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Archaeology: First Pompeiian human genome sequenced

Scientists have successfully sequenced the first human genome from an individual who died in Pompeii, Italy, after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The study provides new insights into the genetic history and lives of the population, including evidence of high levels of genetic diversity across the Italian Peninsula.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 26, 2022

Repeats are key to understanding humanity's genome

Researchers fill in gaps in Human Reference Genome, discovering repetitive sections are a major source of human variation and genetic diversity. The Telomere-2-Telomere project reveals complex architectural features with significant consequences for understanding human evolution and biological function.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

Some hard-to-crack genome areas carry genes that make us distinctly humans

The completed human genome assembly has revealed new insights into human evolution and diseases. Researchers found that highly repetitive regions, including segmental duplications, contain genes critical for brain development and function. These findings shed light on the genetic factors that make humans distinct from other primates.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Study involving investigators from Mayo Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine applies drug-gene testing to improve patient care and reports outcomes

A new study from Mayo Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine found that targeted genomic information can significantly impact drug prescribing practices. By applying drug-gene testing, clinicians can identify nearly every patient as a potential candidate for preemptive testing, particularly for drugs with unknown genetic influences.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMar 22, 2022

New benchmark could improve detection of genetic variants linked to spinal muscular atrophy, other diseases

A new DNA benchmark, developed by NIST and collaborators, enables more accurate detection of genetic variants linked to diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy. The benchmark, based on HiFi sequencing technology, helps labs and clinics sequence genes with high accuracy, critical for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Should all babies have their genome sequenced at birth?

Experts debate whether newborn genome sequencing should be routine, with some arguing it can save lives and be cost-effective. A phased rollout is advocated, with genomic information disclosed sequentially at appropriate ages. The rollout requires data quality improvement and informed consent.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 17, 2021

Researchers discover potential treatment for orphan paediatric condition

A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown condition, 'Zaki Syndrome', affecting children worldwide and discovered a potential treatment using the drug CHIR99021. The drug was able to boost WNT signals and restore development in developing fetuses, potentially preventing birth defects.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

AI may predict the next virus to jump from animals to humans

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that machine learning models using viral genomes can predict the likelihood of an animal-infecting virus infecting humans. The researchers identified generalizable features in viral genomes that are independent of taxonomic relationships and developed models to identify candidate zoonoses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2021

A new class of functional elements in the human genome?

Research finds that unusual DNA structures, called G-quadruplexes (G4s), are preserved by natural selection and play a role in gene expression and cellular processes. G4s are more common and stable in regions with important functions, suggesting they should be considered functional elements of the genome.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 29, 2021

'PopDel' detects deletions in our genomes

Researchers developed PopDel, a program that reliably identifies large deletions in thousands of genomes simultaneously. The software outperformed existing methods, detecting rare gene variants associated with healthy lipid metabolism.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2021

Thoughts on plant genomes

The sequencing of plant genomes has accelerated significantly, with over 181 horticultural species now sequenced. These advancements have provided new insights into the inheritance of traits and evolutionary aspects of various plant species, including fruit development and ripening. The data will benefit future research projects and pr...

March of the multiple penguin genomes

The Penguin Genome Consortium has sequenced high-coverage penguin genome sequences, providing an unparalleled amount of information on the genomic landscape of all living penguin species. This study reveals key insights into the evolution of life on the ice and will help predict population trends under future climate change scenarios.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateSep 17, 2019

Researchers identify genes linked to sex differentiation in giant Amazon fish

Brazilian and German scientists have discovered genes linked to sex differentiation in the giant Amazon fish, enabling early sexing and paving the way for genetic improvement. The research, supported by FAPESP, has significant implications for the Brazilian aquaculture industry and the conservation of this iconic species.

Improved ape genome assemblies provide new insights into human evolution

New, high-quality ape genome assemblies have been generated without the guidance of the human reference genome, providing a clearer view of genetic differences that arose as humans diverged from other primates. The research team also studied brain organoids to understand how differences in gene expression during brain development might...