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Genomics
One protein’s role in genomic intermingling and T cell development
One protein’s role in genomic intermingling and T cell development
The findings, from a team led by Golnaz Vahedi of Penn Medicine, could have implications for T-cell based immunotherapies for cancer and other conditions.
Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely
Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely
A team from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed genomic data from global populations, including thousands of ethnically diverse Africans, to identify genetic variants that may be associated with clinical COVID-19 outcomes.
A new study finds genome refolding contributes to resistance to cancer therapy
A new study finds genome refolding contributes to resistance to cancer therapy
While gene mutations can lead to drug resistance, researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine have identified an important, non-genetic adaptation that could also drive resistance to targeted therapy in T cell leukemia, a type of blood cell cancer.
‘Encrypted’ peptides could be wellspring of natural antibiotics
‘Encrypted’ peptides could be wellspring of natural antibiotics
An interdisciplinary team of Penn researchers have used a carefully designed algorithm to discover a new suite of antimicrobial peptides, or naturally occurring antibiotics, in the human genome.
Rajan Jain’s unique journey to becoming a physician-scientist
Rajan Jain’s unique journey to becoming a physician-scientist
A physician-scientist, Jain treats patients as a cardiologist in addition to seeking new knowledge about stem cell biology, heart development, and genome organization in his lab.
DNA misfolding in white blood cells increases risk for Type 1 diabetes
DNA misfolding in white blood cells increases risk for Type 1 diabetes
A new Penn Medicine study shows that changes in a DNA sequence may cause chromosomes to misfold in a way that elevates the risk for autoimmune diseases.
New data reveals cell size sparks genome awakening in embryos
New data reveals cell size sparks genome awakening in embryos
An innovative study provides a new perspective on how a zygote transitions from maternal to zygotic control, uncovering how an embryo “recognizes” when to undergo this transition.
How do you find a virus that’s completely unknown?
How do you find a virus that’s completely unknown?
A team of microbiologists and pulmonologists at Penn have scanned genome databases and found a new abundant viral family associated with disease.
The mystery behind cleft palate and lips
The mystery behind cleft palate and lips
New research identifies 100 new risk genes that could lead to the development of cleft lip and palate, combining molecular findings with genome data to find that many of the genes that are highly associated with clefting are located near the enhancer regions that work with a specific protein.
Demystifying genomic technology for veterinary researchers
Demystifying genomic technology for veterinary researchers
The School of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Host-Microbial Interactions helps researchers delving into ‘omics’ to promote animal and human health.
In the News
National Geographic
COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we thought
Frederic Bushman of the Perelman School of Medicine says that many mammalian ACE-2 receptors are proving susceptible to COVID, even if they aren’t a perfect match.
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Nature
Bubonic plague left lingering scars on the human genome
Ziyue Gao of the Perelman School of Medicine comments on the innovative promise of the University of Chicago’s work uncovering the Black Death’s effect on human genetics.
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Science
What now for human genome editing?
The Perelman School of Medicine’s James Wilson discussed possible venues for the scientific oversight of controversial research. The FDA could be a good option, he suggested, but the organization would have to change its confidentiality restrictions to supervise effectively.
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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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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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