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Using electrical stimulus to regulate genes

Researchers at ETH Zurich create implant that uses electrical signals to stimulate insulin production in diabetic mice, offering potential breakthrough for real-time glycemic control. The system is designed to be connected to the internet and controlled via an app, paving the way for a more integrated approach to diabetes management.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2020

Boosting levels of good fats with an experimental drug that acts on two newly characterized genes

Researchers at Salk Institute discover two genes that regulate levels of healthy fats called FAHFAs, which decrease inflammation and increase insulin sensitivity. An experimental drug successfully increases FAHFA levels by blocking the activity of these genes, offering new insights into therapies for metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2020

First genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease

A new study from the University of Michigan presents the first genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has decimated some North American bat populations. Genetic differences were found in genes associated with regulating arousal from hibernation and breakdown of fats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

Parkinson's and the immune system

Researchers have identified a link between the nervous system and immune system in Parkinson's disease, finding that genes like Parkin and PACRG protect nerve cells from cell death. These proteins regulate a signalling pathway that also plays a role in innate immunity, which prevents bacterial infections.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 5, 2020

New method takes analysis of genetic libraries to next level

Uppsala researchers developed a new method to investigate dynamic processes in large genetic libraries using DuMPLING. This approach enables the examination of thousands of living cells in a single microfluidic chip, linking genetic information to complex cell behavior. The study focuses on bacterial cell cycle regulation and aims to i...

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2019

MicroRNA comprehensively analyzed

Researchers from MIPT explored microRNA interactions with mRNA in two human cell lines, finding that microRNA does not strongly regulate all genes and its regulation potential does not directly depend on its expression level. The study also identified differences between microRNA interactions in the two cell lines.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateNov 14, 2019

Songbirds sing species-specific songs

Researchers found that gene activity in brain regions called song nuclei is associated with species-specific patterns of singing in songbirds. The study identified a signaling molecule called BDNF as a mediator of changes in trans-regulated genes, which disrupted the structures of learned songs in adult zebra finches.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Discovered new regulation for infant growth

Researchers at the University of Bergen identified new genetic signals regulating infant growth, which may help combat growth-related diseases like obesity and malnutrition. The study found that different BMI-signals exist for children and adults, with varying genetic influences during childhood.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2019