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GeneBites @genebites.org · 2d

Some scientific progress 🔬 has been rooted in unethical actions. GeneBites writer Zach Patterson discusses the story of Henrietta Lacks and the importance of justice ⚖️ in biomedical research.

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/07/08/d...

Decoding Life: Cell Division Shaping Societal Change

Stories bring people together, help learners see deeper meaning, and provide much needed context to learning. Here we examine the most famous cells in history and how their existence benefits socie…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 2d

Ever had bananas 🍌 go bad too quickly? GeneBites writer Emily Faulkner discusses research about editing banana genes 🧬 to prevent ripening and browning.

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/23/b...

Banana Biotechnology

Bananas are one of the most consumed fruits globally yet also one of the most wasted. With a shelf life of just 1 week, they may seem to go from perfectly ripe to overripe overnight. In the U.S. al…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 3d

Did you know there's more than one genetic code 🧬? GeneBites writer Ethan Honeycutt describes the discovery of bacteria-infecting 🦠 viruses using an alternative genetic language!

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/06/16/b...

Bilingual Viruses

Humans, bacteria, and viruses all use a common genetic code to communicate with one another, but new evidence shows that some viruses found in the human gut may use an alternative genetic code to e…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 4d

How do brains 🧠 change with age? GeneBites writer Olivia Fish describes a study where scientists found buildup of a protein impacting a cellular process in aging fly 🪰 brains.

Check is out here: genebites.org/2025/06/04/w...

What can the fruit fly tell us about aging?

A recent study identifies accumulation of a certain protein filament as a hallmark of brain aging, which can be targeted to improve aging health. Furthermore, it links this accumulation with disrup…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 6d

Facing pathogens 🦠 with antibiotic resistance, we may turn to ants 🐜 for help! GeneBites writer Sadia Bhatti discusses research on antimicrobial chemicals produced by ants.

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/05/26/a...

“Anty-Biotics” from the Tiniest Warriors of Planet Earth Can Defend Humans

New evidence shows that African Matabele ants societies can serve as ‘wound healing’ paramedics. Scientists are now exploring how these potent antibiotics may defend humans against deadly superbug…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 7d

Genetically predisposed for siesta? 💤 GeneBites writer Emily Faulkner discusses research on how genetic variation 🧬 can impact health outcomes of behaviors like napping 🛌.

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/05/12/t...

The Mediterranean Siesta Effect: Why Personalized Health Strategies Matter

What if the secret to a healthy weight was as simple as taking a nap? For Mediterraneans and their descendants, it might be.

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 9d

Ancient DNA 🧬 can tell us about evolutionary history. GeneBites writer Ethan Honeycutt describes a study about the evolution of sheep 🐑 and their domestication!

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/05/09/c...

Counting Sheep: Utilizing Ancient DNA to understand the genetic evolution of sheep

A look into ancient genetics shows how sheep evolved from their wild ancestors and the role that human interaction played in this evolution. We often consider the Fertile Crescent as the cradle of …

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 9d

Microbes are all around us 🦠, and they go where we go, even to space! 🌌GeneBites writer @amandan-weiss.bsky.social describes a study profiling microbes and chemicals on the International Space Station. 🧑‍🚀

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/05/05/s...

Sequencing is out of this world: Unveiling the microbial and chemical profiles of the International Space Station

A new study published the largest dataset yet of microbial and chemical presence on the International Space Station, revealing composition differences across physical areas influenced by human acti…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 10d

In cases of genetic disorders 🧬, DNA isn’t the whole story. GeneBites writer Sadia Bhatti describes RNA therapies 💉 and their potential to treat devastating conditions.

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/04/05/i...

Is DNA destiny? Evolving RNA therapies challenge genetic orthodoxy

While DNA remains fundamental, it’s clear that it isn’t the sole determinant of an organism’s traits. RNA based therapies offer an innovative alternative to genetic disorders.

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 12d

In a time when diversity 🌍, equity ⚖️, inclusion 🤝, and accessibility ♿ (DEIA) are under attack, GeneBites writer @amandan-weiss.bsky.social discusses how DEIA affects how LGBTQIA+ 🏳️‍🌈 students evaluate and experience genetic counseling programs.

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/03/03/c...

Commitment to DEIA is critical for supporting LGBTQIA+ graduate students

Image by Maicon Fonseca Zanco from Pixabay During a time when diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives are under attack by the presidential administration in the United St…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 12d

Stories 📖 bring people together 🤝, help learners see deeper meaning 🔍, and provide context to learning 🧠. GeneBites writer Zach Patterson explores the discovery of the DNA double helix 🧬 and the impactful stories of two female scientists 👩‍🔬👩‍🔬.

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/02/27/d...

Decoding Life: From Double Helix to CRISPR

Stories bring people together, help learners see deeper meaning, and provide much needed context to learning. In this examination of story, explore curricular ideas surrounding the discovery of the…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · 14d

GeneBites is now on LinkedIn! Follow us there to keep up-to-date with our articles about genetics research: www.linkedin.com/company/gene...

GeneBites | LinkedIn

GeneBites | 2 followers on LinkedIn. GeneBites publishes articles about current research in genetics, written by early-career scientists. | GeneBites publishes articles about current research in genet...

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 21

🌍🔬 Diverse representation in genetic data is crucial for effective health research. GeneBites writer ✏️ Sarah Lester explores the impact of missing diversity—and the initiatives working to fix it. 🧬💡

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genebites.org/2025/02/17/d...

Diversity in Genetic Data: Where is Everyone?

Genetics is for everyone.

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 21

GeneBites Writer ✏️ Olivia Fish:

🧠 The APOE4 gene is infamous for raising Alzheimer’s risk, but new research reveals how—by disrupting brain insulation and cholesterol balance. Could targeting these pathways change the game for brain health? 🔎🔬

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genebites.org/2025/02/04/a...

Alzheimer’s risk gene tied to cholesterol accumulation and reduced brain insulation

A 2022 study shows that an Alzheimer’s risk gene causes certain brain cells to mismanage cholesterol, which is needed to produce insulation for neurons. These defects, however, can be reversed thro…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 21

Check it out here:

genebites.org/2025/02/05/d...

Decoding Life: Stories of Genetics and Society

Stories bring people together, help students see deeper meaning, and provide much needed context to learning. In this “Decoding Life” series, I will examine topics we teach in genetics,…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 21

GeneBites Writer ✏️ Zach Patterson (@pattersonhabitat.bsky.social) kicks off his “Decoding Life” series by emphasizing the importance of storytelling in genetics education 🧬 🏫 Stay tuned for how he uses stories to empower and educate the next generation of geneticists!

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 21

🔬 Your cells have a destiny… or do they? GeneBites Writer ✏️Ethan Honeycutt covers how scientists are uncovering ways to reprogram cell fate, challenging everything we thought we knew about biology. What if you could rewrite your cellular story? 🧬✨

Check it out here:

genebites.org/2025/01/17/i...

If you could change your (cellular) fate, would you?

The identity of a cell is dictated by the precise orchestration of turning on and off gene expression during development. Once a cell achieves its fated identity, it can’t be changed. The changing …

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Reposted by GeneBites

Priyati Sharma @priyati.bsky.social · Feb 9

Thank you to GeneBites for letting me write about the exciting potential of DNA data storage! 🧬

GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 8

What if we stored data in DNA 🧬💾instead of on hard drives and in the cloud? 🌩️ Priyati Sharma describes a world where vials 🧪 of what we now know as our genetic blueprint hold all the world’s data 🌍, and how we might possibly get there.

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 8

Check it out here:

genebites.org/2025/01/13/d...

Do you see the genetic risk?: Genome-wide association study finds differences in genetic variants associated with age-related macular degeneration across ancestries

In recent work published in Nature Genetics, scientists conducted the first genome-wide association studies (a method for finding genetic variants associated with a trait or disease) for age-relate…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 8

What’s the genetic basis for worsening eye health, 🧬👁️‍🗨️particularly via age-related macular degeneration? GeneBites writer Amanda N. Weiss describes a new study 📰 that uses diverse data 🌍 across human populations to pinpoint 🔍 genetic variants associated with this condition.

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 8

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/01/10/m...

Memories in a Vial: Reimagining Data Storage with DNA

Written by Priyati Sharma Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.com Click. With the empty tube securely loaded into the machine, you sit back in your chair. You drum your fingers on your desk as your mind wa…

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 8

What if we stored data in DNA 🧬💾instead of on hard drives and in the cloud? 🌩️ Priyati Sharma describes a world where vials 🧪 of what we now know as our genetic blueprint hold all the world’s data 🌍, and how we might possibly get there.

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 8

Check it out here: genebites.org/2024/12/27/v...

Victor Frankenstein’s laboratory and its latest invention: a bacteria that spins spider webs! Well, sort of.

New research has revealed the use of a purple bacteria, R. sulfidophilum, for the production of spider silk. Researchers were able to accomplish this, for the first time ever, by using seawater as …

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GeneBites @genebites.org · Feb 8

From bacteria 🦠, a new frankenstein emerges! 🧟‍♂️A new study explores genetically modified bacteria that can spin spider silk 🕸️, with long-reaching benefits for biomedical research.🩺 Read more from GeneBites writer Aanchal Saxena!

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