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Unusual DNA folding leads to higher mutation rates

DNA sequences that can fold into shapes other than the classic double helix tend to have higher mutation rates than other regions in the human genome.

From Penn State University 10 Feb 2021

Study provides insights into genetic landscape of common inherited kidney disease

A study has described genetic changes in patients with the most common form of hereditary kidney disease that affects an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide.

10 Feb 2021

Certain coronaviruses steal hosts’ genes to evade their immune system

Certain coronaviruses can add some genes, that belong to the host they infected, to their genetic pool. In this manner, they can merge and be less noticeable in the immune system.

9 Feb 2021

New study facilitates the use of gene editing technique on plants

A new study performed by the IBMCP of UPV University enables the use of the CRISPR genomic editing technique on plants.

9 Feb 2021

New platform may accelerate genomic medicine research, drug therapies

A research team, headed by Cleveland Clinic, has designed a novel personalized genomic medicine platform that would help speed up genomic medicine studies as well as genome-informed drug discovery. The results of the new study have been recently published in the Genome Biology journal.

9 Feb 2021

Study reveals genetic factors linked to COVID-19 susceptibility in people with Down syndrome

A study reveals the genetic factors that may expose or protect people with Down syndrome from SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the prognosis of COVID-19.

9 Feb 2021

Scientists implicate disruption in prenatal neurogenesis in the development of autism

A new study of autism risk genes by UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley scientists implicates disruption in prenatal neurogenesis - a process in which specialized "progenitor" cells give rise to new brain cells - in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

9 Feb 2021

New bioinformatic tool allows scientists to digitally genotype sequenced populations

With the recently developed bioinformatic tool, called SSRgenotyper, scientists can now use simple sequence repeats to digitally genotype sequenced populations.

9 Feb 2021

Researchers identify genes that determine a person’s facial profile

A research team, headed by the University College London, has discovered genes that establish the shape of an individual’s facial profile.

From University College London 9 Feb 2021

$1.8 million NIH grant supports research on extracellular vesicles

Scientists have known for decades that our cells constantly shed tiny pieces known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), but until relatively recently they believed that this process was merely a way for cells to rid themselves of material that was no longer needed.

8 Feb 2021

Climate change may have played a direct role in the emergence of SARS-CoV-2

Global greenhouse gas emissions over the last century have made southern China a hotspot for bat-borne coronaviruses, by driving growth of forest habitat favored by bats.

8 Feb 2021

Plants may control the genetics of intimate root symbionts

Researchers from the University of Ottawa have discovered that plants may be able to control the genetics of their intimate root symbionts - the organism with which they live in symbiosis - thereby providing a better understanding of their growth.

5 Feb 2021

Study shows how microbiomes may recover from biodiversity loss

For many years, researchers have fought with opposing theories to describe how inter-species interactions, including competition, affect biodiversity.

5 Feb 2021

Ancestral backgrounds can influence Alzheimer's disease risk, finds study

Genetics contributes to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and the APOE gene is the strongest genetic risk factor, specifically the APOE4 allele.

5 Feb 2021

Vaccine based on virus-like particle could generate antibodies to prevent malaria

An inexpensive, long-lasting and easy-to-administer vaccine against malaria could be a game-changer for millions of people living in countries where the mosquito-borne disease is endemic.

5 Feb 2021

Study shows strong link between genetic changes and cerebral palsy

Scientists have identified a strong connection between genetic modifications known to cause cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental disabilities.

3 Feb 2021

New technique to improve genome editing technology

A group of scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU), in association with collaborators from Belgium, has taken a step in the advancement of genome editing technologies.

3 Feb 2021

Genetic burden of retrogene mutations is greater than originally believed

According to a new study performed by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, the possible genetic burden of mutations emerging from retrogenes is considerably greater than originally believed.

3 Feb 2021

Scientists identify new drug target for treating Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome

Researchers have discovered a promising treatment method for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS)—a debilitating genetic disorder that accounts for rapid and premature aging in children.

3 Feb 2021

Researchers study the formation of reinforced, patterned cell walls during proto-xylem development

Trees are by far the tallest organisms on Earth. Height growth is made possible by a specialized vascular system that conducts water from the roots to the leaves with high efficiency, while simultaneously providing stability.

3 Feb 2021