Unraveling the DNA mystique of Saposhnikovia divaricata: New horizons in herbal medicine
Scientists have decoded the genetic blueprint of Saposhnikovia divaricata, a traditional medicinal herb. Their research provides a detailed genome sequence, shedding light on the plant's evolutionary adaptations and the genetic foundations of its the.....»»
How a species of ground squirrel manages to go without food and water over the winter months
A team of molecular and physiology specialists at the Yale University School of Medicine has uncovered some of the hibernating secrets of thirteen-lined ground squirrels, and have partly explained how it manages to avoid thirst during its long winter.....»»
Tune In to the Healing Powers of a Decent Playlist
Music therapy will move from the fringes of modern medicine to become a sophisticated tool for improving health outcomes......»»
Researchers use eDNA metabarcoding to identify pollinators, aiming to boost crop production
A Curtin University study has revealed that a new method of capturing DNA could provide farmers with a valuable tool for boosting crop production—while also benefiting the environment......»»
Scientists reveal structural link for initiation of protein synthesis in bacteria
Within a cell, DNA carries the genetic code for building proteins. To build proteins, the cell makes a copy of DNA, called mRNA. Then, another molecule called a ribosome reads the mRNA, translating it into protein. But this step has been a visual mys.....»»
Engineering DNA to mimic biological catch bonds with "fish-hook" system
In a first-of-its-kind breakthrough, a team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed an artificial adhesion system that closely mimics natural biological interactions......»»
Conservation program prepares captive parrots for life in the wild
Researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) are working with parrot free-flight experts and partners in Brazil in an effort to increase the success rate of releasing captive parrots into the wild......»»
New mechanism in bacterial DNA enzyme opens pathways for antibiotic development
Researchers from Durham University, Jagiellonian University (Poland) and the John Innes Center have achieved a breakthrough in understanding DNA gyrase, a vital bacterial enzyme and key antibiotic target. This enzyme, present in bacteria but absent i.....»»
Milestone legal case from 35 years ago holds important lessons for how courts deal with scientific evidence today
This month marks 35 years of DNA evidence being used in Australian legal cases. But unlike DNA firsts in other countries, Australia's is perhaps the most significant legal milestone that is practically unheard of......»»
A molecular trap for exotic metals promises improved diagnostics and faster drug development
A group of scientists from IOCB Prague, led by Dr. Miloslav Polášek, have created compounds that are up to a million times more stable than similar substances used in contemporary medicine to treat tumors or as contrast agents for magnetic resonanc.....»»
Molecular morphers: DNA-powered gels shape-shift on command
Johns Hopkins engineers have developed gel strips that change shape when given chemical instructions written in DNA code. These "gel automata," measuring just centimeters, can grow or shrink, transforming from one letter or number to another when tri.....»»
Gene regulation study reports surprising results: Extensive regions of DNA belong to multiple gene switches
Some sequences in the genome cause genes to be switched on or off. Until now, each of these gene switches, or so-called enhancers, was thought to have its own place on the DNA. Different enhancers are therefore separated from each other, even if they.....»»
Scientists develop method "tetraplex digital PCR assay" for detecting DNA of invasive snakes in Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a pioneering tool to bolster Florida's defenses against invasive species: a DNA-based environmental monitoring test that can pinpoint where they've been, aiding eradication efforts......»»
New technique points to unexpected uses for snoRNA across many cell types
Dynamic, reversible modifications of DNA and RNA regulate how genes are expressed and transcribed, which can influence cellular processes, disease development, and overall organismal health. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a common but overlooked.....»»
Study reveals RNA"s unknown role in DNA damage repair
A multi-institutional team of researchers, led by Georgia Tech's Francesca Storici, has discovered a previously unknown role for RNA. Their insights could lead to improved treatments for diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders while chan.....»»
Origin of life research finds RNA can favor both left- and right-handed proteins
The mystery of why life uses molecules with specific orientations has deepened with a discovery that RNA—a key molecule thought to have potentially held the instructions for life before DNA emerged—can favor making the building blocks of proteins.....»»
Transparent worms with glowing proteins may help fertility treatments
The development of maternal egg cells is pivotal for survival—but also precarious. During meiosis, the DNA-containing chromosomes can easily be broken or lost, causing infertility, miscarriage or genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Scientists hav.....»»
DNA-based methods found highly effective for identifying insect species
A team of researchers from Linnaeus University and Linköping University, extensively evaluated DNA barcoding and metabarcoding methods. A comprehensive study has demonstrated that DNA-based methods are remarkably reliable for identifying insect spec.....»»
New structure gives insight into mRNA export and cancers, and how viruses hijack the process to infect their host
The central dogma of biology defines the flow of genetic information: It describes how proteins are made from mRNA templates, which are in turn made from DNA. Exporting the mRNA from inside the nucleus to the site of protein translation in the cytopl.....»»
DNA repair by cooperation between proteins: A look inside the cell"s repair hub
New research from the Kind Group at the Hubrecht Institute sheds light on how cells repair damaged DNA. For the first time, the team has mapped the activity of repair proteins in individual human cells......»»
Sugar-like nanoparticle covering could boost cancer drug delivery
A spoonful of sugar might actually help medicine go down, according to recent research from the University of Mississippi. And it could reduce the harmful side effects of cancer treatment. Instead of a literal spoonful of sugar, however, the research.....»»