Here CRISPR Kitty? Progress in Developing a Hypoallergenic Cat
Researchers at InBio (formerly Indoor Biotechnologies), a biotech company in Virginia, report progress en route to developing a hypoallergenic cat – or at least treating…
Genetics
Scans Show Weakened Brain Connections in Adolescents at Risk of Bipolar Disorder
A brain imaging study of young people at high risk of developing bipolar disorder has for the first time found evidence of weakening connections between…
AI-Designed Protein Can Awaken Silenced Genes, One by One
Technique allows researchers to toggle on individual genes that regulate cell growth, development, and function. By combining CRISPR technology with a protein designed with artificial…
Genes Are Switched On in the Human Embryo From the Get-Go – Challenging the Way We Think About Our Developmental Origins
The finding that some genes are active from the get-go challenges the textbook view that genes don’t become active in human embryos until they are…
Potential for Gene-Editing To Enable New Treatments for Incurable Mitochondrial Disorders
Defective mitochondria – the ‘batteries’ that power the cells of our bodies – could in the future be repaired using gene-editing techniques. Scientists at the…
Remarkable Dimmer Switch Discovered for Human Brain Cell Growth
Controlling how cells grow is fundamental to ensuring proper brain development and stopping aggressive brain tumors. The network of molecules that control brain cell growth is…
New DNA Modification System Discovered in Animals – “It’s Almost Unbelievable”
Marine Biological Laboratory finds gene captured from bacteria more than 60 million years ago. Your DNA holds the blueprint to build your body, but it’s…
No Longer Science Fiction: De-Extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger Moves One Step Closer
The University of Melbourne is establishing a world-class research lab for de-extinction and marsupial conservation science thanks to a $5 million philanthropic gift. The gift…
A DNA “Oracle” for Predicting the Future Evolution of Gene Regulation
Researchers created a mathematical framework to examine the genome and detect signatures of natural selection, deciphering the evolutionary past and future of non-coding DNA. Despite…
Forget Mammoths – These Scientists Are Working To Resurrect the Extinct Christmas Island Rat Through DNA Editing
Dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago, mammoths 4,000 years ago, and the Christmas Island Rat 119 years ago. Since becoming a popular concept in…
Scientists Discover How Certain Genetic Diseases Are Transmitted From Mother to Child
The study could serve as the basis for novel strategies to ensure that future generations are not affected by such diseases. Existing treatments are palliative,…
DNA Replication Speed Limit Could Be a Breakthrough for Stem Cell Therapy
Adult cells in our body can only give rise to the same cell type. For example, a skin cell cannot give rise to a muscle…
Evolution Is Conservative: Reconstructing the Chromosomes of the Earliest Animals on Earth
Many of today’s marine invertebrates, including sponges and jellyfish, have chromosomes with the same ancient structure they inherited from their primitive ancestors more than 600…
New DNA Computer Assesses Water Quality: Genetic Networks Mimic Electronic Circuits
Genetic networks mimic electronic circuits to perform a range of logic functions. Equipped with a series of eight small test tubes, the device glows green…
Single DNA Test for Over 50 Genetic Diseases Will Cut Diagnosis From Decades to Days
Validating genetic diagnosis of neurological and neuromuscular diseases using faster, smaller, cheaper sequencing technologies. A new DNA test, developed by researchers at the Garvan Institute…
Fast Emergence of New COVID Variants Due to Virus’ Capacity for Rapid Burst Evolution
New research led by the Doherty Institute has found the SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to momentarily accelerate its evolutionary pace, enabling variants to emerge…
Genetic Screening Shows a Causal Link Between Blood Group and Severe COVID-19
A new study has analyzed over 3000 proteins to identify which are causally linked to the development of severe COVID-19. This is the first study…
Genome Reconstruction Opens Door to Transformation of Potato Breeding
The potato is becoming more and more integral to diets worldwide including even Asian countries like China where rice is the traditional staple food. Building…
