Tag Archives: DNA

Ancient DNA study suggests one thing is to blame for ‘new era of disease’ in humans

Ancient DNA study suggests one thing is to blame for ‘new era of disease’ in humans

More than 37,000 years of infectious diseases in humans have been mapped by scientists, with academics pointing to one particular behaviour from our ancestors as playing a “key role” in their spread. Involving researchers linked to British; Danish; Swedish; German; Italian, and Australian universities, the study saw them analyse DNA from more than 1,300 prehistoric humans dating back as far …

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Brain Abnormality in Modern Humans Linked to Ancient Neanderthal DNA

Brain Abnormality in Modern Humans Linked to Ancient Neanderthal DNA

Significant brain defects known as Chiari malformations could be down the genes some of us have inherited from Neanderthals, according to a new study, causing a mismatch between brain shape and skull shape. The study focuses on Chiari malformation type I (CM-I), where the lower part of the brain extends too far into the spinal cord – typically linked to …

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Ancient DNA reveals 37,000 years of hidden human infections

Ancient DNA reveals 37,000 years of hidden human infections

Using ancient DNA recovered from prehistoric bones and teeth, scientists have built a 37,000‑year timeline of human infections, stretching from the icy mammoth camps of Siberia to medieval graveyards in Denmark. The new genetic map shows how early microbes began shaping human history. The scientists sequenced remains from 1,313 individuals and found genetic traces of 214 different pathogens. These range …

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Researchers tie purring to DNA repetition in domestic cat

Researchers tie purring to DNA repetition in domestic cat

To most cat lovers, the soothing sound of a purr is more than background noise—it’s a soft, rhythmic expression of trust, contentment and connection. But a new study suggests there may be something deeper behind your cat’s purring habits. In fact, the key to that comforting hum might be found in their genes. Researchers from Kyoto University in Japan, publishing …

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How is DNA used to identify victims of mass disasters?

How is DNA used to identify victims of mass disasters?

On June 12, 2025, an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people. The plane was carrying over 33,000 gallons (125,000 liters) of fuel, leading to a massive fire, and several bodies were charred beyond recognition, fragmented or otherwise rendered unrecognizable. To identify the bodies, officials sought DNA samples from the victims’ family members. More than two weeks …

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Experimental treatment for high cholesterol edits DNA in the body to reduce LDL

Experimental treatment for high cholesterol edits DNA in the body to reduce LDL

An experimental gene therapy for high cholesterol is showing promise in clinical trials and inching closer to approval. The treatment, called VERVE-102, is being tested in people with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition that raises the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the “bad” kind — in the blood. It’s also being tested in people with premature coronary …

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