Genetics

A large genetic study tracking 150,000 subjects for over a decade has affirmed a direct causal link between drinking alcohol and developing cancer. The findings particularly link oesophageal cancers and head and neck cancers with alcohol consumption.

The DNA mutations that drive evolution are generally thought to be random, but a new study suggests otherwise. Comparing the genomes of plants grown in a lab, scientists found mutations are far less likely to occur in genes essential for survival.

Furthering understanding into the links between inflammation and depression a study has found a fascinating association between increased white blood cell counts and higher genetic risk scores for depression, even in the absence of depressive symptoms.

Scientists have used the CRISPR gene-editing system to produce litters of mice that are 100 percent either male or female. The technique could help prevent the unnecessary culling of animals of unwanted sex in agriculture or scientific experiments.

An international collaborative effort is investigating whether specific genetic characteristics can make someone resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The goal is to understand why some people seem naturally immune to this new virus.

A long-term study tracking children who received an experimental gene therapy as part of an early-stage trial is reporting the treatment safe and effective up to 10 years later. The study offers insight into the long-lasting effects of gene therapy.

A study has quantified the role genes play in how our bodies respond to different kinds of exercise. The findings show genes influence outcomes prominently in muscle training and propose exercise programs could be personalized for genetic profiles.

Scientists are turning considerable attention to the role our genes might play in obesity, and a new study has offered up some new potential targets by identifying groups of genes that appear to both cause weight gain and prevent it.

The CRISPR gene-editing system is built on a bacterial defense mechanism that allows scientists to make precise edits to DNA. Now scientists at MIT have discovered a new class of enzymes called OMEGAs that perform a similar function, perhaps better.

A new company called Colossal plans to revive the woolly mammoth and reintroduce the species to the Arctic. And it isn’t meant to be just a tourist-trap Jurassic Park either – the aim is to restore a long-lost ecosystem to help fight climate change.

Sharing information is crucial for species to survive, but how do simple lifeforms like worms spread the word? New research has found that roundworms can transfer “memories” to their neighbors, and pass them down to their offspring for generations.

A landmark study has identified a novel genetic variant associated with severe cases of endometriosis. The gene is known to play a role in several inflammatory diseases and the findings direct researchers toward new non-hormonal drug treatments.