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.

Salk researchers discover how cells remember their identity

Cancer is often the result of DNA mutations or problems with how cells divide, which can lead to cells "forgetting" what type of cell they are or how to function properly.

5 Jun 2020

Researchers unravel mechanisms behind organ-specific elimination of chromosomes in plants

Whilst we often think of somatic cells in an organism as containing the same DNA and therefore the same number of chromosomes, it is surprising, how often this is not the case.

3 Jun 2020

Recombineering technique may overcome barriers in bacterial engineering

Genetic engineering of bacteria has transformed contemporary medicine, from bacterial-based insulin to a deeper insight into infectious diseases.

From Harvard Medical School 1 Jun 2020

gnomAD Consortium releases first set of discoveries on human genetic variation

For the last eight years, the Genome Aggregation Database Consortium (and its predecessor, the Exome Aggregation Consortium, or ExAC), has been working with geneticists around the world to compile and study more than 125,000 exomes and 15,000 whole genomes from populations around the world.

29 May 2020

Using CRISPR/Cas molecular scissors to recombine entire chromosomes

The CRISPR/Cas molecular scissors work like a fine surgical instrument and can be used to modify genetic information in plants.

27 May 2020

Pre-existing genes can promote metastasis

Cancer can sometimes remain dormant, but it usually metastasizes and spreads to new sites in the body.

27 May 2020

Researchers identify 29 genetic variants linked to problematic drinking

Scientists carried out a genome-wide analysis of over 435,000 people, revealing 29 genetic variants associated with problematic drinking.

27 May 2020

Gene associated with thinness may play a role in resisting weight gain

Some people can remain slim easily, irrespective of their diet, while others might be dieting and working out at the gym to maintain their shape.

25 May 2020

Introducing genetic “barcodes” to DNA samples can preserve their integrity

Researchers have developed a technique to ensure that DNA fingerprinting continues to be secure against malicious attacks or mistakes in the field.

25 May 2020

Bioelectrical engineering can help predict cell behavior

Humans use cells to regulate their body temperature, to breathe, to grow, and to perform several other day-to-day processes.

From The University of Warwick 22 May 2020

Genetic discoveries raise the promise of developing new treatments for schizophrenia

In recent years, genome-wide association studies have identified many different genetic variants associated with schizophrenia.

22 May 2020

Study: Only 3% individuals diagnosed with autism receive recommended genetic tests

A study analyzing data from the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) found that only 3% of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder reported having fully received clinical genetic tests recommended by medical professional societies.

19 May 2020

Scientists develop a new way to reactivate silenced genes

All cells in an organism are known to have the same genetic data but not all carry out the same function. This is because all the cells do not contain the same active genes.

19 May 2020

Genome Study Links DNA Changes To The Risks Of Breast Cancer Subtypes

Genetic studies covering 266,000 women have revealed 32 new sites on the genome where variations in DNA appear to alter the risks of getting breast cancer.

19 May 2020

A New Brick In The Wall: Bacterial Cell Wall Intermediate Found

An accumulation of the peptidoglycan recycling pathway that is able to modulate the synthesis and structure of the cell wall has been found by researchers.

19 May 2020

Genes May Play A Role In Weight Gain From Birth Control

A woman's genetic make-up may cause her to gain weight when using a popular form of birth control, according to a study from researchers.

18 May 2020

Genome-wide pattern found in glioblastoma tumors predicts patient survival

For the past 70 years, the best indicator of life expectancy for a patient with glioblastoma (GBM) -- the most common and the most aggressive brain cancer -- has simply been age at diagnosis.

15 May 2020

Researchers discover group of genes with altered expression in autism

Autism has long been associated only with behavioral and environmental factors, but the role of genetics in its development is now increasingly evident. Some 100 genes have been found to play a role in autism spectrum disorder, and another thousand are being studied to the same end.

15 May 2020

Forensic Genomics to launch preview issue at annual ISHI

Forensic Genomics, a dynamic new peer-reviewed journal, will launch its preview issue at the annual International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) in September 2020.

15 May 2020