Genetics
New and old cell mutations interact to shape cancer risk
New and old cell mutations interact to shape cancer risk New research reveals that newly acquired cell mutations interact with inherited mutations to shape cancer risk, particularly for blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that individuals with clonal hematopoiesis, a condition where mutated stem cells multiply and increase the risk of […]
🏥 Health
Team figures out how cavefish lost their eyes
Team figures out how cavefish lost their eyes Researchers have discovered how cavefish lost their eyes, which provides a method for dating cave systems. The study found that different species of amblyopsid cavefish colonized caves independently and evolved similar traits, such as eye loss and reduced pigment, to adapt to dark environments. The researchers developed […]
🔬 Science
Is it ethical to eradicate certain harmful species?
Is it ethical to eradicate certain harmful species? Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction of harmful species is acceptable, but only rarely, using screwworms, mosquitoes, and invasive rodents as case studies. The team suggests that eradication through genome modification should be approached with caution and guided by robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks. Conditions […]
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Bed bugs may be the first human pest
Bed bugs may be the first human pest Bed bugs are likely the first human pest, according to new research that compared the whole genome sequence of two genetically distinct lineages of bed bugs. The human-associated lineage of bed bugs followed a similar demographic pattern as humans and may be the first true urban pest, […]
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Beyond de-extinction and dire wolves, gene editing can help today’s endangered species
Beyond de-extinction and dire wolves, gene editing can help today’s endangered species Gene editing can help today’s endangered species by providing solutions to conservation problems, such as disease resistance and genetic diversity. The use of gene editing for conservation purposes raises legal and definitional challenges, particularly under the Endangered Species Act, which requires a clear […]
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How horses run through a ‘genetic stop sign’
How horses run through a ‘genetic stop sign’ Horses have evolved a genetic mutation that allows them to bypass a “genetic stop sign” in their NRF2/KEAP1 pathway, enabling them to produce high levels of energy and protect themselves from damage during exercise. This adaptation, which involves a molecular mechanism that recodes the stop codon, is […]
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Spit test could flag risk of chemo side effects
Spit test could flag risk of chemo side effects A new saliva test using artificial intelligence algorithms may help identify cancer patients at high risk for severe side effects from chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). About 1 in 3 people has a reduced ability to process 5-FU, which can lead to toxic levels and life-threatening complications. […]
🏥 Health
How baker’s yeast sheds light on human migration
How baker’s yeast sheds light on human migration Baker’s yeast has been found to have genetic links to human migration, suggesting that humans domesticated it around 7000 BCE. Researchers analyzed DNA from wild and domesticated yeast in different regions of Europe and America, finding distinct subpopulations within continents. The study suggests that the forest populations […]
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NASA Kicks Off Biological Research Aboard Space Station
NASA Kicks Off Biological Research Aboard Space Station NASA has launched several biological experiments aboard the International Space Station as part of its 32nd SpaceX commercial resupply services mission. The experiments include studying how microgravity affects protein production by microalgae, testing a microscope to capture microbial activity, and examining genetic activity in biofilms. Microalgae are […]
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Can your DNA predict your income, education, and love life?
Can your DNA predict your income, education, and love life? Dalton Conley’s new book “The Social Genome” explores how genes shape society in profound ways. The author debunks the nature vs. nurture debate, revealing a deeply intertwined relationship between genetics and environment. Genetic science can forecast aspects of our lives, including income, education level, and […]
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