Collaborate Disseminate
Under the right conditions, DNA has been known to last for thousands of years, allowing scientists to study the genomes of ancient Egyptians, the very first Brits, and even early human ancestors. RNA, on the other hand, degrades much more qui… Continue reading RNA recovered and sequenced from 14,000-year-old mummified wolf
Fossils are the most reliable way we can piece together the history of humans, but some clues have been inside us all along. The human genome can tell us where we’ve come from, and it’s hiding more than a few surprises. Now researchers from t… Continue reading Traces of two unknown archaic human species turn up in modern DNA
A Stanford University team led by associate professor of chemical engineering Elizabeth Sattely is developing genetically engineered plants that can better absorb iron from the soil. By making it easier to ingest the trace mineral, it may be … Continue reading Engineering plants for better root microbiomes would unlock land for staple crops
Think of DNA and chances are the double helix structure comes to mind, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Another major part is mitochondrial DNA, and in plants that’s even more important – and so complex that scientists haven’t yet bee… Continue reading Scientists successfully edit a long-locked part of plant DNA, improving crop security
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have demonstrated a prototype of a drug that can release three active ingredients, at different times in sequence. The key to this unusual and useful ointment is artificial DNA, which br… Continue reading Drugs laced with artificial DNA release ingredients in sequence
A completely new category of microscopy has been invented by researchers in the US. Dubbed DNA microscopy, the technique tags RNA molecules with a range of DNA “barcodes” which in turn flag the identity and location of the molecules, even whe… Continue reading DNA microscopy offers a new way to image molecules
Genes get shuffled and re-dealt with every new generation, meaning many are relatively recent. But while exploring the “dark heart” of the human genome, geneticists have now found some of the most ancient pieces of DNA, inherited from Neander… Continue reading Neanderthal and unknown human ancestor DNA found in the "dark heart" of chromosomes
The CRISPR gene-editing system is a powerful tool that looks set to revolutionize the way we treat diseases, as well as basically anything else that can benefit from precisely manipulating DNA. The problem is that sometimes cutting and pastin… Continue reading New CRISPR-based system inserts new DNA without cutting and pasting
When farmers find sickly plants in their crops, it’s important that they find out which malady is responsible, as quickly as possible. New microneedle technology could help, paving the way for a handheld device that would provide the answer w… Continue reading Microneedle patch makes for speedy identification of plant diseases
In an interesting look at evolution in action, a research team led by University College London has discovered around 50 percent of people carry a gene mutation that helps lower blood sugar levels. It is suggested humans evolved this mutation… Continue reading Scientists discover gene mutation evolved in humans to help with high-sugar diets