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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Study uncovers key mechanism behind HIV latency

An immune response that likely evolved to help fight infections appears to be the mechanism that drives human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into a latent state, lurking in cells only to erupt anew, researchers at Duke Health report.

18 Nov 2024

Rare variant analysis reveals genetic spectrum of monogenic diabetes genes

This study links rare genetic variants to type 2 diabetes risk, emphasizing their role in monogenic diabetes and potential for precision medicine integration.

18 Nov 2024

Study links cannabis use to genotoxicity and transgenerational health impacts

Cannabis exposure leads to genetic damage and accelerated aging, raising concerns about its transgenerational health effects and public health implications.

18 Nov 2024

Neoantigen DNA vaccines improve survival and immunity in triple-negative breast cancer patients

A new phase 1 trial demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of personalized neoantigen DNA vaccines, showing promising immune responses and improved recurrence-free survival in high-risk triple-negative breast cancer patients.

17 Nov 2024

Genomic surveillance could revolutionize the fight against antimicrobial resistance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, genomic surveillance proved vital in helping understand the evolution and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

15 Nov 2024

Evo model set to transform synthetic biology and disease diagnosis

A new study presents "Evo" – a machine learning model capable of decoding and designing DNA, RNA, and protein sequences, from molecular to genome scale, with unparalleled accuracy. Evo's ability to predict, generate, and engineer entire genomic sequences could change the way synthetic biology is done.

15 Nov 2024

Customizable biological sensors activate cancer immunotherapy only in tumor environments

Most cancer treatments – from chemotherapies to engineered immune cells – have a host of side effects, in large part because they affect healthy cells in the body at the same time as targeting tumor cells.

15 Nov 2024

Microbial density in our gut shapes how diseases are linked to gut health

The study in Cell highlights microbial load's role in gut microbiome variation, suggesting it as a confounder in disease research and a key health determinant.

15 Nov 2024

Researchers use cerebrospinal fluid to unlock pathways in Alzheimer's disease

A multitude of genes have been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Specifically how those genes might influence the progression of neurodegeneration remains something of a black box though, in part because of the challenges of examining in molecular detail the brain of a living patient.

14 Nov 2024

StitchR technology delivers large genes for muscular dystrophy treatment

Gene therapy can effectively treat various diseases, but for some debilitating conditions like muscular dystrophies there is a big problem: size.

14 Nov 2024

Study shows cannabis as a genotoxic substance with cancer risks

Cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors, according to a new paper published in the scientific journal Addiction Biology.

14 Nov 2024

Deep learning AI model outperforms humans in identifying pathologies

A "deep learning" artificial intelligence model developed at Washington State University can identify pathology, or signs of disease, in images of animal and human tissue much faster, and often more accurately, than people.

14 Nov 2024

Leveraging genetic variations for more effective cancer therapies

By exploiting the genetic variation in cancer cells, an already approved cancer drug demonstrated enhanced effects against cancer cells in specific patient groups.

14 Nov 2024

Study highlights air pollution as key environmental factor in autism risk

Air pollution is a key environmental risk factor for autism, influencing neurodevelopment through neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes.

14 Nov 2024

Innovative urine test could improve pancreatic cancer survival rates

Innovative urinary miRNA profiling shows potential for early pancreatic cancer detection, with high accuracy and sensitivity, transforming screening practices.

14 Nov 2024

Advances in bladder cancer treatments offer hope for curative care

Recent advances in bladder cancer treatments may offer hope of curative care to more patients, including those with high-risk localized, muscle-invasive disease, according to an editorial published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

14 Nov 2024

New vaccine shows potential in preventing recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer

A small clinical trial shows promising results for patients with triple-negative breast cancer who received an investigational vaccine designed to prevent recurrence of tumors.

14 Nov 2024

Scientists discover key genetic factors behind testicular cancer

Scientists have identified new gene faults and evolutionary patterns contributing to testicular cancer. Their findings offer profound insights into the development of the disease and into potential treatment strategies.

14 Nov 2024

Rutgers study sheds light on how bedaquiline fights drug-resistant tuberculosis

Rutgers Health research has uncovered why a relatively new antibiotic for tuberculosis (TB) works against multidrug-resistant strains, potentially inspiring improved treatments and drug development strategies.

13 Nov 2024

Metagenomic sequencing improves detection of rare pathogens in CNS infections

New research shows that metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) over seven years increased pathogen detection in challenging CNS infections, identifying rare and unexpected microbes often missed by standard testing.

13 Nov 2024