Newly discovered differences in red panda genes reveal there may actually be TWO different species

Newly discovered differences in red panda genes reveal there may actually be TWO different species – and it could affect conservation efforts A new study sheds light on genetic differences between regional red pandas It suggests red pandas in Sichuan and the Hiamalyas may be different species  Findings may also have implications on conservation efforts … Read more

Probiotic drink could combat bugs by ‘blocking DNA molecules that carry antibiotic-resistant genes

How a probiotic drink could combat superbugs: Yakult-like liquid ‘could block DNA molecules that carry antibiotic-resistant genes in bacteria’ Drink is yet to be developed but would target molecules known as plasmids They exist inside bacterial cells and help them to become antibiotic resistant Bacteria use genes carried by plasmids which give resistance to antibiotics  … Read more

How drinking a pint of beer each night really IS in your genes: Scientists find more DNA twists

Drinking too much alcohol may be caused by a gene which makes a pint of beer or glass more pleasurable than it should be, scientists claim. Tens of thousands of people had their genome analysed to investigate whether their DNA affects how much alcohol they consume. Researchers found those who drink a lot – at … Read more

Google’s parent company funds start-up to ‘edit genes to protect against heart disease’

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is now pouring funds into a start-up wants to gene-edit heart disease out of existence using a one-time injection.  Verve Therapeutics hopes to leverage its CEO’s discovery of a gene he believes is linked to lower heart disease risks to ‘fix’ the DNA of people at high risk of heart disease.  … Read more

Don’t blame the baby – stretch marks are in your genes!

Don’t blame the baby – stretch marks are in your genes! Some women are predisposed to scars, study reveals  More than 500 ‘genetic markers’ are linked to stretch marks research shows  Women who suffer with stretch marks have lower amounts of certain proteins   The rate of stretch marks is far higher in women than in … Read more

Insomnia is in our genes, scientists discover

Could a cure for insomnia be in our genes? Difficulty sleeping could be hereditary as scientists discover 47 sections of DNA that determine how easily we nod off Of these 47 genetic sites, 36 had never been identified in previous studies Sleep quality may be related to the release of the feel-good chemical serotonin Those … Read more