Genetics

Reports from New Scientist suggest gene-edited meat could make an appearance at your local supermarket soon. The report says that a company called Genus is preparing the commercial launch of a batch of gene-edited pigs that have been modified to be immune to disease.If the launch is approved, we could see genetically modified pork on store shelves in the next couple of years. So far, Genus has created hundreds of CRISPR-edited pigs. The goal here is to provide farms with a way to keep diseases in check without…

Recent research has discovered that sea lampreys and humans share a similar genetic blueprint for hindbrain development, highlighting the evolutionary connection between jawless and jawed vertebrates and underscoring the role of retinoic acid in this ancient developmental pathway.Scientists at Stowers Institute have revealed that the brain development in sea lampreys shows striking similarities to human brain development.The sea lamprey, an ancient creature dating back 500 million years with a mouth resembling a…

A groundbreaking study analyzing ancient DNA has revealed instances of Down and Edwards syndrome in prehistoric human remains, dating back as far as 4,500 years. This research indicates that individuals with these conditions were valued and integrated members of their ancient societies, offering new insights into the treatment and recognition of chromosomal disorders in history. Above are the remains of individual “CRU001”, who the researchers discovered had Down syndrome. The remains were found at a site in Spain dating…

A groundbreaking study has unveiled key genes linked to DNA damage, offering new perspectives on cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and potential therapies. This research underscores the significance of maintaining genome stability for health and disease management.Scientists unveil 145 genes vital for genome health, and possible strategies to curb progression of human genomic disorders.More than one hundred key genes linked to DNA damage have been uncovered through systematic screening of nearly 1,000 genetically…

Imageomics utilizes machine learning to analyze biological traits from images, offering new insights into the link between phenotypes and genotypes. With its emphasis on conservation and ecological preservation, the field stands at the forefront of major scientific discoveries. Credit: SciTechDaily.comResearch on mimicry in butterflies provides one example.Imageomics, a new field of science, has made stunning progress in the past year and is on the verge of major discoveries about life on Earth, according to one of the…

Researchers improved existing polygenic risk scores using health records and ancestrally diverse genomic data. Credit: Darryl Leja, National Human Genome Research InstituteImproved genetic tests more accurately assess disease risk regardless of genetic ancestry.To prevent an emerging genomic technology from contributing to health disparities, a scientific team funded by the National Institutes of Health has devised new ways to improve a genetic testing method called a polygenic risk score. Since polygenic risk scores have…

A groundbreaking study has uncovered 1,289 genetic markers linked to Type 2 diabetes, advancing our understanding of its genetic foundation and paving the way for personalized treatment strategies.Researchers identified over a thousand genetic markers for Type 2 diabetes, marking a significant step toward personalized diabetes management.In the largest genome-wide association study to date on Type 2 diabetes, a team of international researchers, co-led by a University of Massachusetts Amherst genetic epidemiologist, has…

By University of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences February 18, 2024The study of ancient brown bear genomes reveals that their survival through the last Ice Age involved significant losses in range and genetic diversity, underscoring the importance of historical genetic studies in conservation efforts and future wildlife management. Credit: SciTechDaily.comThe brown bear is one of the largest terrestrial carnivores alive today, with a broad distribution throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In…

Researchers at EPFL, led by Didier Trono, have developed a novel method to detect previously undetectable transposable elements (TEs) in the human genome, significantly expanding our knowledge of DNA composition. This discovery has profound implications for understanding genetic diseases and the genome’s response to various stresses.The human genome, a complex mosaic of genetic data essential for life, has proven to be a treasure trove of strange features. Among them are segments of DNA that can “jump around” and move…

An international team has used ancient DNA to study the evolution of the Marek’s Disease Virus, discovering its increased virulence over time and providing insights that could lead to better disease management in poultry. This groundbreaking research emphasizes the value of archaeological findings in understanding and combating viral diseases.A group of scientists from around the world, including geneticists and disease biologists from the University of Oxford and LMU Munich, have utilized ancient DNA to study the…