Articles tagged with Medical Genetics
Researchers developed a novel technology to engineer proteins targeting specific DNA sequences, offering a new approach to gene therapies. The system generates engineered zinc fingers that bind to any given sequence of DNA, potentially treating diseases caused by genetic mutations.
Researchers genetically engineered mitochondria to convert light energy into chemical energy, increasing ATP production and lifespan by 30-40%. The study provides new insights into mitochondrial function and offers a platform for studying age-related diseases.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a connection between loss of the Y chromosome (LOY) and the risk of severe COVID-19 in men. LOY was linked to impaired lung function, blood clots, and a higher risk of death.
Researchers investigate how lung cancers evade the immune system to develop more effective immunotherapy treatments. The study aims to uncover a new way lung cancers disguise themselves from the immune system, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Research confirms a strong link between four genetic mutations and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but often fatal brain infection. Patients with these variants are at an increased risk of developing PML, highlighting the potential for genetic screening to reduce disease risk.
A team at the University of Exeter has found genetic changes in a region that controls the activity of the genome, turning on or off genes, which led to the discovery of the cause of Congenital Hyperinsulinism. This breakthrough could unlock new causes of rare diseases and pave the way for improved treatments.
Researchers at King's College London discovered nine genes associated with metabolic disease risk in fat tissue. The study found that diet can affect belly fat accumulation through epigenetic changes.
A new study suggests that the relationship between siblings' educational outcomes is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The research found that individuals with older siblings are more likely to excel academically, highlighting the complex interplay between nature and nurture.
Researchers found that different lineages of Cryptosporidium parvum are increasingly exchanging their DNA, which helps the parasite evolve faster and potentially result in more virulent strains. The study suggests that globalization and close contact with animals increase the rate of genetic exchange.
Researchers have developed an app to help doctors identify patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of developing infections, allowing for earlier treatment. The app uses blood test results and genetic data to predict patient risk, improving treatment outcomes and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.
Researchers evaluate Jumpcode Genomics CRISPRclean technology for transforming pandemic response through highly sensitive testing. The assay quickly identifies variant strain types and individual host responses in a single workflow.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that a person's height impacts their risk for multiple diseases, including atrial fibrillation and varicose veins. The study also uncovered associations between greater height and a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy and skin bone infections.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released a new Clinical Practice Resource to guide the treatment of patients with hearing loss. The resource offers information on causes, presentations, and approaches to clinical evaluation and genetic testing.
A new type of RNA structure targeting tool has been developed to specifically recognise unusual four-strand RNA structures associated with diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. The L-RNA aptamer-based rG4 targeting approach shows promise for developing new therapeutic tools.
A new study has identified a strong predictor for the development of clinically important liver problems in people with Hemochromatosis. Researchers found that 84% of those with advanced liver fibrosis also had arthritis, highlighting the importance of early detection and monitoring.
A long-term study of FXTAS carriers has identified key indicators of disease progression, including cognitive decline and motor symptoms. Researchers hope to develop a validated tracking tool to monitor premutation carriers and patients with FXTAS.
A recent brain imaging study has found evidence of weakening connections between key brain areas in adolescents at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder. This study suggests that early intervention strategies may be effective in preventing the progression towards major changes in the brain.
A new study by the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology has found that one third of children with a Wilms' tumor, the most common form of childhood kidney cancer, have a hereditary predisposition. This discovery has led to the implementation of extensive genetic testing for all children with this disease in the Netherlands.
Researchers have discovered how long-term benzodiazepine use damages brain synapses, leading to cognitive decline. Benzodiazepines, commonly used for anxiety and sleep disorders, trigger microglial activation, resulting in the degradation of neural connections.
A recent review highlights the effects of different intestinal bacteria on colorectal cancer, exploring new therapies for disease prevention and treatment. Beneficial probiotics, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, exhibit anticancer properties and reduce CRC cell proliferation.
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.
Researchers developed a method called 6mASCOPE that measures DNA tagging system accuracy and distinguishes bacterial from human DNA. The study found high levels of methylation in plant, fly, mouse, and human cells, but mostly attributed to contamination.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences and electronic health records of thousands of individuals to discover that the chance a pathogenic genetic variant may cause a disease is relatively low, about 7 percent. However, some variants are linked to wide range of risks for disease.
A study of over 6,000 women found that US-born Black women are at higher risk of preeclampsia, but this is not solely due to their racial background. Factors such as biology, social and cultural elements, and access to healthcare also play a role in this disparity.
A world-first study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that whole genome sequencing can uncover new diagnoses for people with rare diseases. The pilot study analyzed 4,660 individuals and found a new diagnosis for 25% of participants, including 14% not detectable by other conventional methods.
A new study tracked the spread of a genetic mutation that causes young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents over centuries. The research found that the mutation was passed down from Northern Europe to other parts of the world through migration, and identified a specific gene, KCNQ1, as the cause of the disease.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation called retroCHMP3 that can block the replication of certain viruses like HIV and Ebola by disrupting their ability to exit an infected cell. This finding has the potential to lead to the development of new medical interventions against these deadly diseases.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center has established a Translational Research Center in Lung Cancer Disparities (TRACER) to address racial disparities in lung cancer. TRACER will investigate the interaction between stress, smoking, and gene expression to raise lung cancer risk in Black men.
Researchers have identified a molecule called fractalkine that can boost the production of brain cells producing myelin, a key factor in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that fractalkine could be used to treat certain neurodegenerative disorders by restoring lost myelin.
Flipon genetics proposes that evolution happens on a faster time scale than Darwin imagined, with rapid adaptations occurring in real-time within individuals. This is achieved through the simple sequence repeats of DNA, which can adopt alternative shapes and transmit adaptations to offspring.
A new study published in Blood Cancer Discovery reveals that children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have more DNA changes in their blood stem cells are more likely to survive. The researchers hope that this finding can be used as a tool to identify high-risk patients and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers developed a machine learning tool, BoostDM, that evaluates the potential contribution of mutations in genes to cancer development. The tool helps understand how tumors are caused at the molecular level and can facilitate medical decisions regarding therapy.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has partnered with Elsevier to publish its official journal, Genetics in Medicine. The partnership aims to increase the journal's visibility and influence in medical genetics and genomics research.
A study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics describes the physical and neurologic characteristics of congenital Zika syndrome in 83 Brazilian children. The findings show that microcephaly, joint immobility, and brain abnormalities are common features, with some cases having milder symptoms.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Zika virus disrupts the proliferation of radial glial progenitors (RGPs), a type of stem cell essential for brain development. In genetic cases of microcephaly, NDE1 mutations cause RGP cells to fail to divide, resulting in severe brain developmental delays.
Dr. Peter Jones, Chief Scientific Officer at Van Andel Research Institute, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his outstanding contributions to cancer research and epigenomics. His work focuses on developing novel approaches to cancer treatment and alleviating suffering from the disease.
The number of physician-scientists is expected to decline unless steps are taken to increase recruitment and mentoring. Physician-scientists make critical contributions to medical research and discoveries.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that regular consumption of fried foods increases the risk of obesity in people with a genetic predisposition to obesity. The study analyzed data from three US cohort studies and found that high intakes of fried food exacerbated the deleterious effects of genetic variants associate...
The study replicated approximately 75% of the expected associations, demonstrating high-quality findings from self-reported data. 23andMe's web-based platform enables researchers to investigate hundreds of genetic factors in dozens of diseases efficiently and cost-effectively.
Researchers at Hebrew SeniorLife's Institute for Aging Research have examined nearly 100,000 genetic markers to determine which genes are responsible for osteoporosis and longevity. The studies found associations between specific genetic variants and traits such as bone mineral density and age at death.
Researchers review developmental and genetic basis of CDH, exploring potential treatments using animal models and examining connections to lung and cardiovascular development. Studies find that TO surgery can stimulate fetal lung growth, while genetic mutations in key pathways contribute to the condition.
A large germline deletion in the Chek2 kinase gene is associated with an almost doubled risk of prostate cancer. The study found this deletion in 24% of healthy people and 0.8% of diagnosed patients from Poland, suggesting a higher prevalence among men from eastern Europe.
A study of ancient Egyptian remains and art reveals that dwarfs were highly respected and integrated into society. Elite dwarfs held important positions, while ordinary ones specialized in various occupations, suggesting a positive image of short people in ancient Egypt.
A new study found that people with short variants of the APOB gene region have significantly lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in their blood. This association may contribute to a protective role of these variants in younger adults, while being detrimental to longevity in older individuals.
Jan L. Breslow and David A. Ness received the 2001 American Heart Association Gold Heart Award for their leadership in research, administration, and volunteer work. The award recognizes their significant contributions to advancing heart health through their work with the association.
Researchers successfully revived bacteria extracted from ancient bees preserved in amber, opening up new possibilities for pharmaceuticals and industrial applications. Ancient plant specimens are also being studied to understand genetic evolution and identify potential biocontrol uses.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered that removing a brain chemical called neuropeptide Y (NPY) can help reduce body fat in genetically obese mice. The study found that mice lacking NPY become only half as fat, eat less, and have a higher metabolic rate compared to their morbidly obese cousins.
Researchers identified a single gene regulating wing formation in fruit flies, revealing a fundamental understanding of how genes mastermind limb development. The discovery may lead to new avenues for preventing birth defects caused by genetic miscommunication.