Genomics

RSS

About 300 million bits of DNA are missing from basic reference genome, report scientists

For the past 17 years, most scientists around the globe have been using the nucleic acid sequence, or genome, an assembly of DNA information, from primarily a single individual as a kind of "baseline" reference and human species representation for comparing genetic variety among groups of people.

20 Nov 2018

Researchers identify genetic changes that could increase risk for death by suicide

Researchers at University of Utah Health identified four gene changes that occur more frequently in people who died by suicide that may point to increased risk in vulnerable individuals.

19 Nov 2018

Participation project calls for relaxing research ban on germline interventions

Are genetic defects allowed to be repaired by intervening with sperm or egg cells, or even human embryos? Thanks to genetic scissors such as CRISPR/Cas, such interventions in the germline could soon become a medical reality.

19 Nov 2018

Using light to control crucial step in embryonic development

In optogenetics, researchers use light to control protein activity. This technique allows them to alter the shape of embryonic tissue and to inhibit the development of abnormalities.

16 Nov 2018

Game-Changers in Western Blotting and Protein Analysis

An interview with Ramya Prabakaran & Melody Chang from GenScript, discussing the development of automated systems that improve outcomes for western blotting.

From GenScript 16 Nov 2018

CRISPR-based tool shown to enhance cell-based immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based tool called SLICE that can boost the effectiveness of immune cell therapies.

15 Nov 2018

Researchers directly connect activities of genes with instinctive behavior in male cichlids

Call it instinct, but something compels some animals to behave in certain ways, perhaps programs in their genes. Researchers have directly connected activities of genes with instinctive behavior in little male fish that make patterns in the sand to attract their mates.

15 Nov 2018

Human Cell Atlas study of early pregnancy shows how mother's immune system is modified

The first Human Cell Atlas study of early pregnancy in humans has shown how the function of the maternal immune system is affected by cells from the developing placenta.

14 Nov 2018

Speed and error rate of DNA synthesis influenced by DNA structure

The speed and error rate of DNA synthesis is influenced by the three-dimensional structure of the DNA. Using "third-generation" genome-wide DNA sequencing data, a team of researchers from Penn State and the Czech Academy of Sciences showed that sequences with the potential to form unusual DNA conformations, which are frequently associated with cancer and neurological diseases, can in fact slow down or speed up the DNA synthesis process and cause more or fewer sequencing errors.

14 Nov 2018

Biologists uncover novel genetic control of lipid maintenance and its potential connection to lifespan

Tiny microscopic worms, invisible to the naked eye, are helping scientists to better understand an extraordinarily complex biological pathway that connects fat to overall health and aging in humans.

14 Nov 2018

People with rare cancers can benefit from genomic profiling, shows research

New research has shown that many Australians with rare cancers can benefit from genomic profiling. The findings of the patient-driven trial are being presented today at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting and could result in dramatic changes to the way those with rare cancers are diagnosed and treated.

14 Nov 2018

Study uncovers link between gut disruption and aging

A new study has shed light on how the disruption of commensal bacteria within the gut can affect the immune system and lead to age-related pathologies.

13 Nov 2018

First bifacial molecule can invade double-stranded DNA or RNA

Carnegie Mellon University researchers have developed a synthetic molecule that can recognize and bind to double-stranded DNA or RNA under normal physiological conditions. The molecule could provide a new platform for developing methods for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic conditions.

13 Nov 2018

New study provides deeper insight into chromosome segregation during mitosis

When a cell divides—a process known as mitosis—its chromosomes need to be separated and evenly distributed into the newly created daughter cells. Although this is known to be extremely complicated and to feature a range of cellular components, many of its details remain unclear, which has hampered efforts to develop treatments for when mitosis goes awry.

12 Nov 2018

Failed DNA repair triggers chromosomal chaos in cancer cells

Researchers have established the trigger for catastrophic events that occur within the chromosomes of cancer cells and lead to cancer cell death.

12 Nov 2018

ChromDesign project trains budding scientists in 3D architecture of genome

How does the three-dimensional architecture of our genes affect the differentiation of cells and development of diseases? This is the question behind the European Innovation Training Network "ChromDesign- Chromatin and Design".

8 Nov 2018

Salk researchers solve genetic 'whodunnit' for cancer gene

Long thought to suppress cancer by slowing cellular metabolism, the protein complex AMPK also seemed to help some tumors grow, confounding researchers. Now, Salk Institute researchers have solved the long-standing mystery around why AMPK can both hinder and help cancer.

8 Nov 2018

Study explains how dermal fibroblasts age

With age, our tissues lose their function and capacity to regenerate after being damaged. A study published today in Cell by scientists at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine and the Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico of the Center for Genomic Regulation explains how dermal fibroblasts age.

8 Nov 2018

CWRH/UH researcher receives grant to study role of KLF2 factor in vascular-related disorders

Transcription factors are proteins that determine whether specific genes are transcribed or not by binding to DNA. In other words, they help turn genes "on" or "off."

8 Nov 2018

Scientists discover new details about UHRF1 protein

Epigenetic changes often play an important role in cancer, because they cause the genetic material to be read incorrectly at certain locations. Genes that are especially critical are those that control the growth and death of cells.

7 Nov 2018