A new study by researchers at Penn State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has identified 10 regions in the Marek's disease virus’s genome that likely played a role in increases its virulence, results could inform the development of next-generation vaccines that are more effective at preventing future breakthroughs.

A new review explores how advances in understanding X chromosome inactivation (XCI) are creating potential therapeutic opportunities for a range of X-linked genetic disorders, including Rett syndrome, Fabry disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and others. The article examines the molecular mechanisms that control X chromosome silencing, the impact of skewed XCI on disease severity, emerging methods to measure XCI patterns, and experimental approaches aimed at reactivating beneficial genes on the inactive X chromosome.

Microplastics have become nearly impossible to avoid. They have been detected in oceans, drinking water and even the human body, but scientists are still uncovering how they affect human health.

Now, researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have uncovered evidence that one of the world’s most common plastics may do more than pollute the environment. Their findings suggest that polyethylene may contribute to fatty liver disease and worsen the condition when combined with an unhealthy diet.