Pioneering research into the mechanisms controlling gene activity in the brain could hold the key to understanding Alzheimer’s disease and might help identify effective treatments in the future. An international research team led by scientists at the University of Exeter and the University of Essex have uncovered a link between indicators of gene activity and […]
New, large sequence panel enables population genetics research in Africa
Geneticists have assembled the largest sets of African genomic data available to date, creating a resource that will help researchers understand the genetic structure of Africa as well as the effects of genetic variation on protein function and disease. The findings underscore the importance of including globally diverse participant cohorts in genetics research, and were […]
Expanding the optogenetics toolkit
Controlling individual brain cells using light-sensitive proteins has proven to be a powerful tool for probing the brain’s complexities. As this branch of neuroscience has expanded, so has the demand for a diverse palette of protein tools. A multidisciplinary team of 14 researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus and other institutions […]
New file type improves genomic data sharing while maintaining participant privacy
Based on an analysis of data leakages and opportunities to prevent the potential misuse of genetic information, researchers have developed a new file format for functional genomics data that enables data sharing while protecting the personal information of research participants. The findings were presented at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2018 Annual Meeting […]
A novel biosensor to advance diverse high-level production of microbial cell factories
A research group at KAIST presented a novel biosensor which can produce diverse, high-level microbial cell factories. The biosensor monitors the concentration of products and even intermediates when new strains are being developed. This strategy provides a new platform for manufacturing diverse natural products from renewable resources. The team succeeded in creating four natural products […]
Breastfeeding changes gene activity that may make babies less reactive to stress
It has long been known that there are many physical and mental health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies. But can these benefits be due to genetic changes induced by breastfeeding? New research suggests that connection. The research, published in the September 2018 edition of the Pediatrics, was led by Barry M. Lester, PhD, […]
New insights into DNA phase separation
“Each human cell contains approximately 2 meters of DNA, yet that are too small to be visible to the unaided eye. Amazingly, all of that DNA is tightly packaged into a teeny little nucleus. There, we were able to observe the most basic separation principle of oil and water phases.” A new study by Professor […]
Disrupting genetic processes reverses aging in human cells
Research has shed new light on genetic processes that may one day lead to the development of therapies that can slow, or even reverse, how our cells age. A study led by the University of Exeter Medical School has found that certain genes and pathways that regulate splicing factors — a group of proteins in […]
Canine melanoma study identifies genetic basis of disease; potential drug targets: Discoveries among dogs could someday lead to improved genome-based cancer treatments for both dogs and humans
As a veterinarian, Dr. Carolyn Duregger is familiar with the telltale signs of canine melanoma. So when she gave her own dog, Parker, a routine oral examination, the 1-centimeter-diameter discolored lump in the pup’s upper right gums took her breath away. “It’s an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis that I’ve seen many times. My stomach […]
How our immune system detects broken DNA: Skin cells alert the immune system, when their DNA is damaged in the absence of infection
Our immune system is working every day to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and parasites, but it can also detect when our own cells are damaged. Research led by Lancaster University has now discovered how skin cells alert the immune system, when their DNA is damaged in the absence of infection. This DNA damage can […]