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genetics

Study discovers longevity may be down to one particular gene

Study discovers longevity may be down to one particular gene

By Stephen Beech Living to a ripe old age may be down to one particular gene, according to new research. It was already known that a long, healthy lifespan runs from generation to generation in some families. Now Dutch researchers have identified a gene in long-lived families that may

If your parents have allergies, what are the chances you will too?

If your parents have allergies, what are the chances you will too?

If your parents have allergies, what are the chances you will too? When families notice similar allergic reactions appearing across generations, it naturally raises questions about whether allergies run in the family. The answer is both yes and no. While allergies do have a significant genetic component, their inheritance is

Research reveals early Europeans ate creepy crawlies regularly

Research reveals early Europeans ate creepy crawlies regularly

By Stephen Beech Early Europeans ate beetles and other creepy crawlies, according to new research. But the ingestion of bugs was likely by accident, suggests the study. The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, come from a forensic analysis of dental plaque from early humans, dating back up to

Study reveals extinct lion species interbred with its modern cousins

Study reveals extinct lion species interbred with its modern cousins

By Stephen Beech An extinct species oflion once interbred with its modern cousins, suggests a new study. Analysis of multiple genomes from the extinct cave lion has revealed that it represented a "highly distinct" evolutionary lineage, which separated from present-day lions more than a million years ago.

Experts warn vaping alters genes, fruit flavors do most damage

Experts warn vaping alters genes, fruit flavors do most damage

By Stephen Beech Vaping alters thousands of genes — and fruit flavors do the most damage, warns new research. People who vape regularly show altered activity in 3,124 genes across the genome compared with people who do not smoke or vape, according to the study. While some of the changes

Columbia scientists find gene that drives prostate cancer

Columbia scientists find gene that drives prostate cancer

Bby Stephen Beech A breakthrough in treating an aggressive form of prostate cancer could boost survival rates, according to new research. American scientists have identified a gene that drives the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), shows that genetic or

Tiny DNA samples could help crack down on illegal wildlife trafficking

Tiny DNA samples could help crack down on illegal wildlife trafficking

By Stephen Beech Tiny samples of DNA can "pinpoint" hotspots and trade routes of the illegal wildlife trade, reveals new research. Technology could help dismantle lucrative poaching networks, say scientists. Pangolins are among the most poached wildlife, accounting for almost a third of recorded international seizures in recent