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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

The Critical Role of TRiC in Brain Development and Function

In 1992, Judith Frydman, PhD, discovered a molecular complex with an essential purpose in all of our cells: folding proteins correctly.

29 Nov 2024

Brain Connectivity Surges at Birth, Study Reveals

Brain-imaging data collected from fetuses and infants has revealed a rapid surge in functional connectivity between brain regions on a global scale at birth, possibly reflecting neural processes that support the brain's ability to adapt to the external world, according to a study published November 19th, in the open-access journal PLOS Biology led by Lanxin Ji and Moriah Thomason from the New York University School of Medicine, USA.

20 Nov 2024

Study Reveals Role of Gut Microbes in Enhancing Children's Health

To address childhood malnutrition -; which affects 200 million children globally -; researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis developed a therapeutic food that nourishes the collections of beneficial microbes that reside in the gut, and improves children's growth and other measures of their health.

25 Oct 2024

HudsonAlpha Scientists Receive NIH Grant to Enhance Genetic Testing for Rare Diseases

As genetic sequencing technology becomes more accessible and efficient, researchers have made significant strides in understanding the genetic underpinnings of various diseases. This knowledge has led to a surge in clinical applications of genetic testing, offering hope and improved outcomes for individuals affected by many genetic diseases and disorders.

5 Sep 2024

Bifidobacterium in Maternal Gut Found to Alter Fetal Brain Growth

Bifidobacterium breve supplementation in pregnant mice alters fetal brain metabolism, highlighting its role in enhancing gestational health and development.

29 Aug 2024

Unveiling the Roots of Deadly Infant Leukemia

Researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute have identified the genetic foundation for newborn B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (B-ALL) glucocorticoid resistance through MLL gene rearrangements.

6 Aug 2024

New Insights into the Neural Mechanisms Underlying Infant Attachment

Specific neurons in the brain's zona incerta (ZI) play a crucial role in the early social interactions of an infant and its mother, building their bond and reducing stress, according to a new study in mice. Activation of the same neurons in adult mice increased anxiety- and fear-like responses, the study showed.

26 Jul 2024

Cost-Effective Array Sheds Light on Imprinted Gene Regulation

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an array that assesses methylation levels of genes located in imprint control regions (ICRs) within the human genome. The array represents a cost-effective, efficient method for exploring potential links between environmental exposures and epigenetic dysregulation during the early developmental origins of diseases and behavioral disorders.

26 Jul 2024

Study Shows the Impact of Exposome on Serum Metabolites in Children

The combined effect of environmental exposures and unhealthy lifestyle habits can affect children's cardiometabolic health in a way that exceeds their separate effects.

24 Jul 2024

Study Offers Insights Genetic Variants Influencing Pubertal Timing

Genes can indirectly influence the age at which girls have their first period by accelerating weight gain in childhood, a known risk factor for early puberty, a Cambridge-led study has found.

2 Jul 2024

St. Jude Scientists Reveal Role of Non-Coding DNA Variants in Childhood Leukemia

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have identified specific DNA variants in the non-coding regions of the genome contributing to chemotherapy resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

2 May 2024

Genetic Origins of Birth Defects Discovered

A new study led by the University of California, Irvine has revealed a potential shift in our basic knowledge of the origins of birth defects, which affect about 3 percent of babies born in the United States each year.

29 Mar 2024

Canadian-Led Study Identifies Genetic Links to Cerebral Palsy

A Canadian-led study has identified genes which may be partially responsible for the development of cerebral palsy.

29 Mar 2024

Tandem Repeat Expansions Linked to Cardiomyopathy Risk, Reveals Study

In the first study to use whole genome sequencing to examine tandem repeat expansions in heart conditions, scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have laid the groundwork for early detection of and future precision therapies for cardiomyopathy.

28 Feb 2024

Newborn T Cells Excel in Immune Response Compared to Adults

Scientists have long believed that a newborn's immune system was an immature version of an adult's, but new research from Cornell University shows that newborns' T cells – white blood cells that protect from disease – outperform those of adults at fighting off numerous infections.

26 Feb 2024

RNA-Seq Unveils Molecular Subtypes for Tailored Pediatric B-ALL Treatment

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, representing more than 30% of all pediatric cases.

31 Jan 2024

LJI Researchers Identify Late-Rising T Cells Crucial for CMV Control

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a pathogen that likes to lurk. Most adults already carry CMV, and they show no symptoms at all.

22 Jan 2024

Messenger RNA Therapy Could be Used to Correct Rare Liver Genetic Disease

By exploiting the technology used in Covid-19 vaccines, a team led by UCL, King's College London and Moderna scientists has created an effective therapy for a rare disease, in a study in mice, demonstrating the technology's potential therapeutic use in people.

16 Jan 2024