Premature babies often face serious lung problems. One big issue is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which happens when there's too much oxygen. Scientists are trying to understand how this happens at a tiny level, focusing on something called epigenetics. Epigenetics is like a switch that turns genes on or off. It doesn't change the DNA itself, but it can change h...
People often think of genetics as just about DNA, but math plays a huge role too. Over the last few decades, new math ideas have helped scientists understand our genes better. These advances are not just cool; they are changing how we study genes, evolution, and even crime scenes. One big area is figuring out family trees using DNA. In the 1980s, scientists started ...
Plants are tougher than they look. They have special tools to fight off problems like dry weather. One such tool is the HcCNGC27 gene in kenaf, a hardy plant used for fiber. This gene is part of a big team that helps plants grow and stay strong. This gene is everywhere in the plant. It's in the outer layer, the plasma membrane. It's also in roots, stems, leaves, flo...
Plants have clever ways to handle tough conditions. One such method involves a signaling system called the MAPK cascade. This system acts like a plant's alarm and response team, kicking into gear when faced with stress like too much salt, dry spells, or extreme heat. At the top of this team is a gene called MEKK, which plays a big role in helping plants cope with the...
In the heart of western Kenya, a tiny freshwater snail is making a big impact on public health. This snail, known as Biomphalaria pfeifferi, has a unique way of reproducing. It mostly fertilizes its own eggs, leading to many identical snails. This might not seem important, but it is crucial for understanding a major health issue. This snail is the main carrier of a ...
High triglycerides are a serious issue. They are a standalone risk factor for heart disease. This means that even if a person has normal cholesterol levels, high triglycerides can still cause problems. Understanding how genes and lifestyle choices play a role in managing triglycerides is crucial. The UK Biobank and KoGES studies have shed some light on this. They lo...
Beans are a big deal in global nutrition. They help feed lots of people. But climate change is making it tough for these plants. Drought is a major problem. It hits both the parts of the plant we see and the parts we don't. This is especially true for beans grown in tough conditions. To create beans that can handle drought, it's crucial to understand how roots and sh...
People often think that living a long, healthy life is all about good genes. But that isn't always the case. A group of people, known as Super Agers, have reached their 80s and beyond without major health issues. They have not had cancer, heart disease, or brain issues. This is despite the fact that their genes did not show any special advantages. This finding co...
Gastric cancer is a tricky foe. It's sneaky, and it's often hard to spot until it's too late. But what if scientists could find a way to predict who's at risk? That's where genetics and transcriptomics come in. Transcriptomics is like a detective's toolkit for studying genes. It looks at all the messages our genes send out. These messages can tell us a lot about wha...
A rare genetic disorder has been identified in a single family. This condition causes an unusual form of pancreatic tumor. The disease is so rare that only seven cases have been noted in medical history. The disorder is called Mahvash disease. It's caused by a specific genetic mutation. This mutation affects the glucagon receptor gene. When this gene is faulty, it le...