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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).

New imaging approach reveals dynamic and structural interactions of DNA in cell's nucleus

Sixty-four years ago, James Watson and Francis Crick described the now-iconic double helix structure of DNA.

29 Jul 2017

STRATEC Molecular offers new products to improve liquid biopsy

Liquid biopsy is a new technology for detection and analysis of biomarkers in blood or other body fluids without the need of invasive procedures.

28 Jul 2017

DNA-protein structure more diverse and flexible chain than previously thought, study reveals

How can six and half feet of DNA be folded into the tiny nucleus of a cell? Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health have developed a new imaging method that visualizes a very different DNA structure, featuring small folds of DNA in close proximity.

27 Jul 2017

Gene editing technology shines light on rare dyskeratosis congenita

Using the gene editing technology CRISPR, scientists have shed light on a rare, sometimes fatal syndrome that causes children to gradually lose the ability to manufacture vital blood cells.

27 Jul 2017

Stem cells in the brain found to influence aging in mice

A study conducted by a team of researchers led by Dongsheng Cai at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, finds that injecting extra stem cells into the hypothalamus in the brain of mice slows down the aging process.

27 Jul 2017

Researchers uncover 16 genetic markers linked to decreased lifespan

The answer to how long each of us will live is partly encoded in our genome. Researchers have identified 16 genetic markers associated with a decreased lifespan, including 14 new to science. This is the largest set of markers of lifespan uncovered to date.

27 Jul 2017

Malaria already widespread on Sardinia in the Roman period, research shows

Malaria was already widespread on Sardinia by the Roman period, long before the Middle Ages, as indicated by research at the Institute of Evolutionary Medicine of the University of Zurich with the help of a Roman who died 2,000 years ago.

27 Jul 2017

US scientists make advances in modifying human embryos

American Scientists have managed to edit and improve the DNA of human embryos in an effort to correct the gene defects that cause inherited diseases.

27 Jul 2017

Research suggests novel approach for encouraging regeneration in mouse retina

Cells within an injured mouse eye can be coaxed into regenerating neurons and those new neurons appear to integrate themselves into the eye's circuitry, new research shows.

27 Jul 2017

Study identifies key component that allows deadly bacteria to spread antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for 11,300 deaths a year in the United States alone -- a figure that corresponds to half of all deaths caused by gram-positive resistant bacteria in that country.

26 Jul 2017

Physicists use computer simulations to study arrangement of stiff polymers in spherical cavities

Theoretical physicists led by Professor Kurt Binder and Dr. Arash Nikoubashman at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany have used computer simulations to study the arrangement of stiff polymers in spherical cavities.

26 Jul 2017

Genetic test that predicts prognosis could benefit early-stage colon cancer patients

Early-stage colon cancer patients could benefit in the future from specific genetic tests that forecast their prognosis and help them make the right decision regarding chemotherapy.

26 Jul 2017

Researchers discover potential chemical 'silver bullet' to reduce risk of colon cancer

In preclinical experiments, researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have uncovered a new way in which colon cancer develops, as well as a potential "silver bullet" for preventing and treating it.

26 Jul 2017

Study provides fresh insights into how the body detects early signs of cancer

Fresh insights into how cells detect damage to their DNA - a hallmark of cancer - could help explain how the body keeps disease in check.

26 Jul 2017

New compound takes positive step toward creating drug for melanoma

While past attempts to treat melanoma failed to meet expectations, an international team of researchers are hopeful that a compound they tested on both mice and on human cells in a petri dish takes a positive step toward creating a drug that can kill melanoma cancer cells without harming nearby healthy cells.

26 Jul 2017

'Residual echo' of Neanderthal genes may hold clues to deficits in mental disorders

Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health have produced the first direct evidence that parts of our brains implicated in mental disorders may be shaped by a "residual echo" from our ancient past.

26 Jul 2017

People with family history of bipolar disorder may 'age' more quickly than others

New King's College London research suggests that people with a family history of bipolar disorder may 'age' more rapidly than those without a history of the disease.

26 Jul 2017

Scientists build DNA from scratch using yeast

Researchers are rewriting the yeast genome from scratch as part of a controversial project aiming to create custom-made chunks of DNA codes. One goal of the project is to create codes that can be inserted into cells to alter their function or even improve drug development.

26 Jul 2017

New DNA coating gets better at protecting skin with more exposure to UV light

Why use regular sunscreen when you can apply a DNA film to your skin? Researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York have developed a coating made out of DNA that gets better at protecting skin from ultraviolet light the more you expose it to the sun, and it also keeps your skin hydrated.

26 Jul 2017

Genetic test to predict IBD severity in children

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract with abdominal pain and diarrhea being the most common symptoms. It can be challenging to diagnose as gastrointestinal complaints mimicking IBD are common.

26 Jul 2017

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

New imaging approach reveals dynamic and structural interactions of DNA in cell's nucleus

STRATEC Molecular offers new products to improve liquid biopsy

DNA-protein structure more diverse and flexible chain than previously thought, study reveals

Gene editing technology shines light on rare dyskeratosis congenita

Stem cells in the brain found to influence aging in mice

Researchers uncover 16 genetic markers linked to decreased lifespan

Malaria already widespread on Sardinia in the Roman period, research shows

US scientists make advances in modifying human embryos

Research suggests novel approach for encouraging regeneration in mouse retina

Study identifies key component that allows deadly bacteria to spread antibiotic resistance

Physicists use computer simulations to study arrangement of stiff polymers in spherical cavities

Genetic test that predicts prognosis could benefit early-stage colon cancer patients

Researchers discover potential chemical 'silver bullet' to reduce risk of colon cancer

Study provides fresh insights into how the body detects early signs of cancer

New compound takes positive step toward creating drug for melanoma

'Residual echo' of Neanderthal genes may hold clues to deficits in mental disorders

People with family history of bipolar disorder may 'age' more quickly than others

Scientists build DNA from scratch using yeast

New DNA coating gets better at protecting skin with more exposure to UV light

Genetic test to predict IBD severity in children

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