Research on the human genome and what it shapes. Covers AI genomics, molecular aging, biodesign, and gene-environment effects.
A team of researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has successfully reprogrammed white adipose tissue cells to become 'brite' (brown-in-white) fat cells, increasing energy consumption and potentially treating obesity. The study identified KLF11 as a key gene required for this process, paving the way for future treatments.
Researchers have discovered that birds and humans share the same genes to produce speech, with similar brain circuitry involved in singing behavior. The study, led by Duke neuroscientist Erich Jarvis, reveals that vocal learning evolved twice or three times among songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds.
Researchers analyzed Darwin Award winners and found that 88.7% were male, supporting the idea that men are more prone to 'idiotic risk taking behaviour'. The study suggests males may engage in such risky actions as a rite of passage or for social esteem
A small group of hunter-gatherers in Southern Africa remained isolated and distinct from other African ethnicities for most of the past 150,000 years. Their genetic history reveals limited gene flow with non-Khoisan populations.
Scientists have developed protective human antibodies using DNA-vaccinated cows, which showed potent neutralizing activity against two types of hantaviruses. The antibodies protected hamsters from lethal disease caused by these viruses, with seven out of eight treated animals surviving without symptoms.
Researchers discovered sustained human habitation and farming between 2,500-3,400 meters above sea level 3,600 years ago on the Tibetan Plateau. This finding challenges previous understanding of human adaptation to high altitudes.
Researchers have discovered that a significant number of mouse genes do not behave like their human counterparts, suggesting that science will need to rethink the role of the lab mouse. The findings come from the ongoing mouse ENCODE project and indicate that similar genes in humans and mice are expressed in different ways.
The study, Mouse ENCODE, compared mouse and human genome regulatory elements to understand similarities and differences in gene control. Researchers found that the general principles of gene regulation are similar but with distinct details between species.
A team of international researchers has detailed the functional parts of the mouse genome and compared them with those in humans, finding that certain processes are preserved through time. The study reveals new insights into mammalian biology and human illness mechanisms.
An international team of researchers identified approximately 6600 genes whose expression levels vary within a restricted range in both mice and humans. These genes, which represent about one-third of active genes across tissues in both species, reflect evolution's constraint on their expression to maintain cellular housekeeping.
A comprehensive study of the mouse genome has discovered striking similarities and differences with the human genome, shedding light on gene regulation and its impact on human biology. The findings may lead to better use of mouse models in medical research.
Researchers found that disclosing genetic risk information led to increased perceived personal control and counseling satisfaction among patients. Patients who received genetic risk information also reported adopting healthier behaviors to reduce coronary heart disease risk.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center found that calorie-restricted diets slowed the normal rise and fall of genes linked to aging and memory formation in the brain. The study used female mice fed food pellets with 30% fewer calories than controls, and tissue analyses showed a significant impact on gene expression.
A new gene has been identified as the genetic cause of a progressive form of epilepsy in nearly one-third of patients. The mutation affects a potassium channel encoding gene KCNC1, which disrupts signal transmission in the brain and causes epileptic seizures and myoclonus.
Researchers found that males who consistently bully females tend to father more babies with their victims. Long-term aggression, particularly by high-ranking males, increased paternity success.
Researchers found that a genetic tweak in yellow fever mosquitoes makes them more sensitive to human odor, particularly sulcatone, allowing them to target humans. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of mosquito behavior and could help develop new ways to prevent their bites.
Researchers found that mosquitoes acquired a love for human body odor and key genes drive this preference. The study suggests that humans provide an ideal lifestyle for mosquitoes, with access to water and large groups, contributing to their evolution as disease vectors.
A 36,000-year-old fossil skeleton's DNA reveals the early divergence of Eurasians once they left Africa and their deep shared ancestry. The study also shows that Neanderthals and early modern humans interbred around 54,000 years ago.
A new study on ancient DNA from a 36,000-year-old fossil in western Russia found that the earliest European humans' genetic ancestry survived the Last Glacial Maximum. The research also sheds light on Neanderthal interbreeding and an early contact between European hunter-gatherers and Middle Eastern farmers.
Research at Rockefeller University resolves the long-standing debate on Rap1's role at telomeres, revealing that human Rap1 plays a minor role in protecting telomeres. The study contradicts previous findings and sheds light on the protein's potential unrelated function.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that thirdhand smoke continues to have harmful health effects for many hours after a cigarette has been extinguished. The study, which assessed levels of volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, found that particulate matter accounted for 90% of the health damage.
Researchers found that the quality of protective molecular chaperones declines dramatically with age, accelerating decline in those with neurodegenerative diseases. A subnetwork of 28 critical genes provides a basis for biomarkers and new therapeutics to prevent protein damage and cell dysfunction.
Biologists at Scripps Research Institute have described the atomic-level workings of microRNA molecules, which control gene expression in all animals and plants. The findings will help guide the development of therapies that harness microRNA's power to regulate key biological processes.
The mouse Y chromosome is a surprisingly large and complex biological entity, with two categories of genes: ancestral and acquired. The mouse Y retains only 9 of its 639 ancestral genes, but has acquired and amplified over 700 new genes through intrachromosomal recombination and sex-linked meiotic drive.
At nearly 4,500 meters above sea level, a team led by University of Maine researchers has discovered the highest altitude ice age human occupation, dating it to around 12,000 years ago. This finding pushes back the known high-altitude habitation period by nearly a millennium.
Researchers have identified a mutation in the ADAMTS20 gene as being associated with cleft lip and cleft palate in both humans and dogs. This discovery has potential implications for understanding and treating these birth defects, which can affect varying degrees of severity in affected individuals.
A recent study found that a region of the genome associated with autism contains genetic variation that evolved in the last 250,000 years, likely playing an important role in disease. This variation is characterized by segments of DNA being deleted or duplicated, a common cause of autism and other conditions.
The sequencing of the house fly genome has identified unique detoxification and immune system genes that could aid in understanding human disease susceptibility. By studying these genes, scientists hope to develop treatments or vaccines for diseases transmitted by flies, such as typhoid and trachoma.
Researchers have identified a novel gene, MGST3, that regulates hippocampus size in both mice and humans, linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery provides another biomarker for identifying those at greatest risk of developing the condition.
Scientists have compiled a treasure trove of 146 ancient and modern human full mitochondrial genomes to improve the accuracy of molecular clocks in human evolution. The new data reveals that a molecular clock calibrated with ancient sequences is far more accurate than traditional ones based on archaeological evidence.
A study led by Professor Kui Liu has identified the Greatwall kinase molecule as a key protector of women's eggs against problems during maturation. The molecule is crucial for completing meiotic divisions and preventing infertility issues in up to 15% of women.
Researchers have characterized the dog's epigenome and transferred the results to human breast cancer, revealing significant alterations in gene modulation and common epigenetic mechanisms. The findings suggest that targeting these epigenetic alterations may help slow disease progression.
A multi-function protein called Sirt6 plays a crucial role in keeping 'jumping genes' inactive. The protein becomes busier repairing DNA damage with age, allowing the genes to become active and contribute to age-related diseases like cancer. Increasing Sirt6 levels may help protect older cells from aging.
A new gene, Tpcn2, has been discovered as a key player in the development of diabetes. Variants in this gene have been associated with fasting glucose levels and insulin response in animal models, as well as human populations.
Michigan State University scientists have discovered the first detailed examination of mutations similar to those present in the human cancer gene. The study reveals that boosting levels of even standard protein can alter fruit flies' eyes and wings, while mutated protein causes consistent and dramatic deformations.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley scientists found that human facial traits are more variable than other bodily traits and show higher levels of genetic variation. This is consistent with the idea that evolution has favored uniqueness in facial features to enhance recognition and social interaction.
Researchers found that the human version of the Foxp2 gene helps transform new experiences into routine procedures, enabling faster learning and better habit formation. The gene's protein, a transcription factor, regulates synaptic connections between neurons, allowing for more efficient learning and language acquisition.
Researchers found pseudouridylation of mRNA in yeast and humans, increasing mRNA stability under heat shock conditions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding human diseases associated with PUS gene mutations.
Researchers found that bexarotene reduces amyloid-beta levels in late-stage Alzheimer's mice but increases them in early stages. This study suggests a personalized treatment approach for APOE4 carriers, who may benefit from short-term treatment in later disease stages.
Researchers at UCSF identified an antibiotic, lactocillin, produced by a common vaginal bacterial species that kills certain pathogens while sparing others. The study suggests that naturally occurring drugs made by our own microbes may play an important role in maintaining human health.
Researchers have discovered a pathological process that affects both mice and humans with type 2 diabetes. By analyzing genome, phenome, proteome, and metabolome data, they identified a specific gene on chromosome 2 that plays a crucial role in the development of the disease.
The gibbon genome sequencing project provides new insights into chromosomal rearrangements, evolutionary history, and genetic factors in human health. The study sheds light on the complex evolution of gibbons and their role in understanding human diseases.
Researchers discovered that a single-celled organism, Oxytricha trifallax, can break its DNA into nearly quarter-million pieces and reassemble them in 60 hours for mating. This ability highlights the complexity of life on Earth, with intricate mechanisms to reconstruct chromosomes.
A comprehensive DNA study reveals that the Paleo-Eskimos were a single group of people who migrated to the Arctic from Siberia around 5,000 years ago, surviving in near-isolation for over 4,000 years. Their culture developed into three discrete cultural units: Inuit, Native Americans, and Thule culture.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the recipients of its travel awards for the 2014 American Society of Human Genetics meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research, and this year's awardees represent a total of $29,600.
A Yale-led analysis of genomic data reveals shared molecular toolkits in flies, worms, and humans, with comparable numbers of functioning genes and coordinated gene expression patterns. However, pseudogene regions show stark differences reflecting divergent evolutionary histories.
A recent study has identified key sets of co-expressed genes essential for animal cells, regardless of species. The researchers used RNA-seq data from multiple tissues and developmental conditions to create a map of highly important genome regions.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered the genetic 'recipe' for lizard tail regeneration, which involves turning on at least 326 genes in specific regions. This finding may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injuries and birth defects.
Researchers used mathematical models and genetic analysis to discover that cooperative bacteria are better equipped to adapt to environments, increasing their ability to infect multiple species. This knowledge could help predict and manage health threats from animal-borne diseases.
Recent studies have shown that clustered DNA mutations are common in cancer development and may result from the process of DNA repair. The discovery provides a mechanism to potentially explain how genetic changes form in human cancers.
A study published in Global Heart explores the prevalence of atherosclerosis across ancient populations, revealing that genetic susceptibility is present in all cultures. Environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and physical activity play a crucial role in determining when and how quickly atherosclerosis develops.
A study analyzing the iceman mummy suggests that genetic predisposition is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, even in ancient times. The iceman's genome revealed specific genetic mutations linked to cardiovascular disease, contradicting the idea that our ancestors lived healthier lives.
Researchers found that only 8.2% of human DNA has a clear function, with most being 'junk' DNA. This figure challenges the previous claim of 80% functional DNA, highlighting the need for a more precise definition of 'function'.
Whitehead Institute researchers have discovered a way to manipulate and maintain human ESCs in a "naïve" or base pluripotent state without reprogramming factors. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize human ESC research and may lead to new treatments for diseases.
A team of researchers has identified 46 genes in Escherichia coli necessary for its survival at high levels of radiation, including DNA repair pathways. The discovery reveals potential new ways to protect humans from cancer and improve our understanding of ionizing radiation effects.
Researchers found that bexarotene reduces levels of neurotoxic protein amyloid-beta in mice with late-stage Alzheimer's, but increases it during early stages. This suggests that treatment timing and duration may be crucial for effectiveness.
Wisconsin scientists have identified two genetic programs that can turn blank-slate stem cells into red and white blood cells. The discovery gives scientists the tools to make blood products, investigate cell development and production of clinically relevant blood products.
A Georgia State University research study found that chimpanzee intelligence is largely determined by genes, while environmental factors may play a lesser role. The study's findings suggest that genes significantly influence cognitive abilities in chimpanzees, with some similarities to the structure of human intelligence.
A 100,000-year-old archaic early human skull found in Northern China reveals a surprising presence of an inner-ear formation long thought to occur only in Neandertals. This discovery challenges current scenarios of later Pleistocene human population dispersals and interconnections.
A CNIO team updates the number of human protein-coding genes to 19,000, with almost all having ancestors prior to primate evolution. The study suggests that differences between humans and primates are small, and complexity lies in gene regulation and non-coding regions.