Genetics

Israeli scientists have developed an innovative saliva test that maps the human genome and is capable of detecting the risk of about 50 types of cancer, stroke, and heart disease years before they break out.

Nir Barzilai and Uri Alon were selected by TIME for the list of 12 groundbreaking researchers paving the way for a longer and healthier life. Barzilai is testing whether existing drugs can delay age-related diseases, and Alon found that genetics may account for about 50% of life expectancy.

The absence of breast cancer cases in the family does not guarantee low risk, and most patients are diagnosed without a significant family history. Alongside mammography and familiarity with changes in the body, experts call for tailoring monitoring to the individual risk level. Prof. Tanir Allweis, Director of the Breast Health System and Director of the Breast Surgery Department at Hadassah...

Researchers from Stanford and the Arc Institute used artificial intelligence to design the genetic code of bacteriophages — viruses that attack bacteria — and created active viruses from them in the lab. This achievement could help in developing treatments against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but experts warn that the improving ability of AI to design biological systems raises urgent questions...

A study published in the journal "Molecular Nutrition & Food Research" found that daily consumption of 500 ml of pure pasteurized orange juice over two months affects gene activity in immune cells. After 60 days, researchers observed a decrease in the activity of genes associated with inflammation and blood pressure.

Researchers from Stanford University have designed and created from scratch viruses that attack resistant bacteria, proving that artificial intelligence tools are already capable of writing functional genetic code. The breakthrough presents immense medical promise, but also comes with fears of a biological arms race.

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition causing widespread pain and fatigue. A massive genetic study from the University of Michigan has shed new light on the mystery, confirming that the root cause lies in the central nervous system rather than the immune system.

Researchers from Stanford University have achieved a scientific breakthrough by using artificial intelligence to design "from scratch" completely new viruses. The creation process utilized principles similar to those of advanced language models like ChatGPT.

Remains of smallpox virus DNA found in two mummies of indigenous people in northern Chile provide, for the first time, direct genetic evidence that the disease arrived in the Americas with European conquerors. Researchers identified an extinct viral lineage, dubbed CAM9.

Grail's blood test promises to detect dozens of cancer types, though a recent NHS trial missed its primary endpoint. President Harpal Kumar explains why, despite market skepticism, these results signal a new era for early diagnostics.

A new study may pave the way for innovative treatments for borderline personality disorder; Ichilov Hospital unveils a new non-profit incubator for health startups; and an Israeli project wins a European award. This week in biomed.

A Shanghai hospital promised a breakthrough treatment, but just a week after trillions of engineered viruses were injected into the brain of a 6-year-old patient, she passed away. Parents claim protection mechanisms failed and the tragedy was hidden.