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Genetics
Uncovering a defective sperm epigenome that leads to male infertility
Uncovering a defective sperm epigenome that leads to male infertility
A new mouse model allows researchers to track defective sperm and potentially find ways to correct it.
This genetic variant is underdiagnosed, under-recognized, and deadly
This genetic variant is underdiagnosed, under-recognized, and deadly
A genetic variant which is found in about 3 percent of individuals of African ancestry is a more significant cause of heart failure than previously believed, according to a multi-institution study led by researchers at Penn Medicine.
The view from inside the ‘medical scandal’ of China’s gene-edited babies
The view from inside the ‘medical scandal’ of China’s gene-edited babies
In a Q&A, geneticist Kiran Musunuru describes his unintentional connection to the scientist behind the scandal and the book that came out of the experience.
Reprogramming ant ‘soldiers’
Reprogramming ant ‘soldiers’
A Penn study reveals the epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants, finding that the ants reprogram up to five days after they hatch, while reprogramming was ineffective at the 10-day mark.
Genes play a role in dog breed differences in behavior
Genes play a role in dog breed differences in behavior
Border collies are highly trainable, greyhounds love to chase, and German shepherds make good guard dogs. While the environment plays a role, traits like these are highly heritable. A new study identifies 131 genetic variants associated with breed differences in behavior.
Fruit flies’ microbiomes shape their evolution
Fruit flies’ microbiomes shape their evolution
In just five generations, an altered microbiome can lead to genome-wide evolution in fruit flies, according to new research led by Paul Schmidt and postdoc Seth Rudman of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Is treatment forever? Success of gene therapy for inherited blindness depends on timing
Is treatment forever? Success of gene therapy for inherited blindness depends on timing
An FDA-approved gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited vision disorder with a childhood onset and progressive nature, has improved patients’ sight. But new research underscores the importance of further investigation to halt the progression of the disorder.
A molecular ‘atlas’ of animal development
A molecular ‘atlas’ of animal development
Scientists have studied the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans for decades, making essential contributions to basic science. In the latest milestone, a team uses cutting-edge technology to individually profile the genes expressed in more than 80,000 cells in a developing C. elegans embryo.
Cardiac genetic mutation may not always predict heart disease
Cardiac genetic mutation may not always predict heart disease
Researchers at Penn Medicine and Geisinger find only 5% of patients with a mutation of the TTN gene have dilated cardiomyopathy, despite changes in heart function.
Finding clues to a genetic link to treatment for BRCA1/2 breast cancer patients
Finding clues to a genetic link to treatment for BRCA1/2 breast cancer patients
New research could shape treatment strategies and clinical trial design for patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2-related breast cancers.
In the News
Smithsonian Magazine
Scientists break the rules of reproduction by breeding mice from single-sex parents
The Perelman School of Medicine’s Marisa Bartolomei offered commentary on same-sex reproductive experiments, which have proven easier in bimaternal than bipaternal pairings.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Elizabeth Warren’s DNA test: How reliable is it? A Penn prof explains
Theodore Schurr of the School of Arts and Sciences said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s genetic analysis, which used indigenous DNA samples from Peru, Mexico, and Colombia as reference points, was legitimate due to historical migration patterns.
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