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Personal genome sequencing and personalized medicine

Genetic mutations have given life on Earth a stunning variety of various sizes, colors, and shapes. Some changes are beneficial, while others are dangerous or ineffective. There are about 4.5 million genetic variants per individual.

31 Mar 2023

Gene variants that improve nitrogen utilization identified

Nitrogen as a fertilizer can boost yields. Too much nitrogen, on the other hand, can have negative consequences such as high energy consumption in fertilizer manufacturing.

31 Mar 2023

Key gene involved in crop alkaline tolerance discovered

Chinese scientists have identified a key gene involved in crop alkaline tolerance that may greatly improve crop yield in sodic environments through the use of genetic engineering.

24 Mar 2023

Genomic study helps to better understand the origins, history of Tibetan and Sherpa ethnic groups

The Tibetan Plateau, the highest and largest plateau above sea level, is one of the harshest environments settled by humans.

20 Mar 2023

Largest-ever genetic analysis provides insight into domestications and origin of traits in grapevine

In the largest ever genetic analysis of grapevine varieties, including samples from previously undocumented specimens in private collections, researchers provide new insights into how, when, and where wine and table grapevines were domesticated, which has been a longstanding question.

3 Mar 2023

Researchers reveal link immune system genetics and a person's ability to resist new COVID-19 variants

An international team including researchers from the HSE University Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology has found a link between certain genetic features of the immune system and one's ability to effectively resist new waves of COVID-19.

17 Feb 2023

Blending multiple maps uncover new genetic causes of blindness

In a new study, Ran Elkon and Ruth Ashery-Padan of Tel Aviv University, Israel, and colleagues discovered a new genetic risk factor for adult-onset macular degeneration (AMD) by combining a map of gene regulatory sites with disease-associated loci.

18 Jan 2023

First-ever chromosome-level genome sequences completed for sharks

The first chromosome level genome sequences for great hammerhead and shortfin mako sharks have shown that both species have experienced major population declines over a 250,000-year history.

5 Jan 2023

Breeding experiment to uncover genes that encourage plants to cooperate

According to a recent study published in PLOS Biology on November 29th, 2022 by Samuel Wuest of the University of Zurich and Agroscope, Switzerland, and colleagues, a clear and simple breeding experiment combined with genetic analysis can quickly uncover genes that promote cooperation and higher yields of plant populations.

1 Dec 2022

The genetic mechanisms that induce protein decline in modern maize

The wild ancestor of maize, teosinte, contains three times as much seed protein as the majority of cultivars of maize today. The mechanisms causing the declining seed protein content in maize hybrids and inbred lines were identified by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters.

17 Nov 2022

New explanation for how chromosome recombination is regulated during sexual reproduction

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS) suggest an explanation for the century-old mystery of how chromosome recombination is regulated during sexual reproduction.

From The Max Planck Institute 25 Oct 2022

Zbtb38 removal results in early embryonic death

DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic alteration for mammalian development.

20 Apr 2022

Researchers identify and clone a key gene that confers stripe rust resistance in bread wheat

Pests and diseases result in the loss of one-fifth of the global wheat harvest each year, which is enough to make around 290 billion loaves of bread. Resolving the persistent problem of the fungal rust diseases that attack wheat could help ensure future food security.

15 Mar 2022