Genetics
CPD gene mutations tied to congenital hearing loss; lab tests point to arginine and sildenafil as potential interventions
Heather Vogel Image generated by AI Fact checked
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.
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.
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.
Study shows older fathers transmit more disease mutations through selfish sperm
A new study reveals that older men pass on significantly more disease-causing genetic mutations to their children due to the rapid proliferation of mutant sperm stem cells. Researchers found that the proportion of mutated sperm rises sharply with age, from 1 in 50 for men in their early thirties to nearly 1 in 20 by age 70. This phenomenon, driven by 'selfish' mutations, heightens risks for severe disorders in offspring.
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.
Researchers discover gene that could triple wheat yields
Scientists at the University of Maryland have identified a gene that enables a rare wheat variety to produce three ovaries per flower, potentially boosting grain yields significantly. This discovery, detailed in a study published on October 14, 2025, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers a genetic tool to enhance food production amid rising global demand. The finding targets the activation of the WUSCHEL-D1 gene to create extra grain-bearing structures in wheat flowers.
Startup revives human embryo gene editing
October 24, 2025 19:48MIT scientists uncover persistent genome loops during cell division
October 24, 2025 07:37Genetic studies uncover variants linked to fibromyalgia risk
October 23, 2025 12:42Common IVF test misses genetic abnormalities in embryos
October 21, 2025 12:48Sperm from older men carry more genetic mutations
October 20, 2025 00:01Study shows harmful sperm mutations rise with men's age
October 20, 2025 00:01Naked mole-rats' cGAS mutations enhance DNA repair and longevity
October 03, 2025 01:09DNA scar catalog opens paths to overcome cancer drug resistances
Genetic study links lower cholesterol to reduced dementia risk
Heather Vogel Image generated by AI Fact checked
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))
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.
Genetic mismatch may have hindered Neanderthal-human hybrids
A new study suggests that interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens created a genetic incompatibility that increased pregnancy failure risks in hybrid mothers, potentially contributing to Neanderthals' extinction. This mismatch involved differences in the PIEZO1 gene affecting oxygen transport in blood. The finding could explain the absence of Neanderthal mitochondrial DNA in modern humans.
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.
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.
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.