#Genetics17

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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Photo by Adam Custer, Unsplash

31 Dec 2025

How exercise helps aging muscles

A mouse study finds a protein-control system becomes overactive with age and harms muscle. Exercise lowers that activity through a FOXO-linked pathway, which may protect muscle and suggest new treatments.

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31 Dec 2025

Single gene switch helps butterflies copy wing patterns

New research shows how one genetic switch lets female swallowtail butterflies copy the wing patterns of toxic species to avoid predators. The study used genomic sequencing and CRISPR and was published in PNAS.

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30 Dec 2025

Epigenetic differences in Andean highlanders

New research compares DNA methylation in Kichwa highlanders and Ashaninka lowlanders and finds epigenetic differences in genes linked to blood vessels and muscle, suggesting a role in adaptation to high altitude.

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26 Dec 2025

Outer root layer controls twisted root growth

A research team found that the outer cell layer of roots (the epidermis) can control whether roots grow twisted or straight. Lab measurements and computer models explain why this layer has more mechanical influence, with implications for crops.

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26 Dec 2025

Tofersen slows a rare form of ALS

A long-term study shows that tofersen, a drug for a rare genetic form of ALS, can slow disease progression and help some people improve. The trial followed participants for several years and recorded benefits and side effects.

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24 Dec 2025

Gene in mice reduces background activity and improves focus

Researchers found a gene in mice that lowers background brain activity and improves focus. The work, led at Rockefeller University, points to a possible path for therapies that calm brain circuits.

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23 Dec 2025

Gene and blood‑vessel damage add to dementia risk

Researchers studied a genetic variant (APOE ε4) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH), a sign of small blood‑vessel damage. They found both factors raise dementia risk additively, and vascular health may be improved to lower that risk.

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20 Dec 2025

Woodrats' genes protect them from rattlesnake venom

New research finds a genetic change that helps woodrats survive rattlesnake bites. Scientists studied a family of genes and found extra copies that can bind and block snake venom components.

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17 Dec 2025

Most US drug trials do not mirror racial and ethnic diversity

A study of pivotal trials used to approve new drugs found only a small share reflect the United States racial and ethnic makeup. The review shows underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic people and urges more diversity earlier in development.

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6 Dec 2025

New method builds synthetic phage genomes

Researchers developed a way to build complete bacteriophage genomes and edit single genes. The method addresses problems with hard-to-synthesize DNA and could speed matching phages for bacterial infection treatment.

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6 Dec 2025

Gene Variant Raises Heart Failure Risk After Myocarditis in Children

A study found that a cardiomyopathy gene variant is more common in children who develop dilated cardiomyopathy after myocarditis. Researchers describe a "double hit" model and advise genetic testing to identify higher risk.

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5 Dec 2025

How Roots Push Through Compacted Soil

Soil compaction from heavy machinery and drought makes farming harder. Researchers found how roots thicken, swell and reinforce their outer layer so they can push into dense soil; a protein (a transcription factor) helps this process.

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