Genomics

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Primate-specific DNA change reveals a new link to dementia-related neurodegeneration

Brain diseases, including dementia, have long been studied using experimental animals such as mice. However, differences between the human and animal genomes have raised concerns that some disease mechanisms may not be fully explained by conventional animal models.

29 Aug 2026

Paternal sperm epigenetics may help explain early pregnancy loss

When a pregnancy ends early and unexplained, the search for answers usually begins with the mother. Lacey Luense, Ph.D., wants to know what the father's sperm might have to do with it.

28 Aug 2026

Stanford scientists develop an ultracompact gene activation tool

The ability to precisely adjust the expression of genes inside the human body - ramping up protective ones and tamping down harmful ones - holds enormous potential for treating and preventing disease.

28 Aug 2026

UCSF scientists build largest molecular interaction map for autism

For more than two decades, researchers have identified hundreds of genes that increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

28 Aug 2026

Mayo Clinic joins multi-million dollar gene-editing project for children

Mayo Clinic is a clinical collaborator on an award of up to $27.7 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to help develop affordable, scalable gene-editing therapies for children with rare inherited immune disorders.

27 Aug 2026

Cellular glue protein found to help clear away dead cells

A protein which sticks cells and tissues together has been found to have a surprising second job: helping cells which are packed into a continuous sealed layer, also known as epithelial cells, engulf nearby dead cells.

27 Aug 2026

Multi-ancestry genetic score improves risk prediction for Alzheimer's disease

Late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment, affecting an estimated 6.9 million people in the U.S.

27 Aug 2026

New platform enables large-scale production of custom proteins

Scientists have been hard at work for more than 20 years to instruct biological systems, such as E. coli cells, to produce proteins they don't naturally do.

27 Aug 2026

New machine learning tool identifies hidden epigenetic disease patterns

In a study recently published in Nature Communications, researchers from Berlin, Potsdam, and Jena present a new method for analyzing the epigenome, the genome's control system that determines which genes are switched on and off.

25 Aug 2026

Scientists compared 51 longevity studies to see which aging biomarkers respond most reliably

Researchers analyzing 51 longitudinal intervention studies found that reliable generation 2+ DNA methylation biomarkers, particularly those predicting mortality or pace of aging, were the most responsive to interventions aimed at longevity or healthspan. Pharmacological and lifestyle interventions produced the strongest biomarker changes, but the authors cautioned that responsiveness does not yet establish these measures as validated surrogate endpoints for slower aging or longer life.

25 Aug 2026

New statistical framework untangles genetic and environmental autism risk

A powerful new research tool from a University of Virginia School of Medicine scientist and colleagues is set to advance our understanding of how genetics and environment contribute to autism risk.

24 Aug 2026

Satellite DNA acts as a barcode for matching chromosome pairs

The body cells of humans and animals contain a double set of chromosomes. One half of the genetic material comes from the mother, the other stems from the father.

24 Aug 2026

New AI model reveals hidden code behind gene activation

Precise activation of tens of thousands of genes is critical for healthy development and growth. Specialized segments of our DNA are responsible for carefully orchestrating genetic sequences that result in the production of enzymes, hormones, proteins and other crucial components underlying cell structure and function.

21 Aug 2026

Deliverome project maps cell surface proteins for better drug delivery

For a new drug to work in the human body, it must make its way to the exact cell type where it's needed and then, in many cases, get inside the cells.

21 Aug 2026

Bonsai software visualizes complex biological data as branching trees

Modern biology research can now generate valuable data on an unprecedented scale. But there is one major obstacle: making sense of these complex high-dimensional datasets.

21 Aug 2026

AI-powered DANDELION identifies overlooked genes linked to asthma

One of the most important goals of studying genetics is to find genes that are involved with diseases. The problem is that most diseases aren't caused by a single gene or mutation.

20 Aug 2026

Scientists uncover safer way to tame cancer cell senescence

Stopping tumor growth is only half the battle. Rather than kill tumor cells, many cancer therapies can only push them into cellular senescence, a state in which cells stop dividing but do not die. These "undead" cells will continue to release signals that reshape the tumor environment.

20 Aug 2026