Genetics
Genetic study links lower cholesterol to reduced dementia risk
Heather Vogel AI द्वारा उत्पन्न छवि तथ्य-जाँच किया गया
A large-scale genetic analysis of about 1.09 million people suggests that lifelong, genetically lower cholesterol—specifically non‑HDL cholesterol—is associated with substantially reduced dementia risk. Using Mendelian randomization to emulate the effects of cholesterol‑lowering drug targets such as those for statins (HMGCR) and ezetimibe (NPC1L1), the study found up to an approximately 80% lower risk per 1 mmol/L reduction for some targets. ([research-information.bris.ac.uk](https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/cholesterollowering-drug-targets-reduce-risk-of-dementia-mendelia?utm_source=openai))
Keto diet shows brain health benefits in female mice with Alzheimer's risk gene
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet improves gut bacteria and brain energy levels in female mice carrying the APOE4 gene, a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights gender-specific effects, with males showing no similar benefits. These findings suggest potential for personalized nutrition to prevent cognitive decline.
Genetic change protected early humans from lead's evolutionary impact
Researchers have uncovered evidence that ancient hominids were exposed to lead as early as two million years ago, potentially influencing brain evolution. Modern humans possess a unique genetic variant in the NOVA1 gene that shielded them from lead's toxic effects on language development. This discovery, published on October 15, 2025, suggests it gave Homo sapiens an advantage over Neanderthals.
MIT scientists uncover persistent genome loops during cell division
Researchers at MIT have found that the genome's three-dimensional structure does not fully disappear during cell division, as long believed. Instead, small loops known as microcompartments remain intact and even strengthen, potentially explaining brief gene activity surges in mitosis. This discovery challenges traditional views of how cells maintain genetic regulation across divisions.
Scientists discover teeth growing on ratfish head
Researchers have found genuine teeth developing on the forehead of the spotted ratfish, challenging the idea that vertebrate teeth evolve only in jaws. The discovery, detailed in a new study, reveals that these head teeth share genetic origins with oral teeth and aid males in mating. This finding reshapes understanding of dental evolution in cartilaginous fish.
Genes influencing cannabis use identified in genome study
Researchers from UC San Diego and 23andMe have discovered genetic links to cannabis use behaviors, connecting them to over 100 health traits. The study, published on October 13, 2025, in Molecular Psychiatry, highlights two key genes and could inform prevention of cannabis use disorder. It analyzed data from nearly 132,000 participants to explore early-stage risks.
Startup revives human embryo gene editing
23 अक्टूबर 2025 12:42Common IVF test misses genetic abnormalities in embryos
21 अक्टूबर 2025 12:48Sperm from older men carry more genetic mutations
20 अक्टूबर 2025 00:14Researchers discover gene that could triple wheat yields
20 अक्टूबर 2025 00:10Genetic mismatch may have hindered Neanderthal-human hybrids
20 अक्टूबर 2025 00:01Naked mole-rats' cGAS mutations enhance DNA repair and longevity
09 अक्टूबर 2025 00:29Study shows older fathers transmit more disease mutations through selfish sperm
03 अक्टूबर 2025 01:09DNA scar catalog opens paths to overcome cancer drug resistances
CPD gene mutations tied to congenital hearing loss; lab tests point to arginine and sildenafil as potential interventions
Heather Vogel AI द्वारा उत्पन्न छवि तथ्य-जाँच किया गया
An international team reports that rare mutations in CPD (carboxypeptidase D) cause a congenital, sensorineural form of hearing loss by disrupting arginine–nitric oxide signaling in inner‑ear hair cells. In models, arginine supplementation or sildenafil partially reversed disease‑related defects, highlighting a pathway for future therapies.
EMBL researchers unveil SDR-seq for decoding disease-linked DNA
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) have developed SDR-seq, a new tool that simultaneously analyzes DNA and RNA in single cells. This innovation targets non-coding DNA regions, where over 95% of disease-associated genetic variants are located. The method promises to enhance understanding of complex diseases like heart disease, autism, and lymphoma.
Genetic studies uncover variants linked to fibromyalgia risk
Two large-scale genetic studies involving millions of participants have identified variants associated with fibromyalgia, supporting the role of central nervous system dysfunction in the chronic pain condition. The research highlights genes involved in neuronal function and brain-related issues. While promising, experts note the findings are preliminary and point to multifaceted causes.
Evolution of human intelligence linked to mental illness vulnerability
Researchers have traced genetic variants in the human genome to reveal that advances in cognitive abilities around 500,000 years ago were soon followed by mutations increasing susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. This suggests a trade-off in brain evolution. The study, published in Cerebral Cortex, analyzed 33,000 genetic variants to build an evolutionary timeline of brain-related traits.
Study overturns idea that light drinking protects brain health
A large-scale study combining observational and genetic data has found that any alcohol consumption increases dementia risk, with no safe level identified. Published in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, the research challenges previous beliefs about moderate drinking's benefits. Dementia risk rises linearly with alcohol intake, according to the analysis.
Study shows harmful sperm mutations rise with men's age
New research reveals that genetic mutations in men's sperm, which can lead to diseases in offspring, increase with age due to evolutionary selection within the testes. Scientists used advanced sequencing to analyze sperm from 81 men aged 24 to 75, finding that harmful mutations affect 2 percent of sperm in early 30s men but rise to 4.5 percent in 70-year-olds. The findings, published October 8 in Nature, highlight risks for future generations.