Genetic "hitchhikers" can be directed using CRISPR
In a new study, North Carolina State University researchers characterize a range of molecular tools to rewrite—not just edit—large chunks of an organism's DNA, based on CRISPR-Cas systems associated with selfish genetic "hitchhikers" called trans.....»»
Sweet secrets of the bayberry: Genetic insights set to transform fruit quality
The Chinese bayberry, Myrica rubra, is a subtropical fruit highly valued for its distinctive flavor, nutritional benefits, and economic importance. However, previous genome assemblies lacked sequence continuity, hindering comprehensive genetic studie.....»»
The Artificial Intelligence Era Faces a Threat from Directed Energy Weapons
Autonomous and AI-enabled systems increasingly rely on optical and radio frequency sensors and significant computer power. They face growing vulnerabilities from directed-energy laser and microwave weapons.....»»
Epigenetic insights: How hybrid poplar regenerates shoots
Understanding plant regeneration at the molecular level is pivotal for advancements in genetic transformation and genome editing. Previous studies have underscored the importance of DNA methylation in model organisms, yet the specific mechanisms in w.....»»
Desert poplar"s genetic blueprint: Insights into adaptation and survival mechanisms
Populus pruinosa is a relic species surviving in the harsh desert environments of western China and Central Asia. As global warming and desertification intensify, understanding the genetic mechanisms behind its ecological adaptation is crucial. Previ.....»»
Researchers make better chickpeas possible by harnessing genetic traits of wild cousins
A new study has revealed the potential of using wild crop relatives for chickpea improvement, paving the way for more advanced crops and greater global food security......»»
Agreement reached at UN on biopiracy treaty
More than 190 nations agreed Friday on a new treaty to combat so-called biopiracy and regulate patents stemming from genetic resources such as medicinal plants, particularly ones whose uses owe a debt to traditional knowledge......»»
Addressing hidden hunger in developing countries: Study investigates genetic information of millet
Millet, the grain, is having a moment. The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets. And last September, leaders at the G20 Summit in India were treated to a smorgasbord of dishes and desserts all made from millets......»»
Uncertainty clouds UN talks on biopiracy treaty
UN talks to create a global treaty to combat biopiracy and the exploitation of genetic resources hung in the balance Thursday, a day before an agreement was due to be signed......»»
New "atlas" provides unprecedented insights on how genes function in early embryo development
Although the Human Genome Project announced the completed sequencing of 20,000 human genes more than 20 years ago, scientists are still working to grasp how fully formed beings emerge from basic genetic instructions......»»
Pineapple mint"s genetic blueprint: A comprehensive genome assembly
Mentha suaveolens, commonly known as pineapple mint, is valued for its distinct aroma and medicinal properties, which are attributed to its essential oils......»»
Birdsong and human voice built from same genetic blueprint
Humans have long been fascinated by bird song and the cacophony of other avian sounds—from coos and honks to quacks and peeps. But little is known about how the unique vocal organ of birds—the syrinx—varies from species to species or its deeper.....»»
Genetic mutation responsible for new coat pattern in cats in Finland identified
A team of geneticists and animal welfare specialists from the U.K. and one from the U.S. has identified the genetic mutation responsible for a newly discovered cat coat color pattern in Finland. In their study, published in the journal Animal Genetic.....»»
Research improves multiplex mutagenesis to increase experimental efficiency in plant genome editing
CRISPR/Cas9 remains the most powerful tool to generate mutations in plant genomes. Studying the various combinations of mutations has significantly increased the scale of experimental setups, necessitating more space to grow numerous plants......»»
How yeasts manage to compensate for the genetic imbalance of extra chromosomes
Having extra chromosomes is typically an issue for an organism and can disrupt development or cause disease. But some cells benefit instead. For example, cancer cells or pathogenic yeasts can use extra chromosomes to escape treatment and become drug-.....»»
Ancient DNA study reveals population history of Western Tibetan Plateau
According to a study published in Current Biology on May 22, the genetic components of the ancient populations in the western Tibetan Plateau are closest to ancient populations in the southern Tibetan Plateau, and their major genetic components have.....»»
Wild birds possess genetic predispositions to learn population-specific songs, study finds
Genetic predispositions guide population-specific song learning in wild birds, shows new research from Stockholm University. By studying adult pied flycatchers that had been translocated as eggs from the Netherlands to Sweden, the researchers found t.....»»
Lipid nanoparticle-mRNA regimen reverses inflammation and aids recovery from diabetic wounds in mice
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have designed a regenerative medicine therapy to speed up diabetic wound repair. Using tiny fat particles loaded with genetic instructions to calm down inflammation, the treatment was shown t.....»»
Genetic resilience and adaptation of the endangered Chinese hazelnut
Endangered species are often characterized by severe population decline or even near-extinction status during their demographic histories. Such threats usually stem from historical climate changes and human activities......»»
Genetic drift, not natural selection, identified as main factor driving speciation in endangered pupfish species
Scientists have identified a new member on the genetic family tree of an endangered pupfish native to south-central New Mexico......»»
The genetic interplay in Impatiens downy mildew: A transcriptome-based approach to enhancing disease resistance
A research team has meticulously analyzed the transcriptional response of Impatiens walleriana to Plasmopara obducens infection, revealing between 3,000 and 4,500 differentially expressed transcripts at various stages of the disease......»»