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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

UQ researchers discover how our genes, environment influence BMI and height

Environmental conditions influence our body mass index by increasing or decreasing the effect of inherited genetic variations, University of Queensland researchers have discovered.

23 Aug 2019

Harnessing power of CRISPR to control behavior of DNA-responsive materials

The CRISPR-Cas system has become the go-to tool for researchers who study genes in an ever-growing list of organisms, and is being used to develop new gene therapies that potentially can correct a defect at a single nucleotide position of the vast reaches of the genome.

23 Aug 2019

Slow electrons to fight cancer

Ion beams are often used today in cancer treatment: this involves electrically charged atoms being fired at the tumor to destroy cancer cells.

22 Aug 2019

Study: Lower levels of specific dietary vitamins and antioxidants associated with frailty

Researchers from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging at Trinity College Dublin have shown in the largest study to date that lower levels of specific dietary vitamins and antioxidants are associated with frailty.

22 Aug 2019

Ludwig study uncovers novel vulnerability in MYC-driven cancers

A Ludwig Cancer Research study has uncovered a novel vulnerability in tumors that are driven by a common cancer gene known as MYC. Such cancers, it found, are highly dependent on the cell's machinery for making fats and other lipids.

22 Aug 2019

New cannabis-based drug shows promise for pancreatic cancer

Cancer of the pancreas is a particularly deadly cancer, claiming over 90% of its victims within 5 years from diagnosis. It resists most standard therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, and metastasizes early, often before being diagnosed. A cure is possible only with very localized tumors.

22 Aug 2019

Swallowable balloon device for early detection of Barrett's esophagus receives FDA 510K clearance

Investigators at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center developed the test for early detection of Barrett's esophagus that offers promise for preventing deaths from esophageal adenocarcinoma.

21 Aug 2019

New method prevents the release of synthetic DNA from genetically modified cells

The method prevents a gene that encodes a synthetic protein from spreading into the wild and stabilizes it so that it cannot mutate and lose its function.

21 Aug 2019

Research team discovers gene critical for human eye, brain and limb development

An international collaboration led by a team at Oxford Brookes University has identified an important new gene which could open up new doors for research and developing new therapies.

21 Aug 2019

Scientists identify specific gene that plays key role in several psychiatric conditions

Scientists have identified a specific gene they believe could be a key player in the changes in brain structure seen in several psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and autism.

21 Aug 2019

New study provides a better understanding of Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer. Also called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, it is much less common than most other types of skin cancer. But, it’s one of the most dangerous types since it’s more likely to spread to the other parts of the body.

21 Aug 2019

Researchers analyze precise mechanism of binding reaction in PUVA therapy

The term 'PUVA' stands for 'psoralen' and 'UV-A radiation'. Psoralens are natural plant-based compounds that can be extracted from umbelliferous plants such as giant hogweeds.

21 Aug 2019

Protein present in telomeres shows global action on genome which influences pleuripotency

Pluripotent cells can give rise to all cells of the body, a power that researchers are eager to control because it opens the door to regenerative medicine and organ culture for transplants.

21 Aug 2019

New insight into the immune system may help doctors to better fight cancer

Your immune system's natural killer cells recognize and attack two major kinds of danger - cells infected by viruses and cells affected by cancer.

20 Aug 2019

Largest genomic analysis could help improve treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma patients

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin tumor that is diagnosed in approximately 2,000 people each year in the United States.

20 Aug 2019

California clamps down on amateur use of gene-editing technologies

California state officials have passed the first law to prohibit genetic biohacking in an effort to regulate at-home gene editing.

20 Aug 2019

Gallstone formation may be driven by neutrophils

Neutrophils generate sticky webs of DNA called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that act as a “glue” during gallstone formation.

19 Aug 2019

Researchers find biological system that manages cells' response to opioid drug exposure

A team at Scripps Research in Florida has discovered a biological system that manages cells' response to opioid drug exposure. The unexpected discovery offers new ideas for improving the safety of the one of the most effective, and most abused, group of pain medications.

19 Aug 2019

A new perspective on evolution provided by fly testes

The male testes are important areas for biological innovation, as well as being a factory for sperm. In exciting new biological research a team of scientists has found that the testes are also a hotspot for the production ofnew genes.

19 Aug 2019