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Medication and mutations: molnupiravir's impact on SARS-CoV-2 genomes

Researchers discovered molnupiravir-associated mutational signatures in SARS-CoV-2 genomes.

27 Sep 2023

One gene variant could be a shield against severe COVID-19 lung damage

Researchers identify a specific genetic variant, rs2204985, linked to less severe lung involvement and a stronger immune response in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia. The study suggests that understanding this genetic marker could help identify high-risk individuals and enhance strategies for prevention and treatment.

25 Sep 2023

COVID drug molnupiravir appears to be driving SARS-CoV-2 to mutate and evolve

Molnupiravir, an antiviral drug used to treat patients with COVID-19, appears to be driving SARS-CoV-2 to mutate and evolve, with some of these new viruses being transmitted onwards, a new study has shown. It is not clear, however, whether these mutated viruses pose an increased risk to patients or are able to evade the vaccine.

25 Sep 2023

Genetic link between migraines and breast cancer risk uncovered

Using Mendelian randomization analysis, the study finds a genetic link between migraine susceptibility and increased risk of overall and estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. However, the findings suggest caution in interpretation, highlighting the need for further research to solidify these associations.

24 Sep 2023

VAX-seq: the future of mRNA vaccine analysis and quality assurance?

Researchers proposed a simplified approach for analyzing mRNA vaccines using long-read sequencing.

22 Sep 2023

Unlocking the power of mRNA vaccines: From COVID-19 to cancer and beyond

A comprehensive review in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy delves into the versatility and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, from their game-changing role in COVID-19 to potential applications in cancer and rare diseases. Despite drawbacks like stability and high immunogenicity, advancements in vaccine technology have poised mRNA platforms as a robust tool for both preventive and therapeutic interventions.

21 Sep 2023

Rice engineers develop split gene-editing tool with enhanced control

To make a gene-editing tool more precise and easier to control, Rice University engineers split it into two pieces that only come back together when a third small molecule is added.

21 Sep 2023

AlphaMissense revolutionizes genetic mutation analysis for disease prediction

AlphaMissense, an adaptation of AlphaFold, offers a highly accurate model for predicting the pathogenicity of human proteome-wide missense variants at the single amino acid level. The model outperforms existing methods, providing valuable insights for diagnosing rare diseases and developing targeted therapies.

20 Sep 2023

Researchers identify a rare cause of male infertility and discover a potential cure

Researchers investigated the genetic underpinning of asthenozoospermia, the leading cause of male fertility.

18 Sep 2023

How important is inflammation and body weight in the origin of depression?

A new paper in BMC Medicine examines the role of inflammation and body mass index (BMI) in the etiology of treatment-resistant depression.

18 Sep 2023

Polish gulls harbor new coronavirus strains, spotlighting avian role in viral evolution

Researchers in Poland have identified five strains of gammacoronaviruses and deltacoronaviruses in black-headed and common gulls, shedding new light on the diversity and evolutionary potential of these viruses. The study highlights the need for ongoing research into animal reservoirs of coronaviruses, as they pose a risk for zoonotic transmission to humans.

17 Sep 2023

JAX offers a fully validated, clinical whole genome sequencing test

Until quite recently, it was extremely difficult to detect the variants underlying many genetic disorders. In the absence of a defined cause, clinicians have little to guide treatment for those left without a genetic diagnosis, forcing patients and families to embark on a diagnostic odyssey with no guarantee of finding answers.

14 Sep 2023

Research opens up new directions to develop drugs for stopping cytokine storms

Constant exposure of cells to stressing agents, such as pathogens, may disturb an organism's normal functioning. To fight stress, cells have developed several coping mechanisms, including the inflammatory response.

14 Sep 2023

Cerebellar inhibitory interneurons essential for fear memory, study finds

An LSU Health New Orleans research study led by Siqiong June Liu, PhD, Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy, has found that cerebellar inhibitory interneurons are essential for fear memory, a type of emotional memory formation.

13 Sep 2023

Smoking can accelerate the process of aging, study shows

A study of nearly 500,000 people has shown that smoking shortens the end fragments of chromosomes in the white blood cells of our immune systems.

12 Sep 2023

Unlocking the genetic code of blood sugar reveals new diabetes risks and lung complications

The study used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to analyze random glucose levels in nearly half a million non-diabetic subjects, uncovering 150 distinct genetic signals, including 53 new ones, linked to glycemic traits and type 2 diabetes. The research also discovered a causal effect of random glucose and type 2 diabetes on lung function, identifying lung dysfunction as a new diabetes complication.

10 Sep 2023