Genetics News
4th February, 2026
| Greg Howard
Recovering ancient DNA from grasshoppers helps unlock evolutionary history
New tech lets scientists extract DNA from old grasshopper collections without damaging the specimens. This unlocks evolutionary data previously inaccessible due to DNA degradation.
2nd February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Root rot fungus uses RNA interference to adapt and survive
A destructive plant disease agent, P. capsici, uses a complex internal system to control which genes are active, impacting its ability to infect crops like beans & peppers.
30th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Begomovirus viruses thrive with whiteflies by weakening plant immune responses
Plant viruses harm crops, spreading via insects. New research shows a viral protein, βC1, suppresses plant defenses activated by insect feeding, boosting virus spread. βC1 interferes with key plant defense proteins, creating a more favorable environment for both virus and insect.
22nd January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Understanding a gene key to leaf development in rapeseed plants
Researchers identified BjA10.LL, a gene controlling leaf lobing in rapeseed, a key oilseed crop. Lobing isn’t due to gene changes, but variations in its regulatory regions. A new DNA marker helps breeders select plants with desired leaf shapes for improved yield.
21st January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
New DNA chip helps track fungal genetics and diversity
New tech rapidly analyzes wheat rust fungus genetics directly from leaves, bypassing slow lab growth. Study of Chinese populations revealed gene flow linked to wind patterns, highlighting interconnected regional outbreaks. Faster tracking aids disease control.
17th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
New technique allows detailed study of partnerships between different microbes
Studying how organisms cooperate is key to understanding life, but analyzing these interactions is tough when one partner dominates.
16th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Shrimp genes reveal clues to better starch digestion
Shrimp rely on an enzyme called alpha-amylase to digest carbohydrates for energy. New research on Pacific white shrimp reveals six genes for this enzyme, mostly active in the liver/pancreas organ, peaking during growth & molting.
16th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Blueberry bacteria show surprising diversity, offering clues for better farming
Canadian blueberry growers face economic losses from bacterial blight, caused by several Pseudomonas bacteria. New research identified 2 previously unknown species contributing to the disease, expanding understanding of the pathogens involved.
10th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Gene discovery sheds light on rice yield and pollen development
Researchers identified a gene, OsSRS3, crucial for rice grain size and shape. Mutants lacking a working copy had oval grains, reduced weight, and lower fertility. OsSRS3 impacts plant hormone signals and cell communication, influencing grain development and yield potential.
9th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Fluorescent tagging reveals hidden genetic traits in red apple varieties
Apple breeding focuses on unique traits like red flesh, but success depends on genetic compatibility. This study refined a faster DNA test to identify S-alleles – genes controlling self-incompatibility – in new hybrids.
8th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Gene delays flowering in tomatoes, impacting pollen production
Researchers identified CaZAT5, a protein in peppers, as a key regulator of flowering and pollen development. It controls gene activity related to cell wall changes needed for pollen release.
6th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Gene variation in a virus protein affects its ability to evade plant defenses
Plant viruses constantly evolve to overcome plant defenses, causing crop damage. Researchers found a single change in a viral protein (P31) makes Beet necrotic yellow vein virus more harmful.
5th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Bean root bacteria show surprising diversity with potential for improved growth
Ecuadorian bean plants rely on helpful bacteria to convert air nitrogen into plant food. A new study found diverse native bacteria groups, some more effective than common commercial products, adapting to local conditions.
3rd January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Retrotransposed DNA sequences in Psalidodon fishes drive genome evolution
Extra chromosomes, found in some fish, contain copied genes that don’t work but can still impact the organism. Research shows these copies interfere with normal gene activity, potentially explaining why these chromosomes persist despite possible harm.
1st January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Sweet potato’s wild relatives reveal genes key to stress response
Researchers studied 91 stress-response genes in a sweet potato relative, identifying potential roles in drought and disease resistance. Several genes showed increased activity under stress, particularly ItfPP2C30 and ItfPP2C77, hinting at key signaling interactions.
29th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How tree populations vary genetically across eastern Mexico
Mexican cloud forest trees (Ternstroemia sylvatica) show high genetic differences between fragmented areas, despite overall diversity being good. Southern populations are key reservoirs, needing protection to ensure long-term survival.
26th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Computer models and genetics link vitamin A to longer lifespans in C. elegans
Researchers used computer models to find 16 compounds that might extend life, testing them in C. elegans. Five showed promise, boosting lifespan by up to 30%.
22nd December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
ASPEN: Tracking gene variations in individual cells using RNA sequencing
New method ASPEN accurately maps gene activity from each parent in individual cells, overcoming noise in data. It revealed incomplete X chromosome silencing & random gene copy use.
20th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Genetics and camera traps reveal origins of Oklahoma’s expanding bear population
Black bear sightings are rising in Oklahoma’s Panhandle, prompting a study to understand their presence. Researchers used cameras & hair samples, finding the bears originate from New Mexico & number ~26.
21st December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How bacteria produce digestive enzymes may offer new industrial applications
Iranian researchers discovered new bacteria, Bacillus spizizenii, that produce large amounts of a starch-breaking enzyme. These strains thrive in diverse conditions, remaining stable at wide pH & temp ranges, ideal for industrial use.
19th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
New tool reveals detailed map of proteins inside cell power plants
Scientists expanded our understanding of proteins within mitochondria, cells’ powerhouses. A new technique identified ~400 proteins, 50 previously unknown, many working in multiple cell areas. This reveals protein distribution complexity & provides tools for future research.
17th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Frog iron storage protein gene linked to fighting off bacterial infections
Iron is vital but toxic when free, so organisms store it in proteins like ferritin. This study in frogs showed ferritin gene activity increased during bacterial infection, likely helping manage iron & combat cellular damage from the immune response.
16th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How a plant extract eases psoriasis symptoms, as shown in lab studies
Psoriasis is a complex immune condition with no cure, linked to genes, stress & infections. Research shows Pithecellobium clypearia, a Chinese medicine herb, may reduce skin inflammation by impacting genes involved in cell growth, energy & cell death.
14th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Rare gecko's DNA reveals clues to its survival on Reunion Island
Critically endangered Manapany day geckos on Reunion Island face low genetic diversity, limiting adaptability. Study of 452 geckos revealed limited gene flow between fragmented habitats & populations are isolated by distance.
13th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
DNA repair enzyme affects daily rhythms
Internal body clocks, vital for sleep & health, are linked to DNA repair. Research shows a protein, 6–4phr, manages both DNA fixes & clock timing by controlling gene activity. Disruptions may relate to neurodegenerative diseases, offering new research paths.
11th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Gene controls flower color in safflower by influencing pigment production
Safflower has been used traditionally to improve blood flow. Research pinpointed CtMYB1, a gene crucial for flavonoid production—compounds linked to heart health benefits.
11th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
New AI models accurately assess fruit quality
Quantum computing shows promise for faster, more accurate fruit quality checks. Researchers tested two quantum network designs, finding one using CZ gates was more stable & reliable than the other, achieving 96-98% accuracy on image datasets, even with limited data.
11th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Hiding messages in RNA sequences using secure codes and random numbers
New research combines data scrambling with message hiding for stronger security. Data is first converted to RNA code, then encrypted with unpredictable keys & concealed within images. Altering image details slightly hides the message, boosting protection against cyber threats.
8th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Understanding the genetic makeup of a wild Solomon’s seal plant
Solomon’s seal plants have long been used in traditional medicine, but identifying species can be difficult. New research mapped the complete genetic code of Polygonatum sinopubescens, revealing its evolutionary relationships and key genes.
7th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Hidden threat: New insights into the Bussuquara virus and its impact
A little-known virus, Bussuquara, discovered in the Amazon in 1956, is now under scrutiny. Research reveals it can infect many animals, including people, and cause damage to cells.
4th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
How surroundings influence anthrax bacteria’s ability to create toxins
Anthrax’s virulence relies on AtxA, a key regulator. New research reveals AtxA directly links bacterial sugar intake to toxin production via a protein interaction. Glucose & CO2 levels impact AtxA, offering potential targets for new treatments.
2nd December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How a natural compound may fight aggressive breast cancer
An aggressive breast cancer lacking common drug targets, triple-negative breast cancer may be countered by oridonin, a plant-derived compound. Research shows it disrupts key growth pathways & proteins in cancer cells, potentially slowing spread & inducing cell death.
1st December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Bird sperm shape linked to mating success in socially monogamous species
Bird sperm characteristics link to mating success. Longer sperm tails aided extra-pair paternity, while shorter heads helped defend nests. Sperm morphology appears shaped by mating strategy, adding to understanding of how males compete for reproduction.
28th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How mosquito smell receptors develop and control their sensitivity to odors
New research reveals a key protein, Orco, vital for a mosquito’s sense of smell. Disrupting this protein significantly reduces their ability to detect humans & feed, impacting disease spread. Targeting Orco could lead to better mosquito control.
26th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Enzyme controls key step in bacterial metabolism and response to nutrients
Bacteria that produce many antibiotics use a surprising self-poisoning system to coordinate development. Sensing a key signal triggers a pathway creating toxic byproducts, but only those bacteria able to cope switch to antibiotic production.
26th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Millipede genes reveal how plants and animals evolved similar defense chemicals
Millipedes defend themselves with hydrogen cyanide, like some plants & insects, but new research shows they evolved this ability independently. They use unique enzymes, differing from those in plants, revealing nature’s diverse routes to similar defense strategies.
17th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
How blueberry genes control healthy fruit development and ripening
New research details blueberry genes that control plant hormones, key for growth & fruit size. Scientists identified 361 genes involved in adding sugar molecules to hormones, impacting their activity.
16th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How viruses in the ocean change over time
Ocean viruses, mostly those infecting bacteria, are key to healthy marine ecosystems. A new study of Korean coastal waters revealed surprising viral diversity using advanced genetic analysis.
14th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
3D scaffolds help brain cells grow and connect in the lab
Lab-grown tissues need oxygen & nutrients to thrive. This study used computer models to see how well these reach cells within different 3D scaffold structures. Scaffold design impacts nutrient delivery, with organized structures showing more predictable transport.
15th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Cellular cleanup process ramps up under stress, study finds
Cells recycle components via ‘self-eating’ processes like autophagy. New research on trout liver cells reveals a stress-activated form, eMI, distinct from CMA.
11th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New genetic tools help breed disease-resistant watermelons
USDA researchers pinpointed a key region in the watermelon genome linked to resistance against powdery mildew, a common fungal disease.
10th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Silkworm protein creates new hydrogel for potential biomedical uses
Scientists created a strong, fast-forming gel from silkworm powder—even better than gels made from purified silk. This sustainable material, useful for medicine & food, gels due to a key silk protein.
8th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Detailed genetic map created for the Spottedtail morwong
Scientists created a detailed genetic blueprint for the spottedtail morwong, a valuable food fish. This unlocks potential for breeding better aquaculture strains & clarifies its evolutionary relationships with other species.
5th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Harmalacidine shows promise against common respiratory infections
New compounds harmine, harmaline, and harmalacidine hydrochloride were tested against H1N1 flu and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
5th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Noise pollution linked to Parkinson’s-like symptoms and brain cell damage
Parkinson’s disease may be linked to noise exposure, a new study reveals. Research on mice showed chronic noise worsened motor skills & reduced dopamine neurons.
2nd November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How sugar levels control paused development in silkworm embryos
Silkworm hibernation, called diapause, is triggered by hormones. New research pinpointed an enzyme, BmSdh2, as key to maintaining this dormant state.
2nd November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
50 Years of Research Reveals How Kissing Bugs Stay Separate Species
Chagas disease spread relies on kissing bugs. New research clarifies relationships within the Rhodnius genus, key disease carriers. Breeding experiments show limited successful interbreeding, suggesting most are distinct species, though some genetic exchange occurs.
2nd November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Simple DNA tests can quickly detect diseases in honey bees
New research offers a faster, cheaper way to detect bee diseases using special paper cards. These cards accurately identify harmful parasites & bacteria, like those linked to colony decline, even in challenging field conditions.
1st November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How growing chickpeas with dragon's head impacts seed quality
Growing crops together (intercropping) can boost seed quality, but it depends on watering & planting time. Iranian & Chinese researchers found autumn planting with moderate watering improved chickpea & dragon’s head seed germination & nutrient levels.
29th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Goat family tree reveals surprising relationships among wild species
Goats were among the first animals domesticated, key to early agriculture. New genetic research confirms the bezoar goat is the sole ancestor of all domestic goats, supporting earlier findings.
24th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Strawberry gene discovery could lead to new disease resistance strategies
UC Davis researchers discovered FW7, a new gene on strawberry chromosome 2A that boosts resistance to Fusarium wilt, a damaging plant disease.
23rd October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Gene editing onions becomes easier with new technique
Onion crops face disease challenges. New gene editing tech boosts resistance by precisely modifying plant genes, unlike slow traditional methods.
21st October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Adding a wheat chromosome boosts drought resistance during flowering
Researchers created a new wheat line by adding genetic material from a related grass, improving its ability to withstand drought. The modified wheat kept more water during stress, maintained photosynthesis, & showed thicker roots, with no yield loss.
20th October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Protein crucial for bone growth linked to osteoporosis risk
New research links a gene, MPP7, to osteoporosis. Lower levels of MPP7 were found in bone tissue of those with the condition, hindering bone cell development & strength. This discovery could lead to new treatments.
18th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Finding genes linked to drought resistance in soybean using remote sensing
Drought harms soybean yields. Univ. of Georgia researchers studied a soybean line with very slow leaf wilting during dry spells to find the genes responsible. Seven genetic locations linked to this trait were identified, and remote sensing confirmed the findings.
17th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Magnetic particles boost enzyme production for better sugar synthesis
Researchers improved an enzyme, rlevblg1, which breaks down sugar into gut-healthy fructooligosaccharides. By attaching it to magnetic particles using computer modelling, they created a more stable, reusable biocatalyst.
15th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Pesticide exposure linked to energy problems in cells mirroring ALS symptoms
New research links a specific pesticide, cis-chlordane, to ALS by disrupting energy production in nerve cells. Lab studies show it damages mitochondria, mirroring issues seen in ALS patients.
15th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Virus that infects bacteria shows promise for controlling plant disease
A new virus, Brt_Psa3, shows promise against bacterial canker, a major kiwifruit disease. Isolated from a Portuguese orchard, it effectively reduces harmful bacteria on leaves.
11th October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Fungal protein helps cells merge, maintaining stability during growth
Fungi combine cells to grow & survive, but this risks cell rupture. Researchers identified CSR-3, a protein vital for stabilizing cell fusion in Neurospora crassa. Without it, cells burst.
8th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Protein in mosquito antennae detects insecticide, triggering defense response
New research reveals mosquito proteins, Sensory Appendage Proteins (SAPs), help them find people & resist insecticides. These proteins sense odors & chemicals, with peak activity during feeding times.
5th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
DNA studies uncover the history of feathergrass evolution
New research clarifies feathergrass evolution in Kazakhstan, revealing a new grass species, S. × kyzylordensis, formed by interbreeding of S. arabica and S. richteriana. Genetic tools confirmed its hybrid origin, alongside evidence of hidden genetic diversity within *S.
3rd October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Blue-green algae shows promise as a new source of a cancer-fighting enzyme
Marine microalgae show promise as a new source of L-asparaginase, an enzyme used to fight leukemia & reduce harmful compounds in food. Chroococcus turigidus produced high levels, selectively killing cancer cells in lab tests with low toxicity to normal cells.
2nd October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Two Tomato Enzymes Differ in Their Role in Plant Defense
Plants control proteins via ubiquitination, a tagging system for growth & defense. Tomato plant research revealed two key enzymes, SlUBA1 & SlUBA2, aren’t interchangeable despite some overlap.
26th September, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Effects of Arabian jasmine on zebrafish may offer key insights into anxiety
Arabian jasmine’s effect on anxiety varies: it can calm some, but stimulate others. New research using zebrafish suggests genetics, sex, & personality play a role. The flower contains compounds that both reduce & induce anxiety, explaining inconsistent results.
25th September, 2025
| Jim Crocker
XDH-1 Loss Leads to Kidney Stones, Reversed by SULP-4 Transport
Waste buildup from DNA breakdown can cause kidney stones & failure, a condition with no current treatment. Research using worms revealed a key gene, sulp-4, regulating xanthine stone formation via sulfate transport & gut osmosis.
24th September, 2025
| Greg Howard
Genetic Variation in Sea Beet and Cytoplasmic Male Sterility
Researchers explored if genetic variety within plant cell energy structures (mitochondria) predicts sterility useful for hybrid crops. Sea beet study showed high variety often exists, but isn't a guarantee.
