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Macrogen: Northeast Asia Reference Database

Macrogen of Korea has released the Northeast Asian Reference Database (NARD). It includes whole-genome sequencing and genetic variant data for a panel of 1,779 individuals, including 850 Koreans, 384 Mongolians, 396 Japanese, 91 Chinese, and 58 Hong Kong residents, making it the largest reference panel representing those countries, according to the company. Macrogen expects the database will help improve the accuracy of imputation in genome-wide association studies and predict disease based on polygenic risk scores. Early next year, the company plans to release a second reference panel, from 10,000 individuals.

The Scan

RNA Editing in Octopuses Seems to Help Acclimation to Shifts in Water Temperature

A paper in Cell reports that octopuses use RNA editing to help them adjust to different water temperatures.

Topical Compound to Block EGFR Inhibitors May Ease Skin Toxicities, Study Finds

A topical treatment described in Science Translational Medicine may limit skin toxicities seen with EGFR inhibitor therapy.

Dozen Genetic Loci Linked to Preeclampsia Risk in New GWAS

An analysis of genome-wide association study data in JAMA Cardiology finds genetic loci linked to preeclampsia that have ties to blood pressure.

Cancer Survival Linked to Mutational Burden in Pan-Cancer Analysis

A pan-cancer paper appearing in JCO Precision Oncology suggests tumor mutation patterns provide clues for predicting cancer survival that are independent of other prognostic factors.