{
  "id": 2810234,
  "title": "A hidden “on switch” in human DNA has finally been decoded",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/a-hidden-on-switch-in-human-dna-has-finally-been-decoded",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-23T12:14:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ScienceDaily Health",
    "slug": "sciencedaily-health",
    "url": "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260823014943.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A groundbreaking discovery has been made by researchers at the University of California San Diego, revealing a hidden \"on switch\" within human DNA. This switch, known as the initiator, plays a crucial role in determining which genes are activated and when. The study, led by graduate student Torrey Rhyne-Carrigg, utilized advanced DNA sequencing techniques to analyze gene expression across 500,000 versions of the initiator. By employing machine learning, the team was able to identify a unique DNA pattern associated with the initiator. Astonishingly, this pattern was found in approximately 60% of human genes. Professor James T. Kadonaga, who directed the research, explained that this discovery could enable scientists to predict the impact of mutations affecting the initiator on gene activity, potentially leading to a better understanding and treatment of various diseases. The findings also hold promise for designing synthetic promoters, which can precisely control gene expression for specific applications. Furthermore, the research demonstrates the powerful synergy between laboratory experiments and artificial intelligence in decoding the vast amount of information stored within the six billion DNA bases in each human cell. Kadonaga expressed optimism that this AI model for the initiator is just the beginning, as the team aims to expand their models to encompass the entire gene expression code.",
  "summary": "Researchers have used AI to uncover the DNA signature of a key genetic “switch” involved in turning genes on. After analyzing about 500,000 DNA sequences, the model identified the initiator in roughly 60% of human genes. The breakthrough could help predict the effects of harmful mutations and eventually contribute to decoding the broader genetic instructions that control gene activity throughout…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ScienceDaily",
        "title": "A hidden “on switch” in human DNA has finally been decoded",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/a-hidden-on-switch-in-human-dna-has-finally-been-decoded-2811997",
        "published": "2026-08-23T12:14:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}