News Feature Channel: Genetics

New Technology Points to Unexpected Uses for snoRNA

University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:00:00 EST

Researchers from the University of Chicago recently developed a new approach for identifying new cellular RNA targets of snoRNAs. They uncovered thousands of previously unknown targets for snoRNAs in human cells and mouse brain tissues, including many that serve functions other than guiding rRNA modifications.

Boosting Plant Genome Editing: Innovative Ternary Vectors Break Through Transformation Barriers

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:20:18 EST

A recent breakthrough in biotechnology promises to change the landscape of plant genetic engineering. Imagine a persistent invader--Agrobacterium--long used to deliver genes into plants. Despite its historical success, the journey has been fraught with setbacks, especially with crops that launch fierce immune defenses. But now, scientists have equipped this bacterial "invader" with powerful tools to conquer plant resistance, opening up new possibilities in agriculture and genetic research.

Unlocking Grape Yield Secrets: Key Genetic Module for Fruit Set Unveiled

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:45:59 EST

A recent discovery has unveiled a key regulatory module in grapes that governs fruit set, a vital phase for determining yield and quality. This research sheds light on the molecular mechanisms influenced by N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (CPPU), a plant hormone-like compound known for enhancing fruit set, and opens new doors for revolutionizing grape cultivation and productivity.

Weeping Forsythia Genome: A Treasure Trove for Ecology and Medicine

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:35:48 EST

A recent study has decoded the complete genome of Forsythia suspensa, a plant renowned for its medicinal value and decorative appeal. The research delivers a flawless, gap-free genome assembly, uncovering the complex architecture of centromeres vital to genetic stability. This advancement offers a detailed genetic map, setting the stage for future breakthroughs in ecological management and medical research.

Transfer RNA regulates messenger RNA degradation

UT Southwestern Medical Center — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:30:40 EST

Transfer RNA (tRNA), a genetic molecule well known for its contribution to reading the instructions for building proteins, also plays a key role in regulating how long those instructions persist in cells, a new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers shows. The findings, published in Science, expand the understanding of the timing involved in the degradation of messenger RNA (mRNA), a vital mechanism for controlling gene activity, and could eventually have the potential to lead to new treatments for obesity, cancer, and other health conditions.

Study Supports Potential of Genetic Testing to Create Personalized Pain Management Plans

American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:05:24 EST

Researchers have discovered a link between certain genes and the number of opioid tablets that patients took after receiving surgery for torn ACLs. The insights support further evaluation of personalized pain management plans, which could help reduce unnecessary opioid subscribing.

Researchers Zero In On Genetic Variant Tied to Miscarriages

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:05:30 EST

In what could be a major advance in understanding the genetic causes underlying human infertility, scientists led by researchers from Rutgers University-New Brunswick have identified a gene variant directly tied to early miscarriages in women.

MSK Research Highlights, November 21, 2024

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:10:00 EST

New research from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)& investigates how pancreatic cancer cells regulate their genome to avoid immune attack; shows promise against glioblastoma in mouse models; and develops a new method to study cancer evolution.

Ochsner Health Selected as a Site for Global Parkinson's Disease Study Researching the Black and African American Population

Ochsner Health — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:00:16 EST

Ochsner Health, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, has been selected by the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2) as one of six new study sites for the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson's Disease study.

Purple Tea Decoded: Genetic Insights Into Nature's Health Elixir

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:15:31 EST

A cutting-edge study has unveiled the genetic mechanisms that shape the vibrant purple leaves of tea plants, renowned for their health-enhancing anthocyanins. By exploring the genetic variations and differential gene expression behind this unique coloration, the research provides key insights into the molecular control of anthocyanin biosynthesis, paving the way for innovations in tea breeding.

Sylvester Cancer Tip Sheet - Nov 2024

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 21:25:10 EST

Dozens of physician-scientists will share research insights at ASH 2024, a breast-cancer survivor chronicles her journey, researchers seek answers for gastric cancer disparities, and taking major steps to reduce lung cancer's lethal burden are in this month tip sheet from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Breakthrough in Noninvasive Plant Stress Phenotyping: A Multi-Organ Approach to Combat Abiotic Stressors

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:35:38 EST

A research team has leveraged cutting-edge noninvasive phenotyping technologies to monitor plant stress across multiple vegetative organs.

Solis Agrosciences Acquires Genomics Platform to Provide Genotyping and Bioinformatics Services to Agriculture Companies

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:15:55 EST

Solis will provide end-to-end genomics services enabling better-informed decisions, resulting in the development of more productive and resilient plants and animals

How Colliding Genetic Processes Drive Aggressive Cancers

University of Chicago Medical Center — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:30:07 EST

Mutations in certain genes can lead to the accumulation of DNA errors, resulting in a specific type of genetic change known as large tandem duplications (TDs) that can arise from the collision of two critical cellular processes: transcription and DNA replication.

Zymo Research Leads the Way in Wastewater Innovation as Key Sponsor of the Microbes in Wastewater Symposium 2025

Zymo Research Corp — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:40:11 EST

Zymo Research Corporation, a global leader in innovative life science solutions, is proud to sponsor the Microbes in Wastewater: Antibiotic Resistance, Public Health, and Climate Change Symposium taking place January 16-17, 2025, in Newport Beach, California. This pivotal event will convene top researchers, industry experts, and public health professionals to explore the latest advancements in wastewater surveillance and its critical impact on public health, antibiotic resistance, and environmental sustainability.

Penn Study Highlights Inconsistencies of Genetic Markers for Predicting Heart Disease

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 14:30:00 EST

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are a cutting-edge tool in genetics, combining information from genetic markers across the genome to estimate a person's risk of developing certain diseases, such as coronary artery disease (CAD). By analyzing a person's DNA, PRSs offer insights into an individual's genetic predisposition for conditions like heart disease, potentially informing a more personalized approach to healthcare. But there can be significant variability across currently available PRSs, which may limit their reliability for individual predictions, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania published this week in JAMA and presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

How ecDNA Fuels Cancer by Breaking the Laws of Biology

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:15:19 EST

How ecDNA Fuels Cancer by Breaking the Laws of Biology

One or Many? Exploring the Population Groups of the Largest Animal on Earth

University of Washington — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:00:28 EST

New research shows that Antarctic blue whales are likely a single population, rather than several isolated populations -- information that will help conservationists as the whales, the world's largest animal, try to recover from historic lows due to 20th century whaling.

Study Uncovers First Evidence of Resistance to Standard Malaria Treatment in African Children with Severe Malaria

Indiana University — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:45:34 EST

An international team of researchers has uncovered evidence of partial resistance to artemisinin derivatives -- the primary treatment for malaria -- in young children with severe malaria.

New Drug Targets for Alzheimer's Identified From Cerebrospinal Fluid

Washington University in St. Louis — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:05:41 EST

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have linked disease-related proteins and genes to identify specific cellular pathways responsible for Alzheimer's genesis and progression. The proteins were gathered from cerebrospinal fluid and are a good proxy for activity in the brain. Several of them may be potential targets for therapies.