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Uncovering DNA's 'sweet' secret

Biochemist Martin Egli and his team solved the X-ray crystal structure of homo-DNA, an artificial analog of DNA with a six-carbon sugar backbone. The study shows that fully hydroxylated six-carbon sugars are too bulky to produce a stable base-pairing system capable of carrying genetic information as efficiently as DNA.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2006
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Controversial findings help explain evolution of life

Researchers at Oregon State University confirmed the existence of a 'dark state' in DNA molecules that makes them vulnerable to UV-induced damage. The study suggests that water played a crucial role in stabilizing these early DNA bases and allowing life to emerge from a hostile primordial soup.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateApr 7, 2006

Scientists reinvent DNA as template to produce organic molecules

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a technique to produce organic molecules by attaching them to single DNA strands, which can then be used as a sequence-programmable assembly line for chemical synthesis. This method enables the selection and amplification of molecules with desired functional properties.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2004
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USC awarded $3.5 million to study DNA enzyme

The grant will fund studies on how the enzyme, DNA polymerase, accurately copies genetic information, revealing its unique catalytic selectivity and minimizing errors, which could inform cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 5, 2004

Nanotech instruments allow first direct observations of RNA 'proofreading'

Scientists have directly observed RNA 'proofreading' for the first time using nanotech instruments, revealing a backtracking motion that corrects genetic errors. The study provides strong evidence for the self-correcting mechanism of RNA polymerase, improving our understanding of gene expression and potentially informing human health.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2003

Researchers create 'supersized' molecule of DNA

Scientists at Stanford University have created a 'supersized' DNA molecule, xDNA, consisting of larger base pairs that can increase stability and fluorescence. This new genetic system has the potential to revolutionize medical biopsies and potentially lead to the discovery of new life forms.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateOct 30, 2003

Born under the sun: UV light and the origin of life

Researchers found that nitrogenous bases could protect primordial RNA from UV radiation, leading to a selective advantage and increased stability. This mechanism may have driven the origin of life on Earth, turning high UV levels into a key factor in the process.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 28, 2003
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Taking a SNP in the gene pool: Scientists harvest human gene differences

A team of scientists has developed a method to identify common human single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in active genes. By comparing sequences from cDNA libraries across 50 individuals, they found 201 coding SNPs that could provide valuable insights into genetic differences between people.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 14, 1999

For DNA, it's all about fitting in

Scientists at the University of Rochester have discovered that shape plays a crucial role in copying DNA, contradicting previous theories that relied on hydrogen bonds. This finding has significant implications for cancer diagnosis and potential applications in artificial DNA creation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 1999
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Study: Hydrogen Bonds Aren't Key To DNA Pairing After All

Researchers found that growing strands of DNA can accurately incorporate a nucleotide that closely resembles thymine but lacks hydrogen bonding ability. This finding suggests that the distinctive shapes and sizes of DNA bases may underpin the impressive 99.99-percent accuracy of DNA replication.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 1997

Molecular Imposter Rebuts Long

A ring-like molecule mimicking thymine's shape was inserted into DNA without hydrogen bonds, yet still accurately paired with adenine. This finding questions decades of dogma and suggests base shape is crucial for accurate DNA replication.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateFeb 26, 1997