Polymerase Chain Reaction News and Research

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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a revolutionary laboratory technique that enables the replication of a specific DNA sequence. Using PCR, millions of copies of a target DNA can be easily synthesized within a short period of time.

How conflicting MIC breakpoints distort antimicrobial resistance data

The review emphasizes that differing CLSI and EUCAST breakpoints complicate AMR tracking, calling for standardized criteria to enhance global health security.

3 Feb 2026

New diagnostic framework addresses challenges of rapidly-mutating RNA viruses

The rapid evolutionary dynamics of RNA viruses, driven by high mutation rates and the consequent formation of complex quasispecies populations, present a formidable obstacle to conventional molecular diagnostic approaches.

30 Jan 2026

Secondary-treated wastewater still transfers antibiotic resistance to fresh produce

A study reveals tertiary-treated wastewater significantly reduces antimicrobial resistance risks in lettuce irrigation compared to secondary-treated water.

26 Jan 2026

Sex-based differences and role of BMP signaling in neurogenesis in Alzheimer's mice models

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious neurodegenerative disease largely affecting older adults. Apart from age, it also shows sex-based differences, with women being more at risk. However, the origin of these differences remains unknown.

9 Jan 2026

New DNA tests reveal hidden biological traces on Renaissance art

DNA analysis of cultural artifacts shows diverse biological profiles, but contamination and mixed signals complicate historical lineage interpretation.

8 Jan 2026

Understanding sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis inhibition and cognitive dysfunction in children

Every year, millions of infants and children undergo surgery under general anesthesia in the world. Sevoflurane is a commonly used pediatric anesthetic. Its exposure during brain development has been shown to inhibit neurogenesis and cause cognitive dysfunction in animal models.

5 Jan 2026

Bat-borne virus linked to unexplained illnesses in Bangladesh

Infectious disease researchers have identified Pteropine orthoreoviruses (PRVs), a group of newly emergent bat-borne viruses, as the culprit for previously unexplained illness in five Bangladeshi patients, one of whom eventually died with unexplained illness.

5 Jan 2026

Aptamer Group and Alphazyme execute licensing agreement for synthetic aptamer-based enzyme modulation in hot-start PCR

Aptamer Group plc, a developer of synthetic oligonucleotide-based binding reagents for life sciences applications, and Alphazyme LLC (Alphazyme), a Maravai LifeSciences company specializing in enzymes for molecular biology, have executed a licensing agreement for a proprietary Optimer® binder developed for hot-start polymerase chain reaction (PCR) applications.

From Aptamer Group 24 Dec 2025

Gut bacteria patterns differ in autism and siblings and link to social symptoms

This sibling-controlled East Asian study found that autistic individuals, their unaffected siblings, and typically developing controls differ in gut microbiota diversity and composition, with the clearest separation between autism and typical development. Specific taxa, particularly the butyrate-producing genus Anaerostipes, were modestly associated with social communication and internalising symptoms, supporting a gut–behaviour link without implying causality.

15 Dec 2025

Study explains why mpox cases can appear weeks after exposure

Mpox virus clade Ib shows a longer and more variable incubation period than previously characterized clades, with symptom onset extending well beyond 21 days in a substantial minority of cases. Incubation varies by transmission route, with shorter intervals after sexual exposure and longer periods following nonsexual community transmission, raising implications for surveillance and postexposure guidance.

9 Dec 2025

Wind-borne mosquitoes carry infectious pathogens for hundreds of miles

High-flying mosquitoes in West Africa are carriers of multiple pathogens, including West Nile virus, highlighting risks in vector-borne disease management.

4 Dec 2025

New rapid PCR method detects Salmonella in food within hours

Researchers develop a molecular testing-based fast-throughput method for the rapid and early detection of Salmonella contamination in various food products.

3 Dec 2025

Expert guidelines for fungal endophthalmitis in the Asia-Pacific region

Fungal eye infections affect millions globally, with an especially high incidence in South and Southeast Asia.

1 Dec 2025

Poor lung gas exchange may help explain lingering brain symptoms in Long COVID

This study found that people with Long COVID more than two years after infection showed normal lung tests and brain structure, yet reported significant sleep and cognitive symptoms. Subtle correlations revealed that poorer lung gas exchange was linked with higher brain perfusion, worse sleep, and weaker executive function, suggesting a possible lung–brain connection.

25 Nov 2025

Global Virus Network awards first pandemic preparedness research grants across four continents

The Global Virus Network (GVN) is pleased to announce that, for the first time, it is awarding pandemic preparedness research grants, totaling $160,000, to GVN scientists across four continents.

20 Nov 2025

Expert panel recommends new antibiotic strategies for resistant Bordetella pertussis

Pertussis, or whooping cough, remains a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite inclusion of pertussis vaccines in immunization programs since the 1970s, outbreaks have re-emerged globally due to waning immunity and bacterial evolution.

19 Nov 2025

Switching APOE4 to APOE2 in adult mice reduces Alzheimer’s pathology and improves memory

Replacing APOE4 with APOE2 in adult mice rapidly reshapes brain lipids and gene expression, even after development is complete. This switch, especially when targeted to astrocytes, reduces amyloid burden, dampens gliosis, and improves associative memory despite E2-like peripheral lipid risks.

12 Nov 2025

What happens when microplastics reach the testes? Study shows autophagy and cell loss

Researchers found that microplastics from everyday plastic tableware accumulate in human semen and, although not linked to semen quality in the full cohort, were associated with altered sperm parameters in specific subgroups. Experimental models confirmed that 50 nm polystyrene particles trigger autophagy and apoptosis via the FOXA1/MAP3K1/p38 pathway, impairing sperm structure and function.

15 Oct 2025

Innovative system accurately detects genetic mutations in the brain tumor within 25 minutes

A research team in Japan has developed an innovative system that can accurately detect genetic mutations in the brain tumor within just 25 minutes.

9 Oct 2025

Taste-based flu test that detects infection within minutes

Researchers examine the effectiveness of a novel taste-based sensor for the early detection of influenza infection.

8 Oct 2025