Researchers developed a new, high-tech device for transferring DNA into cells with minimal stress, reducing cell death rates. The MEMS nanoinjector uses electrical forces to inject DNA into cells without using extra fluid.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists identified a new source of DNA damage that may play a role in rare childhood neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging. Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) causes DNA damage in the developing brain.
A team of scientists has discovered Rad50's crucial role in detecting and responding to foreign DNA from viruses. The protein interacts with a specific signal protein CARD9, forming a complex that activates the immune system's alarm mechanism, leading to the production of interleukin-1β.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute engineered a bacterium to replicate unnatural DNA bases, which could lead to breakthroughs in medicine, nanotechnology, and protein therapeutics. The unique organism can contain three pairs of DNA bases instead of the traditional two, providing new possibilities for genetic coding.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that cells can grow normally without a crucial component needed to duplicate their DNA. This discovery suggests that cells are more flexible in managing their DNA than previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a malfunction in the molecular 'proofreading' machinery that repairs DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. The protein UV-DDB makes stops along the DNA strand and transiently attaches to it, causing a proofreading change in its conformation, preventing repair in damaged areas.
Researchers identified highly conserved non-coding sequences in plant genomes, associated with basic biological processes like development and gene regulation. These findings suggest that non-coding DNA can have important functions beyond protein encoding.
Research shows that even low-energy radiation can cause DNA damage, including double-strand breaks, which are often irreparable. Industry characterization of 'eye-safe' lasers at wavelengths longer than 1300nm is flawed, as these wavelengths can induce damage to DNA in the eye
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute created the largest standalone 3-D DNA structures using self-assembling DNA cages. The cages can be modified with chemical hooks to enclose contents, such as drugs or proteins, for potential medical applications.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience suggests that abnormal gene expression resulting from DNA relaxation can be detected in the brain and blood of Alzheimer's patients. The researchers propose that drugs modifying DNA structure may be beneficial for treating Alzheimer's disease, paving the way for epigenetic-based therapies.
Researchers discovered that DNA damage triggers dramatic reorganization of the Golgi, leading to its dispersal throughout the cell. This dispersal involves a novel signaling pathway directly linking DNA damage response to the Golgi, affecting cell survival and chemotherapy efficacy.
A new statistical model has been developed to isolate ancient DNA from fossils contaminated with modern-day DNA. This method allows for the recovery of complete mitochondrial genomes from Neandertal and anatomically modern human bones, enabling scientists to study these individuals in detail.
Researchers found that long chain DNA with low salt concentration is more conducive to nanopore sequencing, enabling longer reads and potentially reducing costs. This breakthrough has the potential to make gene sequencing more accessible and efficient.
Researchers developed a simple mechanical model to effectively explain DNA's double-stranded structure and elasticity at the nanoscale. The model shows how extreme conditions can cause DNA conformational changes, and its extension is used to study various phenomena such as sequence heterogeneity and protein-DNA interaction.
DNA polymerase epsilon's unique P-domain enables it to build long DNA strands without falling off, a crucial property for genome reproduction. The study identifies specific mutations linked to colorectal and cervical cancers, offering insights into their development.
Researchers studied the release of genetic material from viral capsids into host cell nuclei, finding that highly ordered DNA strands exit faster than tangled ones. The study's findings have implications for designing artificial viral vectors and understanding complete DNA stalling in experiments.
Researchers have unveiled a biological process that explains how DNA can be damaged during genome replication, which relies on protein RPA. Cells use this protein as 'band aids' to protect DNA temporarily during replication, but if they run out, DNA breaks severely and cells cannot divide.
Researchers have discovered the human enzyme PrimPol, which recognises and repairs DNA lesions during replication, preventing breaks in chromosomes. This ancient enzyme has been found in archaebacteria and is thought to have played a key role in genome evolution and cancer development.
Researchers discovered bacteria can take up small fragments of damaged DNA, including ancient DNA, and integrate it into their genome. This process, called Anachronistic Evolution, has significant implications for the spread of antibiotic resistance in hospitals.
Researchers at University of Michigan and Jiangnan University have developed a new method for detecting DNA using twisted light, achieving 50 times better sensitivity than current methods. This technology has the potential to aid in diagnosing patients, solving crimes, and identifying biological contaminants.
Researchers have devised a model of DNA's close environment under threat from low-energy electrons, revealing their effects on DNA in natural conditions. The study aims to improve current uses of radiation, such as in cancer treatments and diagnostic procedures.
A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab and the Scripps Research Institute used a new technique to study the role of MutS in DNA's mismatch repair system, providing new insight into genome integrity. The study validated the 'beads-on-a-string' model of DNA repair and revealed details about MutS that could be valuable for drug design an...
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Zurich allows them to display viral DNA in host cells at single-molecule resolution, revealing unexpected insights into its distribution and cell response. The technique uses click chemistry to label viral DNA without affecting its biological functions, enabling scientists to s...
Researchers have gained a better understanding of how cells deal with DNA damage that can contribute to cancer and other diseases. The study identified new prospects for developing cancer therapies by targeting the protein nucleolin to enhance sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation or chemotherapies.
Researchers at NIST and Applied Research Associates developed a microfluidic technique to recover DNA from complex mixtures like dirt. This method delivers optimal DNA concentrations for human identification procedures, potentially miniaturized for use outside the laboratory.
A team of researchers from the University of Manchester used next generation sequencing techniques to analyze sub-fossilized insects in copal and found no evidence of ancient DNA. The study suggests that DNA survival in resin inclusions is unlikely, raising doubts about claims of DNA extraction from fossil insects in amber.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism of DNA repair that operates differently from previously thought. The research reveals how proteins BRCA1 and TopBP1 communicate, which could lead to more targeted cancer therapies. Researchers aim to explore ways to exploit these findings for improved treatments.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded grants to eight research teams to explore nanopore-based DNA sequencing technology. This approach involves threading single DNA strands through tiny pores, allowing for real-time sequencing of individual molecules at low cost.
Researchers found that DNA methylation changes occurring early in life may have lasting impacts on a child's health. The study also showed that maternal factors like BMI prior to pregnancy can lead to molecular changes on an epigenetic level, persisting into childhood.
Researchers at McGill University have created DNA 'cages' that can encapsulate small-molecule drugs and release them in response to a specific stimulus. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery methods, offering precise control over drug release and reducing toxicity.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have found a way to apply powerful new DNA-editing technology more broadly than ever before. They report their breakthrough in using designer TALE proteins that can target any DNA sequence, enabling precise gene manipulation for biotech and medical applications.
Researchers used large-scale computer simulations to gain a detailed understanding of the cellular recognition process of MutS and MSH2-MSH6 proteins. The study found that DNA bending facilitates the initial recognition of mismatched base pairs, leading to repair initiation.
Researchers from RIKEN have developed a highly efficient molecular probe, Eprobe, for real-time PCR monitoring and genetic testing. The new technology enables advanced assays for DNA-based genetic testing and helps bring genome-wide sequencing studies to patients in the clinic.
A new UCSF study has identified thousands of previously unknown RNA molecules outside genes that are more likely associated with inherited disease risks. The research highlights the potential importance of non-gene DNA regions in human biology.
Scientists at NIH discover how HIV kills immune cells by triggering a signal that causes infected cells to die. Treating HIV-infected individuals with drugs blocking viral replication may improve CD4+ T cell survival and immune function.
A team of researchers has identified an enzyme called cGAS that detects cytosolic DNA, triggering the innate immune response. This discovery has significant clinical implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and developing new therapies.
A new method for manufacturing short, single-stranded DNA molecules has been developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Harvard University. This technique can produce large amounts of DNA copies cheaply using bacteria, improving the quality and scalability of DNA fragment production.
Scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München discovered a mechanism that allows chromosomal DNA to be locally displaced from nucleosomes for transcription. The FACT complex interacts with histone subunits and detaches stretches of packaged DNA from the nucleosome core, releasing it from its tight wrapping.
A new report highlights the challenges of collecting DNA for human rights purposes, such as protecting victims of human trafficking. The authors propose multiple approaches and solutions to combat this issue, including collaboration among government authorities, law enforcement, social services, academics, and victim advocates.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of DNA helicase that utilizes thermal motion to move long distances along DNA, providing an energy-efficient way to unwind double-stranded DNA
Researchers have invented a new way to zip and unzip DNA strands using electrochemistry, enabling fast control at constant temperatures without dramatic changes in solution conditions. This method uses DNA intercalators that bind differently to DNA depending on their electrical state, allowing for rapid and precise control.
For the first time, scientists have demystified a key step in human DNA replication by discovering how a sliding clamp loads onto DNA. The research reveals that a clamp loader quickly removes the clamp from DNA when polymerase is absent, allowing the polymerase to capture and complete the assembly of the holoenzyme.
Scientists used DNA extracted from insects' stomachs to identify the plants they eat, with results matching prior observations and taking significantly less time. This study provides a new method for understanding plant-herbivore interactions and has implications for biodiversity research.
Researchers developed a basic computer model of the nucleosome to identify the sliding mechanism of nucleosomes along the DNA. This mechanism supports the idea of a second genetic code, previously suggested in 2006, which consists of a mechanical code written within the base pair sequence.
Researchers identified protein MCM that changes DNA topology, forming 'supercoils.' This can lead to cancer cells growing out of control. The study provides new insight into MCM's role in gene regulation and cancer.
Researchers led by NUS Associate Professor Yan Jie identify three new distinct overstretched DNA structures caused by mechanical stretching, resolving a long-standing scientific debate. The discovery has implications for understanding DNA damage repair and gene transcriptions, with potential applications in designing new DNA devices.
Researchers explore nano-channels to selectively unknnot DNA, with potential applications in sequencing and understanding cell metabolism. The study reveals varying channel widths can drastically change DNA knot complexity.
Researchers discovered XPD protein's role in locating damaged DNA, which aids cancer treatment development. The protein works like a scanner that glides along the DNA double helix, marking damaged spots for repair.
EMBL-EBI researchers develop a DNA storage method that stores at least 100 million hours of high-definition video in about a cup of DNA, overcoming challenges of writing and reading DNA. The new method uses short strings of DNA and error-tolerant coding to ensure data retrieval without errors.
Researchers have developed a technique to overcome inhibitory plant compounds, allowing PCR to successfully amplify DNA from problematic plants. The additive TBT-PAR, containing trehalose, bovine serum albumin, and polysorbate-20, enhances PCR for DNA extracted from various plant species, including tropical and temperate species.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in DNA nanotechnology by removing obstacles to design processes. They demonstrated the first validation of subnanometer-scale positional control and discovered a method for rapid folding and high-yield production of complex DNA-based objects, similar to protein folding.
Scientists have identified how the RecA protein guides a broken DNA strand to its matching sequence on double-stranded DNA, allowing for rapid repair. This discovery explains how DNA repair occurs quickly and highlights the importance of this process in maintaining genome stability.
Researchers sequenced DNA molecules directly without library preparation, using less than one nanogram of DNA. The technique has potential for fast and efficient identification of organisms in hospitals and healthcare settings.
Abnormalities in DNA repair mechanisms are a hallmark of cancer cells, leading to increased errors and genetic mutations. The UNM Cancer Center researcher is investigating the role of enzymes that repair DNA damage, aiming to identify new targets for cancer therapy.
Researchers have discovered that the majority of demethylation occurred earlier than previously thought, revealing key insights into methyl group removal. The study identifies regions of DNA that avoid demethylation, potentially explaining how environmental information can be transferred from parent to offspring.
The Wyss Institute team developed a new method to build 3D nanostructures using DNA 'bricks', expanding the repertoire of nanobiotechnology applications in medicine and beyond. The technique enables the creation of complex shapes with sophisticated surface features and intricate interior cavities.
Researchers found that certain 'checkpoint mutants' ignore the normal signal to stop replicating DNA after losing nucleotides, instead continuing to unwind and create damaged DNA strands.
Researchers at NYU used computer simulations to study the stability of DNA lesions caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can lead to cancer. The study found that some PAH-derived lesions stabilize the DNA they damage, making it difficult for repair proteins to mark them for repair.
Researchers discover a protein that recognizes damaged DNA bases, which could lead to cancer. The discovery may help identify individual susceptibility to certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
Researchers used a coupled discrete wormlike chain-Ising model to simulate DNA stretching and confirm two structural transitions at forces of around 65 pN and 135 pN. Beyond 135 pN, DNA strands peel apart into single-stranded DNAs similar to those obtained through thermal denaturation.