GeneBites

Welcome to GeneBites! We're a group of early career scientists writing articles about recent and exciting research in genetics. Genetics is a broad topic and we cover everything about genes and how they're used. Find us at geneticbites.wordpress.com

🌍🔬 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🧬💡 Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/02/17/div…

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/02/04/alz…

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? 🔎🔬

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/02/05/dec…

GeneBites Writer ✏️Zach Patterson kicks off his “Decoding Life” series by emphasizing the importance of storytelling in teaching students about genetics 🧬and science, in general. Stay tuned for how he uses stories to empower and educate the next generation of geneticists!

Check it out here: genebites.org/2025/01/17/if-…

🔬 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/2025/01/13/do-…

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.

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

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.

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

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!

Check it out here: genebites.org/2024/12/13/hum…

It’s widely known that the field of human genetics was founded on racist ideals. 🛑 In this opinion piece, GeneBites writer Zach Patterson explains how “humane genomics education” in K-12 📚 can help counter racist biases and beliefs early in our exposure to science. 🤝

Check it out here: genebites.org/2024/11/23/mit…

The dysfunction of mitochondria (yes, the powerhouse of the cell! ⚡) may play a role in dementia risk. GeneBites Writer ✏️ Maya Razmi (@mayarazmi) reports on recent research showing an association between the two, opening up avenues for early detection and new therapies 💊

Check it out here: genebites.org/2024/11/08/the…

Exercise is necessary for muscle growth 💪, but what genetic factors contribute to building new muscle mass? Ethan Honeycutt reports that scientists have found the remains of an ancient virus buried in our own genomes 🧬🦠🔍, and it may aid in muscle repair!

Check it out here: genebites.org/2024/11/04/epi…

Why do some people get a terrible case of the flu 🦠 while others don't? 🤔 Mandy Eckhardt reports on a recent study where scientists showed that chemical modifications near your DNA, 🧬🔬also known as epigenetic marks, affect how your body responds to viral flu infection.