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Science on Target: Q2 2026 Research Spotlight
Basic Biology Consortium breaks new ground in ALS In 2022, Target ALS awarded funding to Drs. Jonathan Cooper-Knock (University of Sheffield, project lead) and Michael Snyder (Stanford University), along with fellow consortium members Drs. Ophir Shalem (University of Pennsylvania) and Eran Hornstein (Weizmann Institute), for their project “Exploring the landscape of ALS genetics with machine […]
Ancient DNA reveals the mysterious collapse of Europe's megalith builders
DNA from a 5,000-year-old French megalithic tomb reveals that the people buried before and after a population collapse were genetically unrelated, pointing to a major migration after a devastating crisis. The shift coincided with new social traditions and the disappearance of the communities that built Europe's giant stone monuments.
This toad exists only in Canada—and scientists have finally discovered why
Scientists have identified something that may be even more uniquely Canadian than the beaver or moose: a genetically distinct western toad population found only in Canada. The discovery, made by researchers from the University of Ottawa, points to a rare and previously unrecognized group of toads living in the Canadian Rockies and raises fresh questions about conservation, biodiversity, and how much wildlife still remains to be fully understood.
DNA My Dog Expands Product Suite With Launch of New Health and Trait Test, Building on 18-Year Foundation in Canine Genetic Testing
TORONTO, July 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DNA My Dog, a pioneer in consumer canine genetic testing, today announced the commercial launch of it...
Ancient cave paintings can harbor human DNA for millennia, scientists find
The breakthrough could reveal previously hidden ancient human activity inside caves, acting as ‘genetic archives’
Viewpoint: The dangerous influence of ‘woke’ post-modernism in science
rom an article in Science magazine by journalist Rachael Zamzow, we learn that many social scientists believe that a published paper should
AB Science reports completion of the step 3 of phase 1, evaluating the combination of AB8939 with venetoclax for the treatment of refractory or relapsed AML
PRESS RELEASE AB SCIENCE REPORTS COMPLETION OF THE STEP 3 OF PHASE 1, EVALUATING THE COMBINATION OF AB8939 WITH VENETOCLAX FOR THE TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY OR RELAPSED ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA THE COMBINATION OF AB8939 WITH VENETOCLAX GENERATED A 67% OVERALL RESPONSE RATE (ORR) AND A 100% DISEASE CONTROL RATE (DCR), WITH NO DOSE-LIMITING TOXICITIES (DLT) OBSERVED, IN A POOR-PROGNOSIS POPULATION WITH ADVERSE GENETICS TREATED IN THE SECOND - TO FOURTH-LINE RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY SETTING Paris, June 2
Bacteria-killing viruses redirect vaccine immunity to destroy cancer
Phages, viruses that infect bacteria, could be genetically manipulated to destroy cancerous cells using the immunity we have acquired from vaccines
20 everyday habits that affect your heart health
Cardiovascular disease is the world's leading cause of death — and most of its risk factors are behavioral, not genetic. These are the daily habits that matter most
Think 8 Hours of Sleep Is the Best for Your Cognitive Health? A New Study Suggests Otherwise
Research reveals a hidden genetic link that dictates exactly how your nighttime routine impacts your brain.
New DNA study of Neanderthals bolsters suspicions of human-driven extinction
Analysis of 27 genomes reveals more diverse, better-connected populations and challenges the idea that genetic decline caused their disappearance
This is the real reason your cat purrs—and it’s not what you think - Futura-Sciences
The Genetic Mystery Behind the Purr If you thought your cat’s purr was just an automatic sound of happiness—like you sighing with satisfaction after a good meal—science begs to differ. Researchers from Kyoto University’s Wildlife Research Center in Japan have identified, for the first time, genetic underpinnings to this ancient...
Why South Africa’s leopards shrank to half their normal size
A hidden population of South African leopards has revealed a remarkable evolutionary story. Researchers analyzing entire leopard genomes discovered that the Cape Floristic Region’s leopards are not only much smaller than most African leopards, but also genetically distinct after being isolated for roughly 20,000 years. Surprisingly, despite their small population, they have retained much of their genetic diversity.
Hidden bird species discovered in Japan after DNA reveals a stunning secret
A bird long thought to be a single rare species in Japan has turned out to be two. Scientists discovered that the elusive Ijima’s Leaf Warbler and a newly identified Tokara Leaf Warbler look almost identical, but their DNA and songs reveal they are distinct species. The finding marks Japan’s first new bird species discovery in more than 40 years and highlights how modern genetic tools are uncovering hidden biodiversity that would otherwise go unnoticed.
A leader in the study of longevity is returning to UCLA Health
Dr. Steve Horvath, a leader in the study of longevity and developer of the epigenetic clock, is returning to UCLA Health.
Long-lived families reveal a rare genetic clue to healthy aging
A study of long-lived families has identified rare genetic variants that may help people stay healthier for much longer as they age. One standout mutation appears to temper inflammation, potentially delaying disease and extending years of healthy living.
Long-lived families reveal a rare genetic clue to healthy aging
A study of long-lived families has identified rare genetic variants that may help people stay healthier for much longer as they age. One standout mutation appears to temper inflammation, potentially delaying disease and extending years of healthy living.
Scientists discover neurons must break their DNA to build the brain
As newborn neurons make their way through the developing brain, they must squeeze through incredibly tight spaces to reach their final destinations. Researchers discovered that this physical journey routinely causes some of the most severe forms of DNA damage—double-strand breaks—yet the young brain has evolved an impressive ability to repair the damage almost immediately.
This DNA repair gene went rogue and exposed a cancer weakness
Scientists have discovered that a gene normally considered a DNA-protecting "good guy" can become dangerous when cells make too much of it. The gene, EXO1, acts like molecular scissors that help repair DNA, but when overproduced it starts cutting DNA it shouldn't, creating damage linked to cancer.
Scott Lowe, researcher: ‘Governments must fund science. Pharmaceutical companies want to help, but they also want to make money’
The geneticist speaks with EL PAÍS about the advances and challenges in the field of cancer research
DNA time stamps reveal the strawberry’s surprising origins
Researchers have created a new way to reconstruct the evolutionary history of complex plant genomes by analyzing genetic traces left by transposable elements. The technique revealed that modern strawberries were assembled through multiple ancient genome-merging events, shedding new light on how major crop species evolved.
How New York’s ‘Essential Plan’ insurance coverage cuts are forcing impossible choices
Actor Olivia Killingsworth has a life-threatening genetic condition. She’s one of thousands of New Yorkers facing tough decisions as ‘Essential Plan’ health coverage plan comes to an end.
Study identifies genetic cause for rare skin condition, points to new therapeutic option
The research highlights the value of studying rare genetic diseases to uncover fundamental immunological mechanisms.
Metro Atlanta business owner pleads guilty to Medicaid Fraud, fake genetic testing services
Now convicted, the business owner will have to pay restitution and serve a 10-year sentence.
Not all redheads have freckles: scientists reveal surprising genetic truth - Futura-Sciences
Redhead myths: what’s science and what’s just legend? First, a reality check: redheads are rare. Very rare, in fact. It’s estimated they make up just 1 to 2% of the world’s population. You’ll spot the highest numbers mostly in Scotland and Ireland, but also in pockets across Northern Europe. This...
Ancient DNA shared with Neanderthals may explain human language
A tiny set of ancient genetic “switches” may have played a surprisingly large role in making human language possible. Researchers found that these DNA regions, which act like volume controls for genes involved in brain development, have an outsized influence on language ability despite making up less than 0.1% of the genome.
Using AI for medical advice; pelvic floor exercises; the hidden dangers of burning incense; plus other stories with Vanderbilt Health sources
Colin Walsh, MD,Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics, was on WTVF News Channel 5‘s “Morningline” show in an interview about whether or not it is safe to use AI for medical advice. Time magazine reporter Stacey Colino interviewed Elisabeth Sebesta, MD, Assistant Professor of Urology, for a story about pelvic floor exercises for issues including menopause, erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence in men. “Each Breath,” published by the American Lung Association, quoted Brian Christman, MD, Adjunct Professor of Medicine, for a story about the hidden dangers of burning incense. William Schaffner, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine, was quoted by several news outlets about public health issues, including: Healthline (low vaccination rates lead to more cases of measles, whooping cough and other preventable diseases); ABC News (U.S. measles cases surpass 2,000 for second year in a row); and CIDRAP News (high-dose flu shots cut rates of hospitalization in older adults). Sarah Rohde, MD, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, was quoted in a People magazine story on patient Makalii Andrade, a surfer from Kauai Island who suffered a serious neck injury in 2022 and recently underwent surgery at Vanderbilt Health to begin the final phase of his recovery. James Crowe, MD, Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics, for a piece in Nature about antibodies against a strain of Ebola. SFGATE reporter Gillian Mohney interviewed Xue Zhong, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Division of Genetic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, for a story about a study of a blood test looking at Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers. Matthew Franklin Mart, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, was quoted in a Healio story about how inflammation and illness severity is linked to less cognitive resilience after a person has been an ICU patient. The “How We Really Feel” podcast host Sula Windgassen, PhD, interviewed Lindsey C. McKernan, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Urology, for an episode focusing on pelvic and bladder health. The podcast is also available on YouTube and the podcast website. In addition, podcaster Monica Sanford interviewed cardiologist Mark Glazer, MD, for her podcast “The Monica Sanford Show”; the two-part interview is here and here.
The Researcher Who Decided Not to Know
Her decades of work on Huntington’s disease helped lead to the creation of a genetic test for the devastating condition. Why didn’t she take it herself?
Genetically modified worms can now produce and deliver drugs inside a living body, scientists say
In a proof-of-concept lab experiment, scientists demonstrated that intestinal parasites could make and release therapeutic agents inside a living host.
Vanderbilt Health and UAB partner to help more clinicians use genomic medicine in everyday care
The project will create a genomic eConsult service that allows clinicians to ask practical questions about genetic testing and interpretation.
Diabetes drug could slash risk of fatal heart condition in one group, scientists reveal
A diabetes drug called dapagliflozin may help prevent heart failure in people with genetic variants linked to cardiomyopathy, a new study finds.
Scientists Unethically Experiment On the Unborn to Improve Gene Editing Techniques, Bioethicist Says
Genetic researchers are experimenting on unborn children in trials that could have been done on animal embryos, according to one bioethicist.
Your DNA is changing all the time. Here’s why
We tend to think of the DNA strands that contain our genetic code as consistent, stable units. But in reality, the cells that make up our bodies are constantly replicating and changing. Even as you read this sentence, in fact, the genes within your cells are mutating. So, what causes these mutations and what’s the impact? Science writer Roxanne Khamsi examines the answers in her new book, Beyond Inheritance. Today on the show, she gets into how scientists examine these mutations, how they’ve shifted our understanding of disease and what the future of genetic therapy could entail.Interested in more biological and life sciences? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Aging Matters: Colorado scientist’s discovery of a gene for longevity was a ‘game-changer’
Tom Johnson passed away this year at the age of 77. He was known as “the father of genetic gerontology.”
WEEKEND READ: Confronting rare challenges through science, regulation
A family in Travis County is racing to save their baby from an ultra-rare genetic disease, while two New World screwworm cases have been confirmed in Texas, and the legality of owning human bones.
What scientists just uncovered about Neanderthals rewrites everything we thought we knew - Futura-Sciences
How did Neanderthals appear—and disappear? “How did Neanderthals appear? And how did they disappear?” To this day, these remain two of the big, unanswered mysteries in human evolution. For both questions, scientists have long suspected that a drop in genetic diversity may have played a role. Thanks to the study...
Scientists discover why ozempic may not work for some people
Scientists have identified genetic variants that may make some people less responsive to GLP-1 drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Roughly 10% of the population carries these variants, which appear to cause a mysterious form of "GLP-1 resistance." In several clinical trials, carriers were significantly less likely to reach healthy blood sugar targets while taking GLP-1 medications.
Scientists discover the master clock that controls biological growth and development
A newly discovered genetic clock acts as the master timekeeper for development, orchestrating crucial bursts of gene activity throughout a worm’s growth. When the clock is disrupted, development stops, offering fresh clues about how growth-related disorders may arise.
Integrating citizen science with experimental data uncovers how switchgrass adapts flowering by region
In its native habitat, switchgrass flowered earlier when growing farther north. In experiments with diverse genetic samples, it flowered earlier in the south.
A science powerhouse bets on genetic therapy to beat brain disorders
The Allen Institute in Seattle says scientists have now learned enough about how the brain works to start fixing it when it breaks.
A science powerhouse bets on genetic therapy to beat brain disorders
The Allen Institute in Seattle says scientists have now learned enough about how the brain works to start fixing it when it breaks.
A science powerhouse bets on genetic therapy to beat brain disorders
After spending two decades studying how the brain works, a huge team of scientists in Seattle is preparing to focus on treating brain diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, using gene therapy.
RRH marks one year of free genetic screening program that identifies health risks
13WHAM ABC Rochester provides local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, health reports, notices of events and items of interest in the community, local sports and entertainment programming for Rochester and nearby towns and communities including Greece, Victor, Pittsford, Penfield, Henrietta, Webster, Irondequoit, Fairport, Chili, Gates, Rush, Wheatland, Canandaigua, Farmington, Spencerport and Hilton.
Scientists deploy experimental corals to Dry Tortugas to test introduction of new genetic diversity
The new corals are also intended to increase heat tolerance in Florida’s depleted elkhorn corals.
Scientists discover inherited traits that break Mendel’s Laws of genetics
A major mouse study found that some inherited traits are passed down through epigenetic changes that break the classic rules of genetics. Researchers discovered hundreds of cases where these chemical DNA marks behaved unexpectedly, including some that seemed to emerge out of nowhere. They also identified the first known naturally occurring paramutation in a mammal, hinting that environmental influences may play a larger role in inheritance than scientists realized.
Protein traffic jams may explain aging, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s
Scientists at Stanford may have uncovered a hidden reason our brains decline with age. Studying the ultra-short-lived turquoise killifish, researchers discovered that the cellular machinery responsible for building proteins begins to jam and malfunction over time. Tiny structures called ribosomes start colliding and stalling while reading genetic instructions, triggering a chain reaction that leads to faulty proteins and harmful clumps linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Scientists say evolution may work differently than we thought
A major research study is challenging one of evolution’s most influential ideas: that most genetic changes that become permanent are essentially neutral. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that beneficial mutations are actually far more common than scientists have long assumed. The puzzle is that these advantageous mutations rarely spread through entire populations. Their answer? Nature keeps changing the rules.
Hidden in plain sight: DNA reveals 15 overlooked coral lineages in the Indo-Pacific
Scientists have discovered that one of the ocean's most recognizable corals, the iconic “organ pipe coral” — long believed to be a single widespread species — includes at least 15 genetically distinct lineages. Two of these lineages are currently known only from the Red Sea. The findings, publish
Vanderbilt Health-led team wins NIH Replication Prize for biobank data quality tool
The team measures how reliably data in large DNA biobanks reproduces previously published genetic findings.
The Romans and Vikings left few genetic traces of their occupations of Britain, research suggests
Despite their occupations of Britain, the Romans and Vikings didn't leave much of a genetic mark on Britons. The Anglo-Saxons, though, were a different story.
Nanoparticles genetically modify several human cell types
In a demonstration that helps pave the way for gene therapies with fewer side effects, several human cell types were genetically modified with protein nanoparticles designed at University of Michigan Engineering and Michigan Medicine.
Science Learning Center changes name, recognizes Dr Louisa Stark
This past Memorial Day Weekend, the Genetic Science Learning Center formally announced a name change. “For our new name, we needed something that reflected the breadth of our work, extending from genetics and healthcare to all realms of science,” keynote speaker Kagan Breitenbach told the audience.“Second, we wanted a name to reflect our legacy...
'We can identify these really early, before the clinical diagnosis': Epigenetic markers may help explain why Native Hawaiians are aging faster
Live Science spoke with Alika Maunakea, an Native Hawaiian epigeneticist, about how epigenetics underpins health disparities between Native Hawaiians and others in Hawaii.
Scientists discover hidden liver switch that cuts harmful cholesterol
Scientists at UT Southwestern have uncovered a surprising new “master switch” that helps control how much cholesterol the liver sends into the bloodstream. The newly identified protein, HELZ2, works by shutting down the genetic instructions needed to produce apoB — a key building block of the cholesterol-carrying particles linked to clogged arteries and heart disease.
Scientists say house cats could help unlock new cancer treatments for humans
Scientists have cracked open the “black box” of feline cancer in a landmark study that genetically analyzed nearly 500 cat tumors from around the world. The research uncovered striking similarities between cancers in cats, dogs, and humans — including shared cancer-driving genes tied to aggressive breast cancers.
Coral reefs may be more connected - and more resilient
Coral reefs may be more connected than scientists thought, with coral larvae drifting vast distances to spread genetic diversity.
Scientists Found the Biggest Factor in How Long You’ll Live. There’s Not Much You Can Do About It.
Genetics were thought to play only a secondary role in determining lifespan—turns out, it’s quite the opposite.
Scientists discover hidden weakness shared by hundreds of cancer mutations
Scientists have unveiled a powerful new tool called PerturbFate that could change how researchers tackle diseases driven by huge numbers of genetic mutations, including cancer and Alzheimer’s. Instead of trying to target every faulty gene individually, the system tracks how different mutations reshape cells over time and identifies the hidden “control hubs” where those pathways converge.
Oxford Population Health: Global study of HIV variants underscores challenges for vaccine development
The largest-ever study mapping genetic variants of HIV-1 around the world shows the regional distribution of different subtypes of the virus continues to evolve.
Transforming our future by unlocking the power of DNA: the representation of health-related genomic testing in UK news items
European Journal of Human Genetics - Transforming our future by unlocking the power of DNA: the representation of health-related genomic testing in UK news items
Scientists Discovered A Population Developed a Genetic Superpower—Thanks to Potatoes
A new DNA study found that Peruvian Andeans possess a high number of salivary amylase genes, or AMY1, for digesting starchy foods like the native potato.
URI Plant Sciences Student Gains Research Experience in Crop Genetics
Through lab research, fieldwork, and close faculty mentorship, Abby Harlow is discovering how plant sciences can address real-world agricultural challenges.
Curiosity Guides 2026 Keller Award Winners
Doctoral graduates Anna Yaschenko and Junjian Wang knew early on that genetics would be part of their future. In NC State labs, their innovative research earned them recognition as the 2026 recipients of the Kenneth R. Keller Research Award.
Bird and Human Faces Share the Same Genetic Blueprint. Why Do They Look So Different?
Changes in non-coding DNA sequences make all the difference.
AI piplines correctly identify genetic basis for disease
Large language models use reasoning capabilities to identify new genetic factors causing disease - even without any medical training.
Scientists reveal more than 1.3 million people may share DNA with Maryland’s earliest colonists
According to new findings by researchers from Harvard University, there could be more than one million three hundred thousand individuals living today who share their genetic material with some of the original colonists of Maryland in the United States, as shown in an innovative genetic study titled ‘The genetic legacy of the 17th-century colonial capital of St. Mary’s City’ in Current Biology.
Scientists Discover Ancient “Language Switches” Hidden in Human DNA
Researchers have identified tiny genetic “switches” that appear to play a surprisingly large role in human language ability.
FDA Blocked Melanoma Drug as Confusion Reigned Under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
Community Celebrations During Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global
Pokémon GO’s 10th anniversary brings with it the debut of the Genetic Pokémon, Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, in Super Mega Raid Battles. Trainers will need as many fellow Trainers as possible to successfully face these powerful Raid Bosses. To celebrate 10 years of Pokémon GO, for the first time, Pokémon GO Fest […]
Craig Venter obituary
Pioneering and controversial geneticist who was one of the first to sequence the human genome, in part by using his own DNA
In Science, Research Links Genetic Variations in Virus from Wastewater with Community Transmission
New findings have wide-ranging implications for improvements in the detection and monitoring of a host of communicable diseases.
Scientists say a daily multivitamin may help slow aging
A daily multivitamin may help slow biological aging, according to researchers studying older adults in a large clinical trial. After two years, participants taking multivitamins showed slower aging in several DNA-based “epigenetic clocks,” with the effect equal to about four months less biological aging. People who started out biologically older than their actual age appeared to benefit the most. The findings hint that a simple supplement could play a role in healthier aging.
Time matters: circadian genetics and the molecular logic of human health and disease
Nature Reviews Genetics - The circadian clock controls transcriptional and signalling networks across tissues to maintain homeostasis, with pathological consequences to its disruption. Kuo et al....
Routine testing is needed to locate patients who may not benefit from clopidogrel
Up to 30% of U.S. patients carry genetic variations that reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel, an antiplatelet medication sold under the brand name Plavix.
Gala celebrates education innovator and U science education center
U’s Genetic Science Learning Center celebrates more than 30 years.
Homo erectus genetic material sequenced for the first time, and it shows 'deep genetic links' with modern humans
A new study of six Homo erectus individuals from China reveals one amino acid variant that distinguished this archaic human from all other human lineages and one that it passed on to modern humans via Denisovans.
Scientists Found the DNA ‘Switch’ That Made Us Human
DNA methylation plays an important role in separating us genetically from our closest relatives.
Looking to DNA for answers as climate change outpaces California wildlife's ability to evolve
Ecosystems are not being able to adapt as quickly as the climate is changing. Scientists are turning to genetic work to guide restoration
New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development
Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Helmholtz Munich have developed RegVelo, a new AI framework that predicts how cells acquire their identities and identifies the genetic regulators guiding those changes. Published in Cell, the study used zebrafish neural crest development to show RegVelo can uncover early drivers of cell fate, including regulators of pigment cell formation, and then support those predictions experimentally. The researchers also applied the framework across multiple biological systems, suggesting its value extends beyond neural crest cells as a broadly useful tool for studying how cells change over time. The team says the new model could pave the way for future cell therapy treatments.
Scientists Were Studying Buttefly Wings—and Found a 120 Million-Year-Old Evolutionary Pattern
A genetic “cheat sheet” allows different species to display the same warning patterns.
Opinion | We’re Thinking About Mental Health Diagnoses All Wrong
Neither genetics nor brain scans can distinguish a person with depression, A.D.H.D. or autism from one without.
Scientists have unraveled the details of how plants clone themselves
Scientists found the genetic switch - the GEMMIFER gene - behind asexual reproduction, or cloning, in plants.
Shocking link uncovered: chemicals in plastics tied to breast cancer rise in young women - Futura-Sciences
Well-Known Risks—and Some Under the Radar These days, we have a pretty clear idea of the main risk factors for breast cancer: Older age Family history of breast or ovarian cancer Genetic predisposition Alcohol consumption Smoking Being overweight Lack of physical activity But that’s not the whole story. Other potential...
Scientists successfully transfer longevity gene and extend lifespan
Scientists at the University of Rochester pulled off a remarkable experiment: they transferred a longevity-related gene from the famously long-lived naked mole rat into mice, and the mice ended up healthier and lived longer. The special gene boosts production of a substance called high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which appears to protect against cancer, reduce inflammation, and support healthier aging. The modified mice showed stronger resistance to tumors, healthier guts, and lower levels of age-related inflammation.
The National Academy of Sciences Elects Two Berkeley Lab Researchers
Two Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) scientists have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. They are part of a cohort of 120 new members and 25 international members. The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, and — alongside the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine — provides science, engineering, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations. The 2026 electees bring the total number of active members to 2,705 with 557 international members. Gary Karpen is a biologist senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Biological Systems and Engineering Division and a Professor of Cell and Developmental Physiology in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. Karpen studies how the structure, organization, and maintenance of genetic material impact inheritance and cell function. His lab focuses on chromatin — a packaged form of DNA strands wrapped around proteins that comprises our chromosomes — with a particular emphasis on centromeres, rarely expressed sequences called heterochromatin, DNA repair, and regulatory RNAs. His research reveals insights into fundamental aspects of nuclear organization and genome regulation that are shared across the tree of life, broadening our understanding of cancer and other diseases, birth defects, and aging. Kam-Biu Luk is a Professor Emeritus of physics at UC Berkeley and a retired senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Physics Division. He is an experimental particle physicist whose research has focused on neutrinos: nearly massless, electrically neutral elementary particles that can pass through matter virtually undetected. Neutrinos are created during radioactive decay processes, including the fusion process occurring in stars and the fission process that powers nuclear reactors. Luk initiated and co-led the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment, a project based in China with more than 200 international collaborators. In 2012, the Daya Bay experiment discovered a new form of a phenomenon called “neutrino oscillation” in which neutrinos change from one type to another. For this discovery, Luk and his collaborator Yifan Wang received the 2014 American Physical Society Division of Particles and Fields W.K.H. Panofsky Prize for outstanding work in experimental particle physics, and he was also the co-recipient of the 2016 Breakthrough Prize. Luk is currently participating in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) hosted by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, which will investigate any potential difference in behavior between neutrinos and antineutrinos that may shed light on the evolution of the universe, especially why antimatter is absent in the present universe. ### Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is committed to groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
Scientists accidentally discover DNA that breaks the rules of life
A routine experiment with a new single-cell DNA sequencing method turned into a surprising scientific twist when researchers stumbled upon a bizarre genetic code in a microscopic pond organism. Instead of following the near-universal “rules” of life, this newly identified protist rewrites how genes signal their end. This unexpected discovery challenges long-held assumptions about how genetic translation works and hints that nature may be far more flexible—and mysterious—than scientists realized.
New AI method tackles one of science’s hardest math problems
Penn researchers have developed a smarter AI method for solving notoriously difficult inverse equations, which help scientists uncover hidden causes behind observable effects. By introducing “mollifier layers” that smooth noisy data, they’ve made these calculations more stable and far less computationally demanding. This could transform fields like genetics, where understanding how DNA behaves is key to disease research.
A better path forward for cancer care - UT Health San Antonio
From the moment of diagnosis, UT Health San Antonio patients are connected to a system designed to expand their treatment possibilities and bring the full strength of medicine and research to their care. Specialized programs focus on common and rare cancers, which allows for more personalized treatment approaches. For those at increased risk, services such as cancer genetics counseling and risk-reduction clinics offer early insight and prevention strategies.
Scientists boost strawberry flavor and nutrition without changing growth
A surprising genetic twist shows that boosting a seemingly ordinary “housekeeping” gene can dramatically improve fruit quality without any trade-offs. By increasing the activity of a tRNA-related gene in strawberries, researchers unlocked richer color, stronger aroma, and higher levels of health-boosting compounds like anthocyanins and terpenoids. Even more striking, these enhancements came with zero impact on plant growth, fruit size, or sweetness—avoiding the usual downsides of metabolic tinkering.
Stanford science reveals genetically distinct ‘ghost elephants’
Using DNA extracted from dung, researchers discovered that high-altitude elephants in Angola have a unique genetic lineage linked to Namibian elephants, highlighted in a new documentary by Werner Herzog.
Man destined to get Alzheimer’s saved by accidental heat therapy
Doug Whitney has a genetic mutation that means he should have developed Alzheimer’s disease decades ago, but his long-term work in hot engine rooms may have protected him in a similar way to sauna therapy
Two Georgia men sentenced in $522M health care fraud
Two Georgia men were sentenced for their roles in a $522 million scheme involving fraudulent genetic testing claims through Medicare and Medicaid.
Scientists Discover Evolution’s 120-Million-Year-Old “Cheat Sheet”
A long-standing assumption about evolution is being challenged by new research showing that vastly different species can rely on the same genetic pathways to develop similar traits.
Corteva's seed business to be named Vylor following planned 2026 separation
Corteva has renamed its seed and genetics business Vylor. In a statement, the company says the new division will further strengthen gene editing and disease resistance, while also helping farmers explore new row crop opportunities. Corteva says the overall restructuring is designed to capitalize on investments in biological and differentiated crop protection products, while also […]
The da Vinci bloodline is unlocking the genius’s genetic secrets
After centuries of mystery, scientists are edging closer to uncovering Leonardo da Vinci’s biological secrets. A massive 30-year effort has mapped his family across 21 generations, identified living male descendants, and even confirmed shared DNA markers that stretch back to the Renaissance. Meanwhile, excavations at a family tomb in Vinci could provide ancient remains for comparison, raising the possibility of reconstructing Leonardo’s genetic profile.
Malaria didn’t just kill early humans, it shaped who we became
Long before humans spread across the globe, a deadly disease may have quietly shaped where our ancestors lived—and even how we evolved. New research reveals that malaria didn’t just threaten early human survival; it actively pushed populations away from high-risk regions across Africa, fragmenting groups over tens of thousands of years. This separation influenced how different populations met, mixed, and exchanged genes, helping shape the genetic diversity we see today.
AI method tackles one of science's hardest math problems
Penn Engineers have developed a new way to use AI to solve inverse partial differential equations (PDEs), a particularly challenging class of mathematical problems with broad implications for understanding the natural world. The advance, which the researchers call “Mollifier Layers,” could benefit fields as varied as genetics and weather forecasting, because inverse PDEs help scientists work backward from observable patterns to infer the hidden dynamics that produced them.
Synthetic biology promised to rewrite life – with the death of its pioneer, J. Craig Venter, how close are scientists?
Advances in genetic engineering have enabled researchers to seek ways to program new life. But has synthetic biology actually changed medicine and the environment, nearly two decades on?
Can You Really Choose Your ‘Best Baby’?
Silicon Valley-backed companies are selling $50,000 genetic tests to anxious parents, despite shaky science.
Scientists Rethink How Much Lifespan Is in Our Control
Research upending long-held estimates of genetic influence on lifespan could relieve the pressure to get all the lifestyle factors right.