Genetics

Research which shows why DNA is repaired in certain cells but not in others could help ward off the ravages of aging, and diseases including cancer. It all hinges on a protein group called the DREAM complex.

Some cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy. Belgian scientists have investigated the cause of chemotherapy resistance and switched off the gene contributing to it, making cancer cells more sensitive to treatment.

Beetles can live in incredibly dry environments by taking water from the air and absorbing it through their rectums. Scientists have now discovered how this rear-end phenomenon works, and the findings may help to protect world food supplies.

A growing body of evidence has confirmed how much our susceptibility to mental illness is based in our genes. Now, researchers have found that depression is genetically sex-specific, opening the door to more tailored therapy than ever before.

Swimmers who wore Speedo’s controversial LZR Racer suit at the 2008 Beijing Olympics broke 23 world records, proving that being more streamlined has advantages. A new study out of Japan has shown that the same theory applies to sperm.

The health benefits of caffeine have been studied for years. Researchers have examined the genes associated with caffeine metabolism to see whether blood caffeine levels affect body fat levels and risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

It affects one in nine women, but endometriosis somehow remains undiagnosed for years and hugely misunderstood. Now, scientists have identified 25 new key genetic links to its development and its connection to other chronic pain like migraine.

Autoimmune diseases such as MS and rheumatoid arthritis affect almost four percent of the global population. A new study has now identified a naturally occurring compound that may provide a new way of treating these debilitating diseases.

Men of African descent have a far higher incidence of prostate cancer. A new meta-analysis, the largest to date, has identified new genetic variants specific to men with African ancestry, which could change the way the disease is detected and treated.

Ovarian cancer is caused by several genetic factors. A recent study examined whether the protection provided by taking aspirin frequently, which has been shown to reduce ovarian cancer risk, was affected by a genetic predisposition to the disease.

New research has found that a gene associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease also contributes to the build-up of cellular debris in the brain. The researchers say targeting this mechanism could lead to new, more effective Parkinson’s drugs.

It’s long been thought that migraine and blood sugar level issues have been related, but now scientists have identified that they're genetically linked, opening the door for novel therapies and even prevention strategies for sufferers.