Genomics

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Discovery of 5-formylcytosine as an activating epigenetic switch

The team of Professor Christof Niehrs at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz, Germany, has discovered that a DNA modification called 5-formylcytosine (5fC) functions as an activating epigenetic switch that kick-starts genes in early embryonic development.

18 Sep 2024

Genome-wide association study identifies genetic risk factors for dementia

In landmark research, scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) have reported the largest-ever genome-wide association study of dementia from all causes, revealing an overlap of genetic risks including neurodegeneration, vascular factors and cerebral small-vessel disease.

18 Sep 2024

Discovery of gene variant could transform treatment for newborn jaundice

One in eight newborn babies has a gene variant that almost completely protects against jaundice. The research, conducted at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, provides the opportunity to develop a treatment that can prevent severe cases of jaundice.

17 Sep 2024

Unveiling the mechanism behind DNA organization in early embryos

Researchers from the Kind Group have gained new insights into the mechanism behind the spatial organization of DNA within the cells of early embryos.

16 Sep 2024

Soil pH and toxicity influence microbial community composition in new study

Though a founding concept of ecology suggests that the physical environment determines where organisms can survive, modern scientists have suspected there is more to the story of how microbial communities form in the soil.

13 Sep 2024

Study finds brain synchronization between humans and dogs during social interactions

During social interactions, the activity of the brain's neurons becomes synchronized between the individuals involved.

13 Sep 2024

Five key factors identified for predicting immunotherapy response in cancer patients

Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment in recent years by enabling the immune system to attack tumor cells.

12 Sep 2024

Four genes found to significantly influence menopause timing and cancer risk

New research has found four genes with some of the largest known effects on the timing of menopause discovered to date, providing new insight into links between menopause timing and cancer risk.

11 Sep 2024

Scripps Research develops breakthrough technique for adding unique amino acids to proteins

It's a dogma taught in every introductory biology class: Proteins are composed of combinations of 20 different amino acids, arranged into diverse sequences like words.

11 Sep 2024

Study on Arabidopsis thaliana plants reveals new insights into epigenetic regulation

One of the most fascinating discoveries in biology is that cells have mechanisms for dynamically regulating genetic expression.

11 Sep 2024

VitelloTag approach offers new solution for gene editing challenges in egg cells

A new approach for delivering miniature research tools into the interior of egg cells and embryos has been developed at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), resolving a major bottleneck to using the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 in many research organisms.

11 Sep 2024

New molecular map offers insights into human physiology and disease

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar (WCM-Q) have created an intricate molecular map of the human body and its complex physiological processes based on the analysis of thousands of molecules measured in blood, urine and saliva samples from 391 volunteers.

11 Sep 2024

TAAR1 gene: A new key to mental health

In the complex landscape of mental health research, a new peer-reviewed Viewpoint review sheds light on an underexplored genetic player: the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). Published in Genomic Psychiatry (ISSN: 2997-2388, Genomic Press, New York), this thought-provoking analysis suggests that mutations in the TAAR1 gene may be a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

11 Sep 2024

New insights into the genetics of schizophrenia

In the complex landscape of mental health research, a new peer-reviewed viewpoint offers a critical examination of how genes and environment conspire to influence schizophrenia risk. Published in Genomic Psychiatry (ISSN: 2997-2388, Genomic Press, New York), this thought-provoking analysis by researchers Natassia Robinson and Sarah E. Bergen from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, brings together cutting-edge findings from genetics and epidemiology.

11 Sep 2024

Addressing the challenges of polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an intractable disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys. It is typically seen in adults. As one of the most prevalent hereditary kidney diseases, the autosomal dominant form of PKD is usually caused by mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes.

11 Sep 2024

Rethinking cognitive deficits and schizophrenia risk through genetic insights

In a comprehensive review of recent genetic and population studies, published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Genomic Psychiatry (Genomic Press, New York), Professors Michael Owen and Michael O'Donovan of Cardiff University's Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics present evidence that challenges conventional wisdom about cognitive deficits in schizophrenia

6 Sep 2024

Understanding the cooperation of transcription factors in gene expression

Every cell in our body contains the same DNA, yet liver cells are different from brain cells, and skin cells differ from muscle cells.

6 Sep 2024

Study reveals key bacteria for developing personalized probiotics for newborns

Newborn babies have one of three pioneer bacteria in their gut shortly after birth, one of which could be used to develop new personalized infant therapeutic probiotics, researchers show.

6 Sep 2024

UK’s first robotic genomic testing facility for cancer patients launches

For the first time in the UK, robotic technology is being used to support genomic testing for cancer patients following a partnership between The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Automata Technologies, a leading automation company powering automation in life sciences labs.

From Automata 6 Sep 2024

New RNA therapy offers hope for mental health

Scientists at Cognigenics have made a significant advance in the field of neuroscience and mental health treatment. Their groundbreaking research, published in Genomic Psychiatry, demonstrates that a new RNA-based therapy called COG-201 can enhance memory and reduce anxiety in animal models.

6 Sep 2024