Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

New genetic risk factors for depression identified across global populations

New genetic risk factors for depression have been identified across all major global populations for the first time, allowing scientists to predict risk of depression regardless of ethnicity.

15 Jan 2025

Genetic risk factor linked to increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers have identified a novel genetic risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing new insights into the virus' ability to invade human cells. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that spreads COVID-19.

15 Jan 2025

New gene-editing treatment extends lifespan in mice with prion disease

Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have developed a gene-editing treatment for prion disease that extends lifespan by about 50 percent in a mouse model of the fatal neurodegenerative condition.

15 Jan 2025

Dementia risk impacts family planning decisions

Living in a family where there is genetic risk for dementia significantly affects choices about having children and how to parent, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

15 Jan 2025

Proteomic mapping identifies biomarkers driving healthy aging and preventing chronic diseases

Scientists mapped the serum proteome longitudinally to uncover biomarkers linked to healthy aging and cardiometabolic diseases, revealing potential therapeutic targets.

14 Jan 2025

Genetics, brain development, and mental health shape teen eating

Investigating the interplay of genetics, brain maturation, and mental health, this study reveals insights into adolescent eating behaviors and obesity risk.

14 Jan 2025

Morning coffee cuts health risks, but all-day sipping doesn’t

Moderate morning coffee consumption may lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks, but coffee consumed throughout the day offers no similar benefits.

13 Jan 2025

Study reveals route of entry for Semliki Forest virus into the brain

In a recent study, researchers from Uppsala University show that the Semliki Forest virus enters the central nervous system by first entering the cerebrospinal fluid and then binding to a specific cell type before penetrating deeper into the brain.

13 Jan 2025

Long reads can revolutionize genetic diagnosis of rare diseases

The cause of rare diseases is increasingly being detected through genome sequencing, which involves reading the entire human DNA by first breaking it into small pieces-short reads.

13 Jan 2025

Study reveals how Zika virus hijacks host protein for reproduction

The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing microcephaly, a birth defect in which abnormal brain development results in a smaller-than-expected head.

13 Jan 2025

ORACLE test enhances prediction of lung cancer outcomes

A new test, developed by researchers from UCL Cancer Institute and the Francis Crick Institute, can better predict lung cancer survival at the point of diagnosis, which could inform treatment decisions and potentially reduce the risk of the cancer returning or spreading.

13 Jan 2025

Genetic risk for dementia shapes parenting and family planning choices

Living in a family where there is genetic risk for dementia significantly affects choices about having children and how to parent, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

13 Jan 2025

Gut bacterium associated with reduced dietary sugar intake

This study links Ffar4, gut microbiota, and sugar preference, highlighting potential strategies for managing diabetes and obesity through dietary interventions.

13 Jan 2025

NCCN global meeting focuses on cancer care in the MENA region

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-a global not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers-is taking part in a two-day meeting at the Middle East North Africa (MENA)-NCCN Regional Coordinating Center, beginning today.

11 Jan 2025

Self-destructing vaccine offers safer TB protection in monkeys

A self-destructing vaccine administered intravenously provides additional safety and protection against tuberculosis (TB) in macaque monkeys, suggests new University of Pittsburgh research published today in Nature Microbiology.

10 Jan 2025

Brain maturation delays linked to unhealthy eating behaviors in youth

More than half of 23-year-olds in a European study show restrictive, emotional or uncontrolled eating behaviors, according to new research led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London.

10 Jan 2025

Dairy products linked to lower colorectal cancer risk, thanks to calcium

This study reveals strong links between calcium intake and reduced colorectal cancer risk, highlighting dietary factors influencing cancer incidence in women.

10 Jan 2025

World’s largest proteomics study launched by UK Biobank

UK Biobank has today announced the launch of the world's most comprehensive study of the proteins circulating in our bodies, which will transform the study of diseases and their treatments.

9 Jan 2025

Comorbid atopic diseases affect prognosis of alopecia areata

Asthma, atopic dermatitis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis as concomitant diseases are risk factors for clinical features associated with a poor prognosis in circular hair loss, also known as alopecia areata (AA).

9 Jan 2025

Addressing COPD and metabolic syndrome requires comprehensive research efforts

Additional research addressing the connection between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and metabolic syndrome is needed to improve holistic patient care, according to a new editorial.

9 Jan 2025