DNA News and Research

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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).

Research analyzes horizontal gene transfer between viruses and eukaryotes

The level at which viruses can pick up genes from their hosts to hone their infection process is illustrated by the first analysis of viral horizontal gene transfer.

7 Jan 2022

Experts analyze ancient DNA to solve the mass extinctions of lions and bears

According to research, the inexplicable disappearance of ancient lions and bears from areas of North America may have been caused due to climate change.

7 Jan 2022

Researchers fine-tune an additional system for more efficient gene editing

Over the past decade, the CRISPR genome-editing system has revolutionized molecular biology, giving scientists the ability to alter genes inside living cells for research or medical applications. Now, researchers at Gladstone Institutes have fine-tuned an additional system for more efficient gene editing, using molecules called retrons.

6 Jan 2022

A folic acid-like drug changes a DNA process within brain tumors

A folic acid-like drug, L-methylfolate, when administered alongside the standard therapy for patients with recurrent glioblastoma, changed aDNA process within their brain tumors, according to results from a phase 1 clinical trial.

From Vanderbilt University 6 Jan 2022

New high-quality assay can be used in at-home tests for rapid COVID-19 screening

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have designed a high-quality assay that can be used in at-home tests for rapid COVID-19 screening.

4 Jan 2022

Scientists discover how sponginess of stem cell nuclei controls cell differentiation

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered how the sponginess and stickiness of stem cell nuclei controls how they "differentiate" into specialized cells. They found that the nucleus starts solid-like but becomes more fluid-like over time.

3 Jan 2022

Simple, marine-dwelling creature shines light on cancer resistance

A simple, marine-dwelling creature known as Trichoplax adhaerens has some remarkable properties. The organism can tolerate unusually high doses of radiation that would kill most other forms of life. T. adhaerens has another intriguing characteristic: the ability to resist cancer.

24 Dec 2021

Monitoring strains of bacteria may provide better insights into the microbiome

Every day, the billions of bacteria that inhabit your digestive system change; the food you eat, medications you take, and germs you're exposed to make some bacteria flourish more than others.

24 Dec 2021

Scientists discover hotspots in the 'dark genome' associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Scientists investigating the DNA outside our genes - the 'dark genome' - have discovered recently evolved regions that code for proteins associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

24 Dec 2021

Unraveling how DNAzymes work in real time

DNAzymes are precision biocatalysts that destroy unwanted RNA molecules. However, major obstacles to their use in medicine remain.

23 Dec 2021

European Union-funded project lifts digital data storage to a new level

One of the technologies that researchers are examining to offer effective and inexpensive alternatives for data storage in the future is DNA digital data storage.

23 Dec 2021

Study identifies novel function for existing protein

Researchers recently identified a new role of the protein tBID, which was to date linked to the regulatory role in cancer and cell death. But tBID also directly mediates apoptosis (controlled cell death).

23 Dec 2021

Revealing a Cell's Components through Artificial Intelligence

We speak to Professor Trey Ideker and Yue Qin about their latest in cell biology and how artificial intelligence could be used to discover new components within cells.

From UC San Diego 23 Dec 2021

Experts identify proteins that regulate dual processes

According to recent research, the protein UBR7 acts as a histone chaperone and controls histone re-deposition at certain sites at the time of DNA replication.

22 Dec 2021

Novel tool provides an unprecedented view of brain cell activity

To decipher the mysteries behind memory and learning, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a system to trace millions of connections amongst brain cells in mice.

22 Dec 2021

Antibiotic resistance genes hide in inactive bacteria, research reveals

Antibiotic resistance is a race between bacteria that are becoming resistant and humans who aspire to discover new antibiotics that helps in treating infectious diseases.

21 Dec 2021

DNA analyses reveals insights into ancestry, social organization of ancient people in the Nile Valley

The first genome-wide ancient human DNA data from Sudan reveals new insights into the ancestry and social organization of people who lived more than 1,000 years ago in the Nile Valley, an important genetic and cultural crossroads.

20 Dec 2021

Novel tool can efficiently map new genome sequences to a "pangenome"

Since the first sequencing of the human genome more than 20 years ago, the study of human genomes has relied almost exclusively on a single reference genome to which others are compared to identify genetic variations.

From University of California Santa Cruz 17 Dec 2021

Researchers develop novel technique to monitor remote immune mechanisms

The human immune system works hard to maintain an individual’s health and protect against viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and cancerous cells.

17 Dec 2021

Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 to successfully target brown fat

Fat is an essential component of life, however too much fat leads to numerous health issues. Investigating the role played by fat or adipose tissue is significant to get a better understanding of obesity and other problems.

17 Dec 2021