Genetics
Software Allows Medical Practitioners To Add Genetic Info
A new database, called PhenoDB, has been developed to help track the genetic roots of every disorder that is caused by a single, rogue gene. Scientists developed the database for the Baylor-Hopkins Center for Mendelian Genomics (BHCMG) initiative. This initiative seeks to track the roughly 3,000 inherited disorders that are attributed to genetic causes. This new tool makes use of … [ Read more ]
Several Mutations In One Gene Leads To Evolutionary Change
Genetic scientists studying deer mice in Nebraska have determined that changes in the the color of their coats can be attributed to nine small changes in one specific gene over the course of the species’ evolution. This finding explains how organisms are able to fine-tune their bodies to their habitat over an extended period of time. This also opens the … [ Read more ]
Tapeworm Genome Shows That Current Drugs Can Treat Diseases Caused By Parasite
Researchers have recently mapped the genomes of tapeworms in order to devise new treatments for neglected tropical diseases cause by tapeworms, such as echinococcosis and cysticercosis. Tapeworm larvae form cysts in the human body that can cause debilitating effects and even lead to death. Scientists examined the similarities between parasitic tapeworms and humans to find ways to utilize the treatment … [ Read more ]
Is De-Extinction A Reality?
Cloning current species has been a subject of hot debate for years. Now, scientists are attempting to clone animals that went extinct tens of thousands of years ago. While the possibility is exciting, it raises the question of what to do with the animals should they survive. Here’s a look at the progress scientists have made so far. In 2009, … [ Read more ]
DNA Offers Some Info Regarding Mass Whale Strandings
Researchers have often speculated that large groups of whales and dolphins that strand themselves on beaches do so to support their family members which may be ill. New research examined the mitochondrial DNA of almost 500 whales in 12 different stranding events and determined that many of the whales had different mothers, instead of being descended from one. Calves and … [ Read more ]
Foods Eaten During Conception Can Affect Genes Of Unborn Children
A study of periconceptional nutrition, or foods consumed by mothers in the days and weeks before conception, has yielded surprising results. Research performed on mothers in the West African country of The Gambia has found that kids conceived during the rainy season, when food is scarce, had higher levels of DNA methylation in five specific genes. This process can affect … [ Read more ]
Moecular Switch Facilitates Liver Regeneration
The human body can regenerate very few organs, but the liver happens to be one of them. Scientists have been trying to determine how it does so and new research provides crucial information. According to researchers, the liver has a molecular switch that is comprised of a protein complex. This switch signals the liver to regenerate itself and repair damaged … [ Read more ]
The Length of DNA Can Indicate Life Span
New research shows that the length of strands of DNA can predict life expectancy in humans. The study examined 3,500 patients with heart disease. Researchers found that they could accurately predict a person’s life span based on the length of their DNA and the length of the caps, or telomeres, on the end of chromosomes. Chromosomes get shorter with age … [ Read more ]
Why Big Dogs Die Younger Than Small Ones
Generally, larger mammals live longer than smaller ones. However, new research examining the link between growth and mortality has shed light on why large breeds of dogs die at a younger age than small breeds of dogs. Scientists found that large breeds age at a faster rate. This speed increases the risk of death for bigger dogs. They found that … [ Read more ]
Gene That Causes Obesity Isolated In Mice
Scientists have been searching for a way to help people lose unwanted weight without altering their diet or activity level for years. Now, it seems that doctors from the University of Colorado School of Medicine have isolated a gene that can be turned off and prevents mice from getting fat, even if they eat an unhealthy diet! The gene is … [ Read more ]
