Genome of Steller"s sea cow decoded
During the Ice Age, giant mammals such as mammoths, saber-toothed cats and wooly rhinoceroses once roamed Northern Europe and America. The cold oceans of the northern hemisphere were also home to giants like Steller's sea cow, which grew up to eight.....»»
Junk DNA in birds may hold key to safe, efficient gene therapy
The recent approval of a CRISPR-Cas9 therapy for sickle cell disease demonstrates that gene editing tools can do a superb job of knocking out genes to cure hereditary disease. But it's still not possible to insert whole genes into the human genome to.....»»
An evolutionarily conserved pathway that achieves a peaceful co-existence with genomic parasites
Transposable elements are mobile genetic elements that can relocate within the genome and disrupt the normal function of genes, but are at the same time a source of evolutionary diversity. The lab of Tugce Aktas at the Max Planck Institute for Molecu.....»»
Genome sequencing unveils mutational impacts of radiation on mammalian cells
The recent release of the wastewater from Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster stirred apprehension regarding the health implications of radiation exposure. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, ionizing radiation has long been associated with various ca.....»»
Secrets of night parrot unlocked after first genome sequenced
Researchers at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, have sequenced the first genome of the night parrot, one of the world's rarest and most elusive birds. The development will answer questions about population genetics and biology that could b.....»»
New CRISPR tool accelerates and optimizes genome editing
CRISPR/Cas systems have undergone tremendous advancement in the past decade. These precise genome editing tools have applications ranging from transgenic crop development to gene therapy and beyond. And with their recent development of CRISPR-COPIES,.....»»
Researchers present near-complete genome version of spreading earth moss
The model organism spreading earth moss (Physcomitrium patens, formerly: Physcomitrella patens) has contributed significantly to a better understanding of plant evolution and development. Nevertheless, the currently known genome of Physcomitrium pate.....»»
Pioneering technique reveals new layer of human gene regulation
A technique can determine for the first time how frequently, and exactly where, a molecular event called "backtracking" occurs throughout the genetic material (genome) of any species, a new study shows......»»
Study finds corn genome can gang up on multiple pathogens at once
In a changing climate, corn growers must be ready for anything, including new and shifting disease dynamics. Because it's impossible to predict which damaging disease will pop up in a given year, corn with resistance to multiple diseases would be a.....»»
Unveiling a gap-free genome in rapeseed for enhanced agricultural insight and breeding
Allopolyploid oilseed rape (Brassica napus) plays a critical role in global agriculture, serving not only as a major oil crop but also as a nutritious vegetable and ornamental plant. Despite its importance, the current reference genomes, including th.....»»
An infectious gibbon ape leukemia virus found to be colonizing a rodent"s genome in New Guinea
A research team has caught a glimpse of a rare case of retrovirus integration. Retroviruses are viruses that multiply by incorporating their genes into the genome of a host cell. If the infected cell is a germ cell, the retrovirus can then be passed.....»»
Researchers map genome for cats, dolphins, birds, and dozens of other animals
Researchers mapped genetic blueprints for 51 species including cats, dolphins, kangaroos, penguins, sharks, and turtles, a discovery that deepens our understanding of evolution and the links between humans and animals......»»
Scientists develop high-precision droplet printing platform for single cell phenotype screening
With the rapid development of genome synthesis and editing technologies, droplet-based single-cell phenotype screening has become increasingly important. However, precise and high-throughput distribution of target droplets into specific macroscopic m.....»»
Snake venom research has broad implications for bite treatment
Studying how rattlesnakes regulate their venom gives us important insight into how their genes are controlled. It also highlights the challenges in treating snakebites, according to new research in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution......»»
A virus that infected animals hundreds of millions of years ago has become essential for the development of the embryo
All animals have evolved thanks to the fact that certain viruses infected primitive organisms hundreds of millions of years ago. Viral genetic material was integrated into the genome of the first multi-cellular beings and is still in our DNA today......»»
Unveiling the high-quality MicroTom genome and its impact on developmental biology
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) has marked its global significance with annual production of approximately 186 million tons in 2020. In addition to its edible and economic value, tomato has become a vital model in developmental biology research, surpas.....»»
New buzz about coffee genes: A more complete genome sequence of world"s most popular variety
Like its flavor profile, the genome of Arabica coffee is large and complex. This makes breeding and genetic survey work more difficult, but this diverse genetic background may have contributed to bean's popularity, practicality, and commercial succes.....»»
CRISPR off-switches: A path towards safer genome engineering?
Using CRISPR, an immune system bacteria use to protect themselves from viruses, scientists have harnessed the power to edit genetic information within cells. In fact, the first CRISPR-based therapeutic was recently approved by the FDA to treat sickle.....»»
Ancient DNA study finds Iberian lynx hybridized with Eurasian lynx over the last few thousand years
Cross-species hybridization is a more frequent phenomenon than previously thought. In the past, it happened with modern humans; it is estimated that our genome contains about 2% Neanderthal DNA......»»
Meet pAblo·pCasso: A new leap in CRISPR technologies for next-gen genome engineering
A new CRISPR-Cas toolkit, dubbed "pAblo·pCasso," is set to transform the landscape of bacterial genome editing, offering unprecedented precision and flexibility in genetic engineering. The new technology, developed by researchers at The Novo Nordisk.....»»
Researchers sequence the first genome of myxini, the only vertebrate lineage that had no reference genome
An international scientific team including more than 40 authors from seven different countries, led by a researcher at the University of Malaga Juan Pascual Anaya, has managed to sequence the first genome of the myxini, also known as hagfish, the onl.....»»