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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a biologically important type of molecule that consists of a long chain of nucleotide units. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar, and a phosphate.

Scientists discern molecular mechanisms underlying plant parasitism and cross-species grafting

Using the model Orobanchaceae parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum, scientists from Nagoya University and other research institutes from Japan have discerned the molecular mechanisms underlying plant parasitism and cross-species grafting, pinpointing enzyme β-1,4-glucanase (GH9B3) as an important contributor to both phenomena.

12 Oct 2020

New approach to determine the structure of large RNA molecules

Researchers have designed a new technique to establish the structures of huge RNA molecules at high resolution.

9 Oct 2020

New machine learning algorithms to analyze reams of RNA-based 'toehold' sequences

DNA and RNA have been compared to "instruction manuals" containing the information needed for living "machines" to operate.

7 Oct 2020

Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in trees for a bio-based economy

Researchers led by prof. Wout Boerjan (VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology) have discovered a way to stably finetune the amount of lignin in poplar by applying CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

7 Oct 2020

MIT engineers develop a method to turn off specific genes in bone marrow cells

Using specialized nanoparticles, MIT engineers have developed a way to turn off specific genes in cells of the bone marrow, which play an important role in producing blood cells.

From Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 6 Oct 2020

Scientists identify new ingredient that makes vaccine more effective

A number of vaccines contain ingredients known as adjuvants that make them more effective by triggering a more powerful immune response.

5 Oct 2020

Researchers develop a new technique to improve treatment for pancreatic cancer

Scientists have described the individual cells comprising the pancreatic cancer microenvironment.

5 Oct 2020

Researchers identify small molecules that target a structure within SARS-CoV-2 genome

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that is responsible for causing COVID-19. This pathogen has now crippled economies, health care systems, and everyday lives across the world.

5 Oct 2020

Genetic factor enables regeneration of adult skin like a newborn's

A newly identified genetic factor allows adult skin to repair itself like the skin of a newborn babe. The discovery by Washington State University researchers has implications for better skin wound treatment as well as preventing some of the aging process in skin.

30 Sep 2020

New mobile app analyzes SARS-CoV-2 genome on a smartphone

A new mobile app has made it possible to analyse the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on a smartphone in less than half an hour.

30 Sep 2020

Study explains the organization of genetic information contained within mitochondria

Mitochondria creates energy for cells, and are called the “powerhouse". The genetic information is present within the mitochondria for making this energy.

30 Sep 2020

Epigenetic alterations drive late-onset Alzheimer's disease

New findings suggest that late-onset Alzheimer's Disease is driven by epigenetic changes -- how and when certain genes are turned on and off -- in the brain. Results were published today in Nature Genetics.

29 Sep 2020

Analysis of wild tomatoes elucidates genetic basis underlying fruit traits

Domestication and subsequent intensive breeding of tomato had a major impact on fruit ripening and the myriad metabolic processes accompanying it.

29 Sep 2020

Genetic variations may not contribute to mortality and morbidity of COVID-19

Researchers did not find any major differences across populations and ethnic groups in seven genes linked to the viral entry of SARS-CoV-2.

25 Sep 2020

Scientists create the first atlas of human heart cells

Ka-thump. Ka-thump. Ka-thump. Though we barely notice it most of the time, the steady beating of a human heart is an amazingly complex performance.

25 Sep 2020

Computational model effectively identifies genetic mutations in breast tumors

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have developed a computational model which is effective in detecting and identifying genetic mutations in breast tumors. The study, the largest of its kind in the world, includes results from over 3 200 patients with breast cancer.

25 Sep 2020

Study reveals how the loss of a protein affects proper brain development

Normal brain development requires a precise interplay between neuronal and non-neuronal (also called glial) cells. In a new study, researchers from the University of Tsukuba revealed how the loss of protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) 1 causes disruptions in glial cells and affects proper brain development.

24 Sep 2020

UB biophysicist receives $2 million NIH grant to explore protein-RNA droplets

Inside human cells, proteins and RNA can cluster together to form spherical droplets that play vital roles in cellular processes as well as in certain human diseases.

23 Sep 2020

ADHD study reveals genetic differences between African Americans and people of European ancestry

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have shown there may be key genetic differences in the causes of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between African Americans and people of European ancestry, which may play an important part in how patients of different ethnic backgrounds respond to treatments for this condition. The findings were published online by the journal Scientific Reports.

23 Sep 2020

Scientists uncover new pathway to protect plants from fungal infection

Widespread fungal disease in plants can be controlled with a commercially available chemical that has been primarily used in medicine until now. This discovery was made by scientists from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the University of the State of Paraná in Brazil.

23 Sep 2020