney. This discovery may help better understand normal development and pediatric kidney cancer, Wilms' tumor.
Researchers have excavated substantial genomic remnants of the extinct Denisovans in Oceania populations, shedding light on early human history. The study identified genes inherited from Neanderthals and Denisovans that conferred advantages to the ancestors of modern Island Melanesians.
Researchers have identified 39 generic biomarkers for human neuronal maturation using single cell transcriptome profiling. The study found that certain genes are consistently elevated when neurons mature, highlighting the importance of calcium signaling, mitochondrial function, and ubiquitination-related processes.
Researchers developed a cell-based model of the human placenta that can help explain how pathogens, like Zika virus, cross from mother to unborn child. The model recapitulates the barrier properties of naturally occurring cells and resists infection by certain viruses.
A recent study published in Science used GemCode technology to analyze the biomedical consequences of adult humans with gene knockouts. The research revealed that PRDM9 redundancy in humans suggests that the gene may not be essential for human life, challenging previous assumptions.
Researchers identify IRF4 as the first gene associated with greying hair, revealing a genetic link to human aging. The study analyzed 6,000 people from diverse ancestry, uncovering additional genes influencing hair shape, curliness, and density.
Researchers have discovered alternative protein versions, known as proteoforms, which are stable and tightly regulated, challenging the single gene-single protein theory. This study adds an extra dimension to the human protein landscape, potentially affecting gene editing techniques.
Researchers compared human male- and female-line genealogies with those of our closest animal relatives. Human 'Adam' is about 200,000 years old, while chimpanzee 'Adam' is over 1 million years old.
The ORFeome Collaboration has created a comprehensive library of open-reading frames, comprising 17,154 clones that code for full-length proteins. This resource allows researchers to express virtually any cell protein, enabling large-scale mapping of protein-protein interactions and functional screening.
A team of geneticists found that the R2d2 gene distorts cell division, leading to fewer offspring and violating Darwin's principle of natural selection. The discovery has implications for fields like basic biology, agriculture, and human health.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a crucial HIV RNA modification called m6A that influences viral replication. Silencing the enzyme adding or removing m6A from RNA can increase or decrease HIV replication, offering new avenues for developing effective anti-HIV therapies.