DNA News and Research

RSS

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Enhancing Drug Discovery Through Automated Protein Labeling

Exact protein observation in cells is crucial for many scientific fields, but it has proven to be a difficult technical task, particularly in living cells where each protein needs to have its fluorescent label applied separately.

22 Apr 2024

The Genetic Secret Behind Human Skull Morphology

Researchers at the Universities of Helsinki, Barcelona, and Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) have discovered a single nucleotide alteration that is crucial to the evolution of human skull morphology and influences the expression of the TBX1 gene and the formation of the skull base.

18 Apr 2024

U of T Scientists Make Breakthrough Discovery in DNA Repair Mechanism

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a DNA repair mechanism that advances understanding of how human cells stay healthy, and which could lead to new treatments for cancer and premature aging.

18 Apr 2024

Mysterious Plasmid in Human Gut Holds Potential for Health Hazard Detection

A component of the human intestinal flora that has been little studied to date is the focus of a new study.

17 Apr 2024

Genomic Research Unravels Arabica Coffee's Ancient Origins

The key to growing coffee plants that can better resist climate change in the decades to come may lie in the ancient past.

16 Apr 2024

Study Offers Valuable Insights Into Mutagenesis Mechanisms and Cancer Evolution

Mutations are the changes in the DNA that gradually occur in human cells as they replicate, and the organism grows and ages.

13 Apr 2024

Deciphering the Significance of m6A RNA Modification in HIV-1 Genome

A chemical modification in the HIV-1 RNA genome whose function has been a matter of scientific debate is now confirmed to be key to the virus's ability to survive and thrive after infecting host cells, a new study has found.

13 Apr 2024

Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms of DNA Entanglement Resolution

Picture in your mind a traditional "landline" telephone with a coiled cord connecting the handset to the phone.

12 Apr 2024

Different Chromosomes Found to Have Separate End-Specific Telomere-Length Distributions

We depend on our cells being able to divide and multiply, whether it's to replace sunburnt skin or replenish our blood supply and recover from injury.

12 Apr 2024

Cataloging Bacteria in Cancer Metastases

Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute have compiled a detailed catalog of bacteria living in cancer metastases.

10 Apr 2024

Understanding Prostate Cancer Disparities Through Proteogenomics

Certain proteogenomic signatures in the prostate cancers of men of African and European ancestries were associated with higher risk of metastasis and/or recurrence of the disease, according to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024, held April 5-10.

10 Apr 2024

Cellular Atlas of the Human Ovary Offers Hope for Restoring Hormone Production and Fertility

A new "atlas" of the human ovary provides insights that could lead to treatments restoring ovarian hormone production and the ability to have biologically related children, according to University of Michigan engineers.

9 Apr 2024

Nature's 'Molecular Kitchen': Heat Flows and the Origin of Life's Ingredients

Life is complicated. What is true for our everyday existence also holds for the many complex processes that take place inside cells

5 Apr 2024

AI Predicts Mutations for Improved Protein Function

To design proteins with beneficial functions, researchers typically start with a natural protein possessing a desirable function, such as emitting fluorescent light.

5 Apr 2024

Unveiling the Diversity and Evolutionary Dynamics of Centromeres Across Primates

A genomic study of human and selected nonhuman primate centromeres has revealed their unimaginable diversity and speed of evolutionary change.

4 Apr 2024

New Virus Offers Hope for Amphibians Ravaged by Fungus

A fungus devastating frogs and toads on nearly every continent may have an Achilles heel. Scientists have discovered a virus that infects the fungus, and that could be engineered to save the amphibians.

4 Apr 2024

New Tool Predicts How Proteins Interact with RNA Structures

Scientists at the Italian Institute of Technology and Aarhus University have figured out how specific proteins can bind to G-quadruplexes, which are unique RNA structures.

4 Apr 2024

Warwick researchers discover giant phage with potential as a treatment for lung infections

Scientists have found a new bacteria-fighting agent that can attack a common lung infection caused by Burkholderia bacteria.

4 Apr 2024

Study Reveals Structure of Two Nucleic Acid-Degrading Enzymes

When nucleic acids like DNA or RNA build up in a cell's cytoplasm, it sets off an alarm call for the immune system.

3 Apr 2024

Researchers Advocate for “Pathogen Prospecting” to Fight Malaria

A team of scientists is urging colleagues worldwide to participate in what they refer to as “pathogen prospecting,” which involves locating archival mosquito specimens in collections and museums and examining them for pathogens that could have transmitted malaria to humans while feeding on their blood.

2 Apr 2024