Genetics

The resistome is the totality of the ancient genetic base of antibiotic-resistant genes among bacterial species. In the past, the resistome was wholly the subject of the natural world and the antibiotics that developed within it. However, ever since the use and misuse of antibiotics by humans began, the balance between the resistome and antibiotics has turned into a race between the emergence of highly antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” and the development of novel antibiotic compounds and antibiotic techniques. Among those superbugs that have become of human concern in recent years, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important. This paper aims to outline a possible novel vesicle vaccine that is effective against MRSA, and additionally, the process by which the vaccine might be experimentally created.

CRISPR-Cas9 revolutionized the field of genetic engineering but has significant drawbacks, as the double-strand breaks it induces have a relatively high rate of mutations and off-target activity. An emerging alternative is NICER, a technique utilizing an endonuclease called nickase, which has much lower levels of mutagenicity and a high level of specificity that rivals CRISPR-Cas9. This review will survey the various developments made in the nickase pipeline, specifically how they make up for CRISPR’s drawbacks, and its potential for treating genetic disorders with more accuracy and efficiency than current therapeutic tools.

One important aspect of stem cells is their high activity of the Wnt signaling pathway. In the animal Hydra vulgaris this pathway is active in some capacity at all times and is very active during regeneration. It is also active during the growth of ectopic heads, which are heads that grow on the wrong part of the Hydra or in addition to an already established head. Hydra is a model organism for studying countless molecular processes due to its structural simplicity and incredible regenerative abilities making it an ideal tool for studying the Wnt signaling pathway. This review will describe new research on the activity of β-catenin, GSK-3β, and general Wnt signaling during regeneration and ectopic head formation and prevention in Hydra.

Scientists at the University of Minnesota in Saint Paul have identified the first Mastrevirus, a plant virus causing disease in crops worldwide, to infect both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. While this finding has interesting implications for gene editing via viral vectors, it may also impact pathogen management and food security.

As genetic testing grows in popularity, researchers have begun identifying specific alleles in the human genome related to a heritable aspect of endometriosis, a condition that affects more than one in ten women of reproductive age. Researchers are working to identify specific genetic biomarkers to more accurately diagnose and eventually treat endometriosis. This review will focus on new genetic biomarkers and their role in potential non-invasive diagnostic and possible treatment options.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication found in hospitals and the third leading cause of death among trauma patients. While there exists a wide variety of causes for AKI, they can be attributed to few pathophysiologies that studies are exploring medications to target. In conjunction with improving treatments, however, there is also a need to improve AKI diagnosis to prevent late-stage complications. This review will explore developments of new diagnostic biomarkers and medications that address these concerns.

Every year, staggering numbers of male chicks, calves, and piglets are killed in the U.S. The animal welfare issues encompassing the culling and castration of unwanted male animals in food production can be addressed through a multitude of sex determination methods. This review examines the potential of sperm sexing by flow cytometry, the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and spectroscopy methods as efficient and economically viable measures for industry.

Climate change and a continuously growing population have increased demands on global food yields. However, meeting the planet’s hunger needs does not have to come at the price of depleting its natural resources. A possible sustainable solution to this issue is the perennialization of all staple grain crops. This review analyzes the successes, challenges, and applications of the perennialization of staple grain crops such as sorghum, corn, rice, and wheat.

Marine species are experiencing higher population declines than many terrestrial species due to anthropogenic causes, such as increased water exports or runoff impacting habitats and behavioral patterns. Aquatic systems require a greater focus on species preservation, but keeping track of different species can be difficult. A first step in conservation involves genetic monitoring to track ...

It has puzzled the world’s greatest minds – from Aristotle and Plato to Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel – and dramatically altered the course of science and human history. Its discovery opened the door for unparalleled innovation in all fields of biology, evolution more than any other. Today, it feeds us with growing curiosity and optimism about the promising future of health ...