Genes News and Research

RSS

Key gene mutation disrupts the brain’s ability to update beliefs in schizophrenia patients

One of the symptoms of schizophrenia is difficulty incorporating new information about the world. This can lead patients to struggle with making decisions and, eventually, to lose touch with reality.

18 Mar 2026

Why are men missing cancer tests despite higher positive rates?

A study highlights a gap in cancer prevention, showing men undergo genetic testing less often yet are more likely to carry high-risk cancer variants.

18 Mar 2026

Modified lipid nanoparticles boost mRNA vaccines while reducing side effects

The most common side effects of mRNA vaccines like the COVID-19 shot are well known: soreness, mild fever and general malaise.

17 Mar 2026

Study reveals new dual role of ezrin in osteosarcoma

Scientists at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a new dual function for a well-known cancer-related protein called ezrin.

17 Mar 2026

Scientists turn plastic waste into Parkinson’s drug levodopa using engineered bacteria

Researchers engineered a two-strain microbial system that converts PET-derived terephthalic acid into levodopa, overcoming key bottlenecks in transport and enzyme inhibition. The proof-of-concept process achieves high yields under mild conditions and demonstrates a potential route for upcycling plastic waste into valuable pharmaceuticals.

17 Mar 2026

Study reveals dual role of PFK enzyme in metabolism and cell cycle progression

A metabolic enzyme studied for over seven decades has a hidden second function - it can unwind RNA and promote cell cycle progression, an additional function beyond its role in energy production, according to a new study led by the University of Surrey.

16 Mar 2026

Genomic sequencing may expand newborn screening beyond biochemical tests

Routine newborn screening (NBS) has transformed early disease detection. However, traditional biochemical tests limit the range of conditions that can be identified at birth. Next-generation sequencing is being explored as a complementary screening tool.

16 Mar 2026

Computational model predicts telomere length from biopsy images

A new computational tool infers changes occurring at the ends of the chromosomes housing our DNA. It does so by detecting structural alterations in cells and tissues captured in images taken of routine medical biopsies, according to findings published March 16, 2026, in Cell Reports Methods.

16 Mar 2026

Study maps gene activity linked to neurotransmission in living brains

Researchers have identified a distinct and reproducible gene expression program associated with neurotransmission in the living human brain, offering unprecedented insight into the molecular mechanisms that support human cognition, emotion, and behavior.

16 Mar 2026

Brain breathing mechanism linked to persistent high blood pressure

A brain mechanism may explain why approximately 40% of people with hypertension continue to have high blood pressure despite taking medication. The discovery reveals potential targets for new treatments.

16 Mar 2026

New polygenic risk scores improve prediction of metabolic disease outcomes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are metabolic conditions with many causes, including overlapping and distinct genetic features.

16 Mar 2026

Clinical trial tests a newer, targeted therapy for IDH mutant astrocytoma

A new clinical trial led by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology will investigate if a combination of drug therapies after radiation therapy improves outcomes for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma, a type of brain cancer.

16 Mar 2026

Brain waste clearance dysfunction may predict the onset of psychosis

How can we explain the onset of psychotic symptoms characteristic of schizophrenia? Despite their major and often irreversible impact on intellectual abilities and autonomy, the biological mechanisms that precede their emergence remain poorly understood.

16 Mar 2026

Selfish chromosomes hijack Overdrive gene to eliminate rival sperm

A new University of Utah-led study has discovered the mechanism behind a decades-old evolutionary mystery-how "selfish chromosomes" cheat the rules of genetic inheritance.

13 Mar 2026

Circular RNA produced by HIV boosts viral replication

For decades scientists have recognized that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a formidable viral pathogen.

13 Mar 2026

New method creates longer lasting CAR T cells for cancer therapy

A research team led by Albert Einstein College of Medicine scientists has developed a new strategy to engineer immune cells that dramatically prolongs their effectiveness after being infused into patients to fight cancer and HIV, addressing a major limitation of current treatments.

13 Mar 2026