#Genetics29

24 Apr 2026

Vitamin D may slow diabetes for some people

A new analysis of a large US trial suggests vitamin D supplements might delay progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes for people with certain vitamin D receptor gene variations. Researchers warn against taking high doses without medical advice.

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Photo by Mykenzie Johnson, Unsplash

31 Mar 2026

How the Amazon molly stays genetically healthy

Researchers at the University of Missouri found that the all-female Amazon molly keeps its DNA healthy despite cloning. They show gene conversion and genome comparisons help explain how the species avoided extinction and remained diverse.

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26 Mar 2026

Blood test in dogs may predict lymphoma response

Researchers studied blood samples from dogs with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and found gene activity patterns that can predict treatment response. A simple blood test may help guide treatment choices in dogs and possibly humans.

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17 Mar 2026

Blood piRNAs predict short-term survival in older adults

A study led by Duke Health found that small RNA molecules called piRNAs in blood can predict two-year survival for people aged 71 and older. A simple blood test may help identify short-term risk.

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10 Mar 2026

Hidden vertebrate species may double known numbers

A new study suggests many vertebrate species are “cryptic”: they look the same but have distinct DNA. On average there may be two hidden species for each recognized one, which can affect conservation and legal protection.

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27 Feb 2026

More precise DNA editing could help cystic fibrosis

Researchers refined a DNA base-editing tool to make it more precise. The advance may improve treatment for some cystic fibrosis mutations and make genetic therapies safer, but the work is still at an early preclinical stage.

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27 Feb 2026

Study of probiotic yeast behaviour in the gut

Researchers examined how the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii acts in the gut to guide future drug delivery. They measured yeast gene activity in germ‑free mice and found gut‑active promoters and signs of safety.

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25 Feb 2026

Sickle cell disease and costly new treatments

Many African countries have a high burden of sickle cell disease. Uganda now screens newborns for free, while new gene therapies are approved in rich countries but remain too expensive for most people in Africa.

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10 Feb 2026

Shrews shrink organs to survive winter

Eurasian common shrews shrink their brains and other organs in winter, a seasonal change called Dehnel’s phenomenon. Two new studies link genetic and chromosomal changes to this shrinking and to the regrowth that occurs in spring.

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4 Feb 2026

Fungi that thrive after wildfires

Researchers studied fungi at seven California burn sites over five years. They found genes and survival traits that let some fungi grow after fire and feed on charcoal, with possible uses for pollution cleanup and landscape restoration.

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29 Jan 2026

Hidden RNA aging clock found in human sperm

Researchers at University of Utah Health discovered an RNA “aging clock” in sperm. Using PANDORA-seq, they found age-related RNA changes in mice and humans and showed these RNAs can alter early embryo cells.

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26 Jan 2026

Gene linked to dog ear length discovered

Researchers compared DNA from more than 3,000 canines and found a region near the gene MSRB3 that helps explain ear shape and ear length. The finding may help future disease mapping and breeding tests.

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31 Dec 2025

Study: Many people who die by suicide may not have depression

A genetic study from the University of Utah found many people who die by suicide did not have depression or documented suicidal thoughts. Researchers say that screening only for depression may miss some at-risk people.

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