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Global warming and mass extinctions: What we can learn from plants from the last ice age

Researchers used ancient plant DNA to study the impact of global warming on plant diversity and interactions. They found that temperature changes led to fundamental shifts in ecological conditions, with some plant species supporting each other during cold periods.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Genome of the aurochs decoded

The study reveals large genomic differences between European aurochs, North Asian aurochs, and South Asian ancestor, with evidence of human intentional feeding and targeted domestication. The genome of the central European aurochs was fully decoded for the first time, providing insights into the history of wild cattle in Europe and Asia.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2024

Molecular data storage

A new method allows direct access to specific bits in synthetic polymer data storage, enabling random access. The researchers encoded a sequence of ones and zeroes into a polymer chain, demonstrating the feasibility of storing and retrieving large amounts of data efficiently.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Novel blood test helps improve cancer treatments

A new liquid biopsy method analyzes gene fragments in the bloodstream to detect and track cancer, enabling oncologists to tailor treatment approaches to individual patients. This non-invasive test can help monitor treatment success, detect cancer recurrence, and improve patient quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Severe hurricanes boost influx of juveniles and gene flow in a coral reef sponge

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that severe hurricanes can increase the recovery of coral reef sponges by boosting the influx of juveniles and promoting gene flow. Genetic analyses revealed that populations of clonal marine species may benefit from increased frequency and magnitude of hurricanes to maintain gen...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 26, 2024

Scientists ID burned bodies using technique used for extracting DNA from wooly mammoths, Neanderthals

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new technique to extract usable DNA from bones of fire victims, allowing identification through dental records or DNA testing. The method uses two different techniques to extract DNA, one suitable for temperatures below 350 degrees and the other for hotter fires.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2024

New tool to diagnose genetic mutations

Researchers have developed One-pot DTECT, a compact kit that can detect genetic signatures with high accuracy, enabling rapid point-of-care diagnosis for various applications. The tool has been shown to identify genetic mutations in sickle cell anemia patients and carriers with 100% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeNews article·DateFeb 6, 2024

DNA from preserved feces reveals ancient Japanese gut environment

Researchers analyzed ancient fecal samples to assess what details of the ancient people's lives could be ascertained from these samples. The study found DNA fragments of human betaherpesvirus 5, adenovirus F, and other viral and bacterial genetic material from thousands of years ago.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Early findings suggest clinical and lab-based approach critical to tracking head and neck cancer recurrence

Researchers found that patients with HPV-positive cancers develop recurrent disease significantly later than those that were HPV-negative, and also are more likely to spread to the lungs. A new, highly sensitive blood test has been developed to detect cancer earlier, using a framework for combining routine blood testing and imaging.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOral Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Discovery of world’s oldest DNA breaks record by one million years

Scientists have identified two-million-year-old DNA fragments in northern Greenland's Ice Age sediment, providing insights into the past ecosystem and its potential to predict climate change. The discovery has sparked hopes that it could help academics build a picture of the DNA evolution of species still in existence today.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Blood levels of ‘free range’ DNA may signal early detection of dementia and frailty

Researchers found that higher levels of cell-free DNA in the blood are associated with increased cognitive decline and worsening frailty over an eight-year period. The study suggests that a simple blood test could detect risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline, potentially leading to early interventions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateOct 11, 2022

Baby white wallaby harboring hopping DNA

Researchers at Kyoto University have identified a genetic mutation causing albinism in wallabies, tracing it to an inserted retrovirus gene. The study found that the mutation was caused by a copy of the HIV-like virus inserted into the host's genome.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenome·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022

New assay shows promise for advancing personalized cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a rapid and affordable test to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells using SuperSelective PCR primers. This assay can detect rare mutations, enabling targeted therapy and monitoring minimal residual disease. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach for personalized cancer treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

DNA researchers develop critical shortcut to detect and identify known and emerging pathogens

Researchers have developed a sophisticated new tool to detect and identify rare and unknown viruses and potentially deadly bacterial pathogens. The algorithm helps isolate DNA sequences shared among related organisms, enabling faster detection and identification of pathogens in clinical or wildlife settings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021

An end to invasive biopsies?

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a simple and inexpensive diagnostic blood test that can detect various diseases, including cancers and heart and liver conditions. The test uses epigenetic information within the cell to determine the nature of the disease or tumor, exactly where it's found, and how far developed it is.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 8, 2021

For CRISPR, tweaking DNA fragments before inserting yields highest efficiency rates yet

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to increase CRISPR-Cas9 efficiency, achieving up to five times higher rates of inserting genes into human cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for clinical gene-therapy applications and basic biological research.

Guardian of the cell

Researchers identify structural and functional differences in human cGAS that set it apart from other mammals, enabling its unique immune-sensing capabilities. The discovery informs the design of precision cancer therapies by targeting the protein's specific structural features.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2018