Polymerase Chain Reaction News and Research

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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a revolutionary laboratory technique that enables the replication of a specific DNA sequence. Using PCR, millions of copies of a target DNA can be easily synthesized within a short period of time.

Single measles strain triggers outbreak in Milan despite high vaccination rates

A unique measles B3 lineage drove a sustained local outbreak in Milan and surrounding areas in early 2025, marking a shift from previous D8 importations. This primarily affected unvaccinated adults, raising alarms about potential endemic measles resurgence in northern Italy despite high overall vaccination coverage.

27 May 2025

Oral 8-aminoguanine protects aging eyes and preserves vision in preclinical study

Oral 8-aminoguanine (8-AG) treatment preserved retinal structure and rod function in aged Fischer 344 rats, significantly reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings highlight the promise of 8-AG as a non-invasive intervention to slow age-related retinal degeneration.

27 May 2025

Maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab sharply cut infant hospitalizations, new data show

Widespread use of maternal RSV vaccination and nirsevimab during the 2024–2025 U.S. RSV season led to a significant reduction in RSV-associated hospitalizations among infants aged 0–7 months. The largest benefits were seen in the youngest and most vulnerable infants, particularly during peak winter months.

20 May 2025

HO-1 regulates liver fibrosis in NAFLD through the SIRT1 TGF-β Smad3 pathway

Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) has an influential yet insufficiently investigated effect on Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a histone deacetylase activated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which may impact the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-ß)/Smad3 pathway in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related liver fibrosis.

2 May 2025

Serum hsa_circ_101555 as a promising biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most prevalent malignancy in Egypt and globally. However, non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for early detection of HCC are still lacking. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are one of the promising biomarkers.

24 Apr 2025

New biosensor offers fast detection of H5N1 in farm air

As highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza continues to spread in the U.S., posing serious threats to dairy and poultry farms, both farmers and public health experts need better ways to monitor for infections, in real time, to mitigate and respond to outbreaks.

24 Apr 2025

Light-induced DNA detection technique enables rapid, ultra-sensitive genetic analysis

PCR genetic analysis has been in the spotlight since COVID-19, but light is now further facilitating PCR-free methods.

22 Apr 2025

Liquid biopsy offers new hope for early cancer detection

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with nearly 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022.

22 Apr 2025

Nasal protein levels may predict COVID-19 risk

Higher nasal expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins can predict future SARS-CoV-2 infection.

16 Apr 2025

Low vitamin D levels damage erectile health via superoxide surge, study finds

Vitamin D deficiency directly causes erectile dysfunction by increasing superoxide and reducing protective SLPI levels, as shown in human tissue and animal models. This breakthrough reveals why low vitamin D may lead to poor sexual health and resistance to standard ED treatments.

15 Apr 2025

Blood test detects Parkinson’s years before symptoms appear using RNA markers

A new study identifies a blood-based biomarker that detects pre-symptomatic Parkinson’s disease by measuring the ratio of specific nuclear and mitochondrial transfer RNA fragments. The test outperforms standard clinical tools and may also reflect disease mechanisms related to impaired protein synthesis.

14 Apr 2025

Why measles is back in the U.S. and what doctors must know now

Measles is making a troubling comeback in the U.S., driven by declining vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy. Pediatric infectious disease experts provide clinical guidance to help healthcare providers recognize, manage, and prevent measles in today’s outbreak-prone environment.

14 Apr 2025

Rapid growth of blood cancer driven by a single genetic ‘HIT’

A new study has unveiled when chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, arises in life and how fast it grows.

10 Apr 2025

Genetic fusion drives unexpectedly fast growth in chronic myeloid leukemia

A new study has unveiled when chronic myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, arises in life and how fast it grows.

9 Apr 2025

New guidelines aim to improve diagnosis and treatment of mycoplasma pneumoniae in children

The Chinese Medical Association has released new guidelines for diagnosing and treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children.

7 Apr 2025

Does COVID-19 affect heart rate variability after recovery?

Researchers determine the impact of mild COVID-19 on heart rate variability.

31 Mar 2025

Case study: Bartonella, Babesia pathogens can be a cofactor in complex neurological illnesses

In a new case study, researchers from North Carolina State University found Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei and Babesia divergens-like MO-1 DNA in brain tissue samples from a young child with seizures and suspected Rasmussen's encephalitis.

22 Mar 2025

Oropouche virus: Emerging threats, symptoms, and prevention

Researchers provide an overview of the emerging Oropouche virus.

19 Mar 2025

Is fluoride safe for your gut? New study investigates

Systematic review finds that while low-dose fluoride has little effect on gut microbiota, high doses disrupt microbial diversity and balance, especially in animal studies. The effects vary by species, fluoride form, and exposure level, raising concerns about high-dose fluoride impacts on gut health.

11 Mar 2025

Study delves into the role of SOX9 in hypospadias development

Hypospadias is a widespread congenital disorder, characterized by an abnormal placement of the urethral opening, impacting as many as 3.42% of male children worldwide. Beyond the physical consequences, this condition can lead to psychological and fertility issues.

10 Mar 2025