Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

Researchers identify genetic links to brain volume and disorders

In one of the largest-ever studies of DNA and brain volume, researchers have identified 254 genetic variants that shape key structures in the "deep brain," including those that control memory, motor skills, addictive behaviors and more.

21 Oct 2024

Ancient DNA reveals insights into starch digestion

If you've ever struggled to reduce your carb intake, ancient DNA might be to blame. It has long been known that humans carry multiple copies of a gene that allows us to begin breaking down complex carbohydrate starch in the mouth, providing the first step in metabolizing starchy foods like bread and pasta.

18 Oct 2024

Researchers develop strategies to identify regulators of intestinal hormone secretion

A multi-institutional group of researchers led by the Hubrecht Institute and Roche's Institute of Human Biology has developed strategies to identify regulators of intestinal hormone secretion.

18 Oct 2024

Scientists map the genetic landscape of drug resistance in cancers

All cancer mutations that cause drug resistance fall into one of four categories. New research has detailed each type, helping to uncover targets for drug development and identify potential effective second-line therapies.

18 Oct 2024

Study finds health care evaluations of large language models lacking in real patient data and bias assessment

A systematic review reveals only 5% of healthcare evaluations for large language models use real patient data, highlighting gaps in bias and task assessment.

18 Oct 2024

Researchers create first single cell atlas of prenatal human skin

For the first time, researchers have created a single cell atlas of prenatal human skin to understand how skin forms, and what goes wrong in disease.

18 Oct 2024

New research highlights genetics as key factor in BMI and obesity risk

Genomics’ latest groundbreaking research, showcased at the Bupa Health Symposium, shows that a person’s genetic background is a key driver for their BMI and therefore is crucial to understanding their risk of obesity.

18 Oct 2024

Researchers identify protein linked to cardiovascular health in progeria

A new University of Maryland-led discovery could spur the development of new and improved treatments for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a rare genetic disorder with no known cure that causes accelerated aging in children.

18 Oct 2024

New consortium launched to combat Mpox outbreak in Africa

University College Dublin (UCD) is leading MpoxVax AFRIVAC, a new €1.3 million international consortium that aims to rapidly deploy technology and develop new knowledge to end the current Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries.

17 Oct 2024

Study links healthy diet to reduced progression of low-risk prostate cancer

In a peer-reviewed study believed to be the first of its kind published, a research team led by Johns Hopkins Medicine provides scientific evidence that a healthy diet may reduce the chance of low risk prostate cancer progressing to a more aggressive state in men undergoing active surveillance -; a clinical option in which men with lower risk cancer are carefully monitored for progression in lieu of treatments that could have undesired side effects or complications.

17 Oct 2024

New genetic variant may predict severe ulcerative colitis in patients

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and debilitating fatigue define the daily lives of millions of people worldwide who suffer from chronic bowel disease.

17 Oct 2024

Transposons play essential role in early human development

A critical transition in early human development is regulated not by our own genes, but by DNA elements called transposons that can move around the genome, Sinai Health researchers have found.

16 Oct 2024

Researchers develop decision tree to help clinicians predict genetic diagnoses in neurodevelopmental cases

A study identifies motor delay and hypotonia as key predictors of genetic diagnoses, aiding clinicians in neurodevelopmental care and genetic testing decisions.

16 Oct 2024

Genetic risk factors for long-COVID uncovered in a large multi-ethnic study

Researchers identified genetic loci and phenotypes linked to long-COVID in the largest multi-ethnic GWAS, revealing increased risk factors for chronic conditions like fatigue, depression, and fibromyalgia.

16 Oct 2024

Historical review reveals French contributions to depression research

In an era where mental health awareness is at the forefront of public discourse, a new historical review is shedding light on the often-overlooked French contributions to our understanding of depression.

16 Oct 2024

DNA changes from high potency cannabis use may signal psychosis risk

Published in Molecular Psychiatry, this is the first study to suggest that the use of high potency cannabis leaves a distinct mark on DNA, providing valuable insights into the biological impact of cannabis use.

15 Oct 2024

Genetic insights transform treatment for children with developmental disorders

Thousands of children with severe developmental disorders have benefited from more targeted treatments and support with genetic insights from the large-scale Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study, finds a new study.

15 Oct 2024

Genetics identified as key factor in gout development

A major international study has found gout is a chronic illness where genetics is a major cause, rather than lifestyle choices of the sufferer.

15 Oct 2024

Extrachromosomal DNA in more aggressive cancers could be targets for future therapies

Research published in Nature Genetics on Oct.14, by Yale Cancer Center researchers at Yale School of Medicine, found a higher concentration of a specific kind of DNA — extrachromosomal or ecDNA — in more aggressive and advanced cancers that could mark them as targets for future therapies.

15 Oct 2024