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.....»»
Researchers uncover the hidden complexity of the Montmorency tart cherry genome
Since Michigan is the nation's leading producer of tart cherries, Michigan State University researchers were searching for the genes associated with tart cherry trees that bloom later in the season to meet the needs of a changing climate. They starte.....»»
Optimized prime editing alters genes of living mice, marking major advance
Harvard University researchers have improved a gene editing process for studying and treating genetic disorders. The prime editing method is effective in human cells, targeting single nucleotide variants with the ability to precisely correct pathogen.....»»
New study suggests massive Joro spiders are gentle giants
Despite their intimidating appearance, the giant yellow and blue-black spiders spreading across the Southeastern U.S. owe their survival to a surprising trait: They're rather timid......»»
Large-scale genetic modification method reveals the role and properties of duplicated genes in plants
For the first time, researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed a genome-scale technology that makes it possible to reveal the role of genes and traits in plants previously hidden by functional redundancy......»»
"Nature is messy": Pioneers in landscape transcriptomics study genes in the wild
An interdisciplinary team in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences—in an initiative aimed at better understanding the implications of climate change for animal and plant life and agricultural systems—is focusing on an emerging field of st.....»»
Gene editing makes bacteria-killing viruses even more deadly
The viruses are engineered to damage essential E coli. genes. Enlarge (credit: Getty Images) Broad-spectrum antibiotics are akin to nuclear bombs, obliterating every prokaryote they meet. They're effective at eliminating.....»»
Scientists make advances in breeding high-resistant-starch rice
Scientists have shown that the loss of function of two paralogous starch biosynthetic genes contributes to an increase in resistant starch (RS) content in cooked rice, providing insights into the generation of high-RS varieties in rice and possibly o.....»»
Incredible bacterium can transfer its genes into plants for desired traits
Humans have bred for desirable plant and animal traits for millennia by selecting and crossing their offspring. Now, researchers at the University of Copenhagen are taking a natural shortcut to promote beneficial changes using a special bacterium tha.....»»
Revealing how an embryo"s cells sync up
Scientists have known that when a mouse embryo is developing, the cells that will become its spine and muscles switch specific genes on and off repeatedly, in a synchronous fashion. However, there are deep mysteries about how these cells synchronize......»»
Protein from a round worm may unlock a cellular "fountain of youth"
Working with tiny, nematode worms called C. elegans, a USask research team has identified a pair of genes responsible for clearing cells of the toxins which accumulate in the body and are responsible for aging. By inactivating genes called CCF-1 and.....»»
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.....»»
What Makes a Mammal? 423,000 Newly Identified DNA Regions Guide Our Genes
These elements, dubbed “UNICORNs,” sit close to genes that affect smell, sleep and ways that people and other mammals interact with their surroundings.....»»
The Lifesaving Sled Dog Balto Had Genes unlike Those of Dog Breeds Today
The genome of the 1920s Siberian husky Balto suggests that greater genetic diversity and less inbreeding contribute to better health.....»»
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s arachnophobia toggle removes all spiders
In addition to a wide variety of accessibility options in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, you can also remove all spiders from the game......»»
Structural insight into process of gene regulation
In the cell nucleus, numerous proteins bind to the DNA molecule in order to regulate the activity of certain genes. One of these is the TATA-box binding protein (TBP), which binds to a specific DNA sequence and constitutes an initial signal for the r.....»»
Pulling the plug on viral infections: CRISPR isn"t just about cutting
CRISPR claimed scientific fame for its ability to quickly and accurately edit genes. But, at the core, CRISPR systems are immune systems that help bacteria protect themselves from viruses by targeting and destroying viral DNA and RNA. A new study pub.....»»
Mammalian evolution provides hints for understanding the origins of human disease
Hundreds of scientific studies have been conducted over the years to find the genes underlying common human traits, from eye color to intelligence and physical and mental illnesses......»»
Researchers devise genetically encoded DNA origami for targeted and precise gene therapy in vivo
As genetic information carriers, nucleic acid molecules have been developed as gene therapeutic drugs. On the basis of complementary base pairing, nucleic acid can not only encode functional genes, but also precisely self-assemble into nanostructures.....»»
Both internal and external stimuli found to control anthocyanin accumulation in fruit
Anthocyanins are important health-promoting pigments that contribute significantly to the nutritional and commercial value of fruits. The anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway is well understood and the key regulatory genes controlling the pathway have be.....»»
A fast and efficient method for detecting microRNAs
In the early 1990s, scientists who were studying the development of a roundworm identified a small RNA molecule that regulated the expression of specific genes. This marked the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are now known to be present across.....»»