The focus is on human platelet antigens, or HPAs. These are crucial markers in the body's immune system. They play a big role in certain medical conditions. Knowing the genetic makeup of these markers in different groups can help prevent and manage these health issues. In Malaysia, a lot of data has been gathered on HPAs in various ethnic groups. However, there's a ...
The world of medicine is changing fast. Genetic and genomic research are at the heart of this change. They offer big hopes for tackling long-standing health issues in Black communities. These issues include cancer disparities and poor outcomes. However, there are big hurdles to overcome. Many in the Black community face barriers to joining these research efforts...
Cat lovers worldwide have long been captivated by the vibrant orange hue of ginger cats. This fascination has finally led to a groundbreaking discovery. Researchers from Japan and the United States have uncovered the genetic secret behind the distinctive color of ginger cats. It turns out that these felines have a missing piece of DNA in a specific gene, ARHGAP36. Th...
In the Caribbean, a surprising find has shaken up the world of crocodile research. Two new species of crocodiles have been identified on isolated islands. These reptiles were once mistaken for American crocodiles. They live on Cozumel Island and Banco Chinchorro atoll, both off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Each population has around 500 individuals. This ...
Parkinson's disease is a tricky condition. It is influenced by a mix of genes, environment, and lifestyle. Roughly 30% of the risk comes from genes. However, a lot of the genetic puzzle is still missing. This is partly because most studies focus on European ancestry. Latin America offers a chance to fill in some of these gaps. Researchers decided to look into g...
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a common problem in older adults. It happens when the tiny blood vessels in the brain get damaged. This can lead to problems like thinking difficulties, a higher chance of stroke, and even dementia. So, what can be done about it? First, let's talk about the usual ways doctors try to help. There are medicines that can help mana...
Genetic research is all about figuring out complex diseases. This is where polygenic scores (PGS) step in. Think of PGS as a genetic report card that helps predict disease risk. But creating these scores can be tough. That's where PGSXplorer comes in. It's a tool that handles everything from checking genetic data quality to building PGS models. Imagine having a tool ...
Imagine growing up with one side of your face noticeably larger than the other— this is what congenital infiltrating lipomatosis does to young people. This rare disorder has baffled scientists for years, but recent discoveries are uncovering its secrets. The key seems to lie in the PIK3CA gene, which is now linked to this peculiar condition. A young person's journey...
You might think our love for carbs like bread, pasta, and rice is a modern thing. But get this – humans may have been chowing down on starchy foods way longer than we thought. Scientists found a gene that helps us digest carbs more easily. And guess what? This gene seems to have duplicated itself a long time ago, maybe even before humans as we know them existed! Res...