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.

Scientists Develop Non-Destructive Method to Study Fish Teeth

Can we examine the teeth of living fish and other vertebrates in detail, repeatedly over time, without harming them?

27 Dec 2024

Fruit Flies Evolve New Defense Through Gene Transfer

In the continual arms race between parasites and their hosts, innovation was thought to be the key to a successful attack or defense that one-ups the competition.

26 Dec 2024

New Gene Editing Tool Targets Alzheimer's by Skipping Disease-Causing Gene Segments

A new gene editing tool that helps cellular machinery skip parts of genes responsible for diseases has been applied to reduce the formation of amyloid-beta plaque precursors in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report.

24 Dec 2024

New Genetic Link to Autism Identified

New research published in The American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that variants in the DDX53 gene contribute to ASD, providing new insights into the genetic underpinnings of the condition.

20 Dec 2024

Neural Stem Cells Found to Rejuvenate the Aging Brain

Much like plants in a thriving forest, certain cells in the brain create a nurturing environment, enhancing the health and resilience of their neighbors, while others promote stress and damage, akin to a noxious weed in an ecosystem.

19 Dec 2024

New Genetic Insights into Craniofacial Defects and Embryonic Development

An international team of researchers has identified a key genetic mechanism that regulates the formation and migration of cranial neural crest cells, which are essential for developing facial structures.

16 Dec 2024

New Look at the Last Universal Common Ancestor

Revising genetic code evolution, this research uncovers early amino acid recruitment patterns and sulfur's significance for understanding extraterrestrial life.

13 Dec 2024

AI Creates the First Virtual Human Cell

A team of scientists from Stanford University, Genentech, and the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative claims that science has an “unprecedented opportunity” to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create the first virtual human cell in history, pointing out that recent advancements in AI and the availability of extensive experimental data about human biology have reached a critical mass.

13 Dec 2024

New Study Links Ancient Human Remains from Zlatý kůň and Ranis in Genetic Findings

After modern humans left Africa, they met and interbred with Neandertals, resulting in around two to three percent Neandertal DNA that can be found in the genomes of all people outside Africa today. However, little is known about the genetics of these first pioneers in Europe and the timing of the Neandertal admixture with non-Africans.

13 Dec 2024

Study Reveals Genetic Basis of Sweetpotato Flesh Color Regulation

Sweetpotatoes are an agricultural powerhouse that feeds millions globally. However, their complex genetics make it challenging for breeders to understand and improve traits like yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. A new study reveals insights into the significance of leveraging "allele dosages" in sweetpotato breeding practices.

13 Dec 2024

The Mechanics Behind Crocodile Morphology: A Breakthrough in Evolutionary Biology

How do humans account for the variety of morphologies found in living things? Genetics is usually the first explanation that comes to mind, but it is not the only one.

12 Dec 2024

Genetic Mutation in the Inherited DNA Found to Drive Breast Cancer Metastasis

Ninety percent of cancer deaths are due to the spread of cancer, not complications from the original tumor.

10 Dec 2024

Mapping the Circadian Clock in the Drosophila Brain

All animals including humans are subject to daily rhythms in their activity and sleep, hunger, metabolism, and reproduction.

6 Dec 2024

Biobank Data can Provide Insights into Genetic Architecture of Drug Response

A UCLA study has outlined a new framework that researchers say would improve predictive power of genetics to determine how well a patient would respond to commonly prescribed medications as well as the severity of any side effects.

5 Dec 2024

Groundbreaking Discovery Connects Immune Cells with Neural and Metabolic Control

Immune cells have a surprising and critical role in controlling movement and bridging neural activity with metabolic demands, concludes a groundbreaking study published in Nature by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Imperial College London.

5 Dec 2024