Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development

Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.

Scientists reveal how cells “back up” DNA replication to survive severe damage

Researchers found that DNA helicase HELQ promotes replication fork reversal to protect cells from toxic DNA crosslinks. This process enables stalled replication forks to reverse and stabilize, minimizing mutations and cell death. The study identifies HELQ as a critical regulator of genome integrity under replication stress.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026

The boy on the balcony who never came outside

Dr. Dilek Colak's journey began with a childhood observation of a boy with mental illness, which inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience. Her current work focuses on understanding autism and schizophrenia through the study of human brain organoids.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateMay 5, 2026

How soil microbes adapt to life in lakes

Researchers found two strategies used by bacteria to colonize new habitats: acquiring new traits and reducing genome size. This study sheds light on the evolutionary biology of soil microbes, revealing unexpected results about their adaptation to freshwater environments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

How does mitochondrial DNA affect your health?

Salk Institute researchers have developed a new biological platform for studying mitochondrial DNA in human physiology, adaptation, and therapeutic development. The platform allows scientists to investigate mitochondrial DNA variation in health and disease, enabling therapeutic innovation for mitochondrial disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2026

Optimus protein

Researchers at Kyoto University identified DHX29 as a central regulator of codon-dependent gene expression. They found that DHX29 preferentially interacts with ribosomes decoding non-optimal codons and recruits a protein complex to selectively repress mRNAs enriched in these codons.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 19, 2026

Decoding intercontinental disjunction: Phylogenomic study unravels evolutionary history of hylodesmum

A comprehensive study using integrated genomic approach resolves Hylodesmum's taxonomic uncertainties and EA-ENA disjunct distribution. The study confirms Verdesmum as nested within Hylodesmum and reveals a complex bidirectional dispersal pattern likely facilitated by mammal-mediated epizoochory.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Study identifies gene expression program linked to neurotransmission in the living human brain

Researchers have identified a distinct gene expression program associated with neurotransmission in the living human brain. The study combines molecular data with real-time physiological recordings, revealing a coordinated set of genes whose activity tracks with neuronal signaling.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2026

How do GLP-1 agonists affect gene expression?

Salk Institute researchers identified Med14, a protein connected to GLP-1 drug effects on pancreatic beta cells, leading to improved viability, insulin production, and stress resistance. The study suggests a potential molecular link between GLP-1 drugs and broader benefits, including type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2026

Preventing breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors using genomic findings

A new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reveals that analyzing a patient's genomic profile can predict breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors. The researchers found that inheriting a BRCA2 mutation and other genetic alterations increase the likelihood of resistance. This discovery provides a new strategy for pred...

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Flipped chromosomal segments drive natural selection

New research finds that chromosomal inversions help Atlantic silversides maintain genetic differences suited to cold and warm waters, influencing growth rates and vertebrae numbers. This discovery suggests a fundamental role for chromosomal inversions in local adaptation and may shape population responses to ocean warming.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2026

Eleven genetic variants affect gut microbiome

Researchers identified 11 genetic regions influencing gut bacteria and roles they play, including connections to gluten intolerance, haemorrhoids, and cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed genetic data from over 28,000 individuals, providing insights into the complex relationship between genes and gut microbiome.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2026

Researchers rebuild microscopic circadian clock that can control genes

University of California San Diego scientists have solved how the circadian clocks within microscopic bacteria precisely control gene expression during the 24-hour cycle. The researchers identified six proteins needed to rebuild this clock, generating a simplified cyanobacterial system with a clock that only needs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2026

From ancient fins to human hands

Research team led by biologist Joost Woltering discovers how ancient genes from fish midline fins were 'redeployed' to establish the dorsal-ventral axis in human limbs, allowing for complex limb differentiation and adaptation for life on land.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 9, 2026

Genomic test helps flag early aggressive prostate cancer in African American patients

A new study found that a widely used genomic test can accurately identify African American men with early prostate cancer at high risk of recurrence. The Decipher classifier linked to faster recurrence rates and supports more personalized treatment choices. Genomic testing may help better match patients with the right treatment intensi...

Pitt and UPMC study finds epigenetic signature of pediatric traumatic brain injury, paves way for precision recovery tools

Researchers at Pitt and UPMC Children's Hospital discovered a biomarker of complicated pediatric traumatic brain injury, which may serve as dynamic indicators of post-injury recovery. The study found that children with TBI had a different epigenetic profile compared to those with orthopaedic injuries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateDec 9, 2025

Counting salmon is a breeze with airborne eDNA

Researchers at the University of Washington successfully tracked salmon populations using airborne eDNA, finding that the airborne DNA concentration fluctuated with visual counts reported by the hatchery. The technique links air, water, and fish, providing a valuable tool for population health monitoring and management.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

Aquaporin gene duplication followed by mutation in European eels restores broad solute permeability

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo found that European eels have restored aquaporin proteins with broad solute permeability through a recent gene duplication event. The study revealed that the genes Aqp10.2b2 and b3 acquired functional diversification, enabling them to transport urea and boric acid similar to Aqp10.1.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2025

Unlocking key insights into gene expression using a novel mouse model

Researchers developed a novel mouse model to visualize RNA Polymerase II during elongation, shedding light on gene expression dynamics. The study revealed dynamic patterns of gene transcription activity in various tissues and developmental states, with implications for understanding development, differentiation, and disease mechanisms.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2025