Animal genomes are known to be a storage space of memories. Perhaps the phrase ‘etched in memory’ had a real meaning after all. A new study has found that genomes of birds have markers that store the memories of the cataclysm that caused the extinction of their dinosaur ancestors. These genetic markers helped them evolve …
In a recent study published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research, researchers investigate whether machine learning can identify pan-cancer mutational hotspots at persistent CCCTC-binding factor (P-CTCF) binding sites (P-CTCFBSs). Study: Machine learning enables pan-cancer identification of mutational hotspots at persistent CTCF binding sites. Image Credit: Nuttapong punna / Shutterstock.com CTCF and cancer CTCF-binding site mutations impact …
A recent study published in Nature Medicine demonstrated genetic heterogeneity of blood pressure (BP) effects between sexes. Study: Sex-specific genetic architecture of blood pressure. Image Credit: Chompoo Suriyo/Shutterstock.com Background Environmental exposures and interactions influence BP traits with a complex and well-defined genetic architecture, with about 30% to 50% heritability. Hypertension is highly heritable and a significant risk …
The construction of stable transgenic plants based on the tobacco chloroplast genome. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com] Chinese scientists have successfully resolved the largest and most complex chloroplast RNA polymerase structure, a major mystery in the scientific community for decades. Zhang Yu from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences at the Chinese Academy of …
A study published in the journal Nature Communications provides a comprehensive evaluation of the genetics of circulating retinol and its influence on human health. Study: Genetic influences on circulating retinol and its relationship to human health Background Vitamin A is a fat-soluble micronutrient involved in various physiological processes, including vision, cell division, immune function, and neurodevelopment. …
Butterflies and moth chromosomes have remained unchanged even as the world around them has evolved over millions of years. A new study reveals that these insects haven’t changed in 250 million years of evolution. Butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. They share common insect characteristics. Both butterflies and moths shared a …
In a recent study published in BMC Microbiology, researchers developed the Novel Organism Verification and Analysis (NOVA) algorithm to systematically analyze bacterial isolates unidentified using traditional methods such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and partial 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Study: Novel Organism …
Mayo Clinic researchers mapped how the measles virus mutated and spread in the brain of a person who succumbed to a rare, lethal brain disease. New cases of this disease, which is a complication of the measles virus, may occur as measles reemerges among the unvaccinated, say researchers. Using the latest tools in genetic sequencing, …
News Technology Science Scientists produce yeast strain with more than half synthetic DNA in major breakthrough In a major breakthrough, scientists have developed a strain of yeast with more than half of its genome being made of synthetic DNA. Crucially, the yeast cell was able to reproduce normally by splitting in two despite the synthetic …