Whole Genome Sequencing News and Research

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Researchers identify novel SARS-CoV-2 variant unregistered on genomic sequence databases

A team of scientists from the University of California Santa Cruz, USA, recently identified a novel variant (B.1.x) of SARS-CoV-2 that might be circulating in at least 20 US states and six countries globally.

7 Apr 2021

Genome analysis of more than 53,000 people offers valuable insights into dangerous diseases

A new analysis of the entire genetic makeup of more than 53,000 people offers a bonanza of valuable insights into heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders, paving the way for new and better ways to treat and prevent some of the most common causes of disability and death.

5 Apr 2021

First-of-its-kind study identifies 13 new Alzheimer’s disease genes

In the first study to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) to discover rare genomic variants associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), researchers have identified 13 such variants (or mutations).

3 Apr 2021

Researchers develop novel test that screens for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

A team of scientists from the United States has recently developed a single-tube duplex molecular assay for rapid detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants containing E484K and N501Y spike mutations.

30 Mar 2021

Researchers report on novel SARS-CoV-2 Israeli strain with unique spike glycoprotein

Researchers from Israel describe a novel SARS-CoV-2 strain with a non-synonymous mutation in its spike glycoprotein, designated as P681H; nevertheless, its emergence has not been associated with increased infections rate, facilitated spread or vaccine evasion.

30 Mar 2021

Demographic and clinical comparison of the first and second COVID-19 waves in London, UK

In a paper recently uploaded to the preprint server medRxiv*, clinical and demographic data from across the UK is compared to viral genome sequence data, identifying trends amongst the population affected, and across SARS-CoV-2 strains.

26 Mar 2021

Study identifies NCOA3 as a novel therapeutic target for melanoma

For the first time, activation of nuclear receptor coactivator 3 (NCOA3) has been shown to promote the development of melanoma through regulation of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) sensitivity, cell cycle progression and circumvention of the DNA damage response.

25 Mar 2021

Whole genome sequencing may guide blood cancer treatment

For certain blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), deciding whether patients need an aggressive treatment typically hinges on a set of lab tests to identify genetic changes.

11 Mar 2021

Researchers assess SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination risks in hospital setting

Researchers analyzed the surface swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and the infectivity in a hospital setting by both qRT-PCR and a viral culture assay. They also determined the suitability for sequence analysis and phylogenetically identifying the source of the virus.

1 Mar 2021

Diverse patient population helps identify gene variant associated with childhood asthma

Researchers at Henry Ford Health System, as part of a national asthma collaborative, have identified a gene variant associated with childhood asthma that underscores the importance of including diverse patient populations in research studies.

27 Feb 2021

World-leading research institutions join forces to find better treatments for pediatric diseases

Ahead of Rare Disease Day (28 February), four leading children's research institutions on three continents are joining forces to decipher pediatric illnesses, including rare diseases, and find better treatments.

25 Feb 2021

Large-scale whole genome sequencing in the Middle Eastern population reveals genetic risk factors

A group of researchers at Qatar Foundation have reported the first and largest genetic association study in the Middle East, that has been published online in Nature Communications - a leading a peer-reviewed, open access, scientific journal published by Nature Research.

23 Feb 2021

More diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants identified within infected children than in adults

A new study describes the identification of multiple circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 during this early pandemic period from Asia and Europe. In addition, there were multiple local introductions of different variants, that resulted in multiple waves of transmission.

23 Feb 2021

WVU researchers set to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants, mitigate strain outbreaks

West Virginia University scientists knew it was coming. When health officials confirmed the first three cases of a COVID-19 variant in West Virginia late Friday (Feb. 19), they were not surprised.

22 Feb 2021

LifeArc supports the GenOMICC COVID-19 Study

Medical research charity, LifeArc, announces today that it is providing £5 million funding to support the work of the GenOMICC COVID-19 Study, led by the GenOMICC consortium in partnership with Genomics England.

15 Feb 2021

Scientists publish new analysis of most diverse genetic data set

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and their colleagues published a new analysis today in the journal Nature from genetic sequencing data of more than 53,000 individuals, primarily from minority populations.

10 Feb 2021

Genomic study suggests SARS-CoV-2 clade 20C was imported into Japan from the US

A new study describes the outcome of such sequencing efforts in Japan as an important tool towards containing the spread of the infection.

3 Feb 2021

What are the SARS-CoV-2 exposure risks for workers on mink farms?

A new study reports on the risk of COVID-19 among workers on these farms, and in the communities living around such farms.

15 Jan 2021

COVID-19 spread in cities driven by socioeconomically weaker groups, study finds

Researchers in Sweden have conducted a study showing that the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within cities is driven by socioeconomically weaker and high-mobility groups. They used Basel, Switzerland as their case study.

21 Dec 2020

Trump’s wrong. 15% ‘herd immunity’ is not on par with strength of a vaccine

During a Dec. 8 press conference about Operation Warp Speed, President Donald Trump likened the spread of the coronavirus throughout the population — which experts agree bestows some immunity on the people who became ill — to having a COVID-19 vaccine.

15 Dec 2020