Genomics

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New technique harnesses 'natural barcodes' to facilitate better cell tracking

Each of us carries in our genomes about 10 million genetic variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms, which represent a difference of just one letter in the genetic code.

24 Apr 2018

Researchers discover new gene associated with aortic aneurysms

An interdisciplinary team of researchers has identified a new gene linked to human aortic aneurysms. By combining comprehensive genetic studies in the fruit fly, dataset searches and analysis of diseased human aortic tissue, the researchers shed light on mechanisms not previously known to be associated with this devastating disease.

24 Apr 2018

Scientists identify new DNA structure within living human cells

For the first time, a team of researchers have identified a new DNA structure inside cells that has an entirely different shape to the iconic “double helix” shape uncovered by Watson and Crick in 1953.

24 Apr 2018

Scientists use haploid stem cells to create an atlas of the human genome

Researchers have used a sophisticated gene-editing technology to create a new type of embryonic stem cell and an atlas of the human genome.

24 Apr 2018

Scientists use haploid stem cells to create an atlas of the human genome

Researchers have used a sophisticated gene-editing technology to create a new type of embryonic stem cell and an atlas of the human genome.

24 Apr 2018

Researchers discover genetic catalysts that accelerate evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria

Researchers at Oxford University have shown that it is possible to identify genetic catalysts that accelerate the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria - and that this knowledge could be used to design treatments to stifle the development of resistance.

24 Apr 2018

NF-κB1 gene known to drive cancer development is critical for preventing stomach cancers

Melbourne researchers have made the surprise discovery that the 'odd one out' in a family of proteins known to drive cancer development is instead critical for preventing stomach cancers.

24 Apr 2018

Researchers identify target gene in P. aeruginosa infection

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to fatal outcomes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection that could be used as a novel prognostic biomarker and treatment target.

23 Apr 2018

Scientists identify gene responsible for evolution of recombination rates

Genetics is a crapshoot. During sexual reproduction, genes from both the mother and the father mix and mingle to produce a genetic combination unique to each offspring. In most cases, the chromosomes line up properly and crossover. In some unlucky cases, however, "selfish DNA" enters the mix, causing abnormal crossovers with deletions or insertions in chromosomes, which can manifest as birth defects.

20 Apr 2018

Drawbacks and benefits of using saliva for epigenetic studies

Biomarkers in saliva identify changes that impact the body, according to research published in Current Genomics. This important paper details the drawbacks and benefits of using saliva as a tissue sample for the study of epigenetic changes affected by experiences.

20 Apr 2018

Scientists use CRISPR tool to make multiple edits to DNA samples 'in vitro'

Scientists at Christiana Care Health System's Gene Editing Institute have developed a potentially breakthrough CRISPR gene-editing tool. It could allow researchers to take fragments of DNA extracted from human cells, put them into a test tube, and quickly and precisely engineer multiple changes to the genetic code, according to a new study published today in the CRISPR Journal.

20 Apr 2018

EPFL becomes part of Chan Zuckerberg’s project to develop Human Cell Atlas

"The automated single-cell analysis pipeline is a software tool that catalyzes interdisciplinary work as it allows non-expert labs to engage in high-level genomic research that otherwise would require significant computational expertise," explains Professor Bart Deplancke, director of a lab at EPFL's Institute of Bioengineering.

20 Apr 2018

New CRISPR tool allows DNA editing outside of the cell

Researchers have developed a cell free method of gene editing, which uses a new version of the CRISPR tool that can edit DNA outside of the cell. This technique could revolutionize cancer care.

20 Apr 2018

Genetic make-up impacts long-term effectiveness of phobia treatment

Researchers have discovered that variations in the efficacy of psychological treatment for phobias are associated with the serotonin transporter gene.

19 Apr 2018

Genome editing identifies neural circuit behind leptin’s anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects

Revealing surprising answers to a long-standing enigma about the brain target of the anti-obesity hormone leptin, neuroscientists at Tufts University School of Medicine have used CRISPR genome editing to identify a neural circuit in the hypothalamus as the primary mechanism in mediating leptin's anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects and have identified two distinct mechanisms underlying leptin's inhibition of appetite.

19 Apr 2018

Researchers use optogenetics to treat chronic pain

The finger prick from a thorn generates an immediate sensory response. In that instant, neurons at the injury site fire an electrical signal along a nerve fiber to the central nervous system. Our brain notes to avoid further encounters with thorns and the painful insult subsides.

18 Apr 2018