genomics research – Page 2

Jul

July 7, 2025

Admin african biobank, genomics research, molecular testing, myafrodna, paternity testing

Invasive Malaria Mosquito An. stephensi Detected in Niger Raising Alarm for Sahel-wide Spread

For the first time, researchers have detected the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito in Gayi, a rural area in southern Niger Republic — a country already grappling with one of the world’s highest malaria mortality rates.
Genetic analysis confirmed its presence alongside native malaria vectors such as An. gambiae s.s., An. coluzzii, and An. arabiensis. The coexistence of these species has resulted in elevated biting and transmission rates, aligning with the surge in malaria cases reported in 2024.

Experts warn that without immediate investment in robust surveillance, targeted vector control, and regional collaboration, An. stephensi could spread rapidly across the Sahel and beyond. Its presence poses a serious threat to malaria control efforts, especially in vulnerable regions bordering Niger. Urgent action is needed to contain its spread and mitigate its public health impact across Africa.

Learn more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07389-5

Jul

July 5, 2025

Admin african biobank, Gene editing, genomics research

New Hope in The Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

After years of stalled progress, the fight against antibiotic resistance is gaining momentum. Scientists are now exploring new ways to treat infections without relying solely on traditional antibiotics, a major shift that could reshape how we manage bacterial diseases worldwide.

Thanks to support from organizations like CARB-X and GARDP, researchers are pushing forward alternatives that were once considered too risky or radical. These include therapies like bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria), enzymes called lysins that break down bacterial walls, and even treatments that adjust the body’s natural microbiome.

Some scientists are testing immune-based approaches and CRISPR technology to target bacteria more precisely. These ideas are still early in development, but the growing investment and interest show a renewed belief that we don’t have to stay trapped in the old cycle of resistance.
The hope is that these innovative treatments, along with better diagnostic tools and smarter trial designs, could one day offer safer, more sustainable ways to fight deadly infections, especially as antibiotic resistance continues to rise.

This shift marks a new chapter in global health, where innovation may finally help turn the tide against superbugs.
Learn more here.

Jun

June 9, 2025

Admin african biobank, genomics research

New Study Uncovers a Reversible Mechanism in TB Bacteria

New research from the University of Surrey and the University of Oxford has uncovered a reversible mechanism in TB bacteria that may explain why the disease is so hard to treat.

The study shows that Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses a process called ADP-ribosylation to tag its DNA, allowing it to pause or resume growth—a possible survival tactic against antibiotics and immune attacks. The enzymes DarT and DarG act like a molecular switch: DarT adds the tag and halts replication, while DarG removes it to restart bacterial growth.

This discovery marks the first time DNA modification has been shown to control gene expression and replication in any organism.

By manipulating this system using CRISPRi and ADPr-Seq, scientists were able to track how these tags affect gene activity and cell division, offering a new target for drug development, especially against dormant or slow-growing TB cells. With over 1.25 million deaths annually, breakthroughs like this could reshape how we treat one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Learn more here.

May

May 12, 2025

Admin african biobank, african genomes, cancer research, genomics research

New Study Sheds Light on Breast Cancer Risk Genes in South African Women

A new landmark genetic study has uncovered important insights into breast cancer risk among South African women. The research, led by a collaborative team of scientists and published in Nature, used genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to explore genetic variants linked to breast cancer in this historically underrepresented population.

By analyzing over 3,500 participants (including 2,485 breast cancer cases), the study identified two significant risk loci—one between the UNC13C and RAB27A genes on chromosome 15, and another within the USP22 gene on chromosome 17. These findings mark the first time these regions have been linked to breast cancer in African populations.

Interestingly, the study also found that polygenic risk scores (PRS) developed from European ancestry datasets poorly predicted risk in this group—explaining less than 1% of the variance. This underlines a growing call in the genomics community: the need for African-specific data to create more accurate and equitable tools for disease prediction and prevention.

Ultimately, this research reinforces the importance of diversity in genomic studies and highlights how African biobanks and community-centered research can reshape global health outcomes.

Want to dive deeper into this research?
Read the full article here:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58789-0

Apr

April 12, 2025

Admin genomics research

RNA Editing and the Future of Medicine

Could RNA Editing Be the Future of Medicine? New Study Reveals HowResearchers at Rice University have uncovered new insights into ADAR1, a crucial enzyme that modifies RNA to regulate immune responses.

Their study reveals how ADAR1 prevents unnecessary immune activation by converting adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA. By analyzing the enzyme’s biochemical and structural properties, scientists discovered that its editing activity depends on RNA sequence, duplex length, and nearby mismatches, shedding light on how mutations in ADAR1 contribute to autoimmune diseases and cancer.The findings suggest that defects in ADAR1’s function may lead to abnormal immune signaling, increasing the risk of inflammatory disorders and tumor development.

By studying disease-related mutations, researchers demonstrated that certain genetic changes impair the enzyme’s ability to edit short RNA sequences, potentially disrupting immune regulation. High-resolution structural models provided a clearer understanding of how ADAR1 interacts with RNA, paving the way for targeted drug development.This breakthrough could open new avenues for RNA-based therapies, including treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy. By modulating ADAR1 activity, scientists hope to develop precision medicine approaches that fine-tune immune responses. While further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications, the study provides a strong foundation for designing therapies that harness RNA editing to treat complex diseases.

Learn more here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317163518.htm

Feb

February 10, 2025

Admin dna, Genome sequencing, genomics research

DNA Damage,Mutation and Cancer

DNA Damages Found to Last Unrepaired for Years, Leading to Mutations that Cause Cancer

This research brings our minds back to the fact that cells in our body can develop somatic mutations as a result of accumulated genetic errors in the genome. This is mostly caused by environmental exposures and other chemical reactions that occur in our cells.

This reveals that wrong copies of a genetic sequence can occur because of DNA Damage. However, there are repair mechanisms within our cells that usually recognize and mend the DNA damage quickly. by repair mechanisms in our cells. The sad part is that these DNA Damages can last unrepaired for years which brings about permanent mutations that lead to the development of various kinds of cancers.

This research reveals a better way science can think about mutations, and understand the development of various cancers. With a proper understanding of mutations leading to cancer, researchers can invent better strategies to slow or completely eradicate them.

Read the full research here.

Oct

October 23, 2024

Admin african biobank, genomics research, malaria

Egypt’s Victory Over Malaria: A Model for Africa’s Health Future

In a historic achievement, Egypt has been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This milestone is a testament to the country's unwavering commitment to combating the disease.

For decades, Egypt fought tirelessly to eliminate malaria. The country's success story began with robust surveillance, research, and community engagement. Strategic partnerships and investments in healthcare infrastructure also played a crucial role.

This achievement has far-reaching implications for Africa. Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the continent. Egypt's victory demonstrates that with collective effort, African countries can overcome this challenge.

At MyAfroDNA, we're inspired by Egypt's triumph. Our mission is to bridge the gap in genetic research, promote health equity, and advance medical breakthroughs for African populations.

We believe that collaborative research, innovation, and community engagement are key to tackling Africa's health challenges.

Join the Fight Against Diseases in Africa. If you share our vision, partner with us to:

Advance precision medicine for African populations

Foster inclusive research practices

Drive health equity

Let's work together to create a healthier Africa.

Learn more about Egypt's milestone in combating malaria.

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Diversifying Translational and Genomics Research

Tag Archives: genomics research