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Use of “genetic scissors” carries risks

The CRISPR tool was successfully used to correct a genetic defect in cells affected by chronic granulomatous disease. However, the repair process also introduced new genetic defects, highlighting the need for caution when using CRISPR technology in clinical settings.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Rice study reveals insights into protein evolution

Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery about protein evolution, revealing that pseudogenes can provide clues to the evolutionary journey of proteins. The team found that certain mutations can stabilize the folding of pseudogenes, but also disrupt their biological functions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2024

The language of RNA decoded: Study reveals new function for pseudogenes and noncoding RNAs

A new study reveals that thousands of noncoding RNAs have a regulatory role independent of their protein-coding function, communicating with each other to influence cellular microRNAs. This discovery introduces 'competitive endogenous RNAs' and doubles the size of the functional genome, offering new insights into cancer and human disease.

Genetic research at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh reinforces theory of evolution

Scientists at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh found that a category of genes known as pseudogenes serve no function, bolstering the theory of evolution. The study contradicts previous claims made by Intelligent Design proponents and suggests that pseudogenes are evolutionary relics with no function.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2006

Less is more, gene study shows

Researchers found that humans lost genes related to the sense of smell, bitter taste, and immune response, which may have improved our ability to fight infections. The loss of the CASPASE12 gene, in particular, led to a stronger immune response, but also made it harder for humans to fight off severe bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 13, 2006

Primates trade smell for sight

A recent study found a correlation between the loss of olfactory receptor genes and the acquisition of full trichromatic color vision in primates. The research team analyzed 19 primate species, including humans, and discovered that Old World monkeys and apes had similar percentages of OR pseudogenes, while New World monkeys had lower p...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 20, 2004