Genetics

Scientists at Moffitt Cancer Center viewing a 3D fitness landscape map of chromosome changes in cancer evolution via the ALFA-K method.

Moffitt researchers introduce ALFA-K to map fitness “landscapes” of chromosome changes in cancer evolution

January 26, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin Àwòrán tí AI ṣe Ti ṣayẹwo fun ododo

Scientists at Moffitt Cancer Center report developing a computational method, ALFA-K, that uses longitudinal single-cell measurements to infer how gains and losses of whole chromosomes can shape a tumor’s evolutionary path. The work, published in Nature Communications, argues that these large-scale chromosome changes follow measurable patterns influenced by cellular context and treatment-related stress rather than unfolding as pure randomness.

Neanderthals and early humans interbred across vast Eurasian region

A new study indicates that Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens interbred over a broad area spanning most of Europe, the eastern Mediterranean, and western Asia. Researchers analyzed ancient genetic samples to map this hybrid zone, challenging earlier assumptions of a more localized interaction. The findings suggest repeated encounters as humans expanded from Africa.

Gene loss and monogamy shaped termite societies

January 31, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

A new study shows that termites evolved complex social structures by losing genes rather than gaining them, with monogamy playing a key role. Researchers traced this evolution from cockroach ancestors to massive colonies. The findings challenge assumptions about social complexity in insects.

Science

Woolly rhino genome recovered from frozen wolf pup's stomach

Technology

Scientists sequence woolly rhino genome from ancient wolf's stomach

Ìlera

Researchers uncover genes vital for brain cell development

Scientists use CRISPR to shrink goldenberry plants for easier farming

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have employed CRISPR gene-editing to create more compact goldenberry plants, reducing their size by about 35 percent to simplify cultivation. This innovation targets the fruit's unruly growth while preserving its nutritious, sweet-tart flavor. The approach aims to enable large-scale farming and enhance crop resilience amid climate challenges.

Jennifer Doudna cofounds startup for tailored gene-editing treatments

January 10, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Nobel Prize-winning scientist Jennifer Doudna has cofounded Aurora Therapeutics, a startup focused on developing personalized gene-editing treatments for rare diseases. The company plans to leverage CRISPR technology and a new FDA regulatory pathway to bring these therapies to market. This initiative builds on recent successes in custom treatments that have saved lives.

Study maps shared genetic factors across 14 psychiatric disorders

A global genetics analysis has found extensive shared DNA risk across 14 psychiatric disorders, offering a clearer explanation for why many people receive multiple diagnoses over their lifetime. Using genomic data from more than six million individuals, researchers reported that the disorders cluster into five partially overlapping genetic groupings. The study was published Dec. 10, 2025, in Nature.

Murder victim in China had rare chimerism with male and female cells

January 02, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Forensic tests on a murdered woman in China uncovered an extremely rare form of chimerism, where her body contained a mix of genetically male and female cells. The condition went unnoticed during her life, despite her having a son and typical female anatomy. Experts suggest it arose from a single egg fertilized by two sperm, leading to a unique genetic makeup.

January 28, 2026 20:46