Would Dialling Down This Enzyme Treat Breast Cancer?
The enzyme TLK2 displays lower levels of activity in intellectual disability, and overactivity in cases of breast cancer, say researchers.
Molecular Biology
Tagging Method Gives New View of Proteins Inside Our Cells
Scientists have created a new way to view proteins inside human cells. The method allows an electron microscope to view proteins precisely, unlike current methods.
Artificial Network Made Of DNA Identifies ‘Molecular Handwriting’
Researchers at Caltech have developed an artificial neural network made out of DNA that can solve a classic machine learning problem: Correctly identifying handwritten numbers.
Now We Have a Complete Read-Out of the Genes and Other DNA Sequences of the Koala
The koala genome, published today, identifies powerful anti-bacterials in milk that protect the baby koala from disease – and may provide humans with the next generation of antibiotics.
Many Genes Interact to Lead to Autism Symptoms
Researchers have discovered that genes located in a large chromosomal aberration associated with autism interact with each other to modulate the variable symptoms of the disease.
Childhood Stress Determines Testosterone Levels in Later Life
New research suggests that the level of testosterone in an adult man is largely determined by the stress they encounter during their childhood, challenging the idea that testosterone production is controlled by genetics.
Researchers Cure Blood Disorder in Fetal Mice With Gene Editing
Researchers have conducted the first demonstration of site-specific gene editing in a mouse fetus, correcting a mutation that causes a severe form of anaemia.
Supercomputers Reveal How DNA Stays So Flexible
New research sheds new light on the process of methylation in DNA. If the genetic information is the same in all cells, as it should be, why do muscle cells look and act differently than skin cells?
Could Synthetic Biology Facilitate Biological Warfare?
A report has highlighted the potential misuses of synthetic biology for biological warfare with recommendations of how we might prepare for and prevent biological attacks.
Cells Stop Dividing When This Gene Kicks Into High Gear
Scientists seeking to unlock secrets of cellular ageing have identified a gene that triggers senescence, a phenomenon in which cells stop dividing.
Enzyme From Our Bodies Could Spawn Zika Drug
New research suggests future antiviral drugs could take advantage of viperin, a naturally occurring enzyme in humans and other mammals that has antiviral effects on a wide variety of viruses, including West Nile, hepatitis C, rabies, and HIV.
Transposable Elements Not So Selfish After All
Commonly believed to be genetic parasites, recent work suggests that at least some transposable elements might be critical for the organism.
We Have a Good Chance of Curing the Common Cold in Next 10 Years
We’d all dearly like to see a cure for the common cold, but it never quite seems to arrive. So what’s the hold-up — and will it be over soon? Getting rid of this scourge is nothing to be sneezed at.
Dual Targeting Eradicates Cancer Cells
Inhibition of two likely DNA repair mechanisms has been shown to completely eradicate BRCA-deficient tumour cells.
How One Mutated Gene Causes Heart Defects
Heart defects—the most common type of birth defect—can result from mutations in the gene CHD4. Now, researchers know the key molecular details of what happens.
