Category: Genetics
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3D Genomics: The Next Frontier
Unlock eBook ALREADY ACCESSED THIS EBOOK? SIGN IN While often overlooked by today’s scientific community, 3D genomics plays a critical role in many cellular processes, and its dysregulation can lead to a wide range of diseases including cancer and developmental disorders. Find out more about how 3D genomics can impact your research programs and your…
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Vitamin B12 is a Crucial to Cellular Reprogramming & Tissue Regeneration
Vitamin B12 is almost exclusively found in animal products, and this essential vitamin can be difficult for vegetarians and vegans to obtain. It is made through bacterial fermentation in the gut, where it is absorbed, and can be consumed in meat, fish, milk, eggs, and fortified foods. One vegetarian source is tempeh, in which the…
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In the Ocean, Extracellular Vesicles Can Share DNA
Little sacs can bud from cells, and they are known as extracellular vesicles. These little sacs can contain many molecules from the cell, like proteins, RNA, and bits of DNA. Scientists have now found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the ocean can facilitate the transfer of molecules between cells. These EVs serve as important modes…
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How a Beneficial Genetic Mutation Can Offset Alzheimer’s Predisposition
Genetic mutations that happen in a gene called apolipoprotein E (APOE) have long been known to have a significant impact on the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Variants of the gene are have different effects; a variant known as E2 carries a low risk of Alzheimer’s disease, E3 an intermediate risk, and E4 is high risk.…
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As Many as One in 25 Carry Lifespan-Shortening Gene Variants
When people are told about risk genes in their DNA, that information is only useful if something can be done to mitigate that risk or therapies have been developed for the disorder; these are known as actionable genotypes. Scientists at deCODE genetics in Iceland have been collecting the DNA and health histories of Icelanders for…
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Setup, Punchline, Dopamine! Humor processing explored
For a brief moment, the best-priced performance in London was a comedy show by Western University neuroscientists. No two-drink minimum necessary. Participants in the study had their brains scanned while entertained by various forms of comedy. Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the study by Dr. Margaret Prenger and her colleagues revealed fascinating connections underlying…
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Shedding New Light on the Differences in Cat Genomes
How did cats evolve into so many different species, like tigers, lions, and domestic cats? A new study has explored cat evolution through the ages, comparing cat genomes to shed light on why complex variations are less common in cat DNA, how various genetic changes are linked to certain traits, and which portions of the…
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A Blood Test Can Predict the Worsening of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative autoimmune disease that causes damage to the protective insulation that surrounds nerves, called the myelin sheath. The symptoms and severity of the disease can vary widely between patients depending upon which nerves are affected. New research has shown that a biomarker can predict which MS patients are more likely…
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Nigella sativa for targeting neuropilins in breast cancer
With Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) having just passed, it is notable to express how formidable of an adversary breast cancer is. It is a brilliant disease, constantly outsmarting its host with multiple oncogenes driving tumor growth. This makes it a complex challenge to tackle. But what if nature’s treasures held the key to a…
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Here’s how high-speed diving kingfishers may avoid concussions
Genetic tweaks in kingfishers might help cushion the blow when the diving birds plunge beak first into the water to catch fish. Analysis of the genetic instruction book of some diving kingfishers identified changes in genes related to brain function as well as retina and blood vessel development, which might protect against damage during dives,…