Researchers have successfully cloned a key gene responsible for pea stem growth, which codes for an enzyme that converts gibberellic acid into the compound promoting stem elongation. This discovery sheds light on why some plants are tall and others short, illustrating fundamental principles of genetics.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has determined the molecular structure of Cre recombinase, an enzyme used in genetically engineering animal models. The detailed structural picture will aid in designing better research models and provide insights into the recombination reaction.
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins that may provide insights into all dystonia disorders. The DYT1 gene codes for torsinA protein, which is mutated in patients with early-onset torsion dystonia, disrupting communication among neurons responsible for movement and muscle control.
The E. coli genome, consisting of 4,639,221 base pairs, has been fully sequenced, revealing 1,333 known genes and 1,000 unknown functions. The completion of the genome paves the way for a similar analysis of human DNA.
Researchers at University of Florida have developed a small, mobile land mine detector using X-ray probe technology that accurately identifies type and location. The device could be available to governments and humanitarian agencies within a year.
Researchers developed a new type of polymeric membrane that can operate at elevated temperatures and withstand harsh chemical environments. The membrane could potentially recover large volumes of hydrogen gas, reducing the environmental impact of refining processes and making it economically feasible.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that inhaled nitric oxide can reduce formation of sickle cells in patients with sickle cell disease, potentially interrupting crises. The treatment approach could lead to long-term, outpatient care for affected individuals.
The grant will support various research projects, including climate modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and interactive learning tools. Cornell aims to create a national model for universities in the information age with this technology.
Researchers found that supplements significantly reduced bone loss and increased bone density in older men, while also reducing the risk of fractures. The study's findings suggest that calcium and vitamin D supplementation can be an effective lifelong strategy for maintaining bone health.
Researchers are investigating how climate change affects plant community composition, whole-ecosystem carbon exchange, and energy balance in northern peatlands. The goal is to determine the mechanisms of biotic control over temperature and its impact on ecosystem processes.
A MGH-led team has pinpointed the location of the DYT1 gene on chromosome 9, revealing it is responsible for virtually all cases of early-onset dystonia. The discovery may help understand how stress triggers neurological diseases and lead to the development of a blood test to diagnose the disorder.
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a large crater on asteroid Vesta with an estimated diameter of 285 miles and 8 miles deep. The crater's impact debris is believed to be a source of special types of meteorites, including those found in Hawaii.