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.....»»
New AI tool makes speedy gene-editing possible
An artificial intelligence program may enable the first simple production of customizable proteins called zinc fingers to treat diseases by turning genes on and off......»»
Sea spiders can regrow body parts, not just limbs: study
Sea spiders can regrow body parts after amputation and not just limbs, according to a study released on Monday that may pave the way for further scientific research into regeneration......»»
Could feral animals in Australia become distinct species? Some early signs that it"s possible
You might think evolution is glacially slow. At a species level, that's true. But evolution happens every time organisms produce offspring. The everyday mixing of genes—combined with mutations—throws up new generations upon which "selection press.....»»
Study reveals key aspect of the finely tuned regulation of gene expression
Your skin cells are clearly different from your brain cells even though they both develop in the same person and carry the same genes. They are different because each cell type expresses a particular set of genes that is different from the ones expre.....»»
From octopus to elephant: A molecular zoo of epigenetics
Our genes are encoded in the DNA sequence of the genome, which is highly similar across the diverse cell types of our body. Yet, each cell can only access those genes that are in an epigenetically permissive state. The epigenome thus provides a form.....»»
Modified CRISPR-based enzymes improve the prospect of inserting entire genes into the genome
Many genetic diseases are caused by diverse mutations spread across an entire gene, and designing genome editing approaches for each patient's mutation would be impractical and costly......»»
Researchers produce first-ever toolkit for RNA sequencing analysis using a "pantranscriptome"
Analyzing a person's gene expression requires mapping their RNA landscape to a standard reference to gain insight into the degree to which genes are "turned on" and perform functions in the body. But researchers can run into issues when the reference.....»»
Plasmids and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes
Though the harnessing of antibiotics is one of the most significant human innovations, their efficacy is continuously eroded by the craftiness of their microbial targets. Once a single bacterium mutates to become resistant to antibiotics, it can tran.....»»
Machine learning method improves cell identity understanding
When genes are activated and expressed, they show patterns in cells that are similar in type and function across tissues and organs. Discovering these patterns improves our understanding of cells—which has implications for unveiling disease mechani.....»»
Insects and spiders make up more than half NZ"s animal biodiversity—time to celebrate these spineless creatures
After almost two decades of championing native birds in an annual competition, Aotearoa is going to begin celebrating its spineless creatures this year......»»
How humans got a new gene that makes our brains larger
Somewhere between chimps and us, an RNA started producing a useful protein. Enlarge / Building a bigger brain requires new genes, not a workout. (credit: OsakaWayne Studios) On the DNA level, there's not much to distingu.....»»
"Jumping genes" help fungus kill salamanders
A fungus that infects salamanders contains multiple copies of the same "jumping genes", scientists have discovered......»»
New role of small RNAs in Salmonella infections uncovered
Salmonella are food-borne pathogens that infect millions of people each year. To do so, these bacteria depend on a complex network of genes and gene products that allow them to sense environmental conditions. In a new paper, researchers have investig.....»»
Self-assembling proteins can store cellular "memories"
As cells perform their everyday functions, they turn on a variety of genes and cellular pathways. MIT engineers have now coaxed cells to inscribe the history of these events in a long protein chain that can be imaged using a light microscope......»»
A More Elegant Form of Gene Editing Progresses to Human Testing
Instead of cutting out chunks of the genome to disable malfunctioning genes, base editing makes a smaller, more precise swap......»»
Researchers discover "dormant" magnetosome genes in non-magnetic bacteria
Magnetic bacteria can align their movement with the Earth's magnetic field thanks to chains of magnetic nanoparticles inside their cells. The blueprints for making and linking these magnetosomes are stored in the bacteria's genes......»»
Documentary spurs a new look at the case of the first gene-edited babies
In the four years since an experiment by disgraced scientist He Jiankui resulted in the birth of the first babies with edited genes, numerous articles, books and international commissions have reflected on whether and how heritable genome editing—t.....»»
3D structure of mammalian genome reveals record-breaking diversity
The genome (the code of life) is organized in the form of folded chromosomes within the nucleus of cells. This three-dimensional organization of the genome is fundamental, as it determines which genes are switched on and off in each cell type. Compar.....»»
Humans continue to evolve: Study tracks the emergence of 155 new genes
Modern humans evolutionarily split from our chimpanzee ancestors nearly 7 million years ago, yet we are continuing to evolve. 155 new genes have been identified within the human lineage that spontaneously arose from tiny sections of our DNA. Some of.....»»
New method to find antibiotic-resistant genes shows limits of "snapshot" samples, chlorination
Testing the contents of a simple sample of wastewater can reveal a lot about what it carries, but fails to tell the whole story, according to Rice University engineers......»»