Could Cats lead us to a Deeper Understanding of Cancer

 A recent study found that the genes that cause cancer in cats are very similar to cancer causing genes in humans. Researchers analyzed tumors from 493 cats with multiple types of cancer. They discovered that many of the same mutations that cause cancer in cats cause cancer in humans. The study identified  cancer related genes such as TP53 and PIK3CA that appear in both humans and cats, showing that cancers in both species is developed in a similar manner. Due to the fact cats live in the same environments as humans, they are exposed to similar risk factors; which may help explain these similarities. Overall, the research suggests that studying cancer in cats could improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in both animals and humans, potentially leading to more targeted therapies in the future.

https://www.avma.org/news/study-finds-similarities-genes-drive-cancer-cats-humans

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cats-cancer-genes-show-striking-similarity-to-humans/

Red Hair Gene & Natural Selection

Carmine Martino

BIOL-2110-001

Dr. Guy Barbato

April 18th, 2026 

    New research looked at how certain human traits have changed over time by analyzing DNA from nearly 16,000 ancient individuals and more than 6,000 modern people. The findings suggest that natural selection has continued to shape human genetics over the past 10,000 years, especially in regions like West Eurasia.

    Researchers identified 479 genetic variants that appear to have been favored, including those linked to red hair, fair skin, and some disease-related traits. Red hair and lighter skin may have provided advantages in areas with lower sunlight, since they can help with vitamin D production. At the same time, it is not completely clear if red hair itself was directly beneficial or if it became more common because it was linked to another useful trait.

    Some of the genetic variants that increased over time are also connected to diseases such as coeliac disease and tuberculosis. This suggests that traits that may be considered harmful today could have been helpful for survival in the past under different environmental conditions.

    In conclusion, the findings show that natural selection has played a larger role in shaping human genetics in recent history than previously thought. I thought this was interesting because it shows that evolution is still happening and that traits like red hair may have become more common because they were beneficial at some point in the past.

Article: 

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/apr/16/red-hair-gene-favoured-natural-selection-study

Extra Source:

https://medicover-genetics.com/red-hair-its-in-your-genes/

CRISPR and personalized treatment

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CRISPR-Cas9 was implemented for the first time in June of 2025 in a personalized gene editing treatment for a baby with CPS1 (carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1) deficiency. KJ was given two doses of a specialized therapy at 7 and 8 months old, showing improvements within two months. With CRISPR gene-editing technology, a team at the University of Pennsylvania formulated a treatment using LNPs (lipid nanoparticles) to deliver a base editor capable of correcting KJ’s unique genetic mutation. The success of KJ’s case highlights the potential of gene editing therapies to transform medicine and manufacture solutions for rare diseases.

Specialized treatments with CRISPR provide a novel solution treating debilitating genetic mutations, yet the insurmountable price tag makes it unattainable for the vast majority. The highly powerful tool is still new, with the long term effects remaining unknown. However, CRISPR-based solutions provide the opportunity to address previously untreatable diseases. With the selective ability of CRISPR-Cas 9, it is the hope that such personalized treatments will become the standard of care in the future. 

Source:

https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/precision-medicine/first-personalized-crispr-gene-editing-therapy-patient-baby-kj-discharged/

Additional link:

https://oncodaily.com/blog/crispr-297474

Extremophiles are Revolutionizing Biotechnology

Breakthroughs in CRISPR genome editing technology have completely transformed how scientists both engineer and study extremophiles. These advancements allow researchers to identify the genes associated with extremotolerance and to potentially edit strains for industrial use. Furthermore, the application of CRISPR technology to different extremophile types may allow for the future development of various extremophilic cells for synthetic biology applications.


Image 1: A tardigrade in moss from Science Photo Library

Extremophiles are microorganisms that can survive in harsh environments that were previously thought to be uninhabitable. By living in high heat, intense cold, dryness, high salinity, alkaline, pressurized, heavy metal, and radiation environments, these organisms have developed unique genetic and metabolic adaptations that enable their survival. The resilience of extremophiles makes them highly valuable in biotechnology, including the production of thermostable DNA polymerase, as well as in industrial processes such as biofuel production, and environmental applications like bioremediation. With advances in CRISPR-Cas, a genome editing technology that utilizes Cas enzymes to delete, add, or replace genetic material in living cells, it is possible to enhance or manipulate extremophilic genomes, allowing scientists to uncover the genes responsible for extremotolerance.

By using CRISPR in thermophiles, a heat-tolerant extremophile, scientists have developed a thermostable Cas variant. This can be used to revolutionize high-temperature industrial biotechnology and to innovate bioremediation in geothermal environments. Another example of CRISPR use includes its application to psychrophiles, a cold-tolerant extremophile, to expand the use of psychrophiles for cold-chain bioprocessing, enzyme production, or bioremediation in polar or deep-sea ecosystems.

Given the vast array of extremophiles, the future potential for genome editing technologies in extremophiles is very promising. As CRISPR technology advances, research into the genetic basis of extremotolerance can be conducted with more precision. Furthermore, the engineering of strains with enhanced production of industrial enzymes, biofuels, bioplastics, or even metal recovery efficiency under extreme conditions can be developed. Developments can also improve the effectiveness of bioremediation in harsh environments. The continued investment in developing these frameworks is crucial to the future potential of new applications and biotechnologies.



Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S305064172500029


Additional:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1754802/full

CRISPR Babies

In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui had used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit human embryos and the first genetically altered babies were produced. With the gene editing tool, Jiankui had altered the DNA of a single-celled embryo to be resistant to HIV infection. Although, the resulting twin girls’ condition has not been able to be independently verified and it is unknown whether or not he was successful. Jiankui was condemned in the scientific community for his reckless experimentation on human embryos and subsequently imprisoned for three years by the Chinese government for violating medical regulations and ethical codes. 

The revelation sparked controversy over both the ethical and social implications of applying this technology in the human genome. Questions regarding the motivations and objectives of using CRISPR have emerged which are still under debate today. Eight years later, the subject has been broached again by private companies and investors with plans to revitalize, with concessions that the technology would only be used for genetic disease prevention. However, there is a large pushback on altering the human genome for fear of irreversible effects and the shift towards eugenics. It is currently prohibited to edit the genes of human embryos in the U.S..

Source:

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/08/06/nx-s1-5493448/gene-editing-human-embryos-designer-babies

Additional link:

https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/distillations-pod/the-crispr-babies/ &

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/26/670991254/chinese-scientist-says-hes-created-first-genetically-modified-babies

Genetic link to the time you wake up

An article from Saxena Lab explains that whether someone is a “morning person” or a “night owl" is about 20-50% influenced by their genetics. A large study of nearly 700,000 people identified 351 genetic variants linked to sleep timing. These genes affect the body’s internal clock, which controls sleep, energy levels, hormones, and hunger. Differences in how people respond to light may explain why some people naturally stay up later than others. However, in modern times most people do not wake up naturally and rely on an alarm of sorts to wake them for their daily obligations (such as work or school) so people are much less likely to wake up at their "natural" time. Furthermore, another article suggests that ignoring your internal alarm aka circadian rhythm, may be unhealthy and linked to several mental and physical illnesses. All in all, while there is a genetic link for the time you wake up, many modern obligations and environmental factors are more influential on you circadian rhythm.

The Genetic Link Between Epilepsy and Severe Migraine

https://news.feinberg.northwestern.edu/2026/04/16/epilepsy-gene-implicated-in-severe-migraine-disorder/ 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9005871/

Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have recently discovered a previously unknown genetic mutation that is linked to certain neurological disorders.  Some of these disorders include epilepsy, carrying degrees of autism, and now migraines as well.  The gene that is responsible for these neurological disorders is the SCN2A gene.  The team at Northwestern Medicine discovered that this gene is also capable of causing familial hemiplegic migraines or FHM.  FHM is a rare disease that causes temporary motor skill weakness, severe headaches, and in extreme cases strokes and seizures.  Due to this newfound link scientists will be able to detect neurological disorders earlier by observing the SCN2A gene.  This new research could provide coming generations with relief from FHM and other neurological disorders.  

CRISPR-Cas9 is being used in clinical trials

​​ CRISPR-Cas9 has been implemented in a human clinical trial for the first time to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In a phase 1 trial, the gene editing technology is tested on individuals with lipid disorders to reduce and maintain lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a safe manner. Those with the disorder that does not respond to medication were tested over a 60 day period in which their LDL and triglyceride levels were reduced by 50% within two weeks and were maintained over the 60 days. With no adverse effects related to the treatment and lasting maintenance of lower lipid levels, the trial has been considered a success.

Increased LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels may lead to a heart attack or stroke over time and it is important to monitor those elevated counts. Those with lipid disorders are exposed to increased risk for cardiovascular issues. The efficiency and effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas9 in this clinical trial shows potential for further development in various avenues of human health. While CRISPR is still an emerging technology that is used experimentally, the initial results of its implementation have been promising. Although the gene editing tool is shrouded in ethical concern, its therapeutic ability provides a new window of potential applications. 

Source:

https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2025/11/08/cleveland-clinic-first-in-human-trial-of-crispr-gene-editing-therapy-shown-to-safely-lower-cholesterol-and-triglycerides

Additional Link:

https://crisprtx.com/gene-editing