Research on the human genome and what it shapes. Covers AI genomics, molecular aging, biodesign, and gene-environment effects.
Scientists have discovered that Tibetans inherited a gene from their extinct human cousin, the Denisovans, which helps them adapt to high-altitude plateaus with low oxygen levels. This variant of the EPAS1 gene allows Tibetans to survive at elevations above 15,000 feet without cardiovascular problems.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have successfully retrained human gastrointestinal cells to produce insulin in response to glucose. This breakthrough could potentially replace damaged cells lost in type 1 diabetes, offering a new avenue for treating the condition.
Researchers have identified two genes that may help prevent muscle wastage in humans: survivin and checkpoint kinase 1. These genes are highly active in burrowing frogs that survive dormancy without suffering significant muscle damage.
By analyzing somatic mutations in healthy cells, researchers can reconstruct a cell's development from the early embryo to adulthood. This approach provides insight into normal cell development and could help understand how it differs from cancerous cells.
A global study has successfully mapped the genes of a parasitic worm in pigs, which could lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and autism. The genetic sequence of the 'pig whipworm' provides insights into its interaction with human immune systems.
A study published in Science found that father's age has a stronger impact on mutation rates in chimpanzees compared to humans, with 90% of new mutations originating from fathers.
A new study from Uppsala University found that elderly carriers of the FTO gene have higher ghrelin levels and lower leptin levels, making them more prone to weight gain. The study suggests that this genetic variant may facilitate weight gain by shifting the endocrine balance towards hunger hormone ghrelin.
Researchers found that human herpes simplex virus (HSV) -1 and -2 originated in chimpanzees, with HSV-1 present in humans for over 6 million years. The study suggests that HSV-2 emerged from ancient chimps around 1.6 million years ago, prior to the rise of modern humans.
Researchers have identified a specific DNA stretch controlling genes that determine face structure and those producing building materials. The region's regulatory elements affect gene Myc activity, leading to facial changes and increased susceptibility to environmental factors like smoking during pregnancy.
The discovery of Naia, a 12,000- to 13,000-year-old teenage girl's skeleton, provides conclusive evidence of a genetic connection between ancient Paleoamericans and modern Native Americans. The remains were found in an underwater cave in Mexico and contain an intact cranium, teeth, and DNA from an Asian-derived lineage.
Researchers found four genes in trypanosome parasites that make them sensitive or resistant to the human immune system. The study identified a previously unknown gene that codes for a transmembrane channel, which may be involved in the uptake of human defense factors by the parasite.
A study published in mBio reveals that humans and companion animals share the same types of MRSA infections, indicating a common population of bacteria. The research suggests that antibiotic usage in animal medicine is shaping the human pathogen, and healthy pets are not likely to pick up MRSA from their human companions.
A new study by University of South Carolina anthropologist Sharon DeWitte provides insights into how the plague shaped population demographics and health for generations. The findings suggest that survivors of the Black Death experienced improvements in health and longevity, with many people living to ages of 70 or 80 years.
Researchers discovered genetic variation influencing immune cell function is linked to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study found a striking enrichment of functional effects in monocytes for these variants, highlighting the potential role of immune system cells in human disease pathology.
A study published in Nature Communications found that a mother's diet before conception can permanently affect how her child's genes function. Researchers analyzed blood and hair samples from infants born to mothers who conceived during rainy or dry seasons, revealing higher rates of methyl groups linked to nutrient levels and BMI.
Researchers demonstrate that transplanting hearts from genetically engineered pigs in combination with target-specific immunosuppression prolongs graft survival in baboons, paving the way for human transplantation. The study shows promise for overcoming immunologic roadblocks and eliminating the shortage of donor organs.
A study has identified a dozen genetic mutations involved in changes to complete blood counts and the onset of severe biological disorders. The research used DNA from 6,796 people and found mutations in genes related to red and white blood cells and platelets.
Researchers have sequenced the tsetse fly genome, revealing genetic adaptations that enable it to transmit diseases such as sleeping sickness and Nagana. The study provides a valuable resource for developing prevention strategies to reduce deaths and illness associated with these diseases.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model that accurately replicates the progression of Alzheimer's disease in humans. The models are characterized by early accumulation of Abeta peptides and cognitive dysfunction similar to human patients.
University of Montreal scientists discovered how Epstein Barr (EBV) virus takes over gene regulating machinery to replicate itself. The viruses trick the human defense systems by mimicking components, allowing them to survive and cause diseases like infectious mononucleosis and lymphoma.
A new genome analysis method has confirmed that humans and Neandertals interbred in Eurasia, providing a definitive answer to the long-standing debate about the origin of modern humans. The study's findings suggest that Neandertal admixture occurred after modern humans migrated out of Africa.
UC Davis researchers have identified a genetic mutation responsible for cleft palate in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, providing a new model for studying the craniofacial defect. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of cleft palate in humans and its associated complications.
Researchers found that European humans have a higher number of Neanderthal variants in genes related to lipid breakdown, which may have provided a selective advantage. This study suggests that Neanderthal ancestry has driven evolutionary changes in lipid processing and brain composition among Europeans.
A comprehensive atlas of human gene activity has been released, revealing complex networks that govern gene expression. The new findings could lead to a better understanding of the genetic causes of diseases and improve disease diagnosis.
A mathematical model explains how high-rank individuals in hierarchical groups engage in seemingly altruistic behavior by competing with peers in other groups, leading to increased total group effort towards conflict. This behavior is linked to within-group hierarchy and inequality, observed in nature across various species.
A study analyzing ancient DNA from over 250 radiocarbon-dated moa samples reveals that the iconic New Zealand bird was thriving when humans arrived, contradicting previous theories of population collapse before human arrival. The research suggests human activities contributed to the moa's extinction.
A recent study using brain imaging found that dogs have a stronger response to the scents of familiar humans than other humans or even familiar dogs. The research suggests that dogs' brains have mental representations of their human companions that persist even when they're not present.
A recent study identified genetic factors associated with lactase persistence in African populations, which became more prevalent after cattle domestication in Africa. Individuals retaining high levels of lactase enzyme allow them to digest milk sugars in adulthood.
A recent study discovered that IRX3 controls body mass and regulates body composition, with obesity-associated FTO introns interacting with IRX3. Mice without the IRX3 gene were significantly leaner due to reduced fat and improved glucose processing.
Research suggests that natural selection has altered European appearance over the past 5,000 years, with ancient DNA revealing darker skin, hair, and eye pigmentation. This phenomenon is comparable to other examples of adaptive evolution, such as malaria resistance and lactase persistence.
The discovery of RNase L's 3D structure reveals its role in the innate immune system and provides insights into its function. The enzyme helps defend against bacteria and possibly prostate cancer and obesity.
A CU-led study bolsters the theory that early Americans may have been isolated on the Bering Land Bridge for thousands of years before spreading throughout the Americas. The research links genetics to paleoecological evidence, suggesting a population of hundreds or thousands lived in central Beringia for 5,000 years or more.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have discovered a new target for human antibodies that could hold the key to a vaccine for dengue virus. The team found that natural human antibodies bind to a specific region called an epitope hinge, which is composed of just 25 amino acids.
Researchers discovered a 'microbial Pompeii' in ancient dental calculus, revealing opportunistic pathogens and periodontal disease-causing bacteria. The study also recovered dietary DNA, providing insights into ancient diets and the origins of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered that genes expressed in the nasal passages can serve as accurate proxies for those expressed deeper in the lungs. This breakthrough allows for less invasive and more affordable genetic profiling of asthmatic patients, potentially leading to improved treatment options and better understanding of the disease.
A recent study has found that European beavers have low genetic diversity due to human hunting. The research, led by University of York Professor Michi Hofreiter, analyzed ancient and modern DNA to show that the beaver population was heavily impacted by expanding human populations over thousands of years.
The study uses genome data from 1490 individuals to identify genetic mixing events between populations, dating back to historical events such as the Mongol Empire. The technique, called 'Globetrotter,' provides insight into past events and may have implications for public health and disease prevention.
Fred Gould will deliver a lecture on Dr. Robert L. Rabb, a pioneer in developing ecologically sound approaches to insect pest management. Gould's research has profoundly influenced global crop management and vector-borne disease control.
Researchers created a global map detailing the genetic histories of 95 populations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. The study found evidence of previously unrecorded genetic mixing, including European DNA in modern-day China and Mongol DNA in Pakistan.
A new study from the University of Surrey has identified specific effects of Chiari malformation on toy dog breeds' skulls and brains. The condition causes changes in brain shape and can lead to severe symptoms like paralysis and headaches.
Researchers have shown that boosting broadly neutralizing antibodies can protect humanized mice from both intravenous and vaginal HIV infection. The study used a novel technique called vectored immunoprophylaxis, which enabled the production of antibodies for extended periods.
Researchers have developed a new method to rank disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences, providing a more comprehensive approach to identifying genetic variants linked to disease. The Combined Annotation-Dependent Depletion (CADD) method assigns scores to mutations across the entire genome, not just protein-coding regions.
A new study tracks the spread of an H5N1 variant in Egypt using phylogeography, a technique that combines viral sequence data and geographical information. The study aims to enhance efforts by public health officials to identify viral outbreaks, limit their spread, and inform the public of risks.
A study by University of Warwick researchers found that high-quality human embryos secrete a chemical signal, trypsin, which supports implantation. Low-quality embryos trigger an alarm response, leading to pregnancy loss or complications.
A team of researchers has found a link between chloracne and a molecular switch called Nrf2, which causes skin changes similar to those in dioxin victims. The study suggests that therapeutic targeting of Nrf2 may be problematic due to its role in detoxification.
Researchers at the University of Utah identified three key genes controlling feather color in domestic rock pigeons, which also influence human skin pigmentation. The study found that variations in these genes result in diverse feather colors, with specific combinations explaining a significant amount of color variation across pigeon b...
A new study uncovers ADR-1 as a critical regulator of RNA editing, allowing genetic information diversity and affecting numerous human diseases. The protein's binding ability enhances mRNA editing, with decreased expression linked to neurological disorders and cancers.
A genetic mutation affecting a horse's gait has been found to be spread across the world, with highest frequency in Latin American breeds like the Paso Fino. The 'gait keeper' mutation, influenced by human selection, provides a smooth ride and minimal vertical movement.
Researchers simulated conditions 10,000 years ago to discover teosinte, a wild grass believed to be corn's ancestor, exhibited characteristics similar to corn under past conditions. This finding suggests early farmers may have played less of a role in selecting for desirable traits than previously thought.
Researchers discover that Ataxin-7 anchors a key module in the SAGA complex, which regulates thousands of genes. Without Ataxin-7, this module becomes overactive, leading to misregulation of genes and neurodegeneration in fruit flies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that architectural design characteristics, human use, and ventilation sources influence bacterial community structure in buildings. Dust samples revealed over 30,000 types of bacteria, with distinct communities found in high-traffic areas and restrooms containing organisms associated with the human gut.
Researchers found that humans in east Asia have more of their genome originating from Neanderthals than Europeans, while Africans have little or none. The genetic changes most often inherited from Neanderthals were disproportionately in genes related to keratin, a component of skin and hair.
A substantial fraction of the Neanderthal genome persists in modern human populations, with over 20 percent surviving in DNA from 665 people in Europe and East Asia. This finding suggests that significant amounts of population-level DNA sequences may be obtained from extinct groups without fossilized remains.
A new statistical model has been developed to isolate ancient DNA from fossils contaminated with modern-day DNA. This method allows for the recovery of complete mitochondrial genomes from Neandertal and anatomically modern human bones, enabling scientists to study these individuals in detail.
Researchers date the most common male ancestor 'Adam' to 209,000 years ago, contradicting a previous study that placed him 9,000 years earlier. The study also debunks the discovery of the Y chromosome that supposedly predated humanity, shedding light on human evolutionary history.
Researchers used biochemical, structural, and global sequencing techniques to study the H3K4 trimethylation mechanism in a cancer-associated protein complex. They found that the methylase's activity was directed towards specific targets through COMPASS factors that bind to the SET1/MLL front end.
Researchers found that coevolution between humans and H. pylori bacteria reduced gastric cancer risk in people of African descent, but not in Amerindian descent. The study suggests that the interaction between H. pylori and human ancestry influenced disease risk, with high African-strain infection leading to worse outcomes.
The human Y chromosome contains unique genes that have likely been maintained by selection, suggesting it will stick around despite its small size. Genetic diversity on the Y chromosome is low, but researchers found that natural selection, particularly purifying selection, also contributed to this low diversity.
Researchers have found that the Y chromosome retains key genes essential for male fertility, contradicting theories of its demise. The study, which analyzed Y chromosomes in African and European men, suggests that natural selection has played a crucial role in maintaining the gene content on the Y chromosome.
A new study compares the relative rate of molecular evolution between humans and chimps with that of their lice. The researchers found that the lice are winning the molecular evolutionary race, with almost 15 times more changes in gene sequence.