Genetics

A new method can track changes in live cell gene expression over extended periods of time. Based on Raman spectroscopy, the method doesn’t harm cells and can be performed repeatedly. Credit: MIT News; iStockA new MIT-developed method combines Raman spectroscopy with machine learning to noninvasively track gene expression in cells over time. This technique enables detailed study of cellular differentiation and has potential applications in cancer research, developmental biology, and diagnostics.Sequencing all of the RNA in…

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified key differences in gene regulation between tomato and Arabidopsis thaliana plants, which could explain challenges in crop engineering. This breakthrough, revealing how mutations affect plant growth and development, highlights the importance of understanding genetic regulation to enhance predictability and efficiency in agriculture. Credit: SciTechDaily.comPlant genomics has come a long way since Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) helped sequence the first plant…

Remains of a man buried in a rich grave. In the paper, we write the following about K6: “Interestingly, and contrary to expectation, individuals buried together did not have close biological kin relationships. An exception to this pattern is the individual buried at the bottom of grave K in Téviec (K6(16)-tev003), who had closer biological kin links to at least two (sampled of a total of five) of the individuals buried above him, while these were not closely related with each other. This finding corroborates the…

Scientists say they are closer than ever to reviving the woolly mammoth (via The Washington Post). Colossal Biosciences has been working on its project to revive the mammoth. The company shared its hopes to resurrect the mammoth within four years back at the start of 2023, and now it has created important stem cells that are vital for the project to work as planned.Being closer than ever to reviving a long-extinct species does not mean there aren’t still tons of steps to complete. In fact, the creation of these…

The artist’s impression shows how the HIV capsid penetrates the jelly-like permeability barrier of a nuclear pore. To smuggle its genome through this defense line into the cell nucleus, it has evolved into a molecular transporter. Credit: Johannes Pauly / Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesThe virus’s capsid functions as a molecular transporter.Every year, approximately one million people globally contract HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS. For the virus to multiply and propagate the infection, it must…

A new study reveals that a specific DNA insertion in the TBXT gene could be why humans and apes lack tails, unlike monkeys. This groundbreaking research provides insight into the genetic basis of tail loss in primates and suggests an evolutionary trade-off that might relate to certain birth defects in humans.Exploring the process of change could uncover novel functions for elements of the genetic code.A new study conducted by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine suggests that a genetic change in our ancient…

A team of researchers has optimized polygenic risk scores for 10 common diseases, making them applicable to diverse populations. This work, part of a broader effort to integrate genetic data with medical records, aims to enhance personalized and preventive healthcare. Credit: SciTechDaily.comAs part of a nationwide collaboration, Broad Clinical Labs researchers have optimized 10 polygenic scores for use in clinical research as part of a study on how to implement genetic risk prediction for patients.By analyzing millions…

Researchers have discovered evidence of Down Syndrome and Edwards Syndrome in ancient DNA, tracing back to between 2,500 and 5,000 years ago, revealing these individuals received care and were appreciated within their societies. They found burials with grave goods and within settlements, suggesting a societal acceptance, and plan to expand research on how ancient societies treated individuals with such conditions.Burial practices indicate that individuals with Down Syndrome and Edwards Syndrome were recognized as members…

Recent research on early Bronze Age burials in Luxembourg and Britain has uncovered genetic evidence of familial relationships within prehistoric communities, indicating that children were buried with their biological mothers or close relatives. This study, highlighting the transition from collective to individual burial customs among Bell Beaker communities, emphasizes the significance of kinship in their burial practices and suggests a patrilineal descent system. The image above depicts the skeletal remains of an adult…

A breakthrough in cellular agriculture, enabling bovine cells to produce their own growth factors, promises significant cost reductions in cultivated meat production. This advancement could lead to affordable, sustainable meat alternatives in supermarkets, with ongoing research focusing on optimization for commercial use and regulatory approval.Bovine muscle cells have been engineered to generate their own growth signals, eliminating the need for expensive components in the production process.Cellular agriculture – the…