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New study links DNA methylation in GLP1R gene to obesity without metabolic disorders

The study investigates the role of epigenetic changes in GLP1R gene polymorphisms on metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), revealing that apart from genetic variations, DNA methylation significantly influences the occurrence of MHO.

20 Nov 2023

Stem-cell-derived brain cells hold promise for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's research

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have identified a protein key to the development of a type of brain cell believed to play a role in disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and used the discovery to grow the neurons from stem cells for the first time.

17 Nov 2023

New diagnostic workflow improves detection of 5q-spinal muscular atrophy

5q-spinal muscular atrophy (5q-SMA) is one of the more common types of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affecting around one in ten thousand individuals worldwide.

15 Nov 2023

Genetic melting pot: Study unveils complex admixture in European ancestry populations

In a recent Nature Communications study, researchers revealed that Europeans and European Americans possess a significant subcontinental genetic admixture, challenging the notion that these populations are homogenous. This finding suggests the need to re-evaluate genetic epidemiology studies that may have overlooked the influence of admixture on disease associations and trait heritability in these groups.

8 Nov 2023

Pharmacogenomics holds promise for personalized dementia therapies

Pharmacogenomics-based studies in the research for personalized therapeutics for dementia

8 Nov 2023

Genetic twist in gallstone disease may shield against heart attacks

Mendelian randomization suggests gallstone disease may lower heart attack risk; genetics play a key role in this protective effect.

5 Nov 2023

Science, Innovation, and Xenotransplantation: A Discussion with Dr. Wenning Qin

In this interview, we delve deep into the pioneering world of xenotransplantation and the evolving landscape of gene editing.

2 Nov 2023

Proof-of-concept study holds promise for safer gene therapy techniques for treating immunodeficiencies

Researchers described an approach to edit the recombination-activating gene 2 (RAG2) locus for therapeutic applications.

1 Nov 2023

Fighting invisible foes: How cryptic fungal pathogens threaten human health and food security

The research paper in PLOS Pathogens delves into the challenges of diagnosing and treating cryptic fungal pathogens, which are difficult to distinguish from common fungi but equally dangerous. The study calls for more accurate diagnostic methods and a better understanding of how these fungi interact with the human immune system and microbiome for effective treatment and prevention.

25 Oct 2023

New insights into the molecular basis of schizophrenia during early brain development

Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disease that remains poorly understood and treated.

24 Oct 2023

New method provides valuable insights into the brain's noradrenaline system

An international team of researchers has provided valuable insights into the brain's noradrenaline (NA) system, which has been a longtime target for medications to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety.

24 Oct 2023

Coffee and genetics: A complex blend impacting kidney health

Researchers dive into the intricate connection between caffeine consumption and genetic predisposition, uncovering paradoxical effects on kidney function.

22 Oct 2023

Decoding schizophrenia: insights and impacts from genetic discoveries

A recent study in Molecular Psychiatry delves into the genetic architecture of schizophrenia, uncovering insights into common and rare genetic variants, treatment resistance, and the evolutionary paradox of the disorder. This research highlights the complex nature of schizophrenia and the need for a transdiagnostic approach to psychiatric research.

22 Oct 2023

How the gut microbiome contributes to schizophrenia

Researchers explore potential relationships between schizophrenia, the gut microbiome, the gut-brain axis, and short-chain fatty acids.

19 Oct 2023

Kidney transplantation turns back the clock on renal aging

This recent study in the Journal of Internal Medicine reveals that kidney transplantation mitigates the effects of renal aging in chronic kidney disease patients, outperforming dialysis. The research utilized DNA methylation clocks to assess biological age, finding that age acceleration decreased one year post-transplant but remained unchanged with dialysis.

17 Oct 2023

New project aims to address the support needs of adoptive parents

Adoptive parents are often left feeling unsupported and overwhelmed says Lancaster University Professor Laura Machin who has launched a project to help support them.

17 Oct 2023

Advanced neuroimaging reveals surprising link between glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease

The overlap in clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between Alzheimer's disease and glaucoma.

9 Oct 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

Study reveals non-coding genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease functioning in microglia

Scientists studying Alzheimer's disease (AD) have identified thousands of genetic variants in the genome in the development of this progressive neurodegenerative disease.

23 Sep 2023

Scientists discover novel microglia-associated risk factors for Alzheimer's disease