Mothers can pass traits to offspring through bacteria’s DNA
The DNA of
bacteria that live in the body can pass a trait to offspring in a way
similar to the parents’ own DNA, a new mouse study suggests. According to the authors, the discovery means
scientists need to consider a significant new factor – microbial DNA– in their efforts to understand
how genes influence illness and health.
HIV may leave gut vulnerable to infections
New research by Herbert W. “Skip” Virgin, MD, PhD, and colleagues may explain why advanced AIDS patients often develop gastrointestinal disease.
Washington University scientists play key role in Crohn’s, colitis initiative
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are playing a leading role in an international collaboration dedicated to understanding genes that contribute to inflammatory bowel disease.