When cancer cells break off from their initial tumour they can spread throughout the body and invade other organs to form new tumours, in a process known as metastasis. Although metastatic tumours cause 90% of deaths in cancer patients, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. However, a new study revealed that the expression of […]
Although vaping is assumed to be safer than smoking cigarettes, new research has revealed that it triggers the same molecular changes that cause emphysema in cigarette smokers. Vaping has been thought to be less dangerous than smoking because it does not contain many of the carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarette tobacco. However, new evidence suggests […]
Having sufficient brown fat could help protect against obesity and diabetes, new research shows. Brown fat acts as an energy store in the body, but easily releases the energy to generate heat when exposed to cool temperatures. Recent research has revealed that brown fat can also remove branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) from the blood. […]
Sticky DNA traps produced by immune cells enable gallstones to stick together and grow, new research has revealed. Gallstones are stones that form in the gall bladder when the fats and minerals found in bile harden into a crystalline structure. Gallstones can cause inflammation and infections, depending on their size. Researchers investigated gallstones in patients […]
The myth of the goldfish’s three second memory has long prevailed in popular culture. However, new research has suggested that unlike humans, fish are able to conserve memories over generations using epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications can change the expression of DNA without changing the DNA code itself. Often this is in the form of DNA […]
A protein produced by specific cells in the brain has been shown to repair damaged brain networks. This discovery could allow a genetically engineered treatment for neurogenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s. A key hallmark of neurogenerative diseases is the decay of the connections between neurons in the brain. If these connections could be restored it […]
The genes that enable a fish to re-grow limbs have been found to be present in humans, new research has found. This insight could help develop regenerative treatments in humans. Many species can regenerate limbs after amputation including fish, salamanders and geckos. This can be used as a mechanism to escape predators and heal from […]
Cells discontinuing nucleotide synthesis could be a key factor in ageing, new research has revealed. Understanding this process could enable treatments that ensure healthier ageing. The process by which cells become unable to replicate after a certain number of divisions is known as senescence. As cell division is essential the body’s repair processes, senescence can […]
New research has explored the dynamic genetic changes taking place during the bluehead wrasse’s sex change. The bluehead wrasse social group consists of one dominant blue male fish and a harem of yellow females. However, when the dominant male is removed from the group the largest female immediately undergoes a full sex change and becomes […]
Researchers have identified the genetic changes that cause corals to bleach when ocean temperatures increase. This insight gives researchers the possibility to genetically engineer corals to make them more resistant to bleaching. At normal temperatures, corals form a symbiotic relationship with microalgae, known as dinoflagellates. The algae provide their photosynthetic products to the coral so […]
Fleeting genetic changes observed in stem cells as they differentiate could shed light on the origin of certain genetic diseases. Scientists studying stem cell differentiation usually only compare the differences in gene expression between the fully undifferentiated and differentiated cells. However, new research has revealed that the fleeting genetic changes during cell development could have […]
A DNA vaccine tested in mice reduces accumulation of both types of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to research that scientists say may pave the way to a clinical trial.
A tailored DNA nanoplatform carries chemotherapeutic drugs and RNA interference toward multidrug-resistant tumors
New research from the University of Pittsburgh implicates the so-called “longevity protein” Klotho, both as culprit and therapeutic target.
If you’ve been part of the GeoMx DSP Technology Access Program, then you’ll already know why this is so exciting. If you haven’t heard about it yet, then you should make sure you’re sitting down – yes it really is that exciting.
