Feature Channels: Genetics

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A cutting-edge study has revealed how genetic signals from rootstocks influence drought resistance in grafted walnut trees. Researchers found that by modifying the JrGA20ox1 gene in rootstocks, they could significantly enhance the trees' ability to cope with water scarcity. The study demonstrates a powerful new method for improving agricultural resilience to climate change, offering hope for sustaining walnut production under increasingly challenging environmental conditions.

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A pioneering study has revealed the crucial role of cell wall components in tomato fruit ripening. By investigating the effects of altered SlP4H3 gene expression on arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), researchers have illuminated the complex biochemical processes that control fruit maturation. This discovery could revolutionize agricultural practices, paving the way for tomato varieties with enhanced texture, nutritional value, and resilience to environmental challenges.

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A team of researchers at Michigan State University has discovered a set of methods that enabled the first successful CRISPR-based genome editing in Nile grass rats.

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Recent research highlights the importance of targeted therapies for treating advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) with rare genetic variants. These mutations, often linked to poor prognosis and limited response to conventional treatments, are being addressed through advanced sequencing technologies and new targeted drugs. This study explores the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies tailored to these unique genetic profiles.

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A collaborative investigation among WashU Medicine experts in Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) finds evidence that MS patients are less likely to have amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, than adults without MS.

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A new study of ancient DNA by a team of international researchers and co-led by Krishna R. Veeramah, PhD, of Stony Brook University, provides insight into the development and social structures of European rural communities following the fall of the Roman Empire. The findings, published in a paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggest that early medieval elites, or those of higher social status, were initially made up of multiple families with distinct genetic ancestries. However, over time these families intermarried and also the local communities integrated genetically diverse newcomers from a variety of different social and cultural backgrounds.

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A pioneering study has unveiled the genetic blueprint of Vernicia montana, a plant renowned for its high-value tung oil and ornamental beauty. The research decodes its chromosome-level genome, providing unparalleled insights into its evolution and setting the stage for advanced molecular breeding and sex identification methods.

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A significant milestone in horticultural genomics has been reached with the successful decoding of the tetraploid Chinese cherry genome. This study provides essential insights into the genetic factors that influence fruit firmness, a critical trait for enhancing the cherry’s market appeal and transportation durability.

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The Endocrine Society today announced it has chosen 14 leading endocrinologists as winners of its prestigious 2025 Laureate Awards, the top honors in the field.

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A cutting-edge study reveals the biochemical defense system of the wild lily, Lilium regale, which demonstrates remarkable resistance against Fusarium wilt—a major threat to the floriculture industry. The research uncovers the lily's robust defense mechanisms, spotlighting the critical role of phenylpropanoid metabolism and the regulatory influence of specific transcription factors. These findings offer valuable insights for developing crops with enhanced disease resistance.

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A research team has reviewed significant progress in understanding the growth and stress response mechanisms in bermudagrass, a widely distributed and valuable grass species.

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Eight-member team from UChicago and Northwestern will launch the Cellular Adaptation Lab to study how fundamental cellular behaviors are linked to disease and responses to climate change.

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In an elegant fusion of science and medicine, neoantigen cancer vaccines are emerging as a formidable strategy in the battle against cancer. These vaccines, a testament to the power of personalized medicine, target cancer's unique protein signatures, rallying the immune system for a precise and potent attack.

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A research team sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa, uncovering significant differences that clarified their phylogenetic relationship.

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The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is potentially immortal. Using molecular genetic methods, developmental biologists led by Ulrich Technau from the University of Vienna have now identified possible candidates for multipotent stem cells in the sea anemone for the first time. These stem cells are regulated by evolutionary highly conserved genes, which in humans are usually only active in the formation of egg and sperm cells, but give ancient animal phyla such as cnidarians a high degree of regenerative capacity to even escape ageing. The results are currently being published in Science Advances and could also provide insights into the human ageing process in the future.

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Inherited diseases of metabolism and immunity have more in common than previously recognized, according to a new study published in the journal Science Immunology. The findings point to a new set of metabolic genes that are important for the function of immune system T cells, and they offer insights that could improve care for patients with these disorders.

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Grass carp is one of the most productive freshwater fish and plays an important role in ensuring protein supply. This paper reviews the main research achievements of grass carp, such as morphology, cytogenetics, molecular population genetics and so on.

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Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified a new class of RNAs packed into tiny particles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) that could revolutionize how cancer and other diseases are diagnosed. The team found that these molecules undergo changes when cancer is present, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for detecting prostate cancer or as targets for therapy.

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Study: Living in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Influences Stress-Related Genes, Which May Contribute to Aggressive Prostate Cancer in African American Men