Algorithm identifies 188 new CRISPR gene-editing systems

CRISPR systems are powerful tools for genetic engineering, but they have their limitations. Now, scientists have discovered almost 200 new CRISPR systems in their native habitat of bacteria, and found that some can edit human cells even more precisely … Continue reading Algorithm identifies 188 new CRISPR gene-editing systems

Novel spider-inspired surface material stays dry for months underwater

Inspired by a water-dwelling spider, researchers have created a novel surface material that stays dry for months underwater, and also greatly resists adhesion by bacteria and marine organisms like barnacles. They say the surface is easy to produce, sca… Continue reading Novel spider-inspired surface material stays dry for months underwater

Probiotic shows promise as multiple sclerosis therapy in mice tests

Scientists have demonstrated in mouse studies that specially designed probiotics can reduce brain inflammation associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis. The study points to new potential therapies for hard-to-treat chronic conditions that may b… Continue reading Probiotic shows promise as multiple sclerosis therapy in mice tests

3-million-mile-high tsunamis crash down on “heartbreak” star

From strange stars to weird worlds and other odd objects that defy explanation, the cosmos constantly surprises us. Now astronomers have discovered a “heartbreak” star system where tidal waves, three times taller than the Sun, rise and crash on the sur… Continue reading 3-million-mile-high tsunamis crash down on “heartbreak” star

Anti-aging benefits for old mice that surgically share blood with young

In a glimpse of what could become a future Black Mirror episode, scientists have hooked the circulatory systems of old mice to young mice, and found that it slows the aging process in the older animals and increases their lifespan by up to 10%.Continue… Continue reading Anti-aging benefits for old mice that surgically share blood with young

Chemical cocktail offers “potential to reverse aging with a single pill”

Most of us begrudgingly accept aging as a part of life – but maybe we don’t have to. A new study led by scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified chemical cocktails that can restore cells to a more youthful state, paving the way for aging-rev… Continue reading Chemical cocktail offers “potential to reverse aging with a single pill”

Study identifies genetic signal that controls the blood-brain barrier

New research in mice and zebrafish has uncovered the genetic signal needed to form and maintain the blood-brain barrier. The discovery could let scientists control the barrier’s permeability, providing a more effective way of delivering medicines to th… Continue reading Study identifies genetic signal that controls the blood-brain barrier

AI tool helps evaluate brain tumors in real time during surgery

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed a new AI-powered tool to help brain surgeons combat cancer. CHARM rapidly evaluates tumorous tissue during surgery to help professionals make on-the-spot decisions about how to proceed.Continue Readi… Continue reading AI tool helps evaluate brain tumors in real time during surgery

Completely new mechanism behind some cancers discovered

Cancer can be the end result of a wide range of things that go wrong, and understanding how is key to prevention and treatment. Now, scientists have discovered a cancer-causing mechanism that has never been seen before – a kind of clog in a cellular ga… Continue reading Completely new mechanism behind some cancers discovered

Stone Age bacterial genomes reconstructed to make long-lost molecules

Scientists have reconstructed the genomes of microbes from the Stone Age, and used them to produce new molecules. The complex puzzle was pieced together from DNA fragments of bacteria on the teeth of ancient humans and Neanderthals.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Stone Age bacterial genomes reconstructed to make long-lost molecules