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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).

Causal gene mapping identifies key drivers of Alzheimer's disease progression

Researchers led by Min Zhang and Dabao Zhang of the University of California, Irvine's Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health have created the most detailed maps to date showing how genes causally regulate one another across different types of brain cells affected by Alzheimer's disease.

13 Feb 2026

Study reveals insights into how cells coordinate gene compensation response

Some genetic mutations that are expected to completely stop a gene from working surprisingly cause only mild or even no symptoms.

12 Feb 2026

Distinct microbial signature identified in pediatric Crohn's disease

NYU researchers have found a "microbial signature" of pediatric Crohn's disease that differs from the makeup of gut bacteria in children with other gastrointestinal conditions, with Crohn's patients harboring more pro-inflammatory bacteria and less protective bacteria.

12 Feb 2026

New strategy may improve ovarian cancer treatment outcomes

A new study published by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that ovarian cancer cells quickly activate a survival response after PARP inhibitor treatment, and blocking this early response may make this class of drugs work better.

12 Feb 2026

Study examines the relationship between leukocyte telomere length and age-related cataract

Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness worldwide among adults over 50, despite major advances in surgical treatment.

12 Feb 2026

Light-based sensor can detect low concentrations of cancer biomarkers in the blood

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive light-based sensor that can detect extremely low concentrations of cancer biomarkers in the blood.

12 Feb 2026

Nanovaccine design boosts immune attack on HPV tumors

Throughout the past decade, Northwestern University scientists have uncovered a striking principle of vaccine design: Performance depends not only on vaccine components but also on vaccine structure.

11 Feb 2026

Study uncovers immune trigger behind vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis

A global research collaboration of scientists from McMaster University (Canada), Flinders University (Australia) and Universitätsmedizin Greifswald (Germany) uncovered why a small number of people developed dangerous blood clots after either receiving certain COVID‑19 vaccines or experiencing a natural adenovirus infection, and the answer lies in an unexpected case of misdirected targeting by the immune system.

11 Feb 2026

DNA barcoding can be used to track cancer cells in solid and liquid biopsies

Australian scientists have discovered that DNA barcoding can be used to track cancer cells in solid and liquid biopsies, empowering future research into more reliable breast cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.

11 Feb 2026

Transcription factor HOXD13 drives melanoma growth and immune evasion

A molecule that helps regulate gene activity has also been shown to drive skin cancer growth and tumors' ability to evade attack by the body's immune system, a new study shows.

11 Feb 2026

Review links betel nut addiction to cancer, heart disease, and metabolic risks

This review examines the epidemiology, health risks, neurobiological mechanisms, and emerging treatments related to betel nut addiction worldwide. It highlights strong links with oral cancer, cardiometabolic disease, and addiction pathways while noting limited established therapies and the need for coordinated public health strategies.

11 Feb 2026

New at-home tests accurately detect deadly pet parvoviruses

Pet owners want quick answers when their beloved cat or dog is sick. And if these furry friends are experiencing digestive distress, lethargy and fever, it's important to rapidly rule out serious illnesses like feline panleukopenia (also called feline parvovirus) and canine parvovirus.

10 Feb 2026

Type 2 diabetes and hypertension share a genetic link, study shows

Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure share a genetic link, new research from the University of Surrey, UK and the Université de Lille, France shows.

10 Feb 2026

Study reveals DNA methylation score that better detects alcohol intake than standard biomarkers

A Mediterranean cohort study evaluated a DNA methylation biomarker of alcohol intake and compared it with conventional indicators such as GGT. The epigenomic score correlated with alcohol exposure, linked to telomere shortening and epigenetic aging markers, but findings remain observational and population-specific.

9 Feb 2026

Engineered enzyme enables fast and accurate RNA synthesis

From vaccines and diagnostics to emerging gene-based therapies, RNA molecules are now central to modern medicine.

9 Feb 2026

Menstrual blood HPV testing accurately detects cervical precancer

A study reveals menstrual blood can effectively screen for HPV, matching clinician-collected samples in accuracy, enhancing cervical cancer detection globally.

9 Feb 2026

CRISPR gene-drive technology reverses antibiotic resistance in bacteria

Antibiotic resistance (AR) has steadily accelerated in recent years to become a global health crisis. As deadly bacteria evolve new ways to elude drug treatments for a variety of illnesses, a growing number of "superbugs" have emerged, ramping up estimates of more than 10 million worldwide deaths per year by 2050.

7 Feb 2026

RNA micelles enable targeted chemotherapy without immune toxicity

A new study in mice hints at the potential to use tiny particles made with RNA molecules to deliver chemotherapy drugs and other therapies directly to tumors, killing cancer cells without generating an immune response or toxicity-related side effects.

7 Feb 2026

Blocking p300 restores chemotherapy sensitivity in resistant tumors

Overcoming tumor resistance to chemotherapy drugs has long been a challenge for oncology clinicians and researchers.

6 Feb 2026

European collaboration transforms immune cell data into cancer biomarkers

World Cancer Day, marked on 4 February, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of cancer, and to encouraging its prevention, detection and treatment.

6 Feb 2026