Supernova: A glowing DNA enzyme
Once thought to function primarily as a storage molecule for genetic information, it is now known that DNA can also catalyze chemical reactions. Although such DNA enzymes (deoxyribozymes) have not been identified in nature, they can be isolated in th.....»»
What Made This Bizarre ‘Dandelion’ Supernova?
A strange supernova remnant first appeared as a “guest star” seen in 1181 by sky watchers in China and Japan.....»»
Innovative model offers new way for astronomers to analyze powerful space explosions
Astrophysical explosions are, to give a few examples, driven by the collapse of the iron core of a massive star (known as a core-collapse supernova), the consumption of spaghettified stellar remains by a massive black hole (known as a tidal disruptio.....»»
How can you write data to DNA without changing the base sequence?
A new method lets anyone with a kit write data to DNA with just one enzyme. Zettabytes—that’s 1021 bytes—of data are currently generated every year. All of those cat videos.....»»
Glycans can regulate their own biosynthesis by modifying enzyme activity
Glycans are chains of sugars that attach to cells through proteins or lipids, changing their chemical characteristics. Glycans can be incredibly complex and branched in structure, contributing to the stability of the extracellular domain of cells and.....»»
CRISPR-Cas10 can flood virally infected bacteria with toxic molecules, researchers discover
CRISPR-Cas9 has long been likened to a kind of genetic scissors, thanks to its ability to snip out any desired section of DNA with elegant precision......»»
Unique multidomain enzymes from bacteria identified
Pharmaceutical scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have identified and characterized a unique multidomain enzyme capable of catalyzing two distinct types of reactions, both vital for making drug molecules......»»
Study: DNA corroborates “Well-man” tale from Norse saga
The "Well-man" likely had blue eyes, blond or light-brown hair, and hailed from southern Norway. A 12th-century Norse saga tells of an invading army from the south razing a castl.....»»
Natural compound found in flowers blocks activity of an enzyme involved in multiple sclerosis and cancer
Scientists have identified a natural compound that halts the process involved in the progression of certain forms of cancer and demyelinating conditions—those that damage the sheath, known as myelin, that surrounds neurons—such as multiple sclero.....»»
Astronomers take a close look at a dandelion-shaped supernova and zombie star
In 1181, a new star shone near the Cassiopeia constellation for six months before disappearing. This event, recorded as a "guest star" by Chinese and Japanese observers almost a millennium ago, has puzzled astronomers for centuries. It is one of a fe.....»»
A much faster way to encode DNA with usable digital data
An international team of molecular biologists, computer scientists and physicists has found a way to encode useable digital data onto DNA strands 350 times faster than current approaches. In their study, published in the journal Nature, the group use.....»»
Through the looking glass: A cross-chiral reaction challenges our definition of life
Just like your left and right hand exist as mirror images of each other, many biological molecules have their own form of left- and right-handedness, called chirality. Our DNA, for example, is made of right-handed chiral molecules which combine to fo.....»»
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse? Bright star Betelgeuse likely has a "Betelbuddy" stellar companion
One of the brightest stars in the night sky, Betelgeuse, may not be on the brink of exploding as a supernova, according to a new study of the star's brightening and dimming. Instead, recent research shows that the observed pulsing of the starlight is.....»»
Cellular senescence research identifies key enzyme to promote healthy aging
A team at Kumamoto University has made a discovery that could help promote healthy aging. As the world's population ages, Japan's aging population in particular is growing at an unprecedented rate, making it crucial to extend healthy lifespans rather.....»»
A drone found Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. His DNA showed he hid with hostages
A drone found Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. His DNA showed he hid with hostages.....»»
Single-molecule imaging reveals aberrant DNA-binding dynamics of cancer-linked chromatin remodelers
Biophysical chemists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have uncovered a previously hidden landscape that governs the intracellular organization and dynamics of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers, an important class of protein complexes that c.....»»
Resolving biology"s dark matter: DNA barcoding reveals hidden insect diversity
There are millions of species on Earth that we still know nothing about. Researchers call these species "biological dark matter," but new methods can provide us with a better overview more quickly......»»
DNA-binding C2H2 zinc finger proteins also regulate RNA processing, researchers discover
Researchers at the University of Toronto have shown that an important class of DNA-binding factors can also bind to RNA, regulating gene expression through various mechanisms. The study significantly expands our understanding of these proteins' funct.....»»
Environmental DNA and epidemics in wood frogs: Collaboration examines eDNA"s precision in population size estimation
Tracy Rittenhouse, associate professor of natural resources and the environment in UConn's College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), was doing an experiment to study ranavirus epidemics in wood frogs. When Meghan Parsley, then a P.....»»
DNA confirms these 19th-century lions ate humans
“Tsavo Man-Eaters” killed dozens of people in late 1890s, including Kenya-Uganda Railway workers. For several months in 1898, a pair of male lions turned the Tsavo region of K.....»»
DNA confirms these 19th century lions ate humans
“Tsavo Man-Eaters” killed dozens of people in late 1890s, including Kenya-Uganda Railway workers. For several months in 1898, a pair of male lions turned the Tsavo region of K.....»»