Genomics

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Study finds genetic links between alcohol dependence and psychiatric disorders

In the largest study of genetic factors linked to alcohol dependence, an international team of researchers identified a gene known to affect risk, and they determined that many other genes also contribute to risk for alcohol dependence to a lesser degree.

26 Nov 2018

Researchers attempt to create world's first genetically edited babies

The researchers have used CRISPR to edit the genes of IVF embryos in a controversial attempt to create offspring that are resistant to disease.

26 Nov 2018

New method enhances efficiency and accuracy of single cell RNA sequencing

In the era of personalized medicine, scientists are using new genetic and genomic insights to help them determine the best treatment for a given patient. In the case of cancer, the first step toward these treatments is an investigation into how tumor cells behave in an effort to figure out the best drugs to use to attack them.

22 Nov 2018

Scientists uncover genomic keys to successful evolution of vertebrates

One of the most important results of this work consists of understanding how the genomic duplications that occurred in the origin of the vertebrates contributed to diversifying gene function.

22 Nov 2018

Scientists identify three genes responsible for recurrent molar pregnancies

A team of scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and McGill University have identified three genes responsible for recurrent molar pregnancies, a rare complication that occurs when a non-viable pregnancy with no embryo implants in the uterus.

20 Nov 2018

Researchers shed light on molecular mechanisms of heart valvular disease

About three per cent of the world's population is affected by valvular heart diseases. It is also the most common cause of heart surgery, as no drug-based treatment is available.

20 Nov 2018

Special care should be taken with drugs that inhibit epigenetic factors, study suggests

A team headed by ICREA researchers Salvador Aznar Benitah and Fran Supek concludes that care should be taken with drugs that inhibit epigenetic factors.

20 Nov 2018

Scientists uncover unexpected 'foreign' genes in tiny itch-inducing chigger mite

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have uncovered some unexpected 'foreign' genes in the tiny itch-inducing chigger mite and its more benign but enormous cousin, the giant velvet mite.

20 Nov 2018

About 300 million bits of DNA are missing from basic reference genome, report scientists

For the past 17 years, most scientists around the globe have been using the nucleic acid sequence, or genome, an assembly of DNA information, from primarily a single individual as a kind of "baseline" reference and human species representation for comparing genetic variety among groups of people.

20 Nov 2018

Researchers identify genetic changes that could increase risk for death by suicide

Researchers at University of Utah Health identified four gene changes that occur more frequently in people who died by suicide that may point to increased risk in vulnerable individuals.

19 Nov 2018

Participation project calls for relaxing research ban on germline interventions

Are genetic defects allowed to be repaired by intervening with sperm or egg cells, or even human embryos? Thanks to genetic scissors such as CRISPR/Cas, such interventions in the germline could soon become a medical reality.

19 Nov 2018

Using light to control crucial step in embryonic development

In optogenetics, researchers use light to control protein activity. This technique allows them to alter the shape of embryonic tissue and to inhibit the development of abnormalities.

16 Nov 2018

Game-Changers in Western Blotting and Protein Analysis

An interview with Ramya Prabakaran & Melody Chang from GenScript, discussing the development of automated systems that improve outcomes for western blotting.

From GenScript 16 Nov 2018

CRISPR-based tool shown to enhance cell-based immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based tool called SLICE that can boost the effectiveness of immune cell therapies.

15 Nov 2018

Researchers directly connect activities of genes with instinctive behavior in male cichlids

Call it instinct, but something compels some animals to behave in certain ways, perhaps programs in their genes. Researchers have directly connected activities of genes with instinctive behavior in little male fish that make patterns in the sand to attract their mates.

15 Nov 2018

Human Cell Atlas study of early pregnancy shows how mother's immune system is modified

The first Human Cell Atlas study of early pregnancy in humans has shown how the function of the maternal immune system is affected by cells from the developing placenta.

14 Nov 2018

Speed and error rate of DNA synthesis influenced by DNA structure

The speed and error rate of DNA synthesis is influenced by the three-dimensional structure of the DNA. Using "third-generation" genome-wide DNA sequencing data, a team of researchers from Penn State and the Czech Academy of Sciences showed that sequences with the potential to form unusual DNA conformations, which are frequently associated with cancer and neurological diseases, can in fact slow down or speed up the DNA synthesis process and cause more or fewer sequencing errors.

14 Nov 2018

Biologists uncover novel genetic control of lipid maintenance and its potential connection to lifespan

Tiny microscopic worms, invisible to the naked eye, are helping scientists to better understand an extraordinarily complex biological pathway that connects fat to overall health and aging in humans.

14 Nov 2018

People with rare cancers can benefit from genomic profiling, shows research

New research has shown that many Australians with rare cancers can benefit from genomic profiling. The findings of the patient-driven trial are being presented today at the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting and could result in dramatic changes to the way those with rare cancers are diagnosed and treated.

14 Nov 2018

Study uncovers link between gut disruption and aging

A new study has shed light on how the disruption of commensal bacteria within the gut can affect the immune system and lead to age-related pathologies.

13 Nov 2018