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Category: biotech/medical

Scientists at deCODE genetics/Amgen have constructed a complete map of how human DNA is mixed as it is passed down during reproduction. The map marks a major step in the understanding of genetic diversity and its impact on health and fertility. It continues 25 years of research at deCODE genetics into how new diversity is generated in the human genome, and its relationship to health and disease.

The new map, appearing today in the online edition of Nature, is the first to incorporate shorter-scale shuffling, (non crossover) of grandparental DNA, which is difficult to detect due to the high DNA sequence similarity. The map also identifies areas of DNA that are devoid of major reshuffling, likely to protect critical genetic functions or prevent chromosomal problems. This insight offers a clearer picture of why some pregnancies fail and how the genome balances diversity with stability.

While this shuffling, known as , is essential for genetic diversity, errors in the process can lead to serious reproductive issues. These failures can result in genetic errors that prevent pregnancies from continuing, helping to explain why infertility affects around one in ten couples worldwide. Understanding this process offers new hope for improving fertility treatments and diagnosing pregnancy complications.

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Scientists in the laboratory of Navdeep Chandel, Ph.D., the David W. Cugell, MD, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, have discovered how mitochondria influence the body’s immune response through modulating specific cell signaling pathways, according to a study published in Science Advances.

The findings highlight the potential of targeting specifically in immune cells to treat a range of inflammation-related diseases.

“Therapies aimed at improving mitochondrial activity could benefit inflammatory diseases such as , sepsis, and chronic infections by enhancing the immune system’s ability to regulate inflammation,” said Chandel, also a professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

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When you press your fingernails together, do you see a tiny diamond-shaped window of light?

If you can’t see this ‘diamond gap’, you could have finger clubbing, which can be a sign of lung cancer. Finger clubbing is seen in 35% of people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and in 4% of those with small cell lung cancer.

Finger clubbing is when the ends of your fingers swell up, and it happens in stages. First, the base of the nail becomes soft and the skin next to the nail bed becomes shiny. Next, the nails begin to curve more than normal when looked at from the side. Finally, the ends of the fingers may get larger and swell; it’s thought to be caused by fluid collecting in the soft tissues of the fingers.

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Researchers leverage their understanding of molecular motors to improve nanoscale.

The term “nanoscale” refers to dimensions that are measured in nanometers (nm), with one nanometer equaling one-billionth of a meter. This scale encompasses sizes from approximately 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique physical, chemical, and biological properties emerge that are not present in bulk materials. At the nanoscale, materials exhibit phenomena such as quantum effects and increased surface area to volume ratios, which can significantly alter their optical, electrical, and magnetic behaviors. These characteristics make nanoscale materials highly valuable for a wide range of applications, including electronics, medicine, and materials science.

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Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have published results that shed new light on an old question: what causes aging at the molecular level? Their findings, published in Nature Aging, describe a never-before-seen link between the two most accepted explanations: random genetic mutations and predictable epigenetic modifications. The latter, also known as the epigenetic clock theory, has been widely used by scientists as a consistent, quantitative measure of biological aging.

However, the new research suggests that the process may not be so simple.

“Major research institutions and companies are betting on turning back the epigenetic clock as a strategy to reverse the effects of aging, but our research suggests that this may only be treating a symptom of aging, not the underlying cause,” said co-corresponding author Trey Ideker, Ph.D., a professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.

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A global team has made a significant advance in understanding how bacterial plasmids contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Their findings reveal a complex mechanism involving the proteins KorB and KorA, which could lead to innovative treatments to weaken drug-resistant bacteria.

Breakthrough in Bacterial Resistance Research.

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For decades, creating human skin models with physiological relevance has been a persistent challenge in dermatological research. Conventional approaches, such as rodent models and two-dimensional skin cultures, fail to replicate the complexity and functionality of human skin, particularly in aspects like appendage development. These gaps hinder progress in translating laboratory findings into effective clinical treatments. The scientific community has long recognized the urgent need for advanced skin models that authentically emulate human skin’s structure and function.

On January 16, 2025, a pivotal study (DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkae070) published in the journal Burns & Trauma made remarkable progress in skin regeneration. Researchers discovered that employing an air-liquid interface (ALI) culture method significantly enhances hair follicle formation within hiPSC-derived skin organoids compared to traditional floating culture techniques. This breakthrough holds immense potential for advancing therapies for skin disorders and crafting next-generation skin regeneration solutions.

The research employed an ALI model with transwell membranes to cultivate hiPSC-derived skin organoids (SKOs), contrasting its efficacy with conventional floating culture methods. The results were striking—SKOs under ALI conditions exhibited superior hair follicle growth, both in quantity and structural complexity. These follicles were not only larger and more mature but also demonstrated features akin to natural hair shafts, closely mirroring in vivo hair follicle development. Moreover, ALI-cultured SKOs exhibited enhanced epidermal stratification and differentiation, signifying a more precise replication of human skin architecture. These findings underscore the promise of ALI culture in advancing skin organoid engineering, offering a sophisticated and functional platform for research and therapeutic development in dermatology.

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A new study reveals that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience significantly higher rates of mental illness during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth, compared to those without MS.

The findings suggest a critical need for targeted mental health screening and interventions for this group, with depression and anxiety being the most prevalent conditions.

MS and mental health during pregnancy.

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Xenon gas might one day be used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers from Mass General Brigham and Washington University. Don’t let its alien-sounding name frighten you. Xenon gas is commonly used as a medical aesthetic.

The researchers found that mice suffering from Alzheimer’s-like conditions saw reduced brain inflammation and a slowing of brain atrophy after inhaling xenon gas.

One of the biggest signs that xenon gas might actually be doing some good is that they even saw a reduction in amyloid plaque in the brain. These are deposits of proteins called beta-amyloids in the brain that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers think xenon is activating the brain’s immune cells to protect the brain from neurodegeneration.

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