Articles tagged with Human Genetics
Genetic comparison reveals Egyptian vulture population in Canary Islands was established around 2500 years ago, matching human colonization date. Human activity led to divergent evolution and demographic expansion of vultures, assisted in their adaptation to new environment.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created a way to isolate pure preparations of neural stem cells directly from human brain tissue. This breakthrough technique saves months of time and labor in the laboratory, allowing scientists to study stem cells in unprecedented detail. The findings suggest that human n...
Researchers found that common genetic variants near aging-related genes influence the production of circular RNAs, which control INK4/ARF gene expression and risk of diseases like heart attack and stroke. Individuals with more of these circular forms have increased INK4/ARF gene expression.
Researchers have re-sequenced six elite corn varieties, discovering over 100 genes that are present in some but not others. This presence/absence variation could be crucial to understanding heterosis and producing better hybrids.
A team of researchers argues that FDA's current review process for transgenic salmon fails to consider the full impact on human health and environment. Experts call for a broader assessment of safety, including market impacts and environmental effects.
Researchers discovered that when a person's personality matches the prevalent personalities of others in a culture, it enhances positive effects on self-esteem and well-being. Additionally, social threats induce bodily freeze-like behavior in humans, while cultural differences in spatial representations affect time perception.
Researchers identified significant qualitative differences in human and chimpanzee natural killer cell receptors, shaped by human-specific evolution. These distinctions affect the ability to fight infections like HIV/AIDS and malaria, as well as reproductive processes.
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) has awarded 7 MARC travel grants totaling $12,950 to support underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates at the 2010 ASHG Annual Meeting. The awards promote diversity in biomedical research and encourage young scientists' participation.
A large-scale genome sequencing project involving 179 people from three continents has confirmed earlier work on genetic mutations and identified new gene mutations that occur often enough to be considered common in humans. The study also discovered new mobile elements, DNA sequences that randomly reshuffle in the genome.
Scientists discover how EBV uses microRNA to create an elaborate timing mechanism, allowing it to hide within cells and evade the immune system. Removing this mechanism could enable physicians to flush EBV out of hiding and allow a healthy immune system to rid the body of the virus.
Researchers have identified key genes controlling reproductive lifespan in roundworms, which may lead to the development of fertility-preserving treatments for women. The study's findings suggest that quality over quantity is a limiting factor in human reproduction, and that similar genes are shared between humans and worms.
Researchers found that worms and humans have similar genetic mechanisms controlling reproductive aging, which can inform fertility preservation therapies. Oocytes in both species degrade functionally and morphologically with age, but TGF-?? Sma/Mab and insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathways delay aging by maintaining oocyte quality.
A patchwork of reproductive health regulations across Europe hinders access to medically assisted reproduction (MAR) treatments. Many patients resort to seeking care abroad due to limited availability and reimbursement policies.
Researchers generated mice with a human immune system using human stem cells, allowing them to produce human monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough could simplify the study and treatment of diseases.
Researchers discovered a genetic alteration in the NR5A1 gene that disrupts sperm production, accounting for approximately 4% of cases of unexplained male infertility. The study suggests that these mutations may indicate mild abnormalities in testicular development, highlighting the need for further clinical investigation.
Scientists have developed a laboratory model to study innovative approaches against typhoid fever in a living system. The 'humanized' mouse model enables researchers to test new treatments before testing them on people.
A study by Timothy Vyse and colleagues found that common CRP genetic variants are associated with acute-phase serum CRP concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This association may influence therapeutic decision making and lead to improved clinical interpretation of inflammatory disease activity.
A genetic marker linked to elevated tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid predicts rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease. The marker is associated with higher tau levels and more severe dementia in patients, offering new insights into the disease's progression.
University of Oklahoma researchers have developed a new method for understanding brain function in humans, leveraging advances in genetic techniques to manipulate small subsets of brain cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for studies of human neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
The Centre for Geogenetics is a globally unique facility that bridges the natural sciences and humanities, offering new insights into human migration, climate change, and disease treatment. With its advanced techniques, it aims to calculate the future more accurately by understanding the past.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine contradicts earlier reports that people with a certain genetic make-up don't benefit from the blood-thinner clopidogrel. Researchers found that the gene variant previously thought to be associated with reduced effectiveness had no impact on patients taking clopidogrel.
Researchers have discovered a genetic risk factor associated with common types of migraine, revealing a potential explanation for the link. A DNA variant on Chromosome 8 regulates glutamate levels in nerve cells, which may play a key role in migraine attacks.
A new statistical method confirms that mitochondrial Eve, the mother of all humans, lived around 200,000 years ago. The study compared 10 human genetic models and found that they produced similar estimates, suggesting that refining assumptions beyond a certain point is not crucial in capturing the big picture.
Researchers identified a mutation in the unc-79 gene that makes mice more sensitive to alcohol, suggesting a potential link between the gene and human susceptibility. The study found that the mutated mice consumed more alcohol than normal mice when offered a choice.
Researchers have identified a novel mutation in a mouse gene that may contribute to the genetic roots of alcoholism. The mutation, called Lightweight, affects sensitivity to alcohol and voluntarily consumed more alcohol by mutant mice. Further studies are needed to determine if this pathway is relevant to humans.
The National Institutes of Health has launched a nationwide research initiative to define changes in the human immune system using human studies. The effort aims to improve vaccine safety, effectiveness, and overall therapeutic outcomes for various infections and diseases.
Researchers have detected and quantified novel small RNAs in human cells that represent entirely new classes of gene-translating molecules. The findings confirm a long-held hypothesis that mammalian cells can synthesize RNA by copying RNA molecules directly.
Researchers have identified a small number of genetic regions responsible for dogs' physical traits, which may hold clues to understanding human biomedical traits. The study found that only six or seven locations in the dog genome determine about 80 percent of differences in height and weight among breeds.
Scientists have created a mouse with highly effective human immune system components, enabling it to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to new immunotherapy approaches for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that the human neck played a crucial role in the evolution of the human brain by enabling improved movement and dexterity in terrestrial and aerial environments. This innovation allowed for a wide range of forelimb abilities, from flying to swimming and playing piano.
Scientists have developed a new, automated genetic method for determining a broader range of blood types, enabling better matching in blood banks. The HiFi Blood 96 test can handle high volumes of blood and is more affordable than existing commercial tests, paving the way for wider adoption of extended blood group typing.
Researchers at UC San Diego identify new signaling pathway critical for embryonic stem cells' self-propagation, finding that inhibiting this pathway reduces teratoma formation. This breakthrough enables a potential solution to the major obstacle in developing human embryonic stem cell therapies.
A comparison of Tibetan and Han Chinese genomes reveals over 30 genes with DNA mutations associated with high-altitude adaptation. The fastest genetic change ever observed has allowed Tibetans to thrive at high altitudes without the problems faced by people from lower elevations.
Gerald Fink has been recognized with the 2010 Gruber Genetics Prize for his revolutionary transformation technique, enabling gene insertion into yeast cells. This breakthrough allows scientists to study specific genes and produce compounds used in vaccines, antibiotics, and biofuel.
Gerald R. Fink receives the prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on yeast genetics, enabling gene manipulation and advancing biomedical science. His discoveries have led to life-saving drugs and vaccines, as well as a deeper understanding of disease-causing fungi.
Female human embryonic stem cells show variations in X chromosome inactivation as early as five passages, suggesting culture conditions can impact cell safety. The study's findings may have implications for cancer development and disease treatment, prompting further research on uniforming X chromosome inactivation patterns.
A Stanford study uses high-powered genomic analytical techniques to establish the coexistence of 1,000 single-celled species in every healthy human gut. By manipulating microbial populations through dietary interventions, scientists aim to remedify diseases and enhance health.
The UK10K project will analyze the genomes of 4,000 people with extensive health data and 6,000 people with extreme obesity and other conditions. The goal is to identify rare genetic variants important in human disease and improve our understanding of genetics.
Researchers identified a defective signaling pathway that leads to the development of vascular malformations in the brain. The study suggests that targeting this pathway may lead to new treatments for cerebral cavernomas, including the use of anticancer drugs.
A study by Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência has identified the first genetic risk factors for cerebral malaria in Angolan children, a severe form of malaria infection. The research found that variants in two genes, TGFB2 and HMOX, increase susceptibility to cerebral malaria.
Researchers found that viruses invading the human genome millions of years ago have changed gene regulation in human embryonic stem cells. The discovery provides definitive proof of a theory proposed by Barbara McClintock and has significant implications for regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully cultured human embryonic stem cells under chemically controlled conditions without the use of animal substances. This breakthrough enables large quantities of human embryonic stem cells to be produced in a completely defined environment, paving the way for future clinical uses.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a novel technique to produce genetically modified rats, offering potential for biomedical research on human diseases. The new method enables the creation of rat lines with mutations in specific genes, including those linked to cancer, diabetes, and mental illness.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between the CISH gene and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, malaria, and serious bacterial infections. The study found that a single genetic variant in the CISH gene increases disease risk by 18% compared to those without the variant.
Researchers discovered an identical gene for antibiotic resistance in human and animal samples, suggesting its transfer between bacteria species. This finding poses a risk to the treatment of common human infections like UTIs, which are increasingly difficult to treat due to rising antibiotic resistance.
T-ALL is caused by interplay of various factors including genetic errors that disrupt white blood cell formation. The study identifies PTPN2 as a tumor suppressor gene lost in leukemia patients, contributing to cancerous cell proliferation.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that male and female fat cells have distinct genetic profiles, which may contribute to differences in fat storage patterns. The researchers used mice with different sex hormone levels to determine whether hormones play a role in fat distribution.
Researchers found that low oxygen levels prevent X chromosome inactivation in human embryonic stem cells, which can lead to a less flexible and pluripotent state. The study suggests that conventional lab methods may not be optimal, and alternative approaches are needed to maintain human ES cells' pluripotency.
Researchers at Purdue University discovered that lake sturgeon have genes from a parasitic worm and a protozoan parasite that causes a sexually transmitted disease in humans. This finding could lead to new methods of sex determination without harming the fish, which are endangered due to overfishing and pollution.
Scientists have identified a rare species of pathogenic algae causing human skin infections and septicemia. The discovery may lead to better treatment protocols and economic benefits for the dairy industry.
The Xenopus tropicalis genome has been nearly completely sequenced, providing a powerful model to study gene organization, regulation and function. The findings hold significant promise for improving human health by shedding light on the basic mechanisms of genetics.
Researchers found that the Retinoblastoma protein targets DNA replication genes during cellular senescence, preventing cancer cells from replicating. This mechanism is crucial for tumor suppression, and its disruption can lead to genomic instability and malignant tumors.
Researchers have created a global map of human gene expression using data from 163 laboratories worldwide involving 5,372 human samples. The analysis reveals six distinct groups or 'continents' of gene expression activity, providing new insights into the genetic basis of human function and behavior.
High levels of copper and iron in older adults can lead to cell damage and increase the risk of age-related diseases. To mitigate this, individuals over 50 should consider avoiding certain supplements and taking steps to lower their exposure to these metals.
A study has identified genes that contribute to heart function and disease, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of heart disease. The researchers found nearly 500 genes associated with heart problems in flies, including a protein complex called CCR4-Not.
Researchers at EMBL identified almost 600 human genes involved in mitosis through high-throughput imaging and computer analysis. The study provides a rich resource for scientists to investigate the molecular workings of cell division.
Researchers have discovered an influenza detector gene called RIG-I in ducks that could prevent the transmission of the virus to humans. The duck's immune system contains the virus, reducing viral replication by half.
McGill University researcher Prof. Claudio Cuello has genetically manipulated rats to emulate Alzheimer's disease in humans, allowing for the study of a suspected 'latent phase' previously impossible to predict. This breakthrough enables researchers to develop new treatments for the devastating brain condition.
Researchers at EMBL and Yale found that up to a quarter of human genes are regulated differently in people, with variations in non-coding regions and protein interactions contributing to these differences. This new understanding may lead to novel approaches for studying diseases and personalizing treatments.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study reveals that individual hand bacteria can be used to identify people on computer objects, with a high accuracy rate of 70-90%.