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UCLA scientists discover link between a protein and human blood stem cell self-renewal

UCLA scientists have discovered a link between a protein and the ability of human blood stem cells to self-renew. In a study published today in the journal Nature, the team reports that activating the protein causes blood stem cells to self-renew at least twelvefold in laboratory conditions.

27 Nov 2019

Potential new treatment for mitochondrial diseases discovered from fruit fly genes

Researchers have discovered a way to reverse the impact of disease-causing mitochondrial mutations by targeting fruit fly gene.

27 Nov 2019

Extra DNA scooped up alongside cancer-causing genes helps drive tumor growth

One of the ways a cancer-causing gene works up enough power to turn a normal cell into a cancer cell is by copying itself over and over, like a Xerox machine.

21 Nov 2019

Transplanted human brain cells in a mouse brain provide insight into neural circuit formation

The brain cortex, the outside layer of our brain often referred to as grey matter, is one of the most complex structures found in living organisms. It gives us the advanced cognitive abilities that distinguish us from other animals.

21 Nov 2019

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease study unearths a new mechanism of neurodegeneration

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited neurodegenerative condition that affects 1 in 2500 individuals.

21 Nov 2019

Doughnut-shaped circles of ecDNA provide tumor cells with a malignant twist

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA encodes information, not only in its sequence but also in its shape.

21 Nov 2019

MU researchers describe Down syndrome-associated catatonia

Down syndrome, due to an extra chromosome 21, occurs in 250,000 children and adults in the United States, making it the country's most common chromosomal disorder. Inherited heart defects, thyroid cancer, celiac disease and developmental disabilities are common Down syndrome complications.

19 Nov 2019

Sudden death due to heart disease – it could be in the genes

More than 220,000 American adults die suddenly of cardiac causes – a phenomenon called sudden cardiac death. Some sources put it as closer to 400,000. Both inexplicable and distressing, this has been the subject of a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific session.

17 Nov 2019

Rare DNA variants linked to sudden cardiac death

Sudden cardiac death affects 220,000 U.S. adults annually, most of whom have no prior symptoms of a heart issue.

17 Nov 2019

Broccoli's effects on kidney health may depend on individual's genetics

New research indicates that the benefits of a dietary compound on kidney health may depend on an individual's genetics. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of JASN, may be helpful for tailoring interventions to prevent or treat kidney disease.

15 Nov 2019

Improved gene editing technique can successfully cut out undesirable genetic information

City of Hope researchers may have found a way to sharpen the fastest, cheapest and most accurate gene editing technique, CRISPR-Cas9, so that it can more successfully cut out undesirable genetic information.

7 Nov 2019

Gene-editing technique CRISPR trialed for first time as cancer treatment

The go-ahead has been given for the first trials using CRISPR as an alternative therapy for treating cancer.

6 Nov 2019

Study sheds light on a significant era in the Levant history

Who exactly were the Aurignacians, who lived in the Levant 40,000 years ago?

6 Nov 2019

DNA sequences encode information in many different ways

DNA sequences encode information in many different ways. Codons specify the amino acids involved in making a protein.

30 Oct 2019

Polygenic scoring system shows promise to predict depression risk and resilience under stress

Depression doesn't come from one gene, one life event, or one personality trait. That's what makes it so hard to predict, prevent or treat effectively.

29 Oct 2019

Some types of proteins can stabilize damaged DNA

At the University of Copenhagen, researchers have discovered how some types of proteins stabilize damaged DNA and thereby preserve DNA function and integrity. This new finding also explains why people with inborn or acquired defects in certain proteins cannot keep their DNA stable and develop diseases such as cancer.

28 Oct 2019

Researchers discover how the body repairs damaged DNA

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made an extraordinary discovery in how the body repairs damaged DNA, which can lead to better understanding and management of diseases such as cancer.

25 Oct 2019

Study paves the way to successful pregnancies in fertility clinics

Struggling with infertility? You are not alone. Infertility affects one out of every six Canadian couples. Some resort to in vitro fertilization, with mixed results.

23 Oct 2019

New CRISPR genome “prime editing” system

Gene editing to correct genetic faults and removing the risk of hereditary diseases may soon become reality. Researchers have come up with a new gene editing technology that could help patients with sickle cell anaemia and up 89 percent of other genetic defects.

22 Oct 2019

NCATS funds 'All of Us Research Program' to evaluate innovative DNA sequencing tools

The All of Us Research Program has selected the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, Alabama, to evaluate the use of leading-edge DNA sequencing technologies that could someday improve diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, both common and rare.

18 Oct 2019