News: DNA
Ancient DNA uncovers dingo’s hidden heritage
![Dingo jaw. Credit: Sally Wasef](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2024-07/photo1_credit_sally-wasef.jpg?h=673ee8ca&itok=p0atM_89)
A landmark collaborative study co-led by the University of Adelaide and QUT has revealed the distribution of modern dingoes across Australia pre-dates European colonisation and interventions like the dingo-proof fence.
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DNA protecting gene’s crucial role in brain disorders revealed
![Microscopic images showing bright red spots on a cell next to an image of green cells showing DNA damage.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2024-03/resized-image.png?h=5d5fa889&itok=mA3dj9VZ)
University of Adelaide researchers now know more about a mysterious gene’s role in maintaining healthy DNA – a crucial development that could lead to new treatments for life threatening illnesses including neurodevelopmental disorders, some types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Cancer researcher’s leading new role at SAiGENCI
![Photo of Dr Qi Zhang](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-09/2023-zhang-q-headshot.jpg?h=4cd27b3f&itok=_xVl4Tyk)
A world-leading researcher is bringing their cutting-edge cancer expertise and search for better treatments to South Australia.
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Speedy new species of snake uncovered in Australia
![Photo of a desert whip snake](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-07/demansia-cyanochasma-credit-mark-hutchinson.jpg?h=629b5947&itok=uybjhAL1)
A new species of snake has been identified for the first time by a team of researchers from the University of Adelaide, the South Australian Museum and the Western Australian Museum.
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Funding boost to help reduce surgery side effects
![Photo of a person in a hospital bed](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-03/hospitalbed-resize.jpg?h=c74750f6&itok=LP4BiKDb)
A pilot trial is now underway to reduce the side effects experienced by patients who require a general anaesthetic and pain relief during surgery.
[Read more about Funding boost to help reduce surgery side effects]
New discovery to bulk up gluten-free fibre supplement
![A spoon with psyllium powder, a bowl containing psyllium and a glass of water](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-02/psylliumforweb.jpg?h=b179e7bc&itok=8oyjORes)
Scientists have for the first time constructed the reference genome for the source of the popular fibre supplement, psyllium husk, which could boost supplies of the versatile plant-derived product.
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Oldest clinical case of a rare genetic condition discovered
![A side-on photo of a 1000 year old skull diagnosed with Klinefelter's syndrome.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2022-08/skull-crop.jpg?h=ff34a429&itok=P05LJ_AH)
A group of international researchers including experts from the University of Adelaide has uncovered evidence of a genetic condition that gives men an extra X chromosome, reporting the oldest clinical case of Klinefelter Syndrome to date.
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Australian Navy commendation for University’s DNA experts
![The University of Adelaide’s Associate Professor Jeremy Austin accepts the commendation from Vice Admiral Noonan.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2022-05/md_10053.jpg?h=6a47c85f&itok=GEFvaejJ)
Experts from the University of Adelaide’s Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) have been commended by the Chief of the Navy Australia for their part in identifying the only crew member ever recovered from the sinking of HMAS Sydney.
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DNA editing technique provides new tool for disease research and gene therapy
![DNA image](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-08/dna-3539309_1920.jpg?h=036f3151&itok=E-R3QGmd)
Researchers at the University of Adelaide, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and CSIRO have developed a new technique to edit genes in living cells with unprecedented efficiency.
[Read more about DNA editing technique provides new tool for disease research and gene therapy ]
Shy species detected through new DNA technique
![The Blind Cave Eel is the largest of three cavefish species known from Australia, growing up to 40cm long.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2020-06/figure_1_head-jaws-agape.jpg?h=623f249a&itok=ms9XV03z)
New species-specific tests that can detect endangered and hard-to-find aquatic animals through the DNA they shed in the water has been created by researchers at the University of Adelaide and Curtin University.
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