#Genetics25

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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Photo by Kody Goodson, Unsplash

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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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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