‘Bad’ cholesterol gene silenced without altering the DNA sequence

By silencing the gene responsible for regulating ‘bad’ cholesterol without altering the primary DNA sequence, researchers have shown that it’s possible to use epigenetic editing to treat diseases rather than conventional DNA-breaking gene editing techn… Continue reading ‘Bad’ cholesterol gene silenced without altering the DNA sequence

Men should quit alcohol 3 months before starting a family, study suggests

A study has found that it takes longer than previously thought for the negative effects of alcohol consumption to leave a man’s sperm. Given the link between alcohol and birth defects, the findings are important for potential fathers to factor in when … Continue reading Men should quit alcohol 3 months before starting a family, study suggests

Chemical cocktail offers “potential to reverse aging with a single pill”

Most of us begrudgingly accept aging as a part of life – but maybe we don’t have to. A new study led by scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified chemical cocktails that can restore cells to a more youthful state, paving the way for aging-rev… Continue reading Chemical cocktail offers “potential to reverse aging with a single pill”

Researchers map dog epigenome for the first time

Researchers have successfully mapped the dog epigenome, opening the door to an improved understanding of how environmental factors influence their genetic expression, as well as ours.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTags: Epigenetics, Genome, … Continue reading Researchers map dog epigenome for the first time

Algorithm uses genetic markers to predict diabetic kidney disease

Kidney disease is a common, irreversible complication of diabetes. Researchers have developed an algorithm that uses genetic markers to predict whether a type 2 diabetic will develop kidney disease years in advance, which may provide a way of diagnosin… Continue reading Algorithm uses genetic markers to predict diabetic kidney disease

Epigenetic “reboot” reverses aging in mice and could extend lifespan

Scientists at Harvard Medical School have investigated why we age, and identified a possible way to reverse it. In tests in mice, the team showed that epigenetic “software glitches” drive the symptoms of aging – and a system reboot can reverse them, po… Continue reading Epigenetic “reboot” reverses aging in mice and could extend lifespan

Identical twin study sheds light on how exercise tunes our genes

Our health is guided not only by our genetic blueprint but also by our lifestyle choices and environmental exposures. The study of epigenetics involves looking at what particular markers regulate gene expression.Continue ReadingCategory: Health & W… Continue reading Identical twin study sheds light on how exercise tunes our genes

Existing cancer drug boosts brain genes to improve memory and learning

Researchers at EPFL have found that an existing drug used to treat cancer, among other things, also seems to improve memory. Intriguingly, tests in mice show that the drug works by switching on genes associated with brain plasticity.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading Existing cancer drug boosts brain genes to improve memory and learning

Existing cancer drug boosts brain genes to improve memory and learning

Researchers at EPFL have found that an existing drug used to treat cancer, among other things, also seems to improve memory. Intriguingly, tests in mice show that the drug works by switching on genes associated with brain plasticity.Continue ReadingCat… Continue reading Existing cancer drug boosts brain genes to improve memory and learning

Worms found to share “memories” by swapping RNA to warn of danger

Sharing information is crucial for species to survive, but how do simple lifeforms like worms spread the word? New research from Princeton has found that tiny roundworms can transfer “memories” to their neighbors, and pass them down to their offspring … Continue reading Worms found to share “memories” by swapping RNA to warn of danger