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Researchers uncover key role of peri-LC neurons in the brain arousal system

A small cluster of cells deep within our brains, called the locus coeruleus, affects how awake and attentive we are, how we respond to stress, how we cope with anxiety and fear, and how we create memories and learn.

14 May 2025

Why your baby’s first steps may be written in their DNA

Researchers identified 11 genetic loci linked to the age at which infants start walking, revealing that this milestone is influenced by thousands of common genetic variants. These genetic factors also correlate with brain development, cognitive traits, and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD.

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

Study unveils genetic pathway leading to cleft lip and palate formation

Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects, occurring in about one in 1,050 births in the United States.

17 Apr 2025

Study identifies DNA methylation entropy as a biomarker for aging

A new research paper was published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 3, on March 12, 2025, titled "DNA methylation entropy is a biomarker for aging."

16 Apr 2025

New assay detects epigenetic changes caused by carcinogenic chemicals

Chemicals used as food preservatives, flavoring agents, dyes, pesticides, cosmetics, cleaners, and other industrial materials are being increasingly recognized as a health hazard.

10 Apr 2025

New study sharpens focus on genetic causes of asthma

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of genome regions containing thousands of genetic variants associated with asthma, but it's still not clear which variants have an actual causal link to the disease.

10 Apr 2025

Dopamine neurons play a central role in sustaining hedonic eating

A previously overlooked dopamine-producing brain circuit drives hedonic eating, or eating for pleasure, according to a new study in mice.

27 Mar 2025

Research identifies pressure-sensing protein behind gut motility

After every meal, the intestines perform an action called peristalsis - moving food through their hollow interiors with coordinated contractions and relaxations of the smooth muscle.

25 Mar 2025

Review sheds light on the mechanistic role of long non-coding RNAs in liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a global health challenge, affecting nearly 30% of adults worldwide.

28 Feb 2025

Study finds key p53 targets for future cancer treatment

A new research paper was published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on February 18, 2025, titled "Robust p53 phenotypes and prospective downstream targets in telomerase-immortalized human cells."

24 Feb 2025

F446L mutation in Lassa virus offers clues for new therapeutic approaches

Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. Lassa virus (LASV) glycoprotein complex (GPC) contains retained stable-signal peptide (SSP), glycoprotein 1 (GP1), and glycoprotein 2 (GP2).

19 Feb 2025

New findings could make off-the-shelf CAR T cell therapy a reality

CAR T cell therapy is one of the most promising new cancer treatments to emerge in recent years. It involves removing a patient's own immune T cells and engineering them to recognize specific targets on the surface of the cancer cell.

31 Jan 2025

Inherited gene mutation found to increase prostate cancer risk

A study of men with a family history of prostate cancer has discovered an inherited form of prostate cancer.

28 Jan 2025

What causes behavioral side effects in popular weight loss drugs?

The study of GLP1R variants shows associations with cardiometabolic traits and behavioral changes, highlighting indirect effects of GLP1RA on mental health.

23 Jan 2025

GLP1RA medications linked to behavioral side effects in type 2 diabetes and obesity

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA)-medications for type 2 diabetes and obesity that have recently been making headlines due to a rise in popularity as weight loss agents-have been linked with behavioral side effects.

22 Jan 2025

Study identifies novel IgAN loci through pleiotropy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a prevalent form of primary glomerulonephritis characterized by the deposition of IgA in the glomerular mesangium, leading to a spectrum of histopathological lesions and a variable clinical course that can progress to end-stage renal disease in a significant proportion of patients.

2 Jan 2025

Study uncovers a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder

New research published in The American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that variants in the DDX53 gene contribute to ASD, providing new insights into the genetic underpinnings of the condition.

19 Dec 2024

Neanderthal legacy: The surprising genetics behind human tooth size

A recent study identifies key genetic factors—PITX2 expression and Neanderthal-introgressed HS3ST3A1—that contribute to variations in tooth size among modern human populations, especially highlighting differences across ancestries.

17 Dec 2024