DNA News and Research

RSS

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).

Flies may be more potent pathogen carriers than previously thought

Flies can be more than pesky picnic crashers, they may be potent pathogen carriers, too, according to an international team of researchers.

25 Nov 2017

Flies could act as autonomous bionic drones to help monitor disease outbreaks

An international research team led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore have proposed that swarms of flies can be used to help monitor disease outbreaks.

25 Nov 2017

Researchers convert natural bacterial immune system into microscopic data recorder

Through a few clever molecular hacks, researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have converted a natural bacterial immune system into a microscopic data recorder, laying the groundwork for a new class of technologies that use bacterial cells for everything from disease diagnosis to environmental monitoring.

23 Nov 2017

New approach can track how superbugs travel among and within health care facilities

Killer bacteria – ones that have out-evolved our best antibiotics -- may not go away anytime soon. But a new approach to tracking their spread could eventually give us a fighting chance to keep their death toll down.

23 Nov 2017

Study uncovers key mechanism by which tumors develop resistance to radiation therapy

A Ludwig Cancer Research study has uncovered a key mechanism by which tumors develop resistance to radiation therapy and shown how such resistance might be overcome with drugs that are currently under development.

23 Nov 2017

Chromatrap introduces easy-to-use range of DNA kits for molecular biology applications

Chromatrap, a leading developer of cutting-edge life science products, has launched an affordable, easy-to-use range of DNA kits for routine molecular biology applications.

From Chromatrap® - Porvair Sciences Ltd 23 Nov 2017

Genetic, ethnic background may be underlying factors for acquired laryngotracheal stenosis

Endotracheal intubation, in which a tube is inserted through the voice box (larynx) into the windpipe, and tracheotomy, in which surgery is undertaken to create a hole through the neck and into the windpipe (trachea) to facilitate breathing, are widely used in the hospital setting for elective surgery and in cases of serious illness or critical injury.

22 Nov 2017

3D folding of DNA during cardiomyocyte differentiation provides vital epigenetic mechanisms, study says

A new study conducted at the University of Freiburg suggests that three-dimensional (3D) folding of the DNA reorganizes itself during differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to cardiomyocytes.

22 Nov 2017

Scientists develop new approach to combating antibiotic resistance

A team of researchers have developed a way of preventing the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria.

22 Nov 2017

Research shows how HLF gene affects blood cell development

A research group at Lund University in Sweden has found that when the HLF (hepatic leukemia factor) gene -which is expressed in immature blood cells - does not shut down on time, we are unable to develop a functional long-term immune system. This could be a very early stage of leukemia.

22 Nov 2017

Research suggests genome's spatial organization as important switch for defining cell types

During differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to cardiomyocytes, the three-dimensional folding of the DNA reorganizes itself. This reorganization of the DNA architecture precedes and defines important epigenetic patterns.

22 Nov 2017

Research findings offer prime drug targets to treat rare liver cancer that strikes young people

After years of rigorous research, a team of scientists has identified the genetic engine that drives a rare form of liver cancer. The findings offer prime targets for drugs to treat the usually lethal disease, fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC), which mainly strikes adolescents and young adults.

22 Nov 2017

High-fat diet during lactation alters RNA activity in breast milk, research suggests

New research suggests that following a high-fat diet during lactation-;regardless of diet during pregnancy-;alters RNA activity in breast milk. The changes in genetic material may increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes in offspring. The article is published ahead of print in Physiological Genomics.

21 Nov 2017

Scientists develop novel technology that uses CRISPR to map genetic mutations

A team of scientists led by Virginia Commonwealth University physicist Jason Reed, Ph.D., have developed new nanomapping technology that could transform the way disease-causing genetic mutations are diagnosed and discovered.

21 Nov 2017

Anti-diabetic drug can enhance repair of UV-induced DNA damage in cells of ‘Moon children’

The destructive force of UV radiation on DNA molecules is only fully visible, when repair mechanisms fail: patients with the rare genetic disease Xeroderma pigmentosum - also known as 'Moon children' - develop inflammations upon exposure to only small amounts of sunlight, rough-surfaced growths and eventually skin cancer occurs often in early age.

21 Nov 2017

New technique may reveal clues about role of centromeres in Down syndrome, other birth defects

Some scientists call it the "final frontier" of our DNA -- even though it lies at the center of every X-shaped chromosome in nearly every one of our cells.

20 Nov 2017

Study explores feasibility of mainstreaming genetic counseling for ovarian cancer

A study that looked at mainstreaming genetic counseling for ovarian cancer to support screening programs in Malaysia was presented at the ESMO Asia 2017 Congress.

20 Nov 2017

Gene editing within a living person for the first time

Genetic editing has been performed in the laboratory until now. Living cells within Petri-dishes have been put under the microscope while gene editing tools such as CRISPR were used to cut, nick and replace parts of the DNA or genome that is defective with bits of DNA that is correct in its sequence. Now doctors in California have attempted to edit cells within a living person.

19 Nov 2017

Leaf-eating ability of beetle largely due to bacteria inside the insect

A leaf-eating beetle has evolved a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that allows the insect to break down pectin -- part of a plant's cell wall that is indigestible to most animals.

17 Nov 2017

Researchers uncover mechanism that contributes to patterns of degeneration in AD

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is known to cause memory loss and cognitive decline, but other functions of the brain can remain intact.

17 Nov 2017

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Flies may be more potent pathogen carriers than previously thought

Flies could act as autonomous bionic drones to help monitor disease outbreaks

Researchers convert natural bacterial immune system into microscopic data recorder

New approach can track how superbugs travel among and within health care facilities

Study uncovers key mechanism by which tumors develop resistance to radiation therapy

Chromatrap introduces easy-to-use range of DNA kits for molecular biology applications

Genetic, ethnic background may be underlying factors for acquired laryngotracheal stenosis

3D folding of DNA during cardiomyocyte differentiation provides vital epigenetic mechanisms, study says

Scientists develop new approach to combating antibiotic resistance

Research shows how HLF gene affects blood cell development

Research suggests genome's spatial organization as important switch for defining cell types

Research findings offer prime drug targets to treat rare liver cancer that strikes young people

High-fat diet during lactation alters RNA activity in breast milk, research suggests

Scientists develop novel technology that uses CRISPR to map genetic mutations

Anti-diabetic drug can enhance repair of UV-induced DNA damage in cells of ‘Moon children’

New technique may reveal clues about role of centromeres in Down syndrome, other birth defects

Study explores feasibility of mainstreaming genetic counseling for ovarian cancer

Gene editing within a living person for the first time

Leaf-eating ability of beetle largely due to bacteria inside the insect

Researchers uncover mechanism that contributes to patterns of degeneration in AD

eBook: Exploring the Cell Cycle and DNA Damage and Repair eBook

Leveraging the power of automation to boost research

Automating research - solutions and best practices

How can microdialysis benefit drug development

Latest Life Science News