GENE

Jan 16 2025POLITICS

Pam Bondi: Qualified for Attorney General, but Can She Be Independent?

Donald Trump’s pick for the next attorney general, Pam Bondi, seems well-qualified on paper. She's spent years as a prosecutor and Florida's attorney general. But her recent comments about the 2020 election and threats to prosecute Trump's foes raise big questions about her independence and trustwor

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Jan 16 2025SCIENCE

Solving Neurodegenerative Diseases: A New Puzzle Piece

Neurodegenerative diseases are like intricate puzzles that scientists are working hard to solve. They affect both small components (like molecules and cells) and large aspects (such as physiology) of the brain. Traditional tools aren't doing the job well, but a new technology called microfluidics mi

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Jan 15 2025HEALTH

Understanding Griscelli Syndrome: A Different Kind of HLH Presentation

Griscelli Syndrome (GS) is an unusual genetic condition that combines visual and immune system problems. There are three types of GS, each caused by different genetic changes. Type 1 includes brain issues, while Type 2 might lead to a serious immune overreaction called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocyt

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Jan 14 2025SCIENCE

The Journey of Proteins: How Genes React to Stress

Every protein goes through a life cycle, from birth to death. This is managed by the protein homeostasis system, which keeps proteins stable even when conditions change. But how does this system adapt to different stresses? Scientists used bacteria called Caulobacter crescentus to find out. They

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Jan 14 2025HEALTH

How Genetic Counselors Can Help with Test Orders

With the rise of complex genetic technologies and more tests being ordered by non-genetic healthcare providers, there's been an increase in inappropriately ordered genetic tests. This is where genetic counselors (GCs) come in. They're experts in evaluating whether a genetic test is truly necessary.

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Jan 14 2025HEALTH

Exploring Noonan Syndrome: A Journey Through Time and Genes

Noonan syndrome, a genetic condition that affects multiple parts of the body, impacts around 1 in 1, 000 people. Past studies about this syndrome were done before a lot of genetic testing was available. This new study gives us updated information on how people with Noonan syndrome change over time,

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Jan 14 2025HEALTH

Unlocking Brain Clues: Alzheimer's in Down Syndrome

Ever wondered how Alzheimer's disease affects the brains of people with Down syndrome? Scientists are exploring if changes in brain thickness and size can help figure out the disease's stages. It's like trying to solve a brain puzzle: do these changes look the same as in other inherited forms of Alz

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Jan 14 2025HEALTH

Gout in Korea: Genes and Lifestyle Factors

Gout, a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, has been increasingly common in Korea. Scientists have been digging into how genes and daily routines together influence this condition in the Korean population. Early identification of those at risk could make a big difference in preventing gou

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Jan 14 2025ENVIRONMENT

UV-Aged Plastic Bits Boost Mercury Harm in Marine Tiny Crustaceans Over Generations

Imagine tiny plastic bits exposed to sun's UV light. These bits, called nanoplastics, can change over time, affecting how they interact with metals like mercury. But what happens when these aged nanoplastics meet mercury, and how does it impact marine life? A study looked into this with a tiny crust

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Jan 14 2025SCIENCE

A Mouse Model for Testing Gammaherpesvirus Vaccines

Gammaherpesviruses are known for causing cancer and lifelong infections in humans. Unfortunately, there are no approved vaccines for major types like Epstein-Barr virus or Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus. Scientists often use a virus called murine gammaherpesvirus-68 (MHV68) to study these infections in

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