DNA: How genes could affect our mind and body
Decode Genetics is researching how genetics shape our bodies, our minds and our personalities......»»
Researchers reveal key mechanism in regulating DNA recombination
Meiotic recombination generates genetic diversity and promotes proper chromosomal segregation of parental chromosomes. This process requires a set of recombinases polymerized on single-stranded (ss) DNAs called the nucleoprotein filament to undergo h.....»»
Inside the Anti-Vax Facebook Group Pushing a Bogus Cure for Autism
Parents of newborns are reporting symptoms including diarrhea, twitching, and “complete toddler meltdowns” after giving them Pure Body Extra detox treatment......»»
Study identifies compounds that extend longevity of Japanese morning glory flowers
The longevity of plant flowers is controlled by genetically programmed mechanisms. After a certain amount of time after flowering, the expression of genes associated with programmed cell death is induced and cellular components such as proteins and n.....»»
Engineers create a chip-based tractor beam for biological particles
MIT researchers have developed a miniature, chip-based "tractor beam," like the one that captures the Millennium Falcon in the film "Star Wars," that could someday help biologists and clinicians study DNA, classify cells, and investigate the mechanis.....»»
Scientists find plant-like behavior in human cells
A team of scientists from Monash University has solved the structure of a protein known as "LYCHOS," which can detect and regulate cell growth by sensing cholesterol levels in the body......»»
Skiing calls on UN climate science to combat melting future
World skiing's governing body joined forces with the UN's weather agency on Thursday in a bid to feed its meteorological expertise into managing the "existential threat" to winter sports posed by climate change......»»
The Vagus Nerve’s Crucial Role in Creating the Human Sense of Mind
Like a highway system, the vagus nerve branches profusely from your brain through your organs to marshal bodily functions, including aspects of mind such as mood, pleasure, and fear......»»
23andMe Is Sinking Fast. Can the Company Survive?
The home DNA testing boom is over, and 23andMe is running out of options......»»
How do "double skeptics" affect government policy on climate and vaccination?
Governments and other policymakers around the world wrestle with how to deal with people who are skeptical of official positions and guidelines, such as climate skeptics and antivaxxers......»»
First-ever artificial cell nuclei created in living egg from purified DNA injection
A research group is the first in the world to succeed in constructing artificial cell nuclei by injecting purified DNA solution instead of sperm into living mouse eggs. Their findings are published in the journal Genes to Cells......»»
Developing novel chiral capsule tools for advanced optical technologies
Chirality is an essential property in biology; the molecular building blocks of some of the most important biological structures, including DNA and proteins, are chiral. When a molecule is said to be chiral, it means that it is distinguishable from i.....»»
Q&A: Using a new approach to shine a light on hidden plant microbes
Despite there being more microbes on Earth than stars in our galaxy, only a tiny fraction have been discovered. An approach called metagenomics—a type of DNA sequencing—may help scientists learn more about these elusive organisms, according to Pe.....»»
Franklin expedition captain who died in 1848 was cannibalized by survivors
Scientists matched DNA of living descendent to Capt. James Fitzjames of the HMS Erebus. Scientists at the University of Waterloo have identified one of the doomed crew members of.....»»
Planning a drug"s route in the body with synthetic chemistry
Researchers at the RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research (CPR) have developed technology that can alter, within the body, the recognized identity of proteins......»»
Smoke from megafires puts orchard trees at risk: Effects last months, reducing nut yields
Long-term smoke exposure from massive wildfires lowers the energy reserves of orchard trees and can cut their nut production by half, researchers at the University of California, Davis, found. The smoke can affect trees for months after a megafire, d.....»»
Being "mindful" about your bank account can bring more than peace of mind: A researcher explains the payoff
Mindfulness, the meditation practice that brings one's attention to present experiences, is gaining traction in the business world......»»
Research provides new insights into role of mechanical forces in gene expression
The genome inside each of our cells is modeled by tension and torsion—due in part to the activity of proteins that compact, loop, wrap and untwist DNA—but scientists know little about how those forces affect the transcription of genes......»»
Seeing double: Designing drugs that target "twin" cancer proteins
Some proteins in the human body are easy to block with a drug; they have an obvious spot in their structure where a drug can fit, like a key in a lock. But other proteins are more difficult to target, with no clear drug-binding sites......»»
Engineers investigate another malfunction on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket
SpaceX probably won't be grounded for long, but this could affect the launch of Europa Clipper. Enlarge / The Merlin vacuum engine on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket fired for six minutes to place the Crew-9 mission into low-Earth orbit.....»»
New tool can assess elderly dogs" frailty
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a tool that can aid owners and veterinarians in assessing an elderly dog's frailty. The tool—when coupled with simple assessments of body and muscle condition by the veterinarian—can.....»»