Genetic News and Research

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Genetic differences can affect the effectiveness of antibody therapies

The genome differs from person to person in thousands of positions. In some cases, this means that proteins have a different building block in certain regions, rendering some antibody-based therapies ineffective, report researchers from the University of Basel, Switzerland.

17 Dec 2025

SARS-CoV-2 manipulates host cell's RNA to weaken the immune response

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil have discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, uses a sophisticated tactic to evade the human body's defense system.

17 Dec 2025

Early embryos and the uterus engage in active communication during implantation

A new study shows that the embryo and the uterine lining conduct an active "conversation" from the very earliest stages of implantation. They engage in a back and forth of tiny packages called extracellular vesicles and lipid droplets, which carry metabolites and signals.

17 Dec 2025

Lysophosphatidylcholines show gene-dependent effects in early Alzheimer’s disease

A new study presents robust evidence on the role of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that LPCs-compounds that transport a variety of healthy fatty acids to the brain-either promote Alzheimer's or protect against it, depending on a person's genetics.

17 Dec 2025

Researchers uncover how a gene influences cell size across various cell types

What keeps our cells the right size? Scientists have long puzzled over this fundamental question, since cells that are too large or too small are linked to many diseases. Until now, the genetic basis behind cell size has largely been a mystery.

17 Dec 2025

Researchers identify partner protein that supports appetite regulating-protein

A protein essential to the human body for managing energy and regulating appetite relies on a partner protein, according to new research, and the findings could help researchers better understand genetic obesity.

16 Dec 2025

New diagnostic chip enables rapid monitoring of brain cancer treatment

New diagnostic chip pulls packets released from tumor cells out of blood, showing whether cancer cells died during chemotherapy infusion.

16 Dec 2025

New rapid blood test enables early and accurate diagnosis of ALS

ALS is a debilitating paralytic disease characterized by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. Fortunately, ALS is relatively rare, with an incidence rate of 1.6 per 100,000 adults, resulting in about 30,000 cases in the United States at any one time.

16 Dec 2025

A multi-gene mouse model reveals new mechanisms of Hirschsprung disease

During development of the digestive system, a complex network of nerves forms around it, creating a "second brain" - the enteric nervous system (ENS) - which controls the movement of food and waste through the gut.

16 Dec 2025

SARS-CoV-2 evolves after jumping from humans to zoo animals

Research on SARS-CoV-2 in zoo tigers, lions, and hyenas shows rapid viral evolution and adaptation, offering insights into cross-species transmission dynamics.

16 Dec 2025

Mediterranean diet and healthy habits improve cancer survival rates

Being more physically active, following a balanced diet, not smoking, and keeping body weight and blood pressure under control: the same habits that protect the heart also prove decisive after a cancer diagnosis.

16 Dec 2025

Indoor tanning loads normal skin with mutations linked to melanoma

Indoor tanning is associated with markedly higher mutation burdens and cancer-driving genetic changes in melanocytes taken from normal-appearing skin, including areas usually protected from sunlight. These molecular alterations provide a biological explanation for the higher odds of melanoma and multiple primary tumors seen in heavy tanning bed users.

15 Dec 2025

Gut bacteria patterns differ in autism and siblings and link to social symptoms

This sibling-controlled East Asian study found that autistic individuals, their unaffected siblings, and typically developing controls differ in gut microbiota diversity and composition, with the clearest separation between autism and typical development. Specific taxa, particularly the butyrate-producing genus Anaerostipes, were modestly associated with social communication and internalising symptoms, supporting a gut–behaviour link without implying causality.

15 Dec 2025

New initiative aims to transform care for early-onset cancer patients

More people under age 50 are developing cancer, and with that comes a shift in the model of care needed to serve this unique cancer patient population – including early access to fertility counseling, universal genomic testing to identify underlying genetic drivers, support resources to address long-term survivorship considerations, and community education regarding early detection and screening.

15 Dec 2025

Chemotherapy may reduce HIV-infected T cells

Advancements in HIV/AIDS research, drug development and clinical practice since the 1980s have made it possible for people living with HIV to lead long, productive lives and keep the virus in check at undetectable levels and nontransmissible as long as therapy is maintained.

15 Dec 2025

Researchers uncover how Bartonella causes deadly Oroya fever

The so-called "Oroya fever" is an extremely severe infectious disease, yet it is classified among the so-called neglected tropical diseases.

15 Dec 2025

ADHD linked to higher risk of criminal convictions and family patterns

A largescale, comprehensive study has found that individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of being convicted of crimes compared to those without ADHD, and that this association extends to their relatives, suggesting shared familial factors such as genetics and environmental conditions.

15 Dec 2025