Kateryna Makova

Feb 04, 2021

Unusual DNA folding increases the rates of mutations

DNA sequences that can fold into shapes other than the classic double helix tend to have higher mutation rates than other regions in the human genome. New research by a team of Penn State scientists shows that the elevated mutation rate in these sequences plays a major role in determining regional variation in mutation rates across the genome.

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Oct 09, 2020

Makova selected as holder of the Verne M. Willaman Chair in the Life Sciences

Kateryna Makova, Pentz Professor of Biology at Penn State, has been appointed as holder of the Verne M. Willaman Chair in the Life Sciences. The appointment, effective on Sept. 1, was made by the Office of the President of the University, based on the recommendation of the dean, in recognition of Makova’s national and international reputation for excellence in research and teaching.

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Oct 06, 2020

Evolution of the Y chromosome in great apes deciphered

New analysis of the DNA sequence of the male-specific Y chromosomes from all living species of the great ape family helps to clarify our understanding of how this enigmatic chromosome evolved.

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Sep 29, 2020

Scientists take a step toward understanding 'jumping genes' effect on the genome

Using state-of-the-art statistical methods, a team of researchers said they may have taken a leap closer to understanding a class of jumping genes, sequences that move to different locations in the human genome, which is the body’s complete set of DNA.

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Nov 18, 2019

Tracking inheritance of human mitochondrial DNA

New insight into how genetic information stored in human mitochondria is passed from one generation to the next could have important implications for genetic counseling of people planning pregnancies, according to a study by researchers at Penn State and the University of California, Berkeley.

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Jan 14, 2019

Mixed Ancestry Might Affect Our Mitochondria

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Oct 09, 2018

Could the bacteria in a child’s mouth predict obesity?

There may soon be a simple way to identify children at risk for developing obesity later in life. Researchers from Penn State University analyzed the bacteria in the mouths of 226 2-year-olds and found that a child's oral microbiota can be used as a tool to predict weight gain during the first two years of their life.

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Sep 21, 2018

Mouth bacteria in toddlers may predict obesity, study says

Bacteria in a toddler's mouth might help predict later obesity, new research suggests. Scientists at Penn State University found the composition of microorganisms in the mouths of 2-year-olds offers clues to the child's future weight.

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Sep 20, 2018

Swabbing a child’s mouth for bacteria could predict how likely they are to become obese

A swab of a toddler’s mouth may predict their odds of growing into obese children, a new study suggests. Scientists at Pennsylvania State University discovered that the harmless microorganisms living in a two-year-old’s mouth were less diverse if they had gained more weight more quickly than most since birth.

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Sep 19, 2018

Your Child's Mouth Could Reveal Their Obesity Risk

Scientists believe the bacteria that live in a toddler’s mouth could provide clues as to whether they will become obese. Existing research suggests the microbes inhabiting the guts and mouths of obese adults differ to those without the condition, but less is known about this pattern in children. So biologists at Pennsylvania State University set out to investigate what a child’s microbiota could say about their weight.

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