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Study uncovers a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder

New research published in The American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that variants in the DDX53 gene contribute to ASD, providing new insights into the genetic underpinnings of the condition.

19 Dec 2024

Innovative method to study ALS could lead to personalized treatments

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fast-progressing neurodegenerative disease with an average survival time of three years.

19 Dec 2024

Syphilis family traced to Pre-Columbian Americas

In spring 1495, the Italian campaign of Charles VIII of France was interrupted by an intense outbreak of an apparently unknown illness – a disease of high mortality that quickly engulfed the whole of Europe and left its survivors with life changing impairments to their bodies and minds.

18 Dec 2024

Study reveals link between dyslexia genes and brain structure

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty in which genes often play a role. How do genes associated with dyslexia relate to brain structure in the general population? In a large-scale study published in Science Advances, a team of scientists led by the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen found that genetic variants that increase the chance of dyslexia were associated with differences in brain areas involved in motor coordination, vision, and language.

18 Dec 2024

New approach in fighting leukemia with double-modified natural killer cells

Various forms of blood cancer exist – all of which are grouped together under the term leukemia. One common form of leukemia is acute myeloid leukemia (AML), characterized by a degradation of early blood cell precursors, i.e. stem cells and the precursor cells that develop from them.

18 Dec 2024

Genetic testing improves care for pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders

Adding genetic testing to the evaluation of pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) resulted in more individualized care, including changes in medication, referrals to clinical trials or specialists, and surveillance for potential medical issues, according to a new UCLA Health study.

18 Dec 2024

Space experiment shows faster maturation of brain organoids in microgravity

Microgravity is known to alter the muscles, bones, the immune system and cognition, but little is known about its specific impact on the brain.

18 Dec 2024

Brain tumors exploit body's daily rhythms to fuel growth

Scientists explore how daily glucocorticoid signaling influences glioblastoma growth and synchronizes its circadian rhythms with the host.

18 Dec 2024

Breakthrough discovery opens doors for targeting adhesion GPCRs with drugs

Almost 35% of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration work by targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), proteins embedded in cell membranes that allow cells to communicate with each other.

18 Dec 2024

Photocatalysed flow method accelerates synthesis of potent MC4R antagonist

Asynt report that the Cresswell Group, led by Dr Alexander J. Cresswell at the University of Bath (UK), have demonstrated the synthesis of novel spirocyclic tetrahydonaphthyridines (THNs) expanding the chemical space of these important scaffolds for drug discovery.

From Asynt 17 Dec 2024

Neanderthal legacy: The surprising genetics behind human tooth size

A recent study identifies key genetic factors—PITX2 expression and Neanderthal-introgressed HS3ST3A1—that contribute to variations in tooth size among modern human populations, especially highlighting differences across ancestries.

17 Dec 2024

Scientists discover key protein that helps cancer cells evade CAR T cell therapy

Scientists at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. with its National Medical Center named top 5 in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report, have collared a tricky culprit that helps cancer cells evade CAR T cell therapy.

17 Dec 2024