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Unraveling the Co-Evolution of Human Height and Basal Metabolic Rate

Taller stature and a higher basal metabolic rate are two characteristics that distinguish modern humans from non-human primates. A genetic variant that helped these traits co-evolve was discovered by researchers and published in Cell Genomics.

22 May 2025

Geisinger Scientists Uncover Genetic Basis for Sex-Based Height Variation

Geisinger's study reveals Y chromosome genes significantly influence height differences between sexes, highlighting genetic factors beyond hormones.

21 May 2025

Autophagy: A Double-Edged Sword in Cancer and Protein Conformational Disorders

A new FEBS Letters review explores the dual role of autophagy in cancer and protein misfolding diseases—highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target and the challenges of tipping the balance between protection and harm.

20 May 2025

How LEM-3 Cleaves DNA Bridges During Cell Division Revealed

If DNA bridges remain between chromosomes after cell division, chromosomes become improperly segregated, resulting in genetic instability and cancer.

20 May 2025

Single Cell Sequencing Uncovers Hidden Drivers of Severe Celiac Disease

Scientists have identified mutated immune cell clones that could point to improved treatment for refractory celiac disease.

17 May 2025

Breakthrough Study Identifies Unique Breast Cancer Genes in South African Women

Genetic factors contribute to some 30% of breast cancer cases in SA, necessitating investment in genomic research in African contexts.

16 May 2025

Real Time RNA Tracking in Plants Using Fluorescent Biosensors

RNA acts as a messenger inside cells, carrying instructions from DNA that are translated into proteins that are essential for how cells function.

15 May 2025

New Mechanism for Selective Host-Microbe Communication in the Gut

The study reveals how APOL9 selectively binds to gut bacteria, enhancing immune responses and maintaining intestinal health through microbial communication.

15 May 2025

AI Designs Synthetic DNA to Control Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells

A study published today in the journal Cell marks the first reported instance of generative AI designing synthetic molecules that can successfully control gene expression in healthy mammalian cells.

10 May 2025

Mammal’s Lifespans Linked to Brain Size and Immune System Function, Says New Study

Why do cats generally live longer than dogs? New research suggests that longer livespans of mammals like cats could be linked to their bigger brains and more complex immune systems.

9 May 2025

Genes Influence When Babies Start Walking, Study Finds

Researchers examined over 70,000 infants’ genomic information in the first research of its kind. Eleven genetic markers were found to influence when babies begin to walk, providing a number of possibilities for more in-depth biological research.

8 May 2025

Study Unlocks Molecular Mechanisms Behind Tea Plant Defenses

Plants face constant threats from herbivores, prompting complex defense mechanisms. While grasses like rice and Arabidopsis have well-studied defense systems, woody plants like tea remain poorly understood.

7 May 2025

Restoring Alpha-Synuclein to Support Synaptic Function and Neurotransmission

A new study reveals how restoring α-synuclein levels can help preserve synaptic vesicle composition and function, offering therapeutic insights for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

7 May 2025

Role of LADs and Epigenetic Pathways in Nuclear Architecture During Early Mouse Embryo Development

A new study in Cell reveals that lamina-associated domains (LADs) in early mouse embryos are shaped by dynamic epigenetic pathways, highlighting how histone modifications and chromatin structure guide nuclear architecture during development.

6 May 2025

Dr. Jeremy Poschmann’s data-driven approach to immune profiling and translational science

Dr. Jeremy Poschmann discusses data-driven approaches in genomics, revealing how immune profiling can predict disease risk and improve patient outcomes.

1 May 2025

Genetic Diversity in Wild Rice Offers Clues for Crop Improvement

A new study, seen in Nature Genetics and led by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST; Saudi Arabia) and Wageningen University & Research (the Netherlands), provides new insights on rice evolution, showing how the DNA of this valuable crop has changed across species.

29 Apr 2025

New Pangenome Analysis Uncovers Genetic Key to Larger Peanut Yields

Researchers from Australia and China have identified crucial structural variations that determine seed size and weight in peanuts, paving the way for the development of higher-yielding crop varieties.

29 Apr 2025

AI-Powered Protein Engineering for Precise and Scalable Gene Therapy

Genome editing has progressed rapidly, showing promising outcomes for the treatment of genetic disorders, yet there remains potential for enhancement.

23 Apr 2025

DNA Organization Offers Clues for Advancing Stem Cell Therapy

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have discovered how adult stem cells retain their regenerative power. The researchers demonstrate in a paper published in the journal Genes & Development that these cells rely on a group of helper proteins called histone chaperones — organizers or guides known to help package our two-meter-long genome when cells need to divide or switch on specific genes.

22 Apr 2025

Cyber Vulnerabilities in Next-Gen DNA Sequencing

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), a technology driving personalized medicine, cancer diagnosis, infectious disease tracking, and genetic research, is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.

17 Apr 2025