Scientists Use CRISPR to Build Cancer-Fighting Army from Its Own Tumour Cells
Scientists are taking advantage of the “self-homing” abilities of cancer cells and are creating armies of cancer-killing cells using CRISPR gene-editing.
RNA
The transcriptome gives a fuller picture of how genes are expressed. RNA sequencing allows for more detailed information on cellular pathways and expression levels in cancer studies.
CRISPR-Cas9 Delivered Directly to Human Sperm
The CRISPR genome editing method has been delivered directly in human sperm cells giving hope that correcting mutations in human sperm cells is possible and may lead to the prevention of disease being passed on by fathers.
Genetic Disorder ‘Considered Cured’ From Using Gene Editing Technique in Utero
Researchers have for the first time used a gene editing technique to successfully cure a genetic condition in a mouse model.
CRISPR Gene-Drive Tested on Mammals for the First Time in History
CRISPR gene drives have been tested in laboratory mice for the first time, offering a way in which multiple genes in mice can be altered to model complex multigenic human diseases. Could this step eventually lead to the eradication of pest species or is the technology still too controversial?
MicroRNA Snippets May Warn Of Alzheimer’s Down the Road
Tiny snippets of genetic material called microRNA may offer a way to detect conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease earlier, according to a new study.
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.
The Exome Might Be Larger Than We Thought
New research has identified nearly 5,000 previously unknown genes, 1,178 of which are believed to code for proteins, raising the estimate of coding genes from 20,000 to 21,000.
Future Medical Tests Could Use Bits of RNA
Scientists have devised an improved method for isolating and identifying tiny fragments of RNA in human blood products. The achievement could lead to powerful new ways to diagnose and track a wide range of medical conditions, say the researchers.
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.
London Calling: It’s Oxford Nanopore
For all the nanopore enthusiasts and aficionados out there, London Calling is the highlight of the year. Taking place in May, the show is everything you’d expect from a company that takes such care with its growing community of users.
Disney Magic Creates Alternative To CRISPR
Interested in novel science and its applications, but sick to death of hearing about CRISPR? Then this story is for you.
DNA’s Shape Can Be Changed With a Range of Triggers
The structure of DNA is widely accepted to exist as a double helix, but different DNA structures also exist. New research points to a range of triggers that can manipulate its shape.
Colon Cancer Cells Use Mysterious RNA Strands to Avoid Cell Death
Researchers have discovered how unusually long strands of RNA help colon cancer cells to avoid death, allowing unregulated growth.
Link Between Mutant RNA and Disease Now Easier To Understand
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a great new RNA annotation tool.
Controlling Cell ‘Recycling’ May Help Ease Ageing
Researchers studying the biology of ageing have demonstrated a new strategy for stimulating autophagy, the process by which cells rebuild themselves by recycling their own worn-out parts.
