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.
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.
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.
Have Sea Slugs Proved That Memories Can be Transferred?
A controversial study has found that placing RNA from one sea slug into another appeared to transfer a simple version of a memory.
Clinical Genomics 101: A Guide to DNA Amplification (PCR)
There are many different techniques for DNA and RNA amplification. By far the most common method, however, is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This simple guide will tell you everything you need to know about PCR.
More Effective Precision Cancer Treatment: RNA Editing
If there is one thing all cancers have in common, it is, they have nothing in common.
Testing for Zika ‘at Home’ Might Become Reality with CRISPR
Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have reported that their platform, SHERLOCK, now can be used to detect viruses directly in clinical samples such as blood or saliva.
Why Cancer Cells Go to Sleep: The Mystery of Cancer Dormancy
Cancer has always been thought of as something that grows rapidly and uncontrollably, but this view may be wrong. New evidence suggests that cancer has a smarter strategy than that.
