Articles tagged with Human Genetics
Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of vaccine-delivery film that gradually releases DNA coding for viral proteins, potentially overcoming safety risks and improving effectiveness. The film is implanted under the skin using microneedles and degrades over time, releasing the vaccine over days or weeks.
A study of ancient DNA from a 40,000-year-old human from Tianyuan Cave near Beijing found that the individual shared a common origin with present-day Asians and Native Americans. The genetic profile also revealed that this early modern human diverged genetically from present-day Europeans and did not carry a larger proportion of Neande...
Researchers found that the critical transcription factor TFIID can co-exist in two distinct structural states, enabling recognition and binding to DNA sequences. This discovery provides new insight into gene expression regulation, a process crucial for growth, development, health, and survival of all organisms.
Scientists have developed a software model called TreeMix that compares genetic variants across populations to infer history of population splits and mixtures. This new approach reveals complex relationships among human populations, including interbreeding with wolves in dog breeds.
Researchers found that stem cell transplantation significantly extended the lifespan of mice with ALS by 20 days and improved their neuromuscular function by 15 percent. This breakthrough study suggests that stem cells may represent a promising avenue for effective cell-based treatment for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found a human gene associated with the presence of Prevotella bacteria in the gut, which could have implications for treating diseases like Crohn's. The study suggests that genetic variations may influence the makeup of the gut microbiota.
A study on Arabidopsis thaliana reveals its genetic diversity can help crops adapt to environmental stresses. Dr. Sarah Assmann explores the plant's ability to tolerate climate change, drought, and poor soils.
A University of Alberta researcher's findings may rewrite the history of humanity's migration out of Africa. The study uncovered fossils, artifacts, and evidence of continuous human occupation in the region dating back at least 200,000 years.
Michigan State University researchers have identified a unique protein that regulates cell growth and controls excessive cell proliferation. The study focuses on Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor proteins, which use controlled destruction to perform their jobs, highlighting new potential ways to treat cancer.
Researchers found that chromatin, a protein complex, regulates genes in the liver to sync with circadian cycles. The study suggests connections between dietary schedules and chronic diseases, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol.
The Genographic Project has launched a new phase, utilizing advanced genetic technology to explore human migration patterns. Participants can learn about their migratory history, regional affiliations, and even Neanderthal or Denisovan ancestry.
Researchers analyzed microbial DNA in 252 stool samples to catalog genetic variation, finding over 10 million single-letter changes in collective DNA. The data could aid understanding of how human genes interact with microbes to maintain health or cause disease.
Researchers developed a new method to create long-lived stem cells for bone replacement by inserting human telomerase into mesenchymal stem cells. This allows the stem cells to retain their ability to become bone cells and divide repeatedly, making them suitable for tissue engineering applications.
Researchers discovered that modern humans first settled in Sicily around the time of the last ice age, with a diet consisting mainly of terrestrial animals. Genetic analysis revealed the peopling of Sicily occurred at 19,000-26,500 years ago, when sea levels were low enough to expose a land bridge.
Stowers Institute researchers unveil role of MLL3 and MLL4 genes, frequently mutated in certain cancers. The study sheds light on the misregulated mechanism governing histone interactions, which may play a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis.
A new genomic analysis of pigs reveals similarities with humans in terms of adaptability and susceptibility to domestication. The study also found differences between European and Asian breeds, supporting the independent domestication of pigs in western Eurasia and East Asia.
Scientists have discovered a new method for identifying genes in animals, which could increase genetic information by 70-80%. This technique allows for direct observation of genes and proteins, enabling more efficient study of animal diseases and viruses.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute identify a new pathway regulated by HDAC4 that plays a major role in information processing. This discovery offers insight into how imbalances in this pathway contribute to cognitive abnormalities in humans.
CWRU's Maxwell J. Mehlman examines the emerging issues in genetic engineering, balancing innovation with caution. The book discusses the potential for evolutionary engineering, which allows parents to form the next generation by altering reproductive cells to remove disease risks.
Researchers studying fruit fly genomes reveal strong evidence of pervasive natural selection, contrasting with human genome adaptation over the last 100,000 years. The study provides new insights into the forces shaping genetic variation and has implications for understanding human genetic variation.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a curious genetic trait in African mosquito species that transmits malaria, suggesting that this species is genetically linked to an older lineage. This discovery could lead to better understanding of the mosquito's capacity to transmit malaria and inform malaria control efforts.
Researchers estimate that modern humans and Neandertals interbred around 37,000 to 86,000 years ago, with the most recent encounters occurring well after modern humans migrated outside of Africa. This suggests that Neandertals had children with the ancestors of present-day people outside of Africa.
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch identified subpopulations of B cells with activated Myc genes, essential for germinal center formation and maintenance. These findings shed light on the origin of B-cell lymphomas derived from germinal centers.
Researchers at Caltech used Caenorhabditis elegans to study cell migration, identifying genes that are active during this process. These findings may lead to the development of new drugs that block cell migration, which is linked to tumor formation and metastatic cancer.
Researchers developed an emotion detector using a genetic algorithm that recognizes six human emotions and neutral expression. The system analyzes upper and lower lip shapes to improve interaction between humans and computers.
The GENCODE Consortium discovered a staggering array of genes in the human genome, including over 10,000 novel genes and 20,687 protein-coding genes. Long non-coding RNAs, a relatively new type of gene, were also found to play a significant role in human biology and disease.
The Gruber Foundation honored Mary Gehring and Valerie Horsley with the Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award for their groundbreaking research in Arabidopsis epigenetics and mouse genetic models. The awards recognize early career female scientists making significant contributions to genetics.
The Yale team's study reveals a hierarchical structure in the human genome, with regulatory networks that work together to regulate target genes. They also found that sex plays a role in genetic activity, allowing researchers to track the relative contributions of mom and dad.
Scientists have assigned functions to 80% of human genome, providing insights into gene regulation and solid genetic foundation for understanding health and disease. The UCSC Genome Browser offers a gateway for worldwide researchers to explore this new encyclopedia.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new approach that links gene variants to their effect on insulin production in human beta cells. The study explains 25% of variations in blood sugar levels, providing greater insight into the causes of type 2 diabetes.
A study led by Svante Pääbo describes the Denisovan genome, revealing genetic variation was extremely low, suggesting a small population that grew quickly. The research documents genetic changes between modern humans and their archaic relatives, including genes associated with brain function and nervous system development.
Researchers found that humans inherit more than three times as many mutations from their fathers as from their mothers. The study also suggests that the mutation rate in fathers doubles with age, while there is no association with mother's age. This new insight challenges theories of human evolution and sheds light on conditions such a...
Researchers found that DNA methylation modifications may contribute to phenotypic changes in humans and chimps. The study suggests that methylation differences between the species might be linked to human disease vulnerability.
A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge suggests that common ancestry, not hybridisation, better explains the average 1-4 per cent DNA shared between Eurasians and Neanderthals. Genetic evidence shows that Africans have almost none of the Neanderthal genome.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found a type of 'selfish' mitochondrial DNA in animals that is hurting the organism and affecting its chance to survive. The discovery bears similarities to damage done to human cells as they age and may provide an important new tool to study human aging.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new type of white blood cell that activates a killing immune response to external sources, providing a potential target for vaccines. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted immunotherapies against cancer and infections such as Hepatitis B.
A recent genomic study of 15 African hunter-gatherers sheds light on human diversity, evolution, and ancient interbreeding. The analysis identifies millions of previously unknown genetic mutations and suggests that different groups evolved distinct traits to adapt to local environments.
Researchers have identified genetic and blood serum markers that can predict the rapid progression of hepatitis C disease, allowing for more effective treatment decisions. Patients with high levels of a specific protein called MCP-1 are at risk for severe liver diseases.
Researchers found that human placenta-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are more proliferative and better at forming new blood vessels than those derived from umbilical cord blood. The study, published in Cell Medicine, suggests that the placenta could be an abundant source of ECFCs for therapeutic use.
Researchers identified a new subset of dendritic cells that play a critical role in activating the immune response against harmful pathogens. The discovery enables better exploitation of targeted vaccine strategies to treat cancer and infection, with significant impact on vaccine design and immunotherapies.
A team of international researchers discovered evidence of pre-13,000-year-old non-Clovis cultures in North America, contradicting the long-held 'Clovis First' theory. The findings include Western Stemmed projectile points and DNA-profiling of human coprolites from the Paisley Caves.
Researchers use zebrafish to study the biological mechanisms underlying human disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, doxorubicin-induced heart failure, spinal muscular atrophy, and acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The models provide valuable insights into causes and potential treatments for these diseases.
New research reveals rhesus macaques have three times more genetic variation than humans but with a comparable ratio of damaging mutations, indicating strong selection pressure to maintain gene function. The study's findings provide insights into the impact of population history on genetic variation and evolutionary selection.
A study by European Society of Human Genetics researchers identifies a crucial factor, CD36 fatty acid transporter protein, in suppressing response to VPA treatment. Monitoring blood for CD36 levels can help doctors determine response to treatment before starting therapy.
Researchers identify a critical neurological factor in aggression, blocking it in mice to suggest potential treatments for severe aggression. The study's findings have significant breakthrough potential for developing drug targets for pathological aggression.
Biochemists at UC Riverside discovered that increasing vitamin C levels can produce twins and triplets in plant seeds. This finding has the potential to increase fertility in low-fertility crops and boost their value. The researchers' study results were published online in PLoS ONE.
Lachke's research focuses on identifying genes associated with eye diseases, aiming to understand lens development and function. He has discovered three new cataract-associated genes using his online gene discovery tool iSyTE.
Researchers have identified over 10,000 microbial species living in humans and found that between 81-99% of genera were present in healthy adults. The study's findings highlight the role of beneficial microorganisms in maintaining health and provide insights into their functions.
Researchers at UCSB have successfully synthesized a semiconductor material through genetic engineering and molecular evolution. By directing the evolution of enzymes, they created new mineral architectures with unique properties, opening up possibilities for specialized materials.
The Forsyth team, led by experts in oral and craniofacial microbiology, contributed to the Human Microbiome Project's definition of normal bacterial makeup. The study found that microbes contribute more genes responsible for human survival than humans themselves, with an estimated 360-times more bacterial genes.
The Human Microbiome Project found that the human body contains trillions of microorganisms, contributing millions of unique protein-coding genes. These microbes play a vital role in human health, enabling digestion and absorption of nutrients, and producing beneficial compounds.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded a $1,650 travel grant to Shanelle Joseph from Southern University and A tM College for her poster/platform presentation at the 2012 meeting. The program aims to increase underrepresented minority engagement in biomedical research.
Researchers suggest that inactivation of two specific genes related to the immune system may have conferred selected ancestors of modern humans with improved protection from some pathogenic bacterial strains. This proposed factor could have contributed to the emergence of anatomically modern humans around 100,000 years ago.
A recent study has identified more than 40 genetic regions influencing fertility in Hutterite men, which may shed light on unexplained cases of male infertility. The research also found nine genetic regions impacting sperm quality in non-Hutterites.
A new technique called TAB-Seq has enabled scientists to map the entire genome of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine sites at single-base resolution. This breakthrough has revealed new information about its patterns of distribution in human and mouse embryonic stem cells, indicating a major role in regulating gene expression and development.
A large survey of human genetic variation reveals that rare genetic variants are surprisingly common, affecting millions of people. The study, published in Science, found that one individual in 14,002 had a unique variant in each of 202 genes.
Researchers found a critical gene responsible for human brain features, duplicated around two million years ago. The partial copy's interaction with the original gene likely enabled cognitive changes and neuron development benefits.
Researchers found that Chd1 protein regulates histone occupancy, enabling gene expression. In yeast cells, Chd1's absence impairs nucleosome reassembly and transcription.
Researchers at Durham University have identified a key gene involved in sperm-to-egg binding, enabling fertilization in mammals. The discovery highlights the importance of cumulus cells surrounding eggs and suggests potential avenues for improving IVF treatment effectiveness and developing new contraceptives.
Khan Academy and 23andMe are collaborating to educate people about genetics and the Human Genome Project. The partnership provides free educational resources, including video series and interactive tools, to help individuals understand their own genetic information.