Faster and Cheaper Genomics Technique Ready for Takeoff
A new genomics technique developed at Cornell University is roughly 50 times cheaper than comparable methods. The cost effectiveness of this new method, called Genotyping-by-sequencing…
genetics
New DNA Entity in Mammalian Cells
A new discovery of three unique non-repetitive microDNA sequences was made by a team of researchers at the University of North Carolina. Their research shows…
Similarities Between Acorn Worm and Vertebrate Brain
A new study shows that Saccoglossus kowalevskii, a sea dwelling, bottom-feeding acorn worm, has a similarities to humans although the worms are separated from vertebrates…
Scientists Discover New Type of Extra-Chromosomal DNA
Scientists from the University of Virginia and University of North Carolina have discovered a previously unidentified type of circular DNA molecule occurring outside the chromosomes…
Iceman Ötzi’s DNA Reveals Health Risks and Relations
Ötzi’s DNA has finally been sequenced. An international team published the almost complete DNA of the Iceman Ötzi from the Tyrolean Alps in the journal…
Pikaia Gracilens Revealed as Possible Genetic Ancestors to All Vertebrates
The Middle Cambrian Pikaia gracilens, from 505 million years ago, was a fish-like worm, which has the possible dubious distinction of being one of humanity’s…
Rare Example of Bacterial Gene Transfer Providing Evolutionary Benefit
A bacterial gene that has been discovered in the genome of the coffee berry borer beetle (Hypothenemus hampei) allows it to occupy a unique ecological…
Human Y-Chromosome Has Enough Genes to Stay for Millions of Years
The male-sex determining Y chromosome is here to stay, having lost only one gene in the last 25 million years, a new study of human…
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Fight Diseases
Out of the 750,000 different species of insects covering Earth, there are about 14,000 that feed on blood, getting their sustenance by puncturing the skin…
Mutations in TTN Gene Cause Idiopathic DCM
The use of modern DNA sequencing platforms has helped researchers find a genetic explanation for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Researchers at Harvard Medical School found…
Researchers Discover that Prions Play Role in Yeast Survival and Evolution
While testing wild strains of yeast containing prions, researchers at MIT discovered that prions awaken dormant stretches of genes that can help the yeast survive…
Researcher Studies Root Growth to Develop Hardier, Weather-resistant Crops
Researcher Edgar Spalding from the University of Wisconsin-Madison is trying figure out how to grow crops optimally suited to survive and thrive in all conditions….
Researchers Complete Genome Sequence of a Denisovan Human Finger Bone
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology have completed the genome sequence of a Denisovan human finger bone that was discovered in Denisova…
Researchers May Be Able to Sequence Genomes of Any Microbes
Until now, researchers could only sequence the genomes of microbes in two ways. They could sequence it directly, which requires growing the organism in a…
Time Spent in Orbit May Alter Astronauts’ Genes
Scientists discovered that spending long periods of time in low gravity environments might alter genes. In order to complete their experiment, researchers used magnets on…
Researchers Use Genetic Programming to Figure out What Tastes Good
Givaudan, a Swiss flavor company, turned to MIT researchers to help them analyze their taste-test results. Since testers tend to suffer from “smell fatigue” and…