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genetic engineering

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 21, 2025·5 min read

AI-Guided Gene Vectors Precisely Target Brain and Spinal Cells

Scientists have engineered dozens of adeno-associated virus (AAV) systems that ferry genes to specific neuron and glial subtypes in the brain and spinal cord with unprecedented accuracy. Powered by AI-selected DNA “light switches,” the vectors can switch on therapeutic or research genes only in targeted cells—eliminating the need for transgenic animals and enabling fine-grained circuit mapping, activation, or silencing.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 5, 2024·5 min read

Genetically Engineered Parasite Delivers Drugs to the Brain

Researchers genetically engineered the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier. This innovative approach has been used to deliver therapeutic proteins to neurons, showing promise for treating neurological conditions like Rett syndrome. The research highlights the potential for parasites to act as delivery vehicles for large molecules that typically struggle to penetrate the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for a variety of neurological disorders.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 20, 2023·5 min read

Engineered Cells Offer Promise for Treating ALS and Blinding Diseases

Engineered stem cells may lead to personalized treatments for a range of neurological and visual disorders, a new study reports. Transplanting engineered induced pluripotent stem cells into the eyes of rodents with retinal degeneration led to the protection of cells in the eyes that support vision. In ALS models, transplanting cells into the spinal cord protected movement controlling cells. The engineered cells also created astrocytes and did not result in tumor formation.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 16, 2023·5 min read

DNA Treatment Could Delay Paralysis That Strikes Nearly All Patients With ALS

DNA designer therapeutics restored levels of a protein critical to motor neuron function, restoring the activity that is impaired as a result of ALS.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 27, 2023·6 min read

Fresh Questions About Oxytocin as the ‘Love Hormone’ Behind Pair Bonding

The "love hormone" oxytocin may not play as critical a role in bonding as previously believed. Removing the oxytocin receptor in animal models still resulted in monogamous mating, attachment, and parental bonding behaviors, although females without the receptor produced milk in smaller quantities. Findings reveal parenting and bonding aren't purely dictated by oxytocin receptors.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·December 21, 2020·4 min read

Gene Pathway Linked to Schizophrenia Identified Through Stem Cell Engineering

Using human-induced pluripotent stem cells, researchers have identified a gene signaling pathway linked to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 17, 2018·6 min read

How the Brain Orchestrates Movement

Researchers shed light on what happens to specific neurons when neurodegenerative diseases impact movement. The findings could help in the development of new treatments for Parkinson's and Huntington's disease.

Scientists created a mouse model of ALS and FTD caused by mutations in the C9ORF72 gene. Credit: Courtesy of Petrucelli lab, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla.

Featured Genetics

·May 22, 2015·4 min read

Scientists Create Mice with a Major Genetic Cause of ALS and FTD

Researchers believe mouse could provide a new platform for testing treatments for several neurodegenerative diseases.

The image shows some small orange dots hitting some blue bubbles.

Electrophysiology Featured Genetics

·February 18, 2014·2 min read

Molecular Biology Mystery Unravelled

Researchers use new genetic engineering technology to isolate and reconstruct a cell's protein trafficking machinery.

Featured Genetics

·May 29, 2013·3 min read

Genetic Engineering Alters Mosquitoes’ Sense of Smell

In one of the first successful attempts at genetically engineering mosquitoes, HHMI researchers have altered the way the insects respond to odors, including the smell of humans and the insect repellant DEET.

Genetics

·April 17, 2012·3 min read