Yes, There’s a New Covid Variant. No, You Shouldn’t Panic
The Pirola Covid variant has an alarming number of mutations, but it doesn’t seem to be taking hold or causing severe illness......»»
Novel algorithm able to detect mutations in single-cell sequencing data sets
Single-cell RNA sequencing data are useful for studying cell phenotypes and function. However, deciphering the clonal relationships of cells is critical to understanding the patterns of cell migration during development and tissue growth, and to stud.....»»
Mutation accessibility fuels influenza evolution
The influenza (flu) virus is constantly undergoing a process of evolution and adaptation through acquiring new mutations. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have added a new layer of understanding to explain why and how flu viruses c.....»»
Scientists identify gene crucial for male meiosis during homologous pairing and synapsis
Meiotic recombination-related gene (e.g., DMC1, HFM1, MEIOB, MAJIN, C14ORF39/SIX6OS1, STAG3, SYCE1, SYCP2-3, TERB1-2) mutations have been identified in human subfertility or infertility. Surprisingly, most patients have been found to have aberrant sp.....»»
Harnessing the power of healthy cells to suppress skin cancer formation
Our healthy skin is a mosaic of both normal and mutation-bearing cells. As we age, a growing number of cells accumulate more mutations including those that can cause cancer. Eventually these mutant cells fueled by environmental insults, such as high.....»»
New insight into how xeroderma pigmentosum causative gene products ensure the accuracy of DNA repair
Our genomic DNA is continuously damaged by endogenous factors such as reactive oxygen species, and also by environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, radiation, and chemicals. Failure to repair damaged DNA may induce mutations and cell death, e.....»»
Study suggests long-lived tree species play greater role in generating genetic diversity
A study of the relationship between the growth rate of tropical trees and the frequency of genetic mutations they accumulate suggests that older, long-lived trees play a greater role in generating and maintaining genetic diversity than short-lived tr.....»»
Study shows more mutations likely with genetically engineered synthetic DNA
Unlocking the potential of laboratory-crafted DNA, known as synthetic DNA, holds the key to groundbreaking advancements across multiple domains, according to quantum biologists from the University of Surrey......»»
Prevalence of transposable elements may provide clues to worldwide mammal biodiversity
An international scientific project that compares the genomes of 240 living species of mammals has identified transposable elements (TEs)—genes that can change their position within a genome, creating or reversing mutations and thus altering a cell.....»»
Researchers identify a new genetic culprit in canine bladder cancers
Researchers have identified new genetic mutations linked to a subset of canine bladder cancers. Their findings have implications both for early cancer detection and for targeted treatments in dogs and humans. The study is published in the journal PLO.....»»
Uncovering hidden mitochondrial mutations in single cells
A high-throughput single-cell single-mitochondrial genome sequencing technology known as iMiGseq has provided new insights into mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and offers a platform for assessing mtDNA editing strategies and genetic diagnosis.....»»
Researchers discover a way to observe chromatin interaction changes in cancer-associated genetic mutations
Studying the microbiology of any entity, be it a molecule or a dolphin, ideally means putting a spotlight as close to the source material as possible. That can be especially challenging when you're investigating the Rube Goldberg environment of a cel.....»»
A tighter core stabilizes SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in new emergent variants
Just as a tight core is a component of good physical fitness for humans, helping to stabilize our bodies, mutations that tightened the core of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in new variants may have increased the virus's fitness......»»
Researchers apply a long-read approach to learn more about DNA mutations and cancer
Just as a flashlight casts a broader beam than the brightest candle when walking along a darkened trail, so too does long-read genomic sequencing seem to clarify a broader genomic picture of DNA mutations than short-read sequencing......»»
Important step towards accurate use of stem cell–based disease models
Induced pluripotent stem cells offer great therapeutic potential and are a valuable tool for understanding how different diseases develop. New research shows that such stem cell lines should be regularly screened for genetic mutations to ensure the a.....»»
Quantifying genetic variations in bacterial cultures the qSanger way
Genetic variations, such as mutations, recombinations, or transpositions occur naturally in cultured microorganisms and are often considered nonneutral mutations......»»
Guarding the genome: Researchers uncover full 3D structure of p53 protein
The tumor suppressor protein p53, known as "the guardian of the genome," protects the body's DNA from daily stress or long-term damage by triggering the cells to make repairs or to self-destruct. But mutations in the p53 gene that codes for the prote.....»»
Multiple mutations may help omicron variant escape antibodies
An array of different mutations or combinations of mutations may help the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 escape immune responses or therapeutic antibodies, according to a study published today in eLife......»»
How Supergenes Beat the Odds—and Fuel Evolution
Stretches of DNA that lock inherited traits together often accumulate harmful mutations. But they also hold genetic benefits for species......»»
Identification of novel mutations associated with bedaquiline resistance in Mycobacterium marinum
As infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are rapidly increasing globally, a need exists for developing novel antibiotics and discovering the mechanism of resistance. New research reported in Zoonoses is aimed at understanding the mec.....»»