Personalised prescriptions according to your genetics New genetic risk factor identified for a rare but severe reaction to a poplar type of blood pressure medication.
Nature + nurture = genetic nurture Sequences of our parents’ genes that are not handed down to us can still shape our lives, according to new Icelandic research.
When is genetic diversity lost? How many individuals of a given species are needed to maintain genetic diversity in the long run?
Traumatic childhood experiences pass down to next generation Thousands of Finnish refugee children were evacuated to foster homes in Sweden during WWII. Many of their descendants continue to struggle psychologically with the trauma that caused.
Why are some moose white? Photos of the popular white moose in Sweden’s Värmland County have been spread round the world in social media. Swedish scientists are now trying to find out why the animals are white.
Genetics have remained constant for 8,000 years in world’s melting pot There is surprising genetic stability in one of the world's most culturally diverse regions: the meeting point between Europe and Asia.
Birdsong is genetically coded Nature or nurture? Until now, ornithologists assumed that birds passed on their unique songs predominantly via social learning. But a new Swedish study shows that genetics may be a bigger factor.
Fewer born with genetic predisposition for education A genetic predisposition towards education seems to also be associated with having fewer children, suggests a new study.
Humans and dogs: Is our friendship genetic? Swedish researchers have discovered the genes that make dogs man’s best friend.
Genes shape our social ideological attitudes Genes influence our ideological orientation towards topics such as border controls and attitudes towards religious extremism, but not on economics, shows new research.
Fruit fly urine helps scientists understand coeliac disease Scientists do not know why some people develop coeliac disease. But fruit fly urine could hold some answers.
Immunotherapy does not work for everyone New research reveals why some patients do not benefit from immunotherapy treatments.
New evidence that environmental change can outpace genetic adaptation DNA analyses of a now extinct population of butterflies shows they could not adapt fast enough to habitat loss during the 20th century.
Scientists find gene switch for “bad” fat New study shows that targeting a certain gene can lower fat levels in the blood and reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
When and where did wolves become dogs? Did dogs become domesticated in Southeast Asia or Europe? New study challenges recent research.
Obesity can be passed on through the father’s sperm Overweight men may pass obesity on to the children via their sperm, according to new research.
Crohn's, eczema, and psoriasis have the same genetic cause Diseases like Crohn's, psoriasis, and eczema are all caused by defects in the same genes, reveals new study.
The Black Death has been hiding among us for thousands of years Fossil DNA reveals that the plague is much older than previously suspected. The discovery could shed new light on the evolution of a deadly disease.
Genetics confirm: Migrants brought farming to the Mediterranean Scientists have sequenced the genomes of early farmers from Spain, confirming that they descended from the same group of migrants who brought farming to Northern Europe.
Scientists discover gene to prevent blindness in diabetics Diabetics who carry a specific genetic variant may be protected from a severe eye disease, which can lead to blindness if untreated.
Scientists solve the riddle of eel evolution European and American eels emerged as separate species 3.5 million years ago -- yet they can still breed with each other. Scientists can now tell us how.
Mysterious link between people from South America and Australia Two DNA studies show that South Americans have an unexpected link to indigenous people of Australia and Melanesia, but disagree on how and when the Americas were populated
When did Tibetans have sex with prehistoric humans? Sex with ancient humans enabled the Tibetans to adapt to a life at 4,000 metres above sea level and sheds light on our own evolutionary history.
Nose bacteria can reduce risk of hospital infections Changing the bacterial composition in your nose could combat MRSA and help to avoid infections during surgery.
A new GMO technique that organic farmers will love Genetic engineering of plants can restore characteristics lost through traditional breeding.
Kennewick Man’s genome suggests Native American ancestry New genetic evidence turns existing theories on their head and settles a fierce debate over the remains of a prehistoric man once and for all.
Obesity epidemic is not caused by genes or lifestyle Neither genes nor lifestyle are responsible for widespread obesity. Instead, it may be entirely down to our environment during childhood.
Two birds have cheated scientist for decades Scandinavian scientists have turned the family trees of two birds upside down using genetic analysis.
Killer whales and walruses more closely related to wolves than each other New study shows how some animals ended up looking very similar yet share almost none of the same genetic mutations.
New study strengthens link between genes and obesity Multiple regions in your genome help determine how much you weigh and how fat is distributed in your body.
New research project sets its sights on cure for heart failure Modern medicine can only slow down development of heart failure, but not prevent it. New project aims to change that.
DNA sequencing reveals how tuberculosis epidemic spread Scientists describe how a deadly tuberculosis strain came to ravage the entire world.
Our bodies are riddled with useless genes New study finds abundance of "junk" genes in the human genome.
DNA study: Vikings were plagued by intestinal parasites A study of the remains of a 1,000 year old latrine reveals an unpleasant fact about the Vikings.
Groundbreaking genome sequencings reveal how birds became birds Scientists have sequenced the genomes of 48 different species of birds. Their findings reveal how birds developed, how all bird species are related, and what made them develop special characteristics.
Fatty liver is the new threat to national health A Danish scientist is scrutinising millions of Danish and American genes, looking for an explanation to why increasing number of people are afflicted with fatty liver.
DNA study uncovers ancient ancestor of Europeans A groundbreaking study of fossil genomes reveals that modern Europeans were shaped in a melting pot of immigrants.
Diabetes gene found on Greenland Scientists find genetic variant among Greenlanders that greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes.
ADHD gene found If a specific gene is destroyed, it causes an ADHD-like condition, reveals research on mice. That insight could lead to a better medical treatment, say scientists.
Cancer cells on a mission to the ISS As part of an international project, a Danish professor will soon be sending a batch of thyroid cancer cells out into space. The aim is to figure out why the absence of gravity inhibits the growth of thyroid cancer cells, and to examine the cells’ ability to produce and secrete proteins that can open up new possibilities for cancer treatment.
Computer model to detect prevalent diseases New research aims to make it possible to assess people’s genetic risk for a variety of widespread diseases using a computer model.
Mutant gene protects against type 2 diabetes Scientists have identified genetic mutations that lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 65 percent. Pharmaceutical companies are already looking for ways to develop a drug based on the new discovery.
Junk RNA key to maintaining muscle quality? miRNA, which was once regarded as useless DNA, turns out to be crucial for muscle cell development. Scientists unveil altered expression levels of muscle-specific miRNAs and speculate that this alteration could be one of the underlying mechanisms behind age-related loss of muscle function, revealing possible new perspectives for treatment.
Adults tested for ADHD symptoms in huge study In the largest ever study of ADHD symptoms in adults, 85,000 blood donors will help scientists figure out if the disorder is hereditary.
Stressed foetal cells harbour hope for cancer treatment The body’s cells have a mechanism that helps them attain perfect cell division. Cancer cells also use these mechanisms, but scientists are now trying to prevent them from doing so.
Four new type 2 diabetes risk variants identified Scientists have discovered four previously unreported genetic variants affecting the risk of type 2 diabetes. One of them lowers the risk of developing the disease.
Genes determine effect of diet and exercise Your genetic makeup helps determine how much you get out of dieting and exercising. A researcher now aims to identify the genes that determine the effect that diabetes patients get from diet and exercise.
Study explains why H1N1 flu can cause narcolepsy New study explains why many people were affected by narcolepsy during the swine flu epidemic in 2009. The discovery may lead to improved diagnoses and better treatment.
Hummingbirds can fly with almost no oxygen The hummingbird’s super-fast wing beats are among the most energy-intensive movements in the animal kingdom. Still, the birds can fly 4,000 metres above sea level, where there is very little oxygen. Scientists have now figured out how this is possible.
New asthma susceptibility gene identified Scientists have identified a gene that helps trigger asthma attacks in children. The gene has no effect on asthma in adults. The discovery thus confirms the hypothesis that ‘asthma’ covers a variety of diseases.
Political colour is half genetic New study provides definitive evidence that heritability plays a significant role in the formation of political ideology, regardless of how ideology is measured, the time period or population sampled.
Surviving ash trees help to address evolutionary riddle A pathogenic fungus is killing thousands of European ash trees every year. Danish researchers are now trying to uncover the genetics behind the unknown defence mechanism in ash trees. Not only to save the ash trees, but also to address an evolutionary mystery in trees.
Potato famine genome secrets unlocked Using historical botanical collections, scientists have unlocked the genetic code of potato blight – the disease behind the great Irish Potato Famine. New study shows what made the potato famine so ruthlessly dangerous and why it’s still costing billions to fight it.
Why insects always hide in the dark It is no coincidence that insect larvae always hide away in dark corners. Scientists have now discovered how the larvae know where it’s best to hide away.
Microscopic arms race rages on the seabed The ocean floor contains viruses and bacteria locked in a constant struggle for survival. This has a great effect on the carbon cycle in the ocean and thus also affects how much CO2 is released into the atmosphere.
Adrenal tumours linked to high blood pressure High blood pressure can be caused by adrenal tumors triggering hormone overload.
Childhood obesity gene identified Defects on a special ’satiety gene’ may constitute a rare but important cause of early childhood obesity.
’Allergy genes’ identified Scientists have identified the ten main genes responsible for inherited allergies. The discovery may also reveal the cause of the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes.
Why leprosy is still going strong Scientists have mapped the genome of the bacterium that causes leprosy. The findings reveal why the disease still manages to infect more than 200,000 people every year.
Malaria's deadly grip explained Scientists have identified the protein that the deadliest malaria parasites bind to in humans. Now the way is paved for a malaria vaccine.
Scientists planning global network of diseases Biologists across the world are discussing the possibility of establishing a global database of bacteria, viruses and other biological data.
How bacteria adapt to human hosts Researchers have mapped how bacteria go from living in topsoil to living in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients.
Cause of depression still eludes us, says neuroscientist Almost 500.000 Danes suffer from depression. We don't know why they are sick and we give them medicine to treat symptoms not causes, says neuroscientist.
Seven new genetic causes of obesity identified A comprehensive research project has discovered seven new flaws in the human genome that may cause obesity.
Mathematician discovers possible diabetes cure A new mathematical analysis reveals that a simple boost of the immune system may cure type 1 diabetes. Swedish research confirms the mathematical calculations.
Overlooked life on seabed gorges on fish faeces Bacteria are not the only organisms that feed on dead plankton and fish faeces. The so-called ‘archaea’ also play an important – and hitherto overlooked – role in carbon cycling in the seabed.
Special genes suspected to cause lethal overdose in drug addicts Forensic scientists investigate genes from dead and living drug addicts on suspicion of link between overdose risk and minor variations in the genes.
MRSA: scientists on trail of antibiotic resistance Whole genome sequencing allows researchers to monitor how resistant bacteria travel from humans to humans, animals to humans and from humans to animals.
Three in four chimpanzee species live in European zoos Danish researchers have found three out of the four existing subspecies of chimpanzees in the European zoo population. The chimpanzees can be used to consolidate existing breeding programmes and launch new ones.
Slim and healthy people also get type 2 diabetes Researchers have found a way of dividing type 2 diabetes patients into subgroups. Surprisingly, only one in four patients goes through what is considered the most common course of the disease.
Miscarriages increase risk of serious blood clots Suffering a miscarriage or a stillbirth increases a woman’s risk of clogged arteries around her heart, brain or kidney, says new study. But there’s no cause for panic, says researcher.
Common cold can trigger asthma If a child’s body contains certain genetic variants, a common cold is enough to trigger asthma, new study reveals.
Ancient horse DNA can help us understand evolution Researchers are using ancient horse DNA to study how humans and the environment affect an animal species, genetically and in terms of appearance.
Huge study finds 60 genetic causes of cancer More than 60 parts of the genome can increase a person’s risk of cancer of the breast, prostate and ovaries, according to the largest ever genetic study.
Gene defect causes type 1 diabetes A defect in a certain gene can cause diabetes. This discovery could lead to new and improved treatment for type 1 diabetes patients.
New method for analysing DNA A new technique enables scientists to study genetic differences in cancer cells from the same tumour.
Why tumours become resistant to treatment Scientists have identified three genes that could lead to a new understanding of why cancer cells become highly resistant to treatment.
Genes are regulated by microRNA sponges The discovery of an underlying level of gene regulation in the body’s cells presents new opportunities for treating serious diseases.
