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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).

Researchers trace history of human Hepatitis B in the Bronze Age

Thanks to viral traces in the genomes of ancient people, researchers from South Ural State University were able to determine that man has been suffering from Hepatitis B since at least the Bronze Age.

9 Jul 2018

Researchers discover biomarkers that accurately identify hypervirulent K. pneumoniae

Imagine a pathogen that infects completely healthy people and can cause blindness in one day and flesh-eating infections, brain abscesses and death in just a few days.

9 Jul 2018

Widespread transfer of genes between species appears to be key driver of evolution

Far from just being the product of our parents, University of Adelaide scientists have shown that widespread transfer of genes between species has radically changed the genomes of today's mammals, and been an important driver of evolution.

9 Jul 2018

UT Southwestern researchers uncover body's microreactors for innate immunity

A DNA-sensing enzyme forms droplets that act as tiny bioreactors creating molecules to stimulate innate immunity – the body's first response to infection, UT Southwestern researchers report. The work, reported today in the journal Science, could lead to novel treatments for infections, autoimmune disease, and cancer.

9 Jul 2018

Researchers discover critical link in mapping recurrent mutations of melanoma

A critical link in mapping recurrent mutations of melanoma -- the most serious form of skin cancer in humans -- has been discovered by researchers at Washington State University School of Molecular Biosciences, in collaboration with researchers at Georgia State University.

6 Jul 2018

Bacteria adapted to the human body may become more susceptible to antibiotics

A new study published today in Nature Communications, led by scientists at the University of Liverpool in collaboration with the University of Salford, finds evidence that as bacteria adapt to the human body, they can sometimes become more susceptible to antibiotics and therefore easier to kill.

6 Jul 2018

Researchers find new way to convert skin cells into pluripotent stem cells

Our bodies consist of many different kinds of cells, each with their own role. The Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka had made earlier the discovery, earning the Nobel Prize in 2012, that cells from adult skin can be converted to cells typical of early embryos, so-called induced pluripotent stem cells.

6 Jul 2018

Researchers use precision genomics to search genetic mutations causing accelerated aging

Mayo Clinic researchers are using precision genomics to search for undiscovered, inheritable genetic mutations that cause accelerated aging. In a study recently published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers conducted a study assessing 17 patients with short telomere syndromes -; rare conditions that result in premature DNA and cellular deterioration.

6 Jul 2018

Cleara Biotech creates three public-private partnerships to discover and develop new therapeutics

Cleara Biotech B.V., a Netherlands-based biopharmaceutical company, announced today the creation of three public-private partnerships to discover and develop new therapeutics.

6 Jul 2018

Senate Committee recommends change in laws to prevent mitochondrial disease in Australian babies

Australian women at risk of having babies suffering severe mitochondrial disease may soon be able to have healthy children, following the Senate Community Affairs References Committee recommendation to move towards legalizing mitochondrial donation, a ground-breaking IVF technique that replaces energy-generating DNA in the mother’s egg with donor material.

6 Jul 2018

Scientists develop novel method of producing pluripotent stem cells

Scientists have developed a modified CRISPR tool that can stimulate the de-differentiation of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells,

6 Jul 2018

Pneumococcal genes predict course of disease

Pneumococcus is an important cause of pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. This bacterium commonly resides in the nasal cavity.

6 Jul 2018

Nuts can improve sperm quality finds study

A new study has shown that including nuts in daily diet could significantly improve the quality as well as function of the human sperm. Nuts are part of the Mediterranean diet that is considered to be the healthiest diet for the heart, blood vessels and other organs.

4 Jul 2018

HPV test better than Pap when screening for cervical cancer

The Pap smear test has been used widely for the past five decades to understand and screen for early signs of cervical cancer. The conventional test has been largely replaced by a liquid-based Pap cytology test. Soon it may be replaced by another test – the Human papilloma virus test or the HPV test finds new research.

4 Jul 2018