The hottest Genetics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Obesity and Alzheimer's Disease

Neuro Athletics • 50 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. Obesity during middle age can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other serious health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
  2. Genes associated with obesity, especially those inherited through the maternal lineage, can play a role in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
  3. Understanding the impact of altered adipokines, potential treatments like Ozempic, and the interplay between obesity and Alzheimer's disease is crucial for public health challenges.

The Roche Nanopore Chip

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. The Roche Nanopore Chip provides a lot of information that needs careful examination. It's important to figure out its size and costs.
  2. The sensor module of the chip can be reused over 10 times, which could be cost-effective.
  3. There is a lot of potential in the technology, and understanding it fully will take some time.

The Hunt for the Origin of SARS-CoV-2

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 47 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Tracking animals can lead to expanded intuition and understanding of the natural world
  2. Hunting for SARS-CoV-2 origins involves analyzing genetic traces and research methods
  3. Finding evidence of a potential lab origin for SARS-CoV-2 highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in scientific research

Not MiSeq Beaters

ASeq Newsletter • 65 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Some companies are introducing products to compete with Illumina's MiSeq in the lower end of the sequencing market, but they may not pose a strong challenge.
  2. A recent post on GenomeWeb discussed the emergence of kits and instruments targeting the low-throughput market.
  3. The competition to Illumina's dominance at the lower end of the sequencing market continues to evolve.

Acorn Genetics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Acorn Genetics is working on a new type of DNA sequencing technology. This technology promises to be fast, giving results in just minutes.
  2. The platform aims to be affordable, costing less than $10,000, which could make it accessible to more users.
  3. One of the cool features is that it won’t require any training to use, meaning anyone could operate it easily.
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The PromethION...

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. The PromethION flowcell might have a lower cost of goods sold compared to the MinION. This could be a reason for its continued use despite falling sales of the MinION.
  2. There’s speculation about who is involved in making and designing the PromethION and its costs. Understanding this could shed light on its future.
  3. The author seems to question why Oxford is not considering cancelling the MinION given its declining sales, which shows concern for business decisions.

A story about how AI will transform health

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. AI can analyze personal genomic data and provide tailored health recommendations. This can help people get advice that is more specific to their situation than the average doctor visit.
  2. Using AI tools like GPT-4 allows individuals to access a wide range of research and findings that may not be known to their healthcare provider.
  3. It's important to understand certain medical concepts when interpreting genetic information. Being informed can help you ask the right questions and get the most accurate insights.

The Last Few Years In DNA Sequencing

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. New companies have started making sequencers similar to Illumina's, which is a big step for the market. More choices mean users can find better prices and features.
  2. The quality of data from these new sequencers is almost as good as Illumina's. This could force Illumina to lower its prices to stay competitive.
  3. It looks like Illumina's profits have taken a hit due to this increased competition. It's important to keep an eye on how their financials change going forward.

454.Bio And Reticula

ASeq Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Bio is working on a cheap and simple DNA sequencing platform
  2. Bio and Reticula both use evanescent fields to remove labels near the surface for sequencing
  3. Reticula has been ahead in the technology but patents might expire soon

4 Reads Per Cluster! Simultaneously Paired End-Sequencing!

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Illumina has a method to potentially double their instruments' throughput, but it may come with a slight decrease in accuracy.
  2. By simultaneously reading both the forward and reverse strands, Illumina can achieve four reads per cluster, doubling the throughput.
  3. Implementing the simultaneous paired-end sequencing approach may be challenging without sacrificing accuracy, but it opens up opportunities for increased throughput in the future.

Why Does Cluster Generation Take 5HOURS!?

ASeq Newsletter • 51 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Cluster generation time by Illumina seems to be increasing across various instruments.
  2. Illumina aims to increase cluster template density for smaller clusters and reduced imaging time.
  3. Various patents suggest methods used by Illumina to boost primer density and template density in clusters.

Birth of protein folds and functions in the virome

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. A lot of viral proteins have unique structures, showing there's still much to discover in the viral world. More than half of these proteins are structurally different from anything we've seen before.
  2. Some viral proteins are surprisingly similar to human proteins, which allows viruses to trick our cells. This understanding could lead to new ways to combat viral infections.
  3. Using advanced techniques to study protein structures is really powerful. It can reveal function and relationships that traditional methods might miss, helping us understand viruses better.

GPU peak calling for epigenetics

LatchBio • 11 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Genetics
  1. Peak calling is crucial for analyzing epigenetic data like ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq. It helps scientists identify important regions in the genome related to gene expression and diseases.
  2. The MACS3 algorithm is a common tool used for peak calling but struggles with handling large data volumes efficiently. Improving its implementation with GPUs can speed up analyses significantly.
  3. By using GPUs, researchers have achieved about 15 times faster processing speeds for peak calling, which is vital as more genetic data is generated in the field.

Illumina Constellation, 2x500bp MiSeq i100 Reads

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Illumina might be able to increase its read length to 1Kb, which is a good sign for better sequencing.
  2. There could be a new way to use sequencers where you just add DNA and it handles the library prep itself.
  3. This new method may make Illumina devices more appealing compared to other platforms for various uses.

More Nanopore Nonsense...

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Clive Brown has left Oxford Nanopore, and there are mixed reports about his last day at the company.
  2. Oxford Nanopore attempted to prevent Estonia from acquiring PacBio sequencers for a population sequencing project.
  3. The details of the dispute regarding the sequencers can be found in a public document shared by a user on Discord.

Are We Getting Dumber?

Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology • 31 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. There is a negative correlation between IQ and fertility across the world, suggesting a decline in intelligence over time.
  2. More developed countries show a weaker decline in intelligence compared to less developed nations.
  3. Embryo selection for intelligence could potentially offset the decline in intelligence, especially in wealthier countries.

The Cause of my Mental Illness

Christian Bonanno • 1 HN point • 12 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. The author discovered through genetic testing that they had a homozygous carrier of minor alleles in the Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase gene, affecting their immune system and mental health.
  2. Partial Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase Deficiency can manifest with mild-moderate immune abnormalities in the third decade of life, impacting immune function and typical development.
  3. Having excess GTP due to the gene deficiency could lead to over activation of serotonin and dopamine receptors, potentially causing symptoms of Bipolar Mania and Schizophrenia, and zinc supplementation might help counteract these effects.

The ultra-selfish gene

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Gene editing technology, especially CRISPR/Cas9, offers powerful ways to potentially eliminate malaria by modifying the mosquitoes that spread it. This could save millions of lives.
  2. Selfish genetic elements can alter inheritance patterns within populations, which may allow a single gene edit to spread rapidly through an entire species, potentially causing significant ecological changes.
  3. While gene drives could provide solutions to public health issues, their release carries risks. There’s a need for careful monitoring and potential reversal strategies to prevent unintended consequences.

Illumina Cluster Domination

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Illumina sequencing uses clusters of DNA fragments, which can create issues if not all the fragments are the same.
  2. Unpatterned flowcells may have overlapping clusters leading to ambiguous results.
  3. Patterned flowcells use Exclusion Amplification to prevent cluster overlap and improve sequencing accuracy.

NobleGen

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Noblegen focused on an optical nanopore DNA sequencing method, but they are no longer active. This approach has been attempted multiple times with limited success.
  2. They incorporated a technique where each DNA base is replaced with multiple bases to simplify detection, but there's not much strong evidence that this method works well.
  3. The Noblegen Optipore method showed promise in development, but it was ultimately not adopted, reflecting the challenges in the field of DNA sequencing technology.

Real-Time Multistep Asymmetrical Disassembly of Nucleosomes and Chromatosomes Visualized by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Researchers used a special microscope to watch how nucleosomes and chromatosomes come apart in real-time. This lets us see important details about how these DNA structures change.
  2. The study found that the disassembly process is not symmetrical; some parts come off before others. This shows a new way that DNA is accessed for various functions.
  3. Linker histone H1 plays a big role in how these structures disassemble. When H1 is present, it makes the process slower and changes the way the nucleosomes fall apart.

Always

The Strategy Toolkit • 17 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Finger length ratios can be linked to exposure to testosterone in the womb and may have correlations with autism, left-handedness, dyslexia, and other brain-related traits.
  2. Research into the fetal origins of adult disease suggests that fetuses optimize development for short-term gains, potentially leading to long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
  3. Evidence from studies on animal brains and organs in different dietary environments supports the hypothesis that early life conditions can have lasting impacts on health, with implications for public health strategies.

DNA foundation modeling

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. DNA foundation models are helping scientists analyze and understand the complex patterns in genetic data. They can lead to important discoveries in medicine and biology.
  2. Building these models is tough because DNA sequences are long and complicated. Special techniques are needed to process them efficiently and recognize important details.
  3. While these models have great potential, they need to be tested carefully to avoid mistakes. We also need to think about the ethical implications of using them in research and medicine.

Your self

The Strategy Toolkit • 26 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Data is valuable, but not the only answer - combining mysteries, facts, and numbers leads to better understanding.
  2. Using historical data for predictions can be risky - correlation does not always imply causation.
  3. Human evolution is ongoing - recent studies show an acceleration in mutations due to environmental changes.

Anniversary bonus: A sample from the archives of 2020

The Strategy Toolkit • 26 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Language is a key element that distinguishes humans from other species and plays a vital role in human history.
  2. The study of the survival and extinction of languages over time reveals the impact of demographics, empire-building, and technological change.
  3. Reviving a dying language involves various strategies such as language nests, support from institutions, political action, and technology.

4-S model

The Century of Biology • 27 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Technology is changing our relationship with biology.
  2. A model of read, write, edit helps understand DNA technologies.
  3. Focus on Sequencing, Synthesis, Scale, and Software in genetic technologies.

(Ad-free Video) Jennifer Doudna: Scientist and World Changer

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Jennifer Doudna played a key role in developing CRISPR, a powerful genetic tool that could greatly impact human health and genetics.
  2. Her work highlights the importance of fundamental research in science, which can lead to unexpected and significant advancements.
  3. Discussions around scientific discoveries like CRISPR are crucial as society must consider the ethical responsibilities that come with such powerful tools.

Axial Discovery - Epigenetic theory of aging

Discovery by Axial • 2 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Aging may happen because our cells lose important information about how to function properly over time. This loss makes them age and not work as well.
  2. Scientists have found that it might be possible to reverse this aging by resetting the 'instructions' in our cells. This could make old cells act young again.
  3. There are still big challenges to make this work safely in living beings. We need to figure out how to control the process so it doesn’t cause problems like uncontrolled cell growth.

Genus Plc And Sex Selection

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Genus Plc focuses on agricultural biotech products, particularly in pig and bovine semen.
  2. They offer Intelligen sexing technologies for selecting the sex of offspring in animals.
  3. The use of similar sex selection technologies in humans raises ethical concerns and has varying levels of effectiveness.

How Much Choline Should I Eat? The Genetic Calculator

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jul 19
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. The Genetic Choline Calculator can help determine how much choline you should aim for based on your genetic data.
  2. The calculator considers specific genetic variations related to choline metabolism and folate utilization to provide personalized recommendations.
  3. Utilize the calculator to understand your choline requirements better and explore resources to meet them through diet and supplementation.

Gompertz–Makeham law of mortality

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. The Gompertz-Makeham law of mortality is a mathematical model used to describe age-specific mortality rates in human and other species, crucial in actuarial science and studying aging.
  2. The law was developed by Gompertz with an exponential model showing increased mortality rates with age, later extended by Makeham to include an age-independent mortality term.
  3. While widely used, the Gompertz-Makeham law has limitations, inspiring researchers to propose alternative models to better capture the complexity of mortality patterns, especially at advanced ages.

GPCRs in kidney disease

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Kidney disease, particularly autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD), has been underinvested compared to other conditions like oncology and diabetes.
  2. The development of drugs targeting GPCRs PC-1 and PC-2 in PKD could significantly improve the quality of life for patients by reducing cyst size.
  3. Business models in drug development are shifting towards rare disease candidates like PC-1/2, emphasizing treatments that exceed the current standard of care.

Human Immunology Biosciences

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Human Immunology Biosciences (HI-Bio) is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on precision medicines for immune-mediated diseases, with the aim to target specific cellular drivers of disease with therapeutics.
  2. HI-Bio's assets include felzartamab and HIB210, targeting dysfunctional plasma cells and other immune system components to potentially provide more effective treatments for diseases like membranous nephropathy and IgA nephropathy.
  3. The company utilizes a platform that integrates human genetics, immunophenotyping, data sciences, and therapeutic engineering to advance its clinical pipeline in understanding and addressing immune-mediated diseases.

037: Living With MTHFR

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 59 implied HN points • 12 Aug 17
🏥 Health & Wellness Genetics
  1. MTHFR enzyme affects vital processes like methylation, gene expression, and neurotransmitter metabolism.
  2. Supplementing with methyl-folate is just a small part of managing MTHFR polymorphisms; focus on a diet rich in natural food folate and incorporating choline, creatine, and glycine.
  3. Key tests for MTHFR mutations include measuring homocysteine levels and evaluating plasma methionine, glycine, and sarcosine.

Setting the Scene for Genetic Breakthroughs

Superfluid • 13 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🔬 Science Genetics
  1. Gene therapy has the potential to treat and cure genetic diseases, but it is a complex process requiring expertise in biology and manufacturing.
  2. The gene therapy value chain involves steps like target identification, payload design, delivery vehicle design, translation development, manufacturing, and clinical trials.
  3. Companies are working on breakthroughs in gene therapy technology, such as improving AAV vectors and refining CRISPR-Cas9 systems, but face challenges in experimental processes and data availability.