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Scientists discover two ways to preserve diseased upper motor neurons in ALS

Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered two ways to preserve diseased upper motor neurons that would normally be destroyed in ALS, based on a study in mice. Upper motor neurons initiate movement, and they degenerate in ALS.

24 Feb 2023

Epigenetics and the symbiosis between trees and fungi

To share nutrients and enhance their capacity for environmental adaptability, tree roots frequently collaborate with fungi. Although this interaction is mutually beneficial (namely, ectomycorrhizae), the biological mechanisms at play have not yet been completely analyzed.

23 Feb 2023

Genetic study emphasizes the significance of “balancing selection” in evolution

Nature can maintain various genetic features in balance as a species grows over millions of years, much like a merchant of old would do when balancing the weights of two distinct products on a scale.

23 Feb 2023

Whole genome sequencing might help better assess tumor evolution

To develop the most efficacious, personalized treatment plans for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma or other cancers, researchers and clinicians must first understand the genetic changes that cause cancer to develop.

23 Feb 2023

New compound found in cigarette smoke damages human lung cells’ DNA

Once in a while, people are exposed to possibly detrimental substances in the environment or through their habits or diets. For instance, a compound discovered in cigarette and industrial smoke, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), is responsible to damage DNA.

23 Feb 2023

Study identifies genetic variants linked to mathematical abilities in children

A new study published in Genes, Brain and Behavior has identified several genetic variants that may be linked with mathematical abilities in children.

23 Feb 2023

Study illuminates how lung cells protect themselves against RNA viral infection

A new University of California, Irvine-led study uncovers how a protein, APOBEC3B, could protect cells against many different types of RNA viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV2, influenza virus, poliovirus and measles, helping to prevent disease.

23 Feb 2023

Mount Sinai researchers reveal mechanisms underlying autoimmunity in Down syndrome

Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York have identified which parts of the immune system go awry and contribute to autoimmune diseases in individuals with Down syndrome.

23 Feb 2023

New puzzle challenge taps into the intelligence of Eterna’s users to advance RNA therapeutics

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz working to develop novel RNA-based medicines are teaming up with a new group of collaborators-;players of the online game Eterna.

22 Feb 2023

ApoE4 from neurons plays a critical role in Alzheimer's disease

Of all the known genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, the strongest is a gene for the protein called ApoE4.

22 Feb 2023

New biomarker helps identify biological age

Once considered to be incompetent in encoding proteins due to their simple monotonous DNA repetitions, tiny telomeres at the tips of human chromosomes now appear to have a powerful biological function that could help better understand cancer and aging.

21 Feb 2023

Toxic protein likely to be the cause of two rare genetic disorders identified

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health and their co-workers reported that DUX4, a toxic protein produced by the body, might just be the reason for two completely different rare genetic disorders.

21 Feb 2023

Accelerating the structure-guided discovery of chemogenetic tools

In order to more fully understand how diseases arise in the brain, scientists must unravel the intricate way neurons relay messages (either chemical or electrical) along a complex web of nerve cells. One way is by using a tool called DREADDs, which stands for Designer Receptors Activated by Designer Drugs.

21 Feb 2023

Scientists accelerate the development of pure genetic lines by inducing mutation

Iowa State University researchers may have solved a long-standing challenge associated with accelerated development of pure genetic lines.

20 Feb 2023

Significant discovery might halt the highly destructive wheat blast

An international research collaboration led by the John Innes Centre has used innovative genomic discovery methods to show how we might halt the emerging and highly destructive disease, wheat blast.

19 Feb 2023

Expert releases open-source compilation of the SARS-CoV-2 molecular structure

A biomedical researcher at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), part of Main Line Health, has created a groundbreaking resource for scientists seeking to develop new and better vaccines in the fight against COVID-19.

19 Feb 2023

Extended generation of blood cells in wild-type animals from pluripotent stem cells

Cells present in the blood like red blood cells, immune cells, and other crucial cell types are renewed continually from stem cells, the alleged hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs).

17 Feb 2023

Locating genes involved in the metabolism and distribution of human fat

Researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School and the University of Chicago discovered data identifying “jumping genes”—associated with the distribution of fat in the abdomen—that are connected to a higher risk for health problems from obesity in women.

17 Feb 2023

Improved efficacy of advanced genome editing with machine learning

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute have developed a new tool to estimate the probability of successfully introducing a gene-edited DNA sequence into a cell’s genome using the prime editing method.

17 Feb 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