Articles tagged with Human Genetics
A new study from North Carolina State University suggests that health care spending can contribute to economic growth by investing in future capital and improving productivity. The researchers found that government projections of health care costs were unduly pessimistic, leading to errors of up to 35%.
Penn researchers have isolated and transplanted pure populations of human spermatogonia and mouse gonocytes, showing remarkable similarity between the two species' reproductive cells. The study reveals insights into male germline stem cell lifecycle and provides hope for prepubescent men at risk of infertility due to cancer treatment.
Research shows human umbilical stem cells can improve corneal transparency and thickness in laboratory mice. The treatment has the potential to replace corneal transplants as an alternative therapy for severe genetic and corneal eye diseases.
A study by Duke University researchers discovered a commonality in the genetic codes of human sex receptors and those found in other primates. This similarity suggests that varying sensitivity to specific odors may play a role in mate selection, potentially preventing cross-species couplings.
A multi-institutional team is using genomic tools and the Mexican axolotl salamander to understand regenerative capacity after spinal cord injury, stroke, and other neural conditions. The goal is to tap unused human capacities to treat these conditions.
Researchers found that broad differences in gene activity between humans and chimps are coordinated by about 90 transcription factors, which affect nearly 1,000 genes. This suggests a unique regulatory mechanism in the human brain that allows for larger brains and different organ functions.
Researchers found that mice lack two key features of a critical DMD gene, hindering the use of mice as primary models for studying DMD. The findings indicate that mouse models are particularly poor at replicating brain effects of DMD, which could limit understanding of the disease's mechanisms.
Recent studies in fruit flies have identified a nuclear receptor that plays a critical role in regulating cholesterol levels, similar to humans. The findings suggest that fruit flies can teach humans about their own regulatory mechanisms for maintaining proper balances of cholesterol and stored fat.
Humans uniquely susceptible to aging diseases due to genetic adaptations to inflammation and high cholesterol diets. The 'meat-adaptive gene' ApoE3 may contribute to human lifespan, while ApoE4 impairs neuronal development and shortens lifespan by four years.
A new study found that female mandrills reproduce with males whose genes complement theirs, increasing the chances of their offspring resisting disease. The researchers believe this may be due to smell or selective fertilization, and the discovery supports the idea humans may also choose genetically compatible mates.
Researchers identify phosducin's role in modulating blood pressure in response to stress, finding increased baseline and stress-dependent blood pressure in mice and humans. The study suggests phosducin as a promising target for developing drugs to alleviate stress-induced hypertension.
Researchers have discovered genetic clues that enable scientists to tailor corn plants for specific traits, such as high protein content for human consumption or high glucose content for biomass fuel. The findings could lead to higher yield or improved quality crops with reduced environmental impact.
Researchers have confirmed Homo floresiensis as a distinct species using statistical analysis on skeletal remains, rejecting the theory that it was a diseased sub-population of healthy humans. The study reveals unique anatomy that differs from modern humans and other primate species.
Bird flu viruses require two simultaneous genetic mutations to infect humans, making human-to-human transmission unlikely. The study suggests that H5N1's high mortality rate in humans is due to its inability to infect the right cells, increasing the odds of it being less likely to cause a pandemic.
Two large-scale genetic studies identified key regions linked to susceptibility in both adult and childhood inflammatory bowel disease, highlighting the role of epithelial defects in creating an 'open door' for bacteria. The findings also suggest potential new targets for treatment by tightening up the mucosal barrier.
The institution has been awarded over $42 million for research projects focusing on cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, autism, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. The grants support the work of researchers like Dr. Joseph Hill, Dr. Craig Powell, and Dr. Elizabeth Maher.
Experts from 11 countries agree on a joint DNA-based database to combat child trafficking, with the goal of eradicating the crime. The DNA-Prokids Programme aims to reunite victims with their families and prevent further exploitation.
Researchers at Queen's University have found a significant connection between two genes involved in human cancer formation by studying their behavior in worms. Increasing Eph receptor levels in worms led to decreased PTEN levels and premature death, highlighting the potential for targeted cancer therapy.
The domestic horse genome sequence has been completed, providing access to specific gene sequences for identifying traits. The findings have significant implications for improved breeding practices and studying human health, particularly in relation to shared genetic conditions.
The Genome 10K Project aims to sequence the DNA of approximately one species per genus of living mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. This will help reconstruct the genetic changes that gave rise to diverse life forms on Earth, with potential benefits for human and animal health, as well as conservation efforts.
Researchers found a mechanism that enables proteins to become more specialized over time, contributing to human biological complexity. Random genetic mutations in duplicate genes can lead to dosage imbalances, which can be alleviated through paralogization, allowing humans to maintain complex tissues.
Researchers discovered a major metabolic switch in fruit flies that plays a key role in alcohol tolerance and found direct translation to humans. This discovery provides a crucial explanation of why some people tolerate alcohol better than others and offers a potential target for preventing or eliminating alcoholism.
Researchers developed a genetic family tree for cows and ruminants, spanning 29 million years, using a new technique that also applies to humans. The study provides insights into cattle domestication, breed formation, and evolutionary connections to humans.
Berkeley researchers have imaged the human RISC-loading complex for the first time, proposing a model of how small RNA molecules target specific messenger RNAs for silencing and/or destruction. This work provides new insights into RNA interference mechanisms and has significant implications for gene regulation in humans.
Researchers at Iowa State University have identified an enzyme that helps make tuberculosis resistant to a human's natural defense system. A new method to neutralize this enzyme may lead to a cure for the disease, which kills 1.5 to 2 million people worldwide annually.
Scientists have developed a new antigen that induces protective antibodies capable of blocking infection by genetically-diverse HIV strains. The chemically-activated antigen differs from previous vaccines and stimulates the production of broadly-neutralizing antibodies.
The American Society of Human Genetics presents the 2009 William Allan Award to Dr. Huntington F. Willard for his seminal findings in understanding chromosome structure and behavior. Willard's work has been instrumental in advancing human genetics, with a focus on X chromosome inactivation and centromeres.
Researchers aim to understand mechanisms by which the thymus shuts down, affecting immune system function during aging. The goal is to find ways to turn the organ's function back on to fight disease or aging, potentially leading to longer and healthier lives.
The Baumann Lab has identified a key protein role in distinguishing chromosome ends from DNA breaks, preventing genomic instability and cancer. RAP1 plays a critical role in cancer prevention and may be linked to age-related diseases.
A Mayo Clinic study has found two genes associated with good central nervous system repair in mice with multiple sclerosis. The identification of these genes may lead to the development of new therapies and a better prediction of patient outcomes.
Plant scientists at the University of Montreal have discovered a key mechanism that enables plants to prevent dangerous gene alterations, ensuring their survival. This finding has implications for understanding gene repair mechanisms in humans and preventing devastating diseases.
Researchers engineered a human HIV-1 inhibitor modeled after AoT5Cyp, a potent owl monkey fusion protein. The human fusion protein, hT5Cyp, blocked HIV-1 infection in human macrophage and T cell lines without disrupting normal cell function.
Scientists have identified a complete signaling pathway for plant brassinosteroid hormones, a discovery that could lead to genetic engineering of crops with higher yields and improve understanding of human diseases like cancer and diabetes. The study shares similarities with animal steroids, but functions differently at the cellular le...
Gladstone scientists have found the first genetic link between reptile and human heart evolution, linking protein Tbx5 to the development of four-chambered hearts in turtles and humans. The study sheds light on the evolution of warm-bloodedness and provides insights into congenital heart disease.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a sensitive and accurate way of identifying gene copy number variations (CNVs) using new DNA sequencing technologies. This method allows for the detection of small structural variants that were previously overlooked by current methods.
Researchers found that nucleosomes package protein coding parts of genes in humans and the roundworm C elegans. This mechanism enables genes to be used in different ways, contributing to human development.
Researchers identified a mutated gene hDEC2 that allows individuals to thrive on six hours of sleep, and studied its impact on mice and fruit flies. The findings suggest that the gene modulates both sleep quantity and wakefulness-behavioral drive.
Researchers believe a parasite found in chimpanzees in equatorial Africa is the original source of malignant malaria, transmitted to humans through a single mosquito around 5,000 years ago. This discovery could aid the development of a vaccine for malaria, which affects 500 million people annually.
Researchers found a distinct 'DNA signature' in human sperm, which recognizes an egg's species-specific DNA, enabling fertilization. This discovery explains male infertility and pregnancy failures.
A team at WPI and CellThera has discovered a novel method to turn on stem cell genes in human fibroblasts by manipulating culture conditions. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for human diseases and traumatic injuries by coaxing patient cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues.
Researchers at OMT successfully created heritable, specific and permanent genetic modifications in rats using Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN) technology. This achievement paves the way for unrestricted development of a novel human monoclonal antibody platform.
Genetic analysis reveals Australian Aborigines originated from south Asia, tracing back to Indian populations with exclusive mutations. This discovery supports archeological evidence of human occupation in Australia dating back to approximately 45 thousand years ago.
A new gene, RCP, has been identified as a potential breast cancer-promoting gene, with overexpression causing tumor cell characteristics and metastasis. Targeting RCP may provide a way to inhibit the known tumor-promoting pathway through activation of the RAS signaling pathway.
Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine and the University of California Davis have discovered a protein, PRCP, that regulates appetite suppression by breaking down alpha-MSH in mice. Administration of PRCP inhibitors reduced food intake in both normal and obese mice.
Scientists have identified three previously unknown genes in E. coli that are essential for the survival of the bacteria and one out of the three could be implicated in cancer or developmental abnormalities in humans. These genes are also found in numerous other creatures, suggesting a vital role for them across many species.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a gene that activates in mouse embryonic stem cells, allowing them to grow and divide rapidly in the lab. This breakthrough could enable scientists to maintain ES cells from other species, leading to new discoveries in medical research.
Variations in the T1R3 gene correspond to individual differences in sensitivity to and perceived intensity of umami taste. The study found that certain people are highly insensitive to umami, making it difficult for them to detect low levels of this taste quality.
Researchers identified CST5 as a candidate tumor suppressor gene induced by vitamin D3 in human colon cancer cells. The protein cystatin D inhibits cancer cell growth and is responsible for some of vitamin D3's anticancer effects.
A new study identifies a genomic fragment that reduces the effect of a type 2 diabetes risk gene in mice. The researchers found that this fragment, known as a 'jumping gene,' diminishes the activity of the risk gene Zfp69. In overweight individuals with diabetes, the human equivalent of this gene is highly active.
A new study found that blood stem cell growth factor (GCSF) reversed memory impairment in mice with Alzheimer's disease by reducing beta amyloid deposits and promoting new neuron production. The treatment showed promising results in both bone marrow and brain, offering a potential therapy for the disease.
Researchers found that human female embryos inactivate one X chromosome prior to implantation, which may affect laboratory culture conditions and embryo survival. This process is thought to have remained unchanged throughout evolution and has implications for human embryonic stem cell research.
Researchers discovered that variation in the same gene affects disease resistance in both humans and baboons, with 60% of Amboseli baboons infected with a malaria-like parasite. The findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of differences in vulnerability to infection.
Researchers at Duke University have found that variation in a single gene influences baboons' susceptibility to a closely related parasite, similar to its impact on humans. The study's findings provide a unique example of how the same genetic mechanism can confer resistance to different parasites.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Washington University School of Medicine four grants totaling $19 million to explore the human microbiome. The researchers aim to catalog microbes found in various body sites and determine their links to good health and disease.
Researchers reject popular DNA analysis suggesting humans are closely related to chimpanzees, proposing a new grouping for humans, orangutans and common ancestors. A scenario of the migration and evolution of 'dental hominoids' is presented.
A study analyzing tickle-induced vocalizations in infant and juvenile great apes, as well as human infants, found a common evolutionary origin for laughter. The researchers discovered that laughter evolved gradually over the last 10-16 million years of primate evolution, with humans exhibiting acoustically distinct features.
Researchers found that human friendship is linked to cognitive mechanisms creating a ready-made support group, prioritizing helpful individuals in conflicts. The Alliance Hypothesis suggests friendships prioritize mutual care over reciprocal benefits.
Researchers aim to identify genetic signals for regeneration in salamanders, a model for human limb growth, with the goal of developing therapies to enhance regenerative response. The team hopes to create a comprehensive database of genes involved in regeneration to inform how to coordinate complex structures in humans.
A controlled diet study with human volunteers found that a 2:1 w6/w3 ratio mimics early human diets can reduce inflammatory signaling genes. This study provides the first evidence of large changes in gene expression as a mechanism for omega fatty acids' clinical effects
A new paper reveals that there are more genetic differences between humans and mice than previously thought. One-fifth of mouse genes are new copies that have emerged in the last 90 million years of mouse evolution.