genomics

The German farmers' association Bauernstimme has filed a direct action at the European Court against the EU's new genetic engineering regulation (NGT), which loosens rules for certain gene-edited crops. The group argues the law undermines labelling and traceability requirements for agriculture. The case adds to growing resistance from farming and environmental organisations to the EU's deregulation of new genomic techniques.

A study published in Nature reports lipid nanoparticles engineered to carry large RNA payloads and target specific tissues, delivering stronger genome editing results in living organisms. The work addresses a key bottleneck in delivering bulky gene-editing RNA payloads safely to target organs. Researchers say the approach could broaden therapeutic applications of in vivo gene editing, though clinical translation remains ahead.

Scientists analysing the evolutionary history of 163 ant genomes, spanning most existing subfamilies, found that periods of rapid species diversification over the past 100 million years coincided with higher activity of transposable elements — DNA sequences capable of moving around the genome. The findings suggest these mobile genetic elements played a significant role in driving the evolutionary success and variety of ants.

Truecaller has launched a new tool called Scam Checker, designed to help users detect fraud attempts. The feature lets users check links, phone numbers and suspicious messages for signs of scams such as phishing. The tool is being discussed in connection with both iOS and Android versions of the app.

A new benchmark reports that widely used gene pathway scoring tools can silently remove disease signals from genomic data, potentially distorting research results. The warning suggests scientists relying on these popular methods may miss biologically meaningful patterns linked to disease, raising concerns about reproducibility and the reliability of studies built on such scores. Researchers are being urged to validate their analytical choices.

A new graph transformer model has been proposed to improve RNA velocity predictions in single-cell genomics, according to a report from Bioengineer.org. RNA velocity estimates the direction and speed of cell state changes, and transformer-based architectures applied to gene interaction graphs are being put forward as a way to make these forecasts more accurate for researchers studying cell development.

New research reported in Nature shows that the p53 protein, best known as a tumour suppressor, maintains a balance between transcription and DNA replication in cells. When this balance is disrupted, chromosomes can shatter in a catastrophic event known as chromothripsis, a recognised driver of cancer. The findings clarify how p53 guards genome integrity beyond its established roles in halting damaged cells.

A newly announced AI tool can combine different types of biological data into a single integrated analysis, according to a report by Labroots. The tool is aimed at helping researchers draw connections across datasets such as genomics and other biological measurements. Details about its developers, capabilities, and real-world applications remain limited in early coverage.

Researchers have mapped tiny proteins encoded in the genome of Trichomonas vaginalis, the parasite behind trichomoniasis, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The work reveals previously hidden parts of the parasite's genome, potentially opening new avenues for understanding its biology and developing treatments. Coverage so far is limited to specialist science outlets.

New genome research on desert vipers points to large structural changes in the genes that make venom, suggesting venom evolution may be driven as much by rearrangements of DNA as by point mutations. The findings could help explain how viper toxins diversify so quickly and may inform future antivenom work. Coverage is so far limited to specialist science outlets, with discussion centered on what these structural variants mean for venom research.

Researchers publishing in Nature have used spatially resolved multiomics to map how the human meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, develop. The work traces cell lineages during development and links them to disease dynamics, offering a reference for understanding neurological disorders tied to meningeal biology. It is being discussed among researchers following developmental biology and single-cell genomics.

A new web-based tool has been launched that converts rice genome data into instant haplotype maps and breeding markers. The tool is designed to help researchers and breeders rapidly analyze genetic variation in rice, potentially speeding up the development of improved rice varieties. Coverage so far is limited to a single report, with details on the tool's developers, availability, and reception not yet widely reported.

Researchers are combining machine learning with classical statistical methods to identify polygenic adaptation — the gradual, small shifts in many genes that populations undergo in response to environmental pressures. The hybrid approach aims to pick up signals too subtle for traditional genome scans alone, potentially clarifying how traits like height, metabolism and disease risk have evolved across human populations.

Francis Collins, the geneticist who led the Human Genome Project and later directed the US National Institutes of Health, spoke at the Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum about how his scientific work led him to religious faith. He discussed the relationship between science and belief, drawing on his own journey from being an atheist to becoming a Christian, and argued that the two are compatible rather than in conflict.

GeneDx introduced Easy Order at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 conference, a new tool aimed at making genomic testing simpler for doctors to order during routine pediatric care. The company says the offering is designed to reduce administrative hurdles so genome and exome sequencing can become a standard part of everyday practice for children with suspected genetic conditions.

Researchers have used genome editing to identify a genetic switch in alfalfa that controls the plant's response to drought. The finding could help breeders develop alfalfa varieties that stay productive under water stress, with implications for livestock feed and agriculture in drought-prone regions.

New research published in PLOS Biology examines whether introgression—the movement of genes between species—can spread beneficial alleles as climate warming intensifies. The study finds that strong heat selection promotes introgression and heat tolerance even in the presence of genomic barriers to gene flow, suggesting adaptive genes may cross species boundaries under climate stress.

Peer Bork, a leading figure in computational biology known for mapping molecular interaction networks and advancing large-scale analysis of genomes and microbial communities, has died at the age of 62. The death was reported by science news outlet Bioengineer.org. Bork's work shaped how researchers study biological systems and the human microbiome, prompting tributes from across the life sciences community.

Researchers report in Nature a single-molecule chromatin tracing technique that maps genome folding directly in single cells. The method reveals a surprising diversity of megabase-scale heterochromatin domains, challenging the view of heterochromatin as a uniform, repetitive compartment. Scientists following the study say the findings refine how chromatin organisation is understood and may affect research into gene regulation and genome stability.

New research indicates that genomic inbreeding in pigs leaves detectable genetic signatures that affect production traits such as growth and yield. By analyzing genomic data, scientists can measure how inbreeding influences economically important characteristics in livestock. The findings are relevant for breeding programs seeking to balance genetic selection with the risks of inbreeding depression in pig farming.

An in-depth description of pharmacogenomics, the field studying how a person's genetics affect their response to drugs, has drawn attention. The science underpins personalised medicine, where prescriptions are tailored to individual DNA profiles to improve effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions. Interest in the topic reflects growing public curiosity about how genetic testing is shaping medical treatment.

Researchers have announced CMAISE, a longitudinal multi-omics cohort study aimed at advancing precision medicine for sepsis, a life-threatening condition with limited treatment options. By tracking patients over time and integrating genomic, proteomic and other molecular data, the project seeks to identify biomarkers that could enable tailored therapies. The announcement has drawn attention from the medical research community interested in sepsis diagnostics.

New research combining deep protein and gene mapping shows how pig muscle fibers switch between slow-twitch and fast-twitch types. Scientists say the findings clarify the molecular mechanisms behind fiber-type transformation, with potential relevance for meat quality, animal physiology and possibly human muscle biology. The study has drawn attention in science media for tying proteomic and genomic data together to explain the flip.

North Carolina State University has appointed Massimo Iorizzo as director of its Plants for Human Health Institute, which researches how plant-derived compounds can benefit human health. The appointment was announced through the university's official channels. Iorizzo, known for his work on plant genomics, will lead the institute's research agenda going forward.

The NIH's Kids First Program is continuing its work on genomic research into childhood cancers and structural birth defects, including congenital anomalies. The initiative shares genomic and clinical data with researchers worldwide to help identify genetic causes of pediatric diseases and support the development of better diagnostics and treatments for affected children and families.

STAT reports a writer had their genome analyzed by Anthropic's Claude chatbot in about 30 minutes, an task that traditionally takes specialists far longer. The episode highlights both the speed of AI tools in personal genomics and the absence of standards for validating such results, raising concerns about accuracy, interpretation and medical decision-making.

Researchers have produced the first genome-wide map of transcription start sites in wax moth larvae infected with fungus. The greater wax moth is a common model for studying insect immune responses, and mapping where gene transcription begins during fungal infection offers a detailed view of how the insect's antifungal defences are switched on. The work is being reported in science media as a useful genomic resource for immunology and infection research.

A Nature-published article examines how pharmacogenomics is shaping epilepsy treatment, focusing on the use of genetic information to tailor antiseizure medications to individual patients. The piece highlights progress in personalized medicine, where genetic profiling may help clinicians predict drug response and reduce adverse effects, though broader coverage or reaction beyond the publication itself has not yet emerged.

Ben Lamm, head of biotech startup Colossal Biosciences, gave an interview to CNBC about the company's work on de-extinction — using genetic engineering and artificial intelligence in efforts to bring back extinct species such as the woolly mammoth. The discussion covered how AI accelerates genome analysis and the scientific and ethical questions surrounding reviving lost species.