DNA-reeling bacteria yield new insight on how superbugs acquire drug-resistance
A study has revealed a protein's role in helping bacteria 'reel in' DNA from their environment to acquire new traits, such as antibiotic resistance.
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Researchers quantify Cas9-caused off-target mutagenesis in mice
Scientists are finding new ways to improve the use of the CRISPR enzyme Cas9 and reduce the chances of off-target mutations in laboratory mice, according to new results. The findings will help scientists contextualize a common concern related to gene editing and identify new strategies to improve its precision.
Read morePaving a way to achieve unexplored semiconductor nanostructures
A research team paved a way to achieve unexplored III-V semiconductor nanostructures. They grew branched GaAs nanowires with a nontoxic Bi element employing characteristic structural modifications correlated with metallic droplets, as well as crystalline defects and orientations. The finding provides a rational design concept for the creation of semiconductor nanostructures with the concentration of constituents beyond the fundamental limit, making it potentially applicable to novel efficient near-infrared devices and quantum electronics.
Read moreScientists unwind mystery behind DNA replication
The molecules of life are twisted. But how those familiar strands in DNA's double helix manage to replicate without being tangled up has been hard to decipher. A new perspective from physicists is helping unravel the mystery.
Read moreMothers' behavior influences bonding hormone oxytocin in babies
A new epigenetic study now suggests that mothers' behavior can also have a substantial impact on their children's developing oxytocin systems.
Read moreBeyond Mutation: Cause of drug resistance in a type of intestinal tumors
Researchers clarify mechanisms that allow hard-to-treat cancers to develop, and have identified strategies that could lead to new therapies.
Read moreIn a first, scientists pinpoint neural activity's role in human longevity
Researchers discover that the activity of the nervous system might influence human longevity. Neural excitation linked to shorter life, while suppression of overactivity appears to extend life span. Protein REST, previously shown to protect aging brains from dementia and other diseases, emerges as a key player in molecular cascade related to aging. Findings suggest future avenues for intervention in diseases ranging from Alzheimer's to bipolar disorder.
Read moreComputational 'match game' identifies potential antibiotics
Computational biologists have devised a software tool that can play a high-speed 'Match Game' to identify bioactive molecules and the microbial genes that produce them so they can be evaluated as possible antibiotics and other therapeutic agents.
Read moreX marks the spot: Recombination in structurally distinct chromosomes
A recent study has revealed more details about how the synaptonemal complex performs its job, including some surprising subtleties in function.
Read moreNew human reference genome resources help capture global genetic diversity
Scientists have assembled a set of genetic sequences that enable the reference genome to better reflect global genetic diversity. The new sequences improve the utility of the human reference genome, a touchstone resource for modern genetics and genomics research.
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