Scientists at the MDI Biological Laboratory and the University of Maine have discovered that genetic material in the cell that was previously thought to be “junk” because of its apparent lack of function likely plays a part in regulating genetic circuits responsible for regeneration in highly regenerative animals. Viravuth P. Yin, Ph.D., of the MDI […]
A novel synthetic antibody enables conditional ‘protein knockdown’ in vertebrates
Research groups led by Dr. Jörg Mansfeld of the Biotechnology Center of the TU Dresden (BIOTEC) and Dr. Caren Norden of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) have developed a novel synthetic antibody that paves the way for an improved functional analysis of proteins. They combined auxin-inducible “protein knockdown” with […]
Autoimmunity plays role in development of COPD
Autoimmunity plays a role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study led by Georgia State University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center that analyzed human genome information stored in Vanderbilt’s DNA biobank. COPD is a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. COPD, which includes emphysema and […]
Researchers identify new genes that may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine, working with scientists across the nation on the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP), have discovered new genes that will further current understanding of the genetic risk factors that predispose people to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The ADSP was developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) […]
Ancient DNA testing solves 100-year-old controversy in Southeast Asian prehistory
Two competing theories about the human occupation of Southeast Asia have been debunked by ground-breaking analysis of ancient DNA extracted from 8,000 year-old skeletons. Southeast Asia is one of the most genetically diverse regions in the world, but for more than 100 years scientists have disagreed about which theory of the origins of the population […]
New method discovered to view proteins inside human cells: Scientists develop tagging device using Ferritin
Scientists at the University of Warwick have created a new way to view proteins that are inside human cells. Using Ferritin, a large protein shell that our cells use to store iron, the researchers have found a method they have called FerriTag that allows an electron microscope (EM) to view proteins precisely unlike current methods. […]
New nerve gas detector built with Legos and a smartphone
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have designed a way to sense dangerous chemicals using, in part, a simple rig consisting of a smartphone and a box made from Lego bricks, which could help first responders and scientists in the field identify deadly and difficult-to-detect nerve agents such as VX and sarin. The […]
Researchers find more genes associated with intelligence and neuroticism
A single team of researchers from around the globe conducting two different studies has found more genes related to human intelligence and more that are associated with neuroticism. They have published separate papers outlining their work and findings in the journal Nature Genetics. To understand how the human brain functions, scientists conduct work to isolate […]