Mutation News and Research

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Genetic mutations allow great development of TB-causing bacteria

According to a study published today in eLife, scientists found how the bacterium that induces tuberculosis (TB) could quickly adapt in response to new environments.

27 Jun 2022

How rice breeders develop a new low glycemic index, high protein rice

Some perceive rice as a "bad" source of carbohydrates. That's because most varieties of rice have a high glycemic index.

24 Jun 2022

New computer model helps identify mutations that drive tumor growth

Cancer cells can have thousands of mutations in their DNA. However, only a handful of those actually drive the progression of cancer; the rest are just along for the ride.

22 Jun 2022

Researchers discover how the protein content of centrosomes may vary on cell type

The centrosome is the organelle that organizes the cytoskeleton during cell division, which is an important role in species ranging from yeast to humans. Due to its broad functions, scientists previously considered that the centrosome was quite similar in all cells.

17 Jun 2022

OTUD3 shows opposing effects in innate immunity to RNA and DNA viruses

The identification of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) is the first step in initiating an immune response to viral infection.

13 Jun 2022

Scientists discover that most synonymous mutations are strongly harmful

University of Michigan scientists reveal that most synonymous mutations are severely damaging in a study published in Nature that entailed genetic manipulation of yeast cells in the lab.

9 Jun 2022

Research shows how current drugs impact bacterial physiology

Tuberculosis is a stubborn disease caused by even more stubborn bacteria. While many bacterial infections clear up within days of taking antibiotics, TB can take up to six months to clear up and, in some cases, never leave the human body. In 2020, it claimed 1.5 million lives, second only to COVID-19 in terms of infectious disease deaths.

1 Jun 2022

Study shows how gene related to Nascimento Syndrome activates the cell response to stress

According to a Duke University study, a gene linked to severe learning disabilities in humans also plays a critical role in cells’ response to environmental stress.

31 May 2022

Scientists discover a new left-handed Z-DNA technique to kill hard-to-treat tumors

An international collaboration of scientists has discovered a new technique to kill cancers that are difficult to treat, according to an article published in Nature.

30 May 2022

Genetic testing advances help to uncover primary immune deficiency diseases

Infections caused by primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) can be persistent and life-threatening. More than 450 PIDs have been identified, yet diagnosing them quickly and accurately remains a difficulty.

27 May 2022

A novel mechanism shared by mutations in varied genes could help treat neurological diseases

Researchers at Tel Aviv University, led by Prof. Illana Gozes from the Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, have unraveled a mechanism shared by mutations in the genes ADNP and SHANK3, which cause autism, schizophrenia, and other conditions.

25 May 2022

New study explores how human plastins behave in cells

New study reveals that a family of proteins that help many different types of cells move and retain their form may induce disease when they work too hard and disturb the cellular environment.

23 May 2022

Research shows how visible hotspots may be easy to target with immune-stimulating drugs

Many cancers include genetic “hotspots,” or sections of DNA that are subject to mutation. For example, a mutation in the TP53 gene is found in more than 50% of all cancers, generally within a narrow DNA range.

18 May 2022

Researchers identify gene mutation to have the potential to induce higher intelligence in humans

When genes mutate, serious diseases of the human nervous system can result. Scientists from Leipzig University and the University of Würzburg have now used fruit flies to show how, in addition to the negative impact, mutation of a neuronal gene can have a beneficial impact—higher IQ in humans.

12 May 2022

Study shows serum-derived extracellular vesicles may help in diagnosing amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a term used to describe a group of diseases defined by the formation of insoluble proteins called amyloids outside of cells as a result of misfolding and aggregation of soluble proteins.

12 May 2022

bit.bio launches Huntington’s disease human cell model

First neurodegenerative disease model launched from bit.bio's new ioDisease Model portfolio.

From bit.bio 10 May 2022

New technique uses genetic data that may better predict disease risk in a population

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are promising tools for forecasting disease risk, but current versions have bias built-in, which can reduce their accuracy in some populations and lead to health disparities.

10 May 2022

Scientists reveal how autism-linked genetic mutation disrupts neural development using mini-brains

In a study published May 02, 2022 in Nature Communications, scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine used human brain organoids to reveal how a genetic mutation associated with a profound form of autism disrupts neural development.

From UC San Diego 3 May 2022

Researchers analyze leaf angle genetics for improved crop yields

Plants have long been the main source of nutrition. The demand for food production is always increasing as the human population grows exponentially. Since agricultural land is constrained, meeting this rising need will necessitate developing new ways to increase the productivity of existing crops.

29 Apr 2022

National DNA Day 2022: an interview with Professor Matthew Cobb

To celebrate National DNA Day 2022, we spoke to science communicator Professor Matthew Cobb.

From The University of Manchester 25 Apr 2022