Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Rare immune mutation unlocks universal antiviral protection

For a few dozen people in the world, the downside of living with a rare immune condition comes with a surprising superpower-the ability to fight off all viruses.

14 Aug 2025

New drug discovery platform aims to deliver first-in-class therapies

65LAB has awarded US$1.5 million (approx. S$1.9 million) to Professor Enrico Petretto to advance a breakthrough drug discovery platform developed at Duke-NUS Medical School. The project aims to deliver first-in-class antifibrotic therapies for lung and kidney diseases-conditions that currently have no effective treatment.

14 Aug 2025

Disrupting dopamine pathway stops threadworms from burrowing into the skin

Threadworms, which are a type of parasitic nematode, spend a lot of time crawling around on human skin, poking and prodding to find the best place for entry before burrowing in.

13 Aug 2025

New research sheds light on what makes the human brain unique

Research from scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have shed new light on an age-old question: what makes the human brain unique?

13 Aug 2025

New mouse model reveals key role of osteocytes in osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) refers to a group of rare genetic bone disorders that results in the formation of fragile bones. In patients with OI, the matrix that makes up the bone has been found to be abnormal, leading to an increased risk of fractures.

13 Aug 2025

Study investigates aging-related mechanisms in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using AI approaches

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, leading to a gradual decline in lung function and, ultimately, respiratory failure.

13 Aug 2025

Researchers find CFI deficiency alarmingly high in old order Amish

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Clinic for Special Children found that complement factor I (CFI) deficiency, an ultra-rare genetic disorder that can cause debilitating neuroinflammation, is more than 4500 times more likely to be found in individuals of Old Order Amish ancestry than the rest of the global population.

13 Aug 2025

Study finds two-way link between gut bacteria and insomnia

There seem to be reciprocal links between certain groups of gut bacteria and the risk of insomnia, suggests a Mendelian randomization study, published in the open access journal General Psychiatry.

12 Aug 2025

Polyphenols and exercise show promise in fighting gliomas

A new review in Food Science & Nutrition highlights how combining dietary polyphenols with structured exercise can enhance brain function, regulate epigenetics, and support glioma management. The authors outline mechanisms, patient-centered strategies, and research gaps for turning this synergy into clinical practice.

12 Aug 2025

New method greatly improves the precision of genome editing

A research team headed by the University of Zurich has developed a powerful new method to precisely edit DNA by combining cutting-edge genetic engineering with artificial intelligence.

12 Aug 2025

Blocking CREB may prevent alcohol-related pancreatic cancer

Despite increasing evidence linking alcohol consumption to cancer, little is known about the biological mechanisms behind the association.

12 Aug 2025

Exercise can be a powerful tool to slow epigenetic aging

A new research perspective was published in Aging (Aging-US) on July 8, 2025, titled "Exercise as a geroprotector: focusing on epigenetic aging."

12 Aug 2025

Adding MET inhibitor enhances immune response against small cell lung tumors

Adding a MET gene inhibitor enhances the effect of combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), according to a multicenter study led by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, in collaboration with researchers from the CIBERONC cancer research network.

12 Aug 2025

New research highlights combined impact of genes and lifestyle on dilated cardiomyopathy

An international team, led by scientists from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute has studied around 3000 people affected by the heart disease dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – a driver of heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest.

12 Aug 2025

Researchers develop machine learning models to identify biomarkers for chronic fatigue syndrome

When cells expire, they leave behind an activity log of sorts: RNA expelled into blood plasma that reveal changes in gene expression, cellular signaling, tissue injury and other biological processes.

11 Aug 2025

Brain’s energy control map offers blueprint for next-gen weight loss therapies

Scientists map how the brain integrates hormonal and neural signals from the body to control appetite, energy use, and reward pathways, revealing targets for next-generation anti-obesity drugs. This review highlights the interplay between neuroendocrine circuits, neuroplasticity, and pharmacotherapy for durable, non-aversive weight loss.

11 Aug 2025