Sociability genes found in some spiders
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Texas Tech University, Cornell University and Australian National University has found similar genes between species of spiders that have some degree of sociability. They have published their p.....»»
The cell"s "read–write" mechanism: Researchers uncover how instructions for gene expression are relayed
The "read–write" mechanism by which cells replicate and use chemical instructions for expressing genes has been uncovered by RIKEN researchers. The quality and quantity of gene expression correlates not only with instructions by transcription facto.....»»
Study shows how bird flu could be eradicated by editing the genes of chickens
Recent advances in gene editing technology could potentially be used to create disease-resistant animals. This could curtail the spread of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu......»»
Huge spiders in Eastern US aren"t going away, experts say
Since their arrival in Georgia nearly 10 years ago, the yellow-banded Joro spiders and their huge webs have set up camp in the southeastern U.S., experts say......»»
How do kingfishers avoid concussions when diving? It might be in their genes
Mutations in the MAPT gene associated with tau proteins seem to play a significant role. Enlarge / Fish-eating kingfishers execute plunging dives into the water to capture prey, yet never seem to get concussed. (credit: Richard T.....»»
New methods for effective transport of large genes in gene therapy
One problem in gene therapy is that not all genes transfer equally well into the target cells. UZH researchers have now developed a flexible method to transfer large genes efficiently and without significant side effects. The approach has strong pote.....»»
Finding the genes that help kingfishers dive without hurting their brains
If you've ever belly-flopped into a pool, then you know: water can be surprisingly hard if you hit it at the wrong angle. But many species of kingfishers dive headfirst into water to catch their fishy prey. In a new study in the journal Communication.....»»
Researchers discover genes responsible for low and ultra-low glycemic index in rice
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) announced they achieved a scientific milestone with the discovery of the genes responsible for low and ultra-low glycemic index (GI) in rice......»»
Stolen genes allow parasitic control of behavior of host
A team led by Tappei Mishina at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) has discovered that parasites manipulate their hosts using stolen genes that they likely acquired through a phenomenon called horizontal gene transfer. The study.....»»
Spiders, spiders everywhere? Tarantula mating season starts early amid threats to arachnids
It's tarantula season in the golden hills of the Bay Area: that period every fall when black, hairy males of the species Aphonopelma iodius emerge from their underground burrows in search of a receptive female—a first and final act of carnal explor.....»»
Examining immunoglobulin heavy chain genes and alcohol metabolism-related genes in the Han Chinese population
Understanding the traits that have undergone positive selection during human evolution can provide insight into the events that have shaped our species, as well as into the diseases that continue to plague us today. As the most populated ethnic group.....»»
New research finds that reducing antibiotic usage in animal feed is not enough to combat antibiotic resistance
A new study led by the University of Oxford has found that natural evolution of antibiotic resistance genes has maintained resistance in bacteria despite a reduction in the use of antibiotics. The findings demonstrate the importance of understanding.....»»
How male mosquitoes compensate for having only one X chromosome
The research group of Dr. Claudia Keller Valsecchi (Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany) and their collaborators have discovered the master regulator responsible for balancing the expression of X chromosome genes between males and females.....»»
The recessive genes that make a carrot orange
A new study of the genetic blueprints of more than 600 types of carrot shows that three specific genes are required to give carrots an orange color. Surprisingly, these three required genes all need to be recessive, or turned off. The paper's finding.....»»
A better understanding of gene regulation in embryonic stem cells
During the first hours of an embryo's development, specialized molecules called pioneer transcription factors unravel parts of its DNA to activate the encoded genes. Which gene is activated and when has to follow a set schedule so that genes that are.....»»
Study clarifies how "junk DNA" influences gene expression
For decades, scientists have known that, despite its name, "junk DNA" in fact plays a critical role: While the coding genes provide blueprints for building proteins, which direct most of the body's functions, some of the noncoding sections of the gen.....»»
Saturday Citations: Cutting the middleman out of spider silk synthesis; hungry black holes; Osiris-Rex is back!
This week, we reported on spider silk synthesis without spiders, and how policymakers are pursuing a wish-based approach to a global economy under climate change—what the kids call "manifesting" a green-growth future. Plus, black holes could be hun.....»»
New study on the genetic magnetization of living bacteria shows great potential for biomedicine
Magnetic bacteria possess extraordinary capabilities due to the magnetic nanoparticles, the magnetosomes, which are concatenated inside their cells. A research team at the University of Bayreuth has now transferred all of the approximately 30 genes r.....»»
Researchers develop first method to study microRNA activity in single cells
MicroRNAs are small molecules that regulate gene activity by binding to and destroying RNAs produced by the genes. More than 60% of all human genes are estimated to be regulated by microRNAs; therefore, it is not surprising that these small molecules.....»»
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your Genome Sequenced
DNA sequencing can assess your risk of developing certain diseases. It could even help provide medicines personalized to your genes one day. Governments want you to get involved......»»
A fossil jumping spider"s 15-million-year journey
Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are a recently evolved family of spiders. They are known for their distinctive large eyes and ability to jump long distances relative to their small size. Australia has about 1,200 to 1,500 species of this spider family......»»