ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Avoiding Gene Editing’s Unintended Consequences
Tanvir Khan, PhD | Feb 2, 2024 | 4 min read
CRISPR-Cas9 editing leads to widespread loss of the targeted chromosome in human T cells, but scientists recently discovered a way to prevent such loss.
Zero Gravity, Zero Gain: The Genetics Behind Muscle Loss in Space
Kamal Nahas, PhD | Jan 29, 2024 | 4 min read
Simulated microgravity in mice reveals a constellation of genes that may influence muscle weakening during spaceflight.
38480-ts-transplantation-immunity-cta-banner-jp800x560
What's Mine is Yours: The Immunogenetics of Mating in Anglerfish
Sejal Davla, PhD | 1 min read
A suppressed immune system in anglerfish uncovers potential strategies for tissue transplantation.
The Evolution of Bats’ Super Immunity
Niki Spahich, PhD | Jan 10, 2024 | 4 min read
Researchers generated complete genomes of two important bat species and explored their immune- and cancer-related genes.
A vial labeled “mRNA vaccine” and a syringe on a blue background.
An Updated Approach to mRNA Vaccine Quality Assessment
Deanna MacNeil, PhD | Nov 13, 2023 | 3 min read
Researchers developed and validated a sequencing method for mRNA vaccines, moving the manufacturing field forward by linking established technologies with translational applications.
Surveillance Gaps: How Cancer Arises
The Scientist | 1 min read
Surveillance Gaps: How Cancer Arises
Woman massaging pain in her left wrist.
The Extra X: How the Sex Chromosome Affects Autoimmunity Risk
Kamal Nahas, PhD | Sep 19, 2023 | 4 min read
What underlies the uneven burden of autoimmunity between the sexes has remained a mystery. Now, scientists found clues by turning to a key player on the X chromosome.
Chromosome with gold band
Immunity Genes May Play a Role in Down Syndrome
Kamal Nahas, PhD | Jul 6, 2023 | 4 min read
Extra copies of four interferon receptor genes found on human chromosome 21 trigger developmental changes in a mouse model of Down syndrome.
Single-cell Secrets
The Scientist | 1 min read
Single-cell research reveals new insights into SARS-CoV-2, the opioid crisis, neurogenesis, and fertility.
Woman with her back to camera, with arms stretched out, soaking up the sunshine
A Genetic Predisposition to Vitamin D Deficiency Contributes to Severe COVID-19
Iris Kulbatski, PhD | Jun 1, 2023 | 3 min read
Ana Teresa Freitas discussed how individual variation in vitamin D synthesis and metabolism influences susceptibility to upper respiratory viruses.
Editing genome stock photo
Resolving Discrepancies in Mouse and Human Autoimmunity Studies
Niki Spahich, PhD | May 15, 2023 | 4 min read
By editing primary T cells with CRISPR, researchers begin to settle a long-standing debate about a common autoimmunity risk variant.
Genetic and Spatial Heterogeneity in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer
The Scientist | 1 min read
Joseph Powell will discuss how heterogeneous subpopulations of HPV+ head and neck cancer cells drive unique disease states, cell-cell interactions, and microenvironment dynamics, and have implications for cancer behavior, metastasis, and response to treatment.   
Artist’s rendition of red SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses floating near blue strands of DNA.
COVID-19 Infections May Reshape Genetic Landscape
Holly Barker, PhD | Mar 30, 2023 | 3 min read
SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers structural changes in the host cell’s DNA, which provide a molecular explanation for long COVID, a new study suggests. 
Fluorescent images of red cells showing high and low levels of infection in green
Parasite Drove Natural Selection in Amazonian Indigenous Groups
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Mar 13, 2023 | 4 min read
The findings could help researchers understand why some individuals are more vulnerable to deadly Chagas disease.
Red T cell
Jumping Genes Put a Target on Cancerous Cells
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Feb 14, 2023 | 4 min read
Two studies find that tumor-specific antigens are often peptides that result from a splicing event between exons and transposable elements.
Illustration of people dying from the Black Death
Genes that Aided Black Death Survival Linked to Autoimmunity
Jef Akst | Oct 20, 2022 | 2 min read
A new study points to repercussions of the Medieval pandemic for the health of modern humans.
Purple and white fluorescent stain of cells
How Fat Cells Help Kick Parasites Out of Mice: Study
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Oct 14, 2022 | 3 min read
Immune cells get a lot of shine when it comes to fighting infection, but it turns out that fat might be just as important for removing parasitic invaders.
Microscopy image of the cnidarian <em>Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus&nbsp;</em>with cell nuclei stained blue and oocytes stained yellow
Ancient Immunoglobulin Genes Help Cnidarians Decide to Fight or Fuse
Sophie Fessl, PhD | Oct 11, 2022 | 4 min read
Immunoglobulin genes might have evolved much earlier than previously expected, perhaps even in the common ancestor of Cnidarians and Bilateria, a study suggests.
Small Changes, Big Consequences
Small Changes, Big Consequences
Niki Spahich, PhD | Aug 23, 2022 | 3 min read
To understand the mechanisms behind severe COVID-19, researchers identified common COVID-19 genetic risk variants that affect immune cell function.
Uncovering Leprosy&rsquo;s Genetic Recipe for Success
Uncovering Leprosy’s Genetic Recipe for Success
Nele Haelterman, PhD | Aug 17, 2022 | 3 min read
Researchers identify what makes certain people more likely to contract leprosy than others.
ADVERTISEMENT