Trust in CDC Near Pandemic-Era Low After Vaccine Schedule Changes: Public confidence in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has fallen close to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new KFF Tracking Poll reported by CIDRAP. The decline follows federal changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule, which many Americans view skeptically. Roughly half of the public has heard about the changes, and among those aware, more believe the revisions will harm rather than improve children’s health. Trust varies by political affiliation, with Democrats still more likely than Republicans or independents to express confidence in CDC vaccine guidance, though even among Democrats trust has dropped sharply from earlier pandemic highs. Researchers warn that declining institutional trust could complicate future public-health messaging and vaccination campaigns. (CIDRAP)

CRISPR Targets Cancer Cells with Excess Oncogenes: Researchers in Spain have unveiled a CRISPR-based approach that selectively destroys tumor cells carrying too many copies of cancer-driving genes. Instead of repairing DNA, the method exploits genomic instability unique to aggressive cancers, triggering cell death only in affected cells while sparing healthy tissue. Scientists say the strategy could open a new therapeutic pathway against hard-to-treat tumors defined by gene amplification, a hallmark of many advanced cancers. Early experimental results show the edited cells collapse under their own genetic imbalance, suggesting a precision-medicine approach guided by genomic diagnostics. Though still preclinical, the work highlights how gene editing is shifting from correcting mutations to engineering vulnerabilities in cancer genomes. If validated in human trials, this could represent a fundamentally new genetic oncology paradigm. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1115656

Genome Mapping Reveals How Mutations Supercharge Cancer: Scientists have produced the first comprehensive map showing how hundreds of mutations in a major cancer gene influence tumor growth. By systematically testing every possible mutation in a critical genomic hotspot, researchers discovered that some changes barely affect cancer signaling, while others dramatically accelerate it. When matched with patient data, the mutation map accurately predicted tumor behavior across tissues, offering a powerful new tool for precision oncology. The findings could help clinicians interpret genetic test results, distinguishing harmless variants from dangerous ones, and guide targeted therapies tailored to each tumor’s genomic signature. Researchers say the approach may transform cancer genomics by moving from cataloging mutations to predicting their biological consequences. The work also highlights how small genetic differences can radically reshape disease trajectories. (Science Daily)

CRISPR Strategy Aims to Eliminate Antibiotic Resistance: Scientists have developed a gene-editing system that spreads through bacterial populations to remove antibiotic-resistance genes. Inspired by gene-drive concepts, the CRISPR-based technology can propagate through microbes, neutralizing resistance traits across entire populations rather than targeting individual cells. Researchers say the method could combat “superbugs” in hospitals, agriculture, and wastewater systems, where resistance genes rapidly circulate. Laboratory tests show engineered bacteria can outcompete resistant strains, potentially reversing the genetic basis of drug resistance. The approach remains experimental and faces ecological and safety challenges, but it signals a shift toward population-level genetic engineering of microbes. If successfully controlled, such strategies could become a powerful new front in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, one of the most urgent threats in modern medicine. (Eureka Alert)

Gene-Editing Safety Breakthrough Detects Hidden DNA Changes: A new genomic quality-control method can detect subtle DNA rearrangements caused by gene-editing tools, improving the safety of CRISPR-based therapies. Using advanced optical genome mapping, researchers identified structural DNA changes that conventional sequencing sometimes misses, including rearrangements triggered by viral delivery systems and editing enzymes. The technology provides a more complete picture of genomic integrity in engineered cells, crucial for clinical gene therapy and cell-engineering applications. Scientists say the approach could become a standard safety screen before edited cells are used in patients, helping regulators and researchers detect unintended genetic consequences early. As gene editing moves deeper into clinical medicine, ensuring genomic stability is becoming as important as achieving therapeutic edits, making tools like this essential for the next generation of genetic treatments. (Stock Titan)

Startup Raises $75 Million for Next-Generation Gene-Editing Therapies: Biotech startup AccurEdit has secured $75 million in funding to advance CRISPR-based therapies targeting genetic and cardiovascular diseases. The company reported early promising results in programs aimed at transthyretin amyloidosis and PCSK9, conditions driven by well-defined genetic mechanisms. Investors are betting that improved editing precision and delivery systems will enable durable, one-time treatments rather than chronic drug regimens. The funding reflects continued momentum in genetic medicine despite a more cautious biotech market, with investors prioritizing platforms capable of addressing multiple diseases through genome editing. Analysts note the field is shifting toward clinically validated therapies rather than experimental tools, with companies racing to demonstrate safety, durability, and scalability. If successful, next-generation editing platforms could reshape treatment of inherited and metabolic disorders. (Endpoints)

Spatial Genomics Expands Understanding of Human Cell Biology: New advances in spatial omics are transforming how scientists study gene activity within tissues, allowing researchers to map where genes are expressed inside intact biological structures. By combining genomic sequencing with spatial proteomics, scientists can now observe how genetic programs operate within the physical architecture of cells and tissues. This approach reveals previously hidden relationships between gene expression, cell identity, and disease processes, particularly in cancer and developmental biology. Researchers say spatial genomics bridges the gap between DNA sequences and biological function, offering deeper insight into how genetic information shapes real-world cellular behavior. The technology is rapidly expanding across biomedical research, promising improved disease diagnostics, drug targeting, and understanding of complex biological systems at unprecedented resolution. (The Scientist)

Gene-Editing Therapy Shows Promise Against Inherited Kidney Disease: Researchers have reported encouraging preclinical results from a gene-editing therapy designed to correct a mutation responsible for inherited kidney disease. The approach directly repairs the faulty gene rather than managing symptoms, offering the potential for long-lasting or curative treatment. Laboratory and animal studies show the therapy restored gene function and improved kidney health markers, suggesting strong therapeutic potential. Scientists say gene editing could transform treatment for many monogenic disorders, where correcting a single mutation addresses the root cause of disease. Challenges remain in safe delivery, long-term monitoring, and regulatory approval, but the results reinforce growing confidence in therapeutic genome editing. If successful in clinical trials, such strategies could mark a shift toward permanent genetic medicine rather than lifelong pharmaceutical management. (Southern Florida Hospital News)

Mapping the Future – AI and Genomics Converge in Precision Medicine: The integration of artificial intelligence with genomics is rapidly reshaping biomedical research and healthcare. Advances in machine learning are enabling faster interpretation of complex genomic data, improved disease prediction, and more personalized treatment strategies. Falling sequencing costs and expanding genomic datasets are accelerating clinical adoption, while AI models help identify genetic risk factors and therapeutic targets more efficiently. Analysts project rapid growth in the AI-genomics sector, driven by precision medicine, drug discovery, and population-scale genomic research. Experts say the convergence represents a foundational shift in medicine—from reactive treatment to predictive and preventive care guided by genetic data. However, challenges remain in data standardization, ethics, and equitable access to genomic technologies worldwide. (Business Channel)

Genetic Isolation and Ancient Roots in Southern Greece: A new Communications Biology study explores the ancestry of the Deep Maniots, an insular population from Greece’s rugged Mani Peninsula long known for strong clan structures and oral traditions of ancient origin. Genetic analysis of Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA shows most Deep Maniot men descend from pre-medieval Greek populations and remained largely isolated—possibly since the Bronze Age—while mainland Greeks show more intermixing. Surprisingly, maternal DNA reveals that women from across the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa occasionally entered Maniot society, indicating genetic isolation did not equal cultural isolation. Researchers also found more than half of modern Deep Maniot men trace lineage to a single male ancestor from the seventh century, likely reflecting a historic population bottleneck. Though sample size was limited, the study sheds new light on migration, ancestry, and the complex formation of Mediterranean populations. (Science)