Genomics and Bioinformatics

Epigenetics study helps focus search for autism risk factors

By Judith Van Dongen, WSU Spokane Office of Research SPOKANE, Wash. – Scientists have long tried to pin down the causes of autism spectrum disorder. Recent studies have expanded the search for genetic links from identifying genes toward epigenetics, the study of factors that control gene expression and looks at chemical modifications of DNA and […]

Toxic effects of mercury persists for generations

PULLMAN, Wash. – Zebrafish exposed to very low levels of methylmercury as embryos not only passed on toxic effects of the chemical exposure to their offspring, but also to the third generation, according to a study that investigated both epigenetic changes – chemical modifications to the DNA – and abnormal neuro-behavior associated with exposure.

New course prepares students for personalized medicine

By Lori Maricle, College of Pharmacy SPOKANE, Wash. – Using a patients’ individual genetic information to select drugs and drug dosages specifically effective for them is part of pharmacy’s future. A recent study of a new course in pharmacogenomics at Washington State University Spokane found the class expanded students’ understanding of these possibilities for their […]

WSU helps map quinoa genome, improve ‘super food’

By Seth Truscott, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Discovery of the first high-quality genome of quinoa, published this week in Nature, could help create healthier, tastier varieties of this protein-packed “super food.”

Novel gene resists toxic wheat disease that costs billions

PULLMAN, Wash. – Scientists at Washington State University and Kansas State University have isolated and cloned a gene that provides resistance to Fusarium head blight, or wheat scab, a crippling disease that caused $7.6 billion in losses in U.S. wheat fields between 1993 and 2001.

Fat in feces points to early presence of colorectal cancer

By Rebecca Phillips, University Communications PULLMAN, Wash. – Scientists at Washington State University and Johns Hopkins Medical School have discovered a fast, noninvasive method that could lead to the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

WSU portable smartphone laboratory detects cancer

By Erik Gomez, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture intern PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have developed a low-cost, portable laboratory on a smartphone that can analyze several samples at once to catch a cancer biomarker, producing lab quality results.