Each week, we review the latest genetics research and share the most interesting stories with you every Sunday. In this issue, we look at genetics research published between 7 to 14 September 2025.
Key Topics:
DNA cassette tap for data storage:
Digital data storage is going to be revolutionized in the near future. Scientists are developing newer methods to store digital data in the DNA sequence. Jiankai Li and co-workers released their first draft of the DNA cassette tape to store digital data.
This physical DNA storage device is working now! And it can store 375 petabytes of DNA in a single cassette. In addition, they also developed the DNA cassette tape drive to retrieve the data.
However, this complex physical setup works with the same DNA data storage technology where the file is first stored into the A, T, G and C sequence, then the sequence is synthesized, stored into the cassette and retrieved using the tape drive, which reads and retrieves the sequence.
The complete mechanism of the cassette and drive, and the working model, is discussed in their paper published in the journal Science Advances. You can read it here: A compact cassette tape for DNA-based data storage.
Huge deep freezers and cold chains are not required anymore!:
A -20°C and -80°C sample storage and transfer facility is mandatory for a biological science lab and research facility. It is used to store biological specimens such as nucleic acids, cells, vaccines and tissues for long-term use.
Maintaining the cold chain is costly and often leads to sample loss if not properly controlled. Cold chain failure, particularly during pandemics and epidemics, loses vaccines and samples and risks patient lives.
A report published in the MIT News showed that a company named Cache DNA has developed an innovative solution for sample storage and transfer. The dense and amber-like polymer preserves vital biological samples like nucleic acids and biomolecules at room temperature.
The sample can be stored and shipped easily without a cold chain. Cache DNA’s innovative approach not only saves cost but also electricity and space. You can read the complete story here: This MIT Spinout is taking biomolecule storage out of the freezer.
Another research showed genes’ influence on gut microbiota, diabetes and obesity:
Certain genes play a crucial role in shaping our gut microbiota, the pool of microbes that directly impact our overall health. New research from the University of Sydney, Charles Parkins Centre, studies something more than this!
They found that mice with certain genes produce peptides known as alpha-defensin. This small protein helps gut microbes thrive and reduces the chances of developing insulin resistance.
Meaning, it prevents type II diabetes, indirectly. Alpha-defensin, however, is also present in humans; more research is needed to explore its role in the gut microbiome and health.
Read the complete story from this link: Genetic peptides that shape gut bacteria may protect against obesity and diabetes.
85% of brain cells are treated with CRISPR:
Another success for CRISPR by the team of Harvard University scientists. They treated a rare brain disease, ‘altering hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) in the mice. Using the prime-editing CRISPR approach, they targeted two candidate mutations from the ATP1A3 gene.
The faulty gene is repaired by the AAV9 viral vector and the cells containing the harmful mutations are repaired. The results! Mice treated with the gene therapy showed improvement. Research showed that around 85% of mutant cells are repaired using this technique.
You can read the complete story using this link: Harvard gene editing treatment corrects brain mutations and improves survival.
Micronutrients play an important role in shaping our genes:
Diet is a key factor for our genetic health. A good diet improves our genetic health and vice versa. A new study showed the positive effect of minerals (micronutrients) and how they shape our genes.
The team of scientists studied different world populations and the impact of mineral deficiency on certain genes. For instance, people living in the iodine-deficient region developed goiter. The study showed that a set of genes is negatively affected by Iodine deficiency and causes goiter.
The research studied 13 minerals, 276 genes across 40 different populations. This research will advance nutrigenomics by enabling studies at the micronutrient-level. For more insight, you can read the article from here: Minerals shape human DNA in surprising ways.
Read more: Top 5 Genetic Research and Stories of This Week 1
Wrapping up:
That’s it!
This week is all about CRISPR and genetic health. Each week, new research both sparks hope and pushes us to rethink our understanding of life. I hope you enjoyed reading. Read more interesting stories at Genetic Education and subscribe.
