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.

New gene editing tool helps analyze the mysterious quirk of bacteria

While the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system has become the poster child for innovation in synthetic biology, it has some major limitations.

3 May 2021

Geisinger receives $3.6 million from NCI to study the role of genetic variation in cancer

The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded a 5-year, $3.6 million contract to Geisinger to study the role of genetic variation in cancer.

30 Apr 2021

Genetic evidence shows that cardio fitness influences coffee intake

If someone craves a strong caffeine hit or like the frothiness of a milky cappuccino, their daily coffee order can reveal more about their health than they realize.

29 Apr 2021

Researchers discover new approach to reform plant breeding and genetics

The research was conducted at the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH FOOD) with professor emeritus Lars Munck as coordinator and builds on earlier work since 1963 at Svaloef Plant Breeding Institute and the Carlsberg Laboratory.

28 Apr 2021

New computer algorithm helps identify tumors with 'mismatch repair deficiencies'

A new way to identify tumors that could be sensitive to particular immunotherapies has been developed using data from thousands of NHS cancer patient samples sequenced through the 100,000 Genomes Project.

27 Apr 2021

Cell adaptation to adverse conditions could differentiate survivors and non-survivors of critical illness

Creating the best conditions for cells to make energy and survive critical illness is a challenge little understood in modern medicine.

27 Apr 2021

National DNA Day 2021: The Importance of DNA in Research

To celebrate National DNA Day, AZoLifeSciences speaks to Belen Hurle from the National Human Genome Research Institute about the importance of DNA in research.

From National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) 26 Apr 2021

Cutting-edge genomic tools used to investigate health effects of Chernobyl radiation exposure

In two landmark studies, researchers have used cutting-edge genomic tools to investigate the potential health effects of exposure to ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen, from the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine.

From National Cancer Institute (NCI) 23 Apr 2021

National DNA Day 2021: An Interview with Professor George Church

In celebration of National DNA Day, AZoLifeSciences interviews renowned DNA expert Professor George Church about his life-long career in DNA research.

From Harvard Medical School 23 Apr 2021

Gaps in understanding kiwi genetics hinder conservation efforts

Kiwi are iconic birds that have been severely impacted by deforestation and predation from invasive mammals since the arrival of humans in New Zealand.

21 Apr 2021

“Expansion Hunter” approach can detect DNA errors

Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center have successfully detected hidden genetic defects by using an existing technique on existing datasets. The team demonstrated that the “Expansion Hunter” approach can detect DNA errors that cause repeat expansion diseases, like ataxia—a movement disorder.

16 Apr 2021

Scientists characterize the genetic diversity of populations in the South Pacific

Describing the genetic diversity of human populations is essential to improve our understanding of human diseases and their geographical distribution.

From Institut Pasteur 15 Apr 2021

Gene therapy protects eye cells in mice with retinitis pigmentosa

A gene therapy protects eye cells in mice with a rare disorder that causes vision loss, especially when used in combination with other gene therapies, shows a study published today in eLife.

15 Apr 2021

New simpler, faster system for analyzing mutations in SARS-CoV-2

Although it is known that mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome occurred and spread, the effect of those mutations is not yet clear.

From Osaka University 14 Apr 2021

Study reveals genetic risk factors for childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder

Researchers at the University of Calgary and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), in Toronto, have discovered genetic risk factors for OCD that could help pave the way for earlier diagnosis and improved treatment for children and youth.

13 Apr 2021

Women may be at a greater risk of experiencing chronic pain than men

According to a new study, women may be facing a higher risk of feeling chronic pain since the condition has a different genetic basis in men and women.

9 Apr 2021

Fossil skull of a woman provides the oldest reconstructed modern human genome to date

Ancient DNA from Neanderthals and early modern humans has recently shown that the groups likely interbred somewhere in the Near East after modern humans left Africa some 50,000 years ago. As a result, all people outside Africa carry around 2% to 3% Neanderthal DNA.

8 Apr 2021

Study demonstrates how DNA-like molecules could have joined to form the origin of life

Nagoya University scientists in Japan have demonstrated how DNA-like molecules could have come together as a precursor to the origins of life.

7 Apr 2021

Genetic makeup of more than 53,000 people offers valuable insights into dangerous diseases

A new analysis of the entire genetic makeup of more than 53,000 people offers a bonanza of valuable insights into heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders, paving the way for new and better ways to treat and prevent some of the most common causes of disability and death.