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Genetic evolution of plague bacterium may have prolonged historic pandemics

Scientists at the Institut Pasteur and McMaster University have discovered that the evolution of a gene in the bacterium that causes bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis, may have prolonged the duration of two major pandemics.

29 May 2025

Muscle wasting in cancer tied to blood vessel dysfunction

A dysfunction in muscle blood vessels could be to blame for the weak muscles and weight loss that most cancer patients experience, according to a new study from University of Illinois Chicago researchers.

29 May 2025

Advanced organoid model recreates complex liver architecture

The liver has a unique structure, especially at the level of individual cells. Hepatocytes, the main liver cells, release bile into tiny channels called bile canaliculi, which drain into the bile duct in the liver periportal region.

29 May 2025

Salk researchers create detailed genetic atlas of cannabis to date

Cannabis has been a globally important crop for millennia. While best known today as marijuana for its psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), historically, cannabis has been a cornerstone of human civilization, providing seed oil, textiles, and food for more than 10,000 years.

29 May 2025

Short type gene variant associated with increased purring in domestic cats

Whether you are lucky enough to have a cat companion or must merely live this experience vicariously through cat videos, Felis catus is a familiar and comforting presence in our daily lives.

29 May 2025

Breakthrough study finds genes behind calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease

In a first-of-its-kind genome-wide association study (GWAS) researchers have discovered two genes, RNF144B and ENPP1, that cause calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease in Americans of European and African descent.

28 May 2025

Immune system shows unique signature in Parkinson's patients

Parkinson's disease is best known for its effects on the central nervous system. In addition, recent scientific advances generally emphasize the role of the immune system in the presence and development of the disease.

28 May 2025

Cancer drug combo extends the lifespan of mice by 30%

The combination of two cancer drugs, rapamycin and trametinib, can extend the lifespan of mice by 30%, according to a study led by researchers at UCL and the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Germany.

28 May 2025

Immune microRNAs drive new frontiers in cardiovascular disease research

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to dominate global mortality statistics, with immune dysregulation emerging as a central feature in their pathogenesis.

28 May 2025

Combination of trametinib and rapamycin extends lifespan in mice

The researchers were able to show that Trametinib alone extends the lifespan of mice by 5-10%, while Rapamycin alone increases lifespan by 15-20%. Together, the drugs have a combinatorial effect that extends the life of the mice by around 30%.

28 May 2025

Fact: You could be inhaling nearly 70,000 plastic particles annually, here's what it means for your health

Airborne microplastics and nanoplastics are increasingly detected in urban environments, with evidence linking inhalation exposure to inflammation, cardiovascular risks, and other health concerns. Researchers highlight urgent needs for improved detection, targeted mitigation strategies, and coordinated global policies to address this emerging threat.

28 May 2025

Genomic analysis reveals how bird flu jumped from wild birds to poultry and people

Researchers identified a novel genotype (D1.1) of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 spreading among wild birds, poultry, and a human in British Columbia, Canada, during fall 2024. Genomic analysis reveals the virus arose from reassortment between Eurasian and North American strains, with implications for surveillance and control.

27 May 2025

Molecular psychiatrist redefines the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental conditions

In a comprehensive Genomic Press interview published today, Professor Barbara Franke unveils her remarkable scientific journey from an inquisitive child fascinated by nature to becoming one of the world's most influential researchers in biological psychiatry.

27 May 2025

Rethinking the mitochondrial theory of aging

The human genome is broadly classified into the genome residing in the cell nucleus (nuclear DNA) and the genome residing in the mitochondria (mitochondrial DNA: mtDNA). Mitochondria are cell organelles that produce energy essential for life activities through oxidative phosphorylation (mitochondrial respiration), and mtDNA encodes a set of genes required for mitochondrial respiration.

27 May 2025

Early teen obesity in boys may affect the health of future generations

A new study suggests that boys who become overweight in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children, increasing their chances of developing asthma, obesity and low lung function.

27 May 2025

Integrating pharmacogenomics into everyday clinical practice can transform patient care

Pharmacogenomics studies how individuals respond to drugs based on their genetic code. Using that knowledge to guide prescribing in routine care could lead to better outcomes for patients and save money for health systems.

26 May 2025

Mutation profiles and clinicopathological correlations in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Lung Squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) represents the second most common non-small cell lung cancer.

26 May 2025

New blood test speeds up diagnosis of rare childhood diseases

A new, rapid testing method will greatly help the diagnosis of rare diseases in babies and children, according to research to be presented to the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics today (Monday).

25 May 2025

Large global study links higher alcohol intake to increased pancreatic cancer risk

A pooled analysis of over 2.4 million adults across four continents shows a modest but significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk with higher alcohol consumption. The risk is especially pronounced for beer and liquor, and at higher intake levels in men and women.

25 May 2025