A Fish That Skips Sex and Still Survives: A Genetic Mystery

                 Most species rely on sexual reproduction to mix genes and maintain healthy genetic diversity. However, scientists have discovered a unique fish species that appears to survive without traditional reproduction. The Amazon molly, an all-female fish species, reproduces through a process called gynogenesis. This is where the presence of sperm from a related species triggers reproduction but the sperm’s DNA is not actually incorporated into the offspring.

Normally, species that reproduce without mixing genes are expected to accumulate harmful mutations over time. Without the genetic variation created by sexual reproduction, these mutations can accumulate and eventually threaten the survival of the species. Because of this, scientists once believed that asexual species would not survive for long periods of time.

Recent research has revealed that the Amazon molly may avoid this problem through a genetic process known as gene conversion. Gene conversion is a mechanism where DNA sequences can be copied from one chromosome to another, effectively repairing or replacing damaged genetic information. This process allows the fish to remove some harmful mutations and maintain a relatively healthy genome.

                                 

This discovery is significant because it challenges long-standing ideas about evolution and reproduction. Scientists previously believed that sexual reproduction was essential for long-term survival because it helps prevent the buildup of harmful mutations. However, the Amazon molly has existed for more than 100,000 years, suggesting that alternative genetic mechanisms can help maintain genetic stability.

Understanding how gene conversion works in this species could help scientists learn more about how genomes repair themselves and how evolution can occur in unexpected ways. This research may also provide insights into how genetic mutations are managed in other organisms, including humans.

Source: 

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/sex-skipping-fish-hacks-evolution-gene

Additional Link: 

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/mutationsanddisorders/

A Pattern of Hair Loss in Genetics

  Many people believe that baldness was originally caused by their mentally health and diet, this is correct; However, in reality, genetics also contribute significantly to the risk of hair loss.

    The article explains Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as pattern baldness, is one of the most common genetic conditions affecting both men and women. Researchers at the National Institute of Health show that hair loss is not caused by just one gene. Instead, multiple genes work together to influence if someone experiences hair thinning or baldness. One of the most important genes involved is the androgen receptor (AR) gene. This gene affects how hair follicles respond to hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In people with certain genetic variations, hair follicles become more sensitive to DHT, which causes them to shrink over time. Consequently, hair becomes thinner and eventually stops growing.

   Although AGA is inherited from both parents, estimating shows men have a higher tendency of hair loss (85%) compared to women (33%).

    Besides genes creating the risk, this study highlights lifestyle factors as high level of stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, low exercise and overall health can also influence how quickly hair loss happens. However, even if someone has the genes, it "does not always" mean they will definitely go bald.

    Today, treatments including oral minoxidil, finasteride and low-level laser therapy have been discovered and implemented successfully. It has partially helped people with AGA improve their appearance, thereby enhancing their quality of life. This article helps scientists better understand the genetic causes of AGA and may lead to earlier risk prediction, also more effective treatments in the future.

Source:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12837269/

Another Source:

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/

CRISPR - Gene Editing Technology

 

CRISPR Advancements for Human Health

A recent publication presents the ways in which CRISPR technology is continuing to shape modern medicine and human health. CRISPR technology is a gene-editing technology that enables scientists to edit the DNA sequence by cutting and replacing parts of the genetic code. This technology is very significant in the field of science as it enables scientists to correct genetic mutations.

The article presents the ways in which CRISPR technology can be used in the future to treat various diseases such as genetic disorders, cancer, and even infectious diseases. It also presents the ways in which newer technologies such as base editing and prime editing are being developed to enable more precise changes to the DNA sequence without causing significant damage to the genome.

Another important thing that is noted is that CRISPR has the ability to either increase or decrease gene expression depending on how it is utilized. As such, this is a very flexible tool that is available to scientists. Nevertheless, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as ensuring that the gene is edited correctly without any unintended changes in the DNA, referred to as off-target effects.

In my opinion, this research is very significant since it illustrates just how far genetics has come and how it can be utilized to better human health. CRISPR has the potential to cure diseases that were previously untreatable. Nevertheless, it is also essential that more research is conducted on its safety and ethical concerns. Overall, this article illustrates that CRISCR has the potential to play a significant part in medicine in the future.

Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11057861/pdf/ms121_p0170.pdf

Additional Link: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/CRISPR

Yogi Patel

03/18/26

Posted By: Yogi Patel at 5:00 PM     

Tags: #CRISPR #Genetics #DNA #GeneEditing #Medicine # Biotechnology

Influence of Genetics on Bipolar Disorder

    This article discusses a study on individuals with bipolar disorder and individuals without bipolar disorder from various racial groups to determine the role genetics has on this disorder. To preface, bipolar disorder is a when a person experiences extreme mood shifts and episodes of depression. The results showed that about 300 gene locations and 6 different genes are linked to bipolar disorder. This study also lead researchers to notice the differences in the organization of genes of the people who have the disorder. The genes that are linked to bipolar disorder are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia and depression. A lot is still unknown about this specific disorder but this research could potentially lead to more helpful or long term treatment opportunities.

Figure 1: Fictional art of a person's brain who has bipolar disorder

   As mentioned above, genes that are linked to bipolar disorder can also be related to the risk of other mental disorders. It is very interesting that people can only have one of the disorders and not experience all of them if the genes overlap. The cause of bipolar disorder is partially due to specific genes and their different architectures but also environmental factors do influence a person being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There is not one specific gene or even cause that makes someone have bipolar disorder making the treatment difficult. Also, bipolar disorder varies within people. Hopefully with time and research, studies are able to understand why people have different experiences with the disorder. This study will help the production and creation of more personalized treatments to help individuals living with bipolar disorder. 

Reference: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/2025/study-illuminates-the-genetic-architecture-of-bipolar-disorder 

Additional link explaining bipolar disorder: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

Brooke McMonagle

3/17/26

The Genetic Role of Ozempic and the Weight loss Benefits

 

    With the recent development of GLP-1 for weight loss growing across the nation the carrying success rates has raised question on genetic influences of results. Whole a large quantity of patients sees life-changing results there is still about 15% of patients who see no change. An eye-opening by Cleaveland Clinic in September of 2025, dove into the genetic factors that could explain why 15% of patients do not see results and genetic factors related to those statistics.

    Specifically, the study focused on the GLP1R gene, which is a gene that provides the receptor building blueprint in our bodies that correlate to the GLP-1 hormone. The study demonstrated that variation in the GLP1R gene directly impact how the receptors interact with the hormone/mediation. While genetic variation of the GLP1R gene is irreversible these finding still hold value as the knowledge can be used in precision medicine.

    Weight loss medication is expensive, especially if it is for cometic weight loss, which is rarely covered by insurance. These findings could allow patients to participate in a genetic test that could indicate the results they may see on the medication. With the implementation of GLP-1’s to a large percentage of individuals, knowing there are gentic influences on results is very crucial financially, mentally, and physically for patients and doctors.

Tags: #GLP-1 #GLP1Rgene #Genetics #Weightloss #Genevariations

Sources: 

https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.16612?af=R 

https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.16612?af=R

How Genetics Affect Your Running Ability

  How Genetics Affect Your Running Ability

By: Daniel Molinos

                                            

                                                A Study published by The Running Channel

A study from the University of Essex in England explains how genetics may play a role in determining how fast and how well someone can run. According to the study, fewer than 31 percent of people have a unique genetic combination that allows them to get the most out of their training efforts. One gene in particular, known as ACTN3, is associated with adaptability, speed, power, improved strength, and reduced risk of injury. Researchers found that all of the top performers in the study shared a variant of this gene.

The test was conducted on men and women between the ages of 20 and 40 and lasted for eight weeks. During the study, researchers used the Cooper Test, a method often used by the military to measure aerobic fitness. Participants were asked to run as far as possible in 12 minutes. After completing the training period, researchers observed that those who possessed the ACTN3 gene improved their performance by an average of 11.5 percent following the eight weeks of endurance training. Participants who lacked this specific gene showed little to no improvement, even though they followed the same training conditions as everyone else.

Now, is it all in the genes?

Dr. Chung explains that “this study supports the fact that genetics play a major part in athletic performance. Whether you are an elite competitor or training for a fun run, your DNA can make a real difference in how much you can push yourself.” However, he also emphasized that the absence of this gene is not an obstacle for aspiring runners. At the end of the day, what matters most is getting out, training, and staying active. Our genes may provide the starting line, but our effort, dedication, and consistency ultimately determine how we perform on the track. While DNA can influence how much we improve, it is still willpower and commitment to the sport that truly drive success.

Source: Study Finds New Link Between Genes and Running Ability - The Running Channel

Additional Source: Why you might be born to run

Effects of Chemotherapy on Normal Blood Cells

 Effects of Chemotherapy on Normal Blood Cells 

An article written by Emily Mitchell discusses the long-term effects of chemotherapy on normal blood cells. Researchers sequenced the genomes of blood cells from 23 individuals aged 3 to 80 who had previously been treated with chemotherapy. The results revealed significant long-term biological consequences of cytotoxic agents. 

Most participants had received a combination of drugs and were exposed to 21 different chemotherapy agents across the major drug classes. The study found that different chemotherapy drugs cause distinct types of DNA damage, each leaving its own mutational signature. The researchers also emphasized that these long-term genetic changes may increase the risk of secondary cancers. This research is important because it may help scientists develop safer chemotherapy treatments that reduce DNA damage in healthy cells while still effectively targeting cancer.

Mitchell, E., Pham, M. H., Clay, A., Sanghvi, R., Williams, N., Pietsch, S., Hsu, J. I., Jung, H., Vedi, A., Moody, S., Wang, J., Leonganmornlert, D., Spencer Chapman, M., Dunstone, E., Santarsieri, A., Cagan, A., Machado, H. E., Baxter, E. J., Follows, G., & Hodson, D. J. (2025). The long-term effects of chemotherapy on normal blood cells. Nature Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-025-02234-x

Bai, B., Ma, Y., Liu, D., Zhang, Y., Zhang, W., Shi, R., & Zhou, Q. (2024). DNA damage caused by chemotherapy has duality, and traditional Chinese medicine may be a better choice to reduce its toxicity. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1483160

How Genetics Connects to Sports and Human Performance

 

The article “Genetics and Sports” from British Medical Bulletin talks about how genes can affect athletic ability. It explains that some people may have gene variants that help with strength, speed, endurance, and muscle growth. The article reviews research that studies how DNA may influence sports performance. Scientists use genetic studies to see if certain genes are more common in elite athletes. For example, some genes are linked to muscle power, while others may affect how the body uses oxygen during exercise. The article shows that sports ability is not just about training. Genetics can also play a role. However, the article also explains that genes do not decide everything. Training, diet, practice, and motivation are very important too. Genetics may give someone an advantage, but hard work still matters. This research is important because it helps scientists understand how the body works. It may also help with sports training, injury prevention, and health research in the future.

This article shows that genetics can influence traits like speed, strength, and endurance. The study uses scientific research to look at how DNA differences may affect athletic performance. Even if someone has “good genes” for sports, training is still very important.The article explains that many genes can work together to affect human performance. This topic shows how genetics connects to real-life areas like sports and health. Research like this helps scientists understand how nature (genes) and environment (training) work together.

#Genetics #SportsScience #DNA #HumanTraits #ScienceNews

Source: https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article-abstract/93/1/27/306419

Additional Resource: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genetics