Genetic

Genetic, environmental factors contribute to how socioeconomic status impacts the brain

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Genetic, environmental factors contribute to how socioeconomic status impacts the brain

A study in Science Advances has revealed correlations among socioeconomics, genetics, environmental factors and brain structure. Socioeconomic status is typically defined by characteristics such as an individual’s income, education and occupation, and is related to quality of life and physical and mental health. The findings provide greater understanding about how socioeconomic, environmental and genetic factors … Read more

Study identifies critical genes and biological pathways related to COVID-19 myocarditis

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Study identifies critical genes and biological pathways related to COVID-19 myocarditis

Scientists from China have recently deciphered the genetic network and biological mechanisms associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) myocarditis using bioinformatic methods. They have published their findings in the journal PLOS ONE. Study: Identification of critical genes and molecular pathways in COVID-19 myocarditis and constructing gene regulatory networks by bioinformatic analysis. Image Credit: Lightspring/Shutterstock Background … Read more

The Biochemistry of Prenatal Genetic Testing

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The Biochemistry of Prenatal Genetic Testing

IntroductionThe Different Types of Prenatal Genetic TestingPrenatal Cell-free DNA ScreeningCarrier ScreeningAmniocentesisChorionic Villus SamplingIn ConclusionReferences Prenatal genetic testing is used to screen and diagnose birth differences and genetic conditions within babies. This article will discuss this subject, giving an overview of the types of testing and conditions which can be tested for using genetic screening during … Read more

Biologists May Have Solved a 30-Year-Old Mystery on Why Touch Stresses Plants Out

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Biologists May Have Solved a 30-Year-Old Mystery on Why Touch Stresses Plants Out

Scientists have long known that touching plants can set off a stress reaction in them – but until now it hasn’t been exactly clear how that worked at a molecular level, something that a new study hopes to shed light on. The researchers behind the study have identified certain genetic keys inside plants that lead … Read more

Genetic screening algorithm can estimate a person’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease

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Genetic screening algorithm can estimate a person’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease

A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University can analyze thousands of variants across the genome and estimate a person’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease-;and it works in people of African, Asian, European, and LatinX descent. “With this polygenic method, we can identify individuals at risk decades before the onset of kidney disease, … Read more

Genetic testing results in lower length of stay in the NICU for infants with epilepsy

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Genetic screening algorithm can estimate a person’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease

Genetic testing results in lower length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for infants with epilepsy, according to a study published in the journal Pediatric Neurology. The reduction in hospital stay time in babies with epilepsy who spent time in the NICU was not explained by changes in the episode of illness, … Read more

Multiple heart-related conditions may increase dementia risk to a greater extent than genetics

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Multiple heart-related conditions may increase dementia risk to a greater extent than genetics

Having multiple conditions that affect the heart are linked to a greater risk of dementia than having high genetic risk, according to a largescale new study. Led by Oxford University and the University of Exeter, the study is among the largest ever to examine the link between several heart-related conditions and dementia, and one of … Read more

The study assesses the effectiveness of telemedicine-based pediatric genetics care

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The study assesses the effectiveness of telemedicine-based pediatric genetics care

A new study from researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) found that using telemedicine to evaluate patients with rare genetic conditions resulted in a similar rate of proper diagnosis as in-person visits. However, collecting genetic material from patients who are seen remotely is more challenging, suggesting there is room to improve telemedicine evaluations. The … Read more

Scientists identify new genetic disease that delays children’s intellectual development

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Scientists identify new genetic disease that delays children’s intellectual development

Scientists have identified a new genetic disease, which causes some children’s brains to develop abnormally, resulting in delayed intellectual development. The majority of patients with the condition, that is so new it doesn’t have a name yet, have severe learning difficulties which affect their quality of life. An international team of researchers from the universities … Read more

Combinations of multiple genetic factors play a role in the broad spectrum of autism

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Genetic screening algorithm can estimate a person’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is referred to as a “spectrum” because clinical features of ASD range from mild social impairments in some people to severe intellectual disability or epilepsy in others. Genetic studies have offered clues, identifying genes associated with ASD, but despite finding many pieces to the puzzle, scientists have not yet figured out … Read more