A new study has revealed that the last surviving population of woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island, isolated for 6,000 years, did not go extinct due to genetic reasons. Instead, a sudden and unknown event likely wiped them out, leaving researchers with a new mystery to solve.
From mythical tales to real-life individuals, the fascination with giants has persisted for millennia. While many stories are rooted in folklore, scientific inquiry reveals that gigantism is a complex phenomenon driven by genetic and environmental factors. This article explores the medical conditions responsible for exceptional height, analyzes the historical prevalence of tall individuals, and examines how societal and dietary advancements have influenced human stature over time.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a severe blood disorder affecting millions worldwide, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and India. This article explores the causes, prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and global efforts to combat this debilitating disease.
Researchers have identified a potential genetic link between gorillas’ small genitalia and infertility problems in male humans. Despite their impressive physiques, adult male gorillas have small penises and low sperm count. This is explained by their polygynous mating system, where dominant males monopolize females. Lacking sperm competition, gorillas’ sperm quality has not been subject to evolutionary pressure. The researchers examined gorilla genes that have undergone relaxed purifying selection, uncovering 578 genes that play a role in sperm production in fruit flies. By comparing these genes to data from infertile men, they found 109 genes that were more likely to have loss-of-function mutations in infertile men. These findings suggest a potential genetic basis for male infertility in humans, warranting further research to elucidate the specific roles of these genes.
Papua New Guineans have unique genes that helped them fight off infection, and some of those genes come from our extinct human cousins, the Denisovans. The research also found that highlanders and lowlanders evolved different mutations to help them adapt to their wildly different environments.
Breast cancer survivors face a heightened risk of developing secondary cancers at various sites in their bodies, according to a comprehensive study from the University of Cambridge. The research, published in Lancet Regional Health – Europe, analyzed data on almost 600,000 individuals in England and uncovered the following key findings:
– Compared to the general population, women surviving breast cancer have double the risk of developing cancer in their other breast.
– Risk of endometrial cancer is 87% higher, while the risk of myeloid leukemia and ovarian cancer increases by 58% and 25%, respectively.
– Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 have an 86% higher likelihood of developing a second cancer compared to the general population of the same age, whereas those diagnosed after 50 have a 17% higher risk.
– Women from disadvantaged backgrounds exhibit a 35% higher risk of developing another cancer, particularly lung, kidney, head and neck, bladder, esophageal, and stomach cancers.
– This increased risk among deprived women may be attributed to higher rates of smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption.
The study also revealed that male breast cancer survivors have a remarkably higher risk compared to the general male population: 55 times more likely to develop cancer in their other breast and 58% more likely to develop prostate cancer.
A new study has identified a genetic link between depression and heart disease, potentially paving the way for new treatments that target both conditions. Researchers discovered a ‘gene module’ consisting of 256 co-expressed genes that play a role in the development of both diseases.
National DNA Day, celebrated annually on April 25, commemorates the discovery of DNA’s molecular structure and the subsequent advancements in genetic research. Established in 2003, the day highlights the significance of DNA in understanding our genetic uniqueness and its role in disease diagnosis and treatment. Various events and activities take place worldwide to celebrate DNA Day, including conferences, workshops, and educational programs.
Genes that offer protection against alcoholism and related health issues may also be linked to other conditions such as heart disease and mental health. A study involving over 3.2 million DNA records revealed that certain genetic variations associated with alcohol protection could also impact tobacco use, emotional eating, thyroid disorders, and cancer risks.
A new study challenges the common belief that children are like their parents. The study, published in the journal Psychological Science, found that parents and children are only slightly more likely to have similar temperaments than strangers. The study looked at character traits of parents and adult children, assessing how neurotic, extrovert, open, agreeable, and conscientious they were. The study also looked at siblings as well as “second-degree” relatives including half-siblings and grandparents and grandchildren.
