Genetics News and Research

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Genetics is the study of genes and heredity. Heredity is the passing of genetic information and traits (such as eye color and an increased chance of getting a certain disease) from parents to offspring.

Using CRISPR to Improve Forest Resilience and Productivity

Researchers at North Carolina State University used a CRISPR gene-editing system to breed poplar trees with reduced levels of lignin, the major barrier to sustainable production of wood fibers, while improving their wood properties.

14 Jul 2023

Scientists Identify "Footprints" of Participation Bias in Genetic Data

Why do some people take part in genetic studies while others do not? The answer may lie within our genetic makeup. According to a groundbreaking study by Oxford's Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and Big Data Institute, people who participate in genetic studies are genetically more likely to do so, leaving detectable 'footprints' in genetics data. This breakthrough equips researchers with the ability to identify and address participation bias, a significant challenge in genetic research.

14 Jul 2023

New Study Shows How Butterflies and Moths Can Help Understand Evolution

Butterflies and moths share "blocks" of DNA dating back more than 200 million years, new research shows.

14 Jul 2023

New Approach to Reverse Aging and Restore Cellular Function

Researchers have opened a new front in the battle against aging and diseases associated with old age through a ground-breaking study

13 Jul 2023

Lipe Gene Plays Pivotal Role in Retinal Health, Study Finds

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have identified a gene called Lipe that appears to be pivotal to retinal health, with mutations spurring immune activation and retinal degeneration.

12 Jul 2023

Whole Genome Sequencing More Effective Than Targeted Gene Sequencing in Detecting Genetic Disorders

A new national study, led by researchers at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, has found whole genome sequencing (WGS) to be nearly twice as effective as a targeted gene sequencing test at identifying abnormalities responsible for genetic disorders in newborns and infants.

12 Jul 2023

AMP Releases CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 Genotyping Assay Recommendations

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), the world’s leading professional society for molecular diagnostics, released consensus recommendations today to aid in the design and validation of clinical CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotyping assays, encourage standardization of testing across labs, and better patient care.

11 Jul 2023

New Culture System may Improve Efficiency and Safety of Genome Editing in HSCs

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are rare cells found in the bone marrow that produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

11 Jul 2023

Mapping Immune Microenvironments in Human Placenta

Until recently, scientific evidence on the ability of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, to replicate in the human placenta has been inconclusive.

10 Jul 2023

T cells are Sensitive to Genetic Disturbances Within Mitochondrial Power Plants

All cells have their own power plants, called mitochondria. There are often more than 100 mitochondria per cell and each possesses their own genome, which in turn contains genes responsible for energy production.

7 Jul 2023

Genetic Changes in Maize Reveal Trade-Offs in Heat Tolerance

The ability of crops to withstand heat is critical to our food system's resilience to climate change. A study published in the open access journal PLOS Genetics by Aaron Kusmec at Iowa State University; Ames, Iowa, United States and colleagues suggests that trait selection through plant breeding has increased maize's tolerance to moderate heat stress over time; however, its tolerance to severe heat stress has decreased.

7 Jul 2023

USDA Funds Texas A&M AgriLife Research to Develop “Holy Grail” of Tomatoes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has funded a new Texas A&M AgriLife Research project expected to bring researchers even closer to developing the "holy grail" of tomatoes.

7 Jul 2023

Study Uncovers Candidate Genes That may Drive Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A study of the genetic variation that makes mice more susceptible to bowel inflammation after a high-fat diet has identified candidate genes which may drive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans.

6 Jul 2023

Host Genetics Affects Composition of Switchgrass Root Microbiome

Plants provide a home for a wide diversity of microbes, especially in their roots. In turn, these communities can provide important benefits for the host.

5 Jul 2023

Deep Learning Model Accurately Predicts RNA-Targeting CRISPR Activity

According to new research published in Nature Biotechnology, artificial intelligence can predict on- and off-target behavior of CRISPR tools that target RNA rather than DNA.

5 Jul 2023

New AI Tool Tracks Complex Fruit Fly Behavior

What is the easiest way to know if a fruit fly is hungry? Ask a computer.

3 Jul 2023

Identifying the Genetic Variant That Increases Disease Severity in MS

Research of over 22,000 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has for the first time discovered a genetic variant linked with speedier progression of the disease, a buildup of disability that can deprive patients of their mobility and independence over time.

29 Jun 2023

New Breakthrough of Genetic Marker Improves Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

A study of more than 22,000 people with multiple sclerosis has discovered the first genetic variant associated with faster disease progression, which can rob patients of their mobility and independence over time.

29 Jun 2023

Analyzing the Role of Pyroptosis in Improving the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide. Although several new therapies have been developed for this disease, it has a poor prognosis in its advanced stages.

29 Jun 2023

New AI-Assisted Methods to Discover Novel Deaminase Proteins with Unique Functions

At the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, GAO Caixia’s group has introduced the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted techniques to find out novel deaminase proteins with special functions via structural prediction and classification.

28 Jun 2023