DNA News and Research

RSS

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Scientist receives NIH grant to investigate tumor microenvironment from relatively new context

Cancer metastasis – the spread of disease from the original site to a distant organ – remains a major challenge in treating cancer and a main cause of morbidity and mortality.

6 Sep 2017

Molecular analysis confirms zoonotic transmission of malaria in Atlantic Forest area in southern Brazil

Malaria was eliminated from southern and southeastern Brazil over 50 years ago, but a number of cases each year in areas of the Atlantic Forest prompted researchers to investigate the possibility of zoonotic transmission - where human beings become infected, via a mosquito bite, with a malaria parasite that usually infects monkeys.

6 Sep 2017

Research provides new insights into secret life of bacteria

Bacterial infections are the number one cause of death in hospital patients in the United States, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise, causing tens of thousands of deaths every year.

6 Sep 2017

Research provides novel insights into bacterial toxins

A toxin produced by a bacterium that causes urinary tract infections is related to, yet different in key ways from, the toxin that causes whooping cough, according to new research.

5 Sep 2017

STING signaling pathway induces apoptosis in T cells

EPFL scientists show that the STING signaling pathway, which helps coordinate the innate immune system, causes cell death in T cells of the adaptive immune system. This “killing” effect includes cancerous T cells, and has implications for treating T cell-derived cancers.

5 Sep 2017

Antibiotics may kill bacteria differently in vitro vs in vivo

Understanding exactly how antibiotics work (or don’t work) is crucial for developing alternative treatment strategies, not only to target new “superbugs,” but also to make existing drugs more effective against their targets.

5 Sep 2017

Researchers decode complex finger millet genome in high quality for first time

Finger millet has two important properties: The grain is rich in important minerals and resistant towards drought and heat.

5 Sep 2017

New research could reduce recurrence of prostate cancer

Ground breaking research could reduce the recurrence of prostate cancer in males, a new study in the journal Nature Communications reports.

5 Sep 2017

Japanese scientists uncover new genetic marker for schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complicated disease that often appears in early adulthood. Although scientists have not traced the genetic causes, more than 80% of schizophrenia cases are considered to have a hereditary cause.

5 Sep 2017

Combined DNA and protein 'liquid biopsy' more accurate in identifying early-stage pancreatic cancer

Johns Hopkins scientists say they have developed a blood test that spots tumor-specific DNA and protein biomarkers for early-stage pancreatic cancer.

4 Sep 2017

Researchers identify gene variants linked to both type 2 diabetes and CHD risk

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become a global epidemic affecting more than 380 million people worldwide; yet there are knowledge gaps in understanding the etiology of type-2 diabetes.

4 Sep 2017

A blood test that can diagnose PTSD may be on the horizon

Doctors may soon be able to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a simple blood test, after scientists identified genetic changes in soldiers who experienced trauma after serving time in Afghanistan.

4 Sep 2017

Veterans affected with combat-related PTSD show changes in blood-based microRNA, study finds

Individuals affected with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) demonstrate changes in microRNA (miRNA) molecules associated with gene regulation.

4 Sep 2017

PTSD screening using genetic markers could be a reality soon

A new study from researchers in the Netherlands, shows that persons who are affected with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can show changes in microRNA (miRNA) molecules that are linked to genetic regulation.

3 Sep 2017

Existing drug may one day protect premenopausal women from infertility after cancer treatments

An existing drug may one day protect premenopausal women from life-altering infertility that commonly follows cancer treatments, according to a new study.

1 Sep 2017

Study reveals etosis phenomenon in human blood monocytes

A recent study published online in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found the first clear demonstration of etosis in human blood monocytes, a type of immune cell.

1 Sep 2017

Scientists question CRISPR human embryo editing claims

A paper published in the journal Nature on the 2nd August described how a gene editing tool CRISPR could be used to correct a genetic mutation that leads to a heart condition. This team had performed the genetic editing on the gene sequences in dozens of viable human embryos to attempt to prevent a genetic heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

31 Aug 2017

Study identifies unexpected mosaic mutations as new risk factor for developing autism

Autism spectrum disorder affects approximately one out of every 68 children in the United States. Despite expansive study, the origin and risk factors of the complex condition are not fully understood.

31 Aug 2017

Podcast: ‘What the health?’ Hurricane Harvey and health costs

Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico, and Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times discuss the potential health impact of Hurricane Harvey on the Texas Gulf Coast, and what impact the relief effort in Washington could have on an already jam-packed September agenda.

31 Aug 2017