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Experts call for global genetic warning system to combat the next pandemic and antimicrobial resistance

A global genomic surveillance system using latest technologies and a 'One Health' approach can detect novel pathogens like avian influenza and antimicrobial resistance, catching epidemics before they start. This can inform vaccination campaigns, targeted treatments, and public health responses to prevent epidemics.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 25, 2024

Researchers identify novel genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease

A new study has identified 17 significant genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's disease in five genomic regions. The findings highlight the value of whole genome sequencing data in gaining long-sought insight into the ultimate causes and risk factors for Alzheimer's, which is the fifth leading cause of death among people 65 and older.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2024

Addressing societal concerns of genetic determinism of human behavior by linking environmental influences and genetic research

A new perspective article suggests that integrating environmental effects into genetic research is crucial to understand the intricate nature of gene-environment interactions. The authors propose expanding genome-wide association studies by incorporating environmental data, which could help mitigate deterministic thinking in genetics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 27, 2024

Five grand challenges for the future at the interface of engineering and medicine

Researchers identify five grand challenges in biomedical engineering to address social needs, existing gaps, and technological limitations. The Convergence Revolution and Fourth Industrial Revolution are expected to shape the future of medicine, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaborations and next-generation training.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 26, 2024

Extra fingers and hearts: pinpointing changes to our genetic instructions that disrupt development

Scientists have identified a vulnerability in our genomes that can cause developmental defects, such as extra fingers and heart disorders. By analyzing genomic sequences and enhancer variants, researchers found that single-letter changes to the DNA within our genomes can dramatically affect gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Predicting the molecular functions of regulatory genetic variants associated with cancer

Researchers discuss a new approach integrating genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and machine learning methods to identify functional genetic variants and characterize their mode of action in regulating target genes. This method aims to improve understanding of disease etiology and prioritize causative inherited genetic variants.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Who were the first modern humans to settle in Europe?

The study analyzed genome sequences from two skull fragments dated to 36,000 and 37,000 years ago, revealing genetic proximity to current and ancient Europeans. The findings suggest that these individuals contributed to the population that gave rise to the Gravettian culture around 5,000 years later.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 23, 2023

Research aims to uncover genetic and environmental risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A new study led by Wayne State University aims to discover gene-heavy metal interactions in human livers that contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, will investigate how naturally accumulated metals interact with the liver genome.

Scientists develop new AI tool for gene discovery in clinical and research settings

Scientists have developed a new AI tool called Bambu that uses long-read RNA sequencing to identify and quantify novel transcripts, providing a better understanding of gene expression and function. This innovative tool can be used in both clinical and research settings to discover new genes and their roles in human diseases.

Moving towards a more inclusive approach to medicine

A new human pangenome reference has been released, representing the genetic diversity of 47 individuals from around the world. This development may lead to breakthroughs in targeted medical treatments and a better understanding of disease responses, as regions previously missed are now being explored.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2023

UTHSC researchers’ work on human pangenome aids understanding of common chromosomal abnormality

Researchers from UTHSC have made a foundational discovery about chromosome biology through their work on the first-ever human pangenome reference. The draft pangenome uses complete genome assemblies to provide a diverse look at the genetic makeup of humans, shedding light on variation in parts of the genome that could not be seen before.

Human ancestry has been shaped by mixing and matching alleles

Recent studies reveal complex patterns of admixture in human populations, particularly in Africa and the Americas. In Africa, ancient introgression from Neanderthals and Denisovans contributed to increased genetic diversity, while in the Americas, modern admixture resulted in redistributed archaic ancestry.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2023

A new understanding of human origins in Africa

A recent study published in Nature challenges traditional views on human origins in Africa, proposing that modern humans emerged from the interaction of multiple populations across the continent. By analyzing genomic data from diverse African groups, researchers found evidence of gene flow and mixing over hundreds of thousands of years.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 17, 2023

UW Medicine scientists among leads of NIH pangenome studies

The Human Pangenome Reference Consortium expands and updates the human genome project with nearly full genomic data from 47 people of diverse ancestry. Researchers at UW Medicine made significant contributions to drafting the pangenome reference and studying variation within repetitive DNA, which could improve equity in human genome re...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Genomes from 240 mammal species explain human disease risks

A large-scale genomic study of 240 mammal species reveals previously uncharacterized regulatory elements in the human genome, linked to disease risks and distinctive traits. The research provides insights into the evolutionary development of mammalian genomes and their potential applications in medical research.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Luring the virus into a trap

Heidelberg researchers have identified key proteins that can prevent the formation of fusion pores, allowing viruses like influenza A and Ebola to be trapped in a lipid membrane. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for preventing infections with these highly infectious viruses.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023