Allele News and Research

RSS

New method genetically blocks mosquitoes from transmitting malaria

Mosquitoes kill more people each year than any other animal. In 2023, the blood-sucking insects infected a reported 263 million people with malaria, leading to nearly 600,000 deaths, 80% of which were children.

23 Jul 2025

Van Andel Institute scientists develop improved technique to profile DNA methylation in single cells

Van Andel Institute scientists have developed an improved technique to comprehensively profile DNA methylation in single cells, an advance that will help researchers better study the role of epigenetics in cancer and other diseases.

16 Jul 2025

How a simple blood test can forecast future health risks

Plasma proteomics reveals that the biological ages of key organs, especially the brain and immune system, strongly predict the risk of future disease and early death. These organ-specific “clocks” provide a new tool for identifying those at highest risk and personalizing preventive care.

10 Jul 2025

Researchers develop blood test panel for early Alzheimer’s detection

Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, are developing a panel of biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and for distinguishing it from other types of dementia using blood tests.

9 Jul 2025

Study reveals hidden cause of treatment failure in acute promyelocytic leukemia

Researchers at Zhejiang University School of Medicine have identified a single point mutation in the normal PML gene that can block the effect of arsenic trioxide, a frontline drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia.

4 Jul 2025

Breakthrough study reveals killing power of CD4 T cells against cancer

In the fight against cancer, immunotherapy - which aims to boost the body's natural defences against cancer - is experiencing remarkable growth. Most of these treatments are based on CD8 T lymphocytes, ''killer cells'' able to eliminate diseased cells.

1 Jul 2025

Why Alzheimer’s DNA tests don’t treat all populations equally

A major global study tested whether European-derived polygenic risk scores (PGS) for Alzheimer’s disease can predict risk across diverse populations. While PGS performed well in many groups, it was less accurate in individuals of sub-Saharan African and Indian ancestry, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive genetic data.

19 Jun 2025

Integrating discoveries with translational science to transform Alzheimer's care

At the 12th annual Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute Symposium, scientists and clinicians shared their latest research which is advancing how Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed and treated.

4 Jun 2025

FOXP4 gene variants reveal new genetic link to long COVID risk

Researchers have identified genetic variants in the FOXP4 gene that significantly increase the risk of developing long COVID, independently of COVID-19 severity. The study also reveals that ancestry, smoking, and other factors contribute to the complex genetics of long COVID.

23 May 2025

Sedentary behavior linked to increased Alzheimer's risk in older adults

Over 6 million Americans are impacted by Alzheimer's disease, and researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh are discovering how lifestyle habits can impact the likelihood of developing the disease.

13 May 2025

St. Jude Children's scientists use brain organoids to study rare encephalopathy

While extremely rare, encephalopathy (a condition affecting brain function) triggered by mutations in the UBA5 gene has devastating impacts, with affected individuals reaching few developmental milestones and experiencing frequent and early-onset seizures.

8 May 2025

Genetic variation found to influence tumor microbiota and colorectal cancer progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. While scientists believe that gut microbiota play an important role in both the onset and progression of CRC, emerging evidence points to the significance of intratumoral microbiota-microbiota inside tumors-in CRC progression.

29 Apr 2025

New DNA mapping technology uncovers genetic clues to rare diseases

Cutting-edge DNA mapping technology identified new genetic information that can help researchers decipher more genetic diseases, a new study found.

25 Apr 2025

Disruption of sterol biosynthesis by prescription drugs: A hidden threat to brain development

A powerful editorial published today in Brain Medicine raises alarm about a previously overlooked threat to brain development and public health: the disruption of sterol biosynthesis by common prescription medications.

22 Apr 2025

Alzheimer's risk factors linked to cognition as early as young adulthood

A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the Columbia Butler Aging Center suggests that risk factors and biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease are associated with cognition much earlier in life than previously recognized.

21 Apr 2025

HLA-DRB1 molecule can be a potential target in treating acute myeloid leukemia

One main goal of anti-cancer therapies is to kill tumor cells without affecting the surrounding normal cells.

1 Apr 2025

Scientists uncover rare gene variants that help people live past 100

Researchers studying over 2,000 Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians uncovered two rare IGF-1 gene variants linked to exceptional longevity. These variants reduce IGF-1 receptor activity through either diminished receptor binding or lower circulating IGF-1 levels.

26 Mar 2025

Higher education linked to faster cognitive decline after stroke

When someone has a stroke, it can accelerate the loss of cognitive ability over the coming years.

26 Mar 2025

Better heart health slows brain aging and lowers dementia risk, study finds

A JAMA Network Open study finds that better cardiovascular health (CVH) in older adults is linked to lower levels of neurodegenerative biomarkers, particularly neurofilament light chain (NfL). These benefits are consistent across races and especially impactful for individuals carrying Alzheimer's-related genetic risks.

16 Mar 2025

Long-term NSAID use may lower dementia risk

Long-term NSAID use reduces dementia risk, particularly in those without the APOE-ε4 gene, highlighting the importance of sustained anti-inflammatory treatment over dosage levels.

9 Mar 2025