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A gene is a unit of heredity in a living organism. It normally resides on a stretch of DNA that codes for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. All living things depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains.

New study on transposable elements could help advance understanding of genetic evolution

There has been very little knowledge of ways in which transposable elements play a role in gene regulation. Transposable elements are small DNA pieces with the ability to replicate and scatter themselves in the genome.

16 Apr 2020

New algorithm predicts the evolution of genetic mutations in species

David McCandlish and Juannan Zhou, both quantitative biologists at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, have designed a new algorithm that has predictive power, providing researchers the ability to observe the way particular genetic mutations combine to make crucial proteins change over the duration of a species’ evolution.

16 Apr 2020

Genetic architecture of life span is context dependent, study finds

Scientists believe about 25 percent of the differences in human life span is determined by genetics -- with the rest determined by environmental and lifestyle factors. But they don't yet know all the genes that contribute to a long life.

15 Apr 2020

Molecular causes of brain asymmetry revealed

Scientists may have solved one of the most puzzling and persistent mysteries in neuroscience: why some people are "right-brained" while others are "left-brained."

15 Apr 2020

Study offers insight into exchange of drug resistance genes among bacteria

Researchers have been able to identify and track the exchange of genes among bacteria that allow them to become resistant to drugs, according to a new study published today in eLife.

15 Apr 2020

How human cells recognize undesirable guests

Until now, the immune sensor TLR8 has remained in the shadows of science. A research team led by the University of Bonn has now discovered how this sensor plays an important role in defending human cells against intruders.

15 Apr 2020

New model can improve prediction of genetic modification with unintended consequences

Scientists have often demonstrated their interest in genetically modifying tree species for a wide range of applications, ranging from paper to biofuel production, while staying clear of those modifications that lead to unexpected outcomes.

14 Apr 2020

Bio-factory plant available to researchers to help combat COVID-19

At present, the Nicotiana benthamiana plant is being used as a bio-factory for various experimental vaccines against SARS-COV-2.

14 Apr 2020

Combined effect of rare mutations has negative impact on health and longevity

In a study published recently in the eLife journal, researchers have reported that the combined effects of rare and damaging mutations that occur at birth itself have adverse effects on health span and longevity.

13 Apr 2020

Important genetic mechanism behind inflammatory bowel disease revealed

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have pinpointed a genetic variation responsible for driving the development of inflammatory bowel disease.

10 Apr 2020

Breakthrough In Unlocking Genetic Potential Of Ocean Microbes

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in developing gene-editing tools to improve our understanding of ocean microbes.

10 Apr 2020

Exposure to even low levels of air pollution can change gene expression

New data from a landmark study done by Monash University researchers in Australia raises significant concerns that even short-term exposure to low-level air pollution can affect gene expression, leaving us at risk of other diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

9 Apr 2020

Study on butterfly breeding sheds light on the evolution of iridescent colors

At her Florida-based butterfly farm, Edith Smith bred a shinier and bluer Common Buckeye but it was Rachel Thayer, a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) who described the genetic and physical variations that are fundamental to the newly acquired iridescence of the butterfly.

9 Apr 2020