Thousands of programmable DNA-cutters found in algae, snails, and other organisms
A diverse set of species, from snails to algae to amoebas, make programmable DNA-cutting enzymes called Fanzors—and a new study from scientists at MIT's McGovern Institute for Brain Research has identified thousands of them. Fanzors are RNA-guided.....»»
Does parrot farming protect wild species? Wildlife trade researchers review the evidence
The lives of people and parrots have been entwined for thousands of years. These colorful, charismatic birds are kept as pets all over the world for companionship and entertainment......»»
Digital quantum simulation of nuclear magnetic resonance experiments
Programmable quantum computers have the potential to efficiently simulate increasingly complex molecular structures, electronic structures, chemical reactions, and quantum mechanical states in chemistry that classical computers cannot. As the molecul.....»»
Protein USP50 identified as key in DNA replication balance
A protein that is involved in determining which enzymes cut or unwind DNA during the replication process has been identified in a new study......»»
Expansion in situ genome sequencing innovation makes hidden DNA-protein interactions visible
Harvard scientists have unveiled a new technique called expansion in situ genome sequencing (ExIGS) that combines existing in situ genome sequencing (IGS) with expansion microscopy (ExM). The innovation allowed researchers to link nucleus abnormaliti.....»»
Cells From Different Species Can Exchange ‘Text Messages’ Using RNA
Long known as a messenger within cells, RNA is increasingly seen as life’s molecular communication system—even between organisms widely separated by evolution......»»
Exoplanet discovered in a binary system could explain why red dwarfs form massive planets
In recent years, the number of known extrasolar planets (aka. exoplanets) has grown exponentially. To date, 5,799 exoplanets have been confirmed in 4,310 star systems, with thousands more candidates awaiting confirmation. What has been particularly i.....»»
Mars analog stations investigate lichen biodiversity during simulated missions
Once you know where to look for them, lichens are everywhere. These composite organisms—fungal and photosynthetic partners joined into a greater whole—can survive on a vast array of surfaces, from rocks and trees to bare ground and buildings. The.....»»
Research vessel provides comprehensive assessment of the changing Central Arctic Ocean
Sparse sea ice, thousands of data points and samples, a surprising number of animals and hydrothermal vents—those are the impressions and outcomes that an international research team is now bringing back from a Polarstern expedition to the Central.....»»
Evolution in real time: Scientists predict—and witness—evolution in a 30-year marine snail experiment
Snails on a tiny rocky islet evolved before scientists' eyes. The marine snails were reintroduced after a toxic algal bloom wiped them out from the skerry. While the researchers intentionally brought in a distinct population of the same snail species.....»»
Chemists develop chiral DNA catalysts for asymmetric catalysis
Chemists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a way to make diverse chiral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) catalysts by merging DNA repair with biorthogonal chemistry, paving the way for more efficient and versatile approaches t.....»»
Hidden in the teeth: DNA study finds these 19th century lions preyed on humans and giraffes
In 1898, two male lions terrorized an encampment of bridge builders on the Tsavo River in Kenya. The lions, which were massive and maneless, crept into the camp at night, raided the tents and dragged off their victims. The infamous Tsavo "man-eaters".....»»
Fidelity data breach exposes details of thousands of customers
Even though the data wasn't abused in the wild, Fidelity is still offering free identity monitoring services......»»
New plant-based glitter shows no harm to soil organisms
Plastic pollution is everywhere. Each year, over 368 million metric tons of plastics are produced with over 13 million metric tons of it ending up in the soil where it can be toxic to wildlife......»»
Evacuating in disasters like Hurricane Milton—there are reasons people stay, and it"s not just stubbornness
As Hurricane Milton roared ashore near Sarasota, Florida, tens of thousands of people were in evacuation shelters. Hundreds of thousands more had fled coastal regions ahead of the storm, crowding highways headed north and south as their counties issu.....»»
Claustrophobic cells slow their own growth, forming beautiful patterns of concentric circles
Like so many organisms on the planet, when cells experience mosh-pit-level crowding, they may just become stressed. Yet unlike most other life forms, cells subject to physical stress from crowding by neighbors can find some relief by dramatically slo.....»»
Advanced model predicts gene architecture via nucleosome position
DNA—the molecule that carries the genetic information of all living organisms—is packaged within cells in a complex manner that allows it to function efficiently. Nucleosomes facilitate DNA compaction and also play a crucial role in regulating ge.....»»
How did magma oceans evolve on early Earth and Mars? Iron chemistry and primordial atmospheres offer clues
Before Earth became the blue planet, it was engulfed by a very different kind of ocean: a vast, deep magma ocean reaching down hundreds or perhaps even thousands of kilometers......»»
Study shows neonicotinoids are harmful to birds on all fronts
Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides in agriculture and horticulture. However, neonicotinoids usage is highly contentious because of their unintended harmful effects on various types of organisms......»»
Nissan dealership sues after toxic chemical fire forced 3-day closure
Conyers Nissan, located less than 3 miles from a fire that released dangerous levels of chlorine, is seeking class-action status to represent thousands of affected businesses......»»
Using a unique combination of DNA techniques to authenticate ginseng supplements and combat adulteration
Rosalee Hellberg, an associate professor in Chapman University's Food Science Program, and her research team have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against adulteration in dietary supplements. Effective methods for identifying adulteration.....»»