Genetics

MIT scientists have uncovered a mechanism for how a common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s contributes to the disease. It centers on lipid metabolism, and early investigations suggest it could eventually lead to new treatments for the disease.

Cold sores are for life – but how long has the virus itself been with humanity? Cambridge scientists have now sequenced the genome of the facial herpes virus, including samples taken from several ancient human remains, and traced it back 5,000 years.

A comprehensive new Oxford study has added to the growing body of research highlighting the health effects of alcohol. The large-scale genetic analysis suggests that alcohol consumption directly accelerates aging, by shortening telomeres.

A new study has shed light on why elephants, one of the biggest animals on the planet, paradoxically experience unusually low rates of cancer. The research found these remarkable mammals carry unique genetic variants that reduce their risk of tumors.

Research has found two genetic variants inherited by some people from our Neanderthal relatives that can affect how well drugs are metabolized. It is hypothesized these ancient genes may account for differences in drug activity from person to person.

Scientists have demonstrated an intriguing new variation on the CRISPR gene-editing system, which involves fixing a mutation on one chromosome by copying a healthy version from the other. “Nicking” the DNA also seemed to work better than cutting it.

A study is offering the first genomic analysis of the virus behind the current wave of monkeypox. The research indicates it has rapidly generated an unusually high volume of mutations that could be associated with increased human-to-human transmission.

A comprehensive genetic analysis has found that one in 500 men have an extra sex chromosome, with most unaware. That’s much higher than previously thought, and it seems to increase their risk of diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

A newly published meta-analysis has uncovered 10 new genetic variants that contribute to age-related hearing loss. The findings indicate a part of the ear known as the stria vascularis may play a part in hearing impairment.

An intriguing new study has zeroed in on a brain region that is central to the development of both alcohol abuse and anxiety in adults, and demonstrated how gene editing could be used to wipe clean a person's predisposition to both disorders.

DNA mutates regularly, for better or worse, driving both evolution and disease. Researchers at the University of Surrey have now found evidence that some of these spontaneous mutations could be caused by the spooky realm of quantum mechanics.

A fascinating new study has provided compelling evidence that all is not what it seems when it comes to stereotypes around modern day dog breeds and certain behaviors, finding modern breed classification has only a small influence on behavior.