Mothers can influence offspring’s height, lifespan and disease risk in unexpected ways – through their mitochondria
Mitochondria - the ‘batteries’ that power our cells – play an unexpected role in common diseases such as type 2 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, concludes a
May 17, 2021 • ~7 min
Nature’s epidural: Genetic variant may explain why some women don’t need pain relief during childbirth
Women who do not need pain relief during childbirth may be carriers of a key genetic variant that acts a natural epidural, say scientists at the University of
July 21, 2020 • ~4 min
COVID-19: genetic network analysis provides ‘snapshot’ of pandemic origins
Study charts the “incipient supernova” of COVID-19 through genetic mutations as it spread from China and Asia to Australia, Europe and North America. Researchers say their methods could be used to help identify undocumented infection sources.
April 9, 2020 • ~6 min
Detailed genetic study provides most comprehensive map of risk to date of breast cancer risk
A major international study of the genetics of breast cancer has identified more than 350 DNA ‘errors’ that increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease. The scientists involved say these errors may influence as many as 190 genes.
Jan. 7, 2020 • ~6 min
Women in STEM: Dr Alexis Braun
Dr Alexis Braun is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Genetics. Here, she tells us about the importance of mentors, how her research might aid in conservation efforts, and how growing up in a First Nations community in Canada spurred her interest in biology.
Sept. 26, 2019 • ~5 min
Genetic variation linked to response to anxiety could inform personalised therapies
A new study in marmoset monkeys suggests that individual variation in genes alters our ability to regulate emotions, providing new insights that could help in the development of personalised therapies to tackle anxiety and depression.
July 1, 2019 • ~5 min
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