New intelligence model could upend biology, genetics, medicine and AI

These are some absolutely wild ideas, so before we get started, it’s important to know that Michael Levin is no fringe scientist or crackpot. He’s a director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, as well as the Tufts Center for Regenerativ… Continue reading New intelligence model could upend biology, genetics, medicine and AI

Anti-aging molecule successfully restores multiple markers of youth

In pre-clinical trials, a small molecule effectively regrew neurons, reduced inflammation, and improved memory, speed, coordination, grip strength, and more. The finding could have a profound impact on aging and the diseases that accompany it.Continue … Continue reading Anti-aging molecule successfully restores multiple markers of youth

Battered and bruised 23andMe faces probe after hack that stole seven million users’ data

23andMe, the California-based company which sells DNA testing kits to help people learn about their ancestry and potential health risks, is facing scrutiny from British and Canadian data protection authorities following a security breach that saw hacke… Continue reading Battered and bruised 23andMe faces probe after hack that stole seven million users’ data

Organism with largest genome packs 50x more DNA than a human’s

Scientists have identified the organism with the largest known genome, coming in at over 160 billion base pairs

Scientists have discovered the organism with the largest known genome, containing 160 billion base pairs. That makes it more than 50 times bigger than the human genome, and the organism it’s describing is a tiny fork fern you wouldn’t even notice if you tripped over it in the forest.

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Continue reading Organism with largest genome packs 50x more DNA than a human’s

Self-assembling synthetic cells act like living cells with extra abilities

Using DNA and proteins, scientists have created new synthetic cells that act like living cells. Blurring the line between artificial and living materials, these cells can be reprogrammed to perform multiple functions, opening the door to new synthetic … Continue reading Self-assembling synthetic cells act like living cells with extra abilities

AI-designed gene editing tools successfully modify human DNA

Medically, AI is helping us with everything from identifying abnormal heart rhythms before they happen to spotting skin cancer. But do we really need it to get involved with our genome? Protein-design company Profluent believes we do.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading AI-designed gene editing tools successfully modify human DNA

Air conditioners may help catch criminals, by snagging their DNA

Even if a criminal wears gloves, their cast-off DNA may still be present in a room’s air after they leave. A new study suggests that if such telltale material gets sucked up by an air conditioner, it could let forensic investigators know if a suspect h… Continue reading Air conditioners may help catch criminals, by snagging their DNA

Beethoven’s DNA reveals he just wasn’t that musical

Analysis of Beethoven’s DNA has revealed that he had a low genetic predisposition for beat synchronization, an ability that’s closely related to musicality. This is according to researchers who set out to show how making genetic predictions for individ… Continue reading Beethoven’s DNA reveals he just wasn’t that musical

Radiation-proof Chernobyl worms offer answers about cancer

Studying a species of microscopic worms exposed to almost forty years of high radiation following an explosion at a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, researchers couldn’t find signs of genetic damage caused by the exposure. They believe the findings will … Continue reading Radiation-proof Chernobyl worms offer answers about cancer