Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Reprogramming skin cells into photoreceptors to restore vision in mice

Researchers have discovered a technique for directly reprogramming skin cells into light-sensing rod photoreceptors used for vision.

15 Apr 2020

'Chaperone protein' protects against autoimmune diseases, mice study shows

Like a parent of teenagers at a party, Mother Nature depends on chaperones to keep one of her charges, the immune system, in line so that it doesn't mistakenly attack normal cells, tissues and organs in our bodies.

15 Apr 2020

Researchers restore sight in mice by turning skin cells into light-sensing eye cells

Researchers have discovered a technique for directly reprogramming skin cells into light-sensing rod photoreceptors for vision.

15 Apr 2020

Researchers decode how immune sensor plays role in defending cells against intruders

Until now, the immune sensor TLR8 has remained in the shadows of science. A research team led by the University of Bonn has now discovered how this sensor plays an important role in defending human cells against intruders.

15 Apr 2020

Transposable elements play key role in genetic expression and evolution, study shows

Until recently, little was known about how transposable elements contribute to gene regulation. These are little pieces of DNA that can replicate themselves and spread out in the genome.

15 Apr 2020

Study shows possible way to effectively deliver RNA drugs to tumors

In recent years, RNA molecules, with the ability to affect or turn off pathogenic genes, have become promising drug candidates in several areas.

15 Apr 2020

Autism in males may result from problems in brain-based immune cells

Many cases of autism spectrum disorders may result from problems in immune cells that normally work to trim back unneeded brain connections in early life, suggests a new study led by scientists at Scripps Research.

15 Apr 2020

Study reveals molecular causes of brain asymmetry

Scientists may have solved one of the most puzzling and persistent mysteries in neuroscience: why some people are "right-brained" while others are "left-brained."

15 Apr 2020

Researchers find new way to identify genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is known to involve interactions among many different genes, making it difficult to pinpoint the specific mechanisms. But now, researchers from Japan have found a new way to identify genes implicated in neurodegeneration in AD.

15 Apr 2020

Harnessing power of cancer gene could lead to first curative treatment for heart disease

Researchers trying to turn off a gene that allows cancers to spread have made a surprising U-turn. By making the gene overactive and functional in the hearts of mice, they have triggered heart cell regeneration.

15 Apr 2020

Potential cure for heart disease via cancer gene upregulation

Researchers have found that by switching on a gene that promotes the spread of cancers, they can enhance the regeneration of damaged heart muscle. The study results, published in April 2020 in the journal Nature Communication, could mark the beginning of curative therapy for heart disease.

14 Apr 2020

Continual surveillance of natural bats for emerging viruses is needed

Findings from a study conducted by Chinese researchers suggest that similar species of bats carry similar viruses and that when these bats reside in overlapping areas, transmission between species occurs more easily.

14 Apr 2020

New study offers insight on how bacteria exchange drug resistance genes

Researchers have been able to identify and track the exchange of genes among bacteria that allow them to become resistant to drugs, according to a new study published today in eLife.

14 Apr 2020

Molecular pathway that controls immunosuppression in tumors identified

An active immune system plays an important role in stopping cancer progression by identifying tumor cells and targeting them for destruction. Any deviation in the normal activities of the immune system could lead to accelerated tumor growth.

14 Apr 2020

Voluntary exercise could help prevent liver cancer, study shows

Liver cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide and is growing rapidly due to the "diabesity pandemic."

14 Apr 2020

Mediterranean diet correlates with higher cognitive function

According to a recent analysis of data from two major eye disease studies, adherence to the Mediterranean diet - high in vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil - correlates with higher cognitive function.

14 Apr 2020

Technologies converge on interacting surfaces in protein complexes

Researchers have fine-tuned a method to pinpoint surfaces within interacting large multi-protein complexes.

14 Apr 2020

Predicting the evolution of genetic mutations

Biologists have developed an algorithm able to predict how genetic mutations can make critical proteins change with evolution.

14 Apr 2020

Mutated ATP1B gene a risk factor for Parkinson’s

The brain consists of about 100 billion neurons that form a complex and interconnected network in our brain, allowing us to generate complex thought patterns and actions. These neurons or nerve cells are the functional units of the nervous system that process and transmit information around the body. Neurodegenerative diseases develop with the progressive loss of these neurons.

14 Apr 2020

UTSW researchers show how vulnerable cells armor themselves against infection

Cells in some of the body's most vulnerable entry routes to bacterial infection buffer themselves when the immune system detects danger by reorganizing the cholesterol on their surfaces, a new study led by UTSW scientists suggests.

13 Apr 2020