Innate immunity
Researchers discovered that cGAS forms a ladder-like complex with cytoplasmic DNA to detect infections. The length of the DNA is critical for this process, and only longer DNA strands activate the innate immune system.
Dna Fragments
Articles tagged with Dna Fragments
More than 99 percent of the microbes inside us are unknown to science
A recent survey of DNA fragments in human blood suggests that the majority of microbes inside us have never been seen before. The study, led by Stanford University researchers, found that nearly all non-human DNA fragments failed to match existing genetic databases, revealing a vast and diverse microbiome.
DNA tracking tool tips the scales for distinguishing invasive fish
A new DNA tracking tool allows scientists to catalog invasive and native species in water bodies using environmental DNA. The tool, which uses polymerase chain reaction technology, can collect fish habitat data without capturing fish.
Penn State DNA ladders: Inexpensive molecular rulers for DNA research
Researchers at Penn State have created inexpensive molecular rulers for DNA research using new, license-free DNA ladders. These plasmids can estimate DNA fragment sizes between 50 and 5,000 base pairs in length, offering a cost-effective alternative to commercially available methods.
New moth in Europe: A southern hemisphere species now resident in Portugal
A southern hemisphere moth species has been found to be resident in central Portugal, with a possible link to imported timber from South America. The species, Borkhausenia crimnodes, is likely to feed on decomposed plants and may exhibit invasive behavior.
New technique aids search for genetic roots of disease
A new technique allows researchers to quickly and cheaply generate DNA variants in a particular stretch of DNA, enabling the distinction between harmless and potentially hazardous genetic variations. This technique has the potential to speed up gene catalog creation and aid clinicians in interpreting genetic mutations.
Nottingham researchers show novel technique that can 'taste' DNA
Nottingham researchers demonstrate highly selective DNA sequencing method called Read Until, reducing time needed to analyze biological samples. The technique uses real-time nanopore sequencing and enables analysis of specific DNA strands with pre-determined signatures.
Size matters: Advance could increase sensitivity of liquid biopsies
Researchers found that circulating tumor DNA is smaller than healthy DNA in cancer patients, allowing for more accurate detection through a simple blood draw. This advancement could enable earlier detection of solid tumors, potentially saving lives.
Extinct glyptodonts really were gigantic armadillos, ancient DNA shows
Researchers use ancient DNA to confirm that extinct glyptodonts were indeed enormous armadillos. The study reveals that these prehistoric creatures evolved from medium-sized forms to become true megafauna over millions of years.
New study hints at spontaneous appearance of primordial DNA
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Milan proposes a novel scenario for the non-biological origins of nucleic acids. The research demonstrates that the spontaneous self-assembly of short DNA fragments can drive the formation of longer polymers, potentially providing a pre-RNA route to the RNA world.
A multi-function protein is key to stopping genomic parasites from 'jumping'
A multi-function protein called Sirt6 plays a crucial role in keeping 'jumping genes' inactive. The protein becomes busier repairing DNA damage with age, allowing the genes to become active and contribute to age-related diseases like cancer. Increasing Sirt6 levels may help protect older cells from aging.
Dodos and spotted green pigeons are descendants of an island hopping bird
Scientists have found that the spotted green pigeon and dodo are descended from 'island hopping' ancestors, according to a new study. The birds show signs of semi-terrestrial lifestyle and ability to fly, with genetic links to other island-dwelling species.
When germs attack: A lens into the molecular dance
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a pathogen sensor called IFI16 that plays a crucial role in recognizing viruses and bacteria. The study reveals that IFI16 uses the length of DNA as a molecular ruler to distinguish self from non-self, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders.
Stanford scientists think mysterious virus could be a signal of a weak immune system
Transplant recipients who suppress their immune systems with powerful medications may inadvertently allow a mysterious microorganism called the anellovirus to thrive, Stanford researchers report. The study found that levels of anellovirus rose significantly as immunosuppressant drugs took effect.
New method of mass-producing high-quality DNA molecules
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.
Genetic study of black chickens shed light on mechanisms causing rapid evolution in domestic animals
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a genetic mechanism underlying the evolution of fibromelanosis in black chickens. The study highlights the role of genomic rearrangements in driving rapid evolution in domestic animals.
New complex offers potentially safer alternative for gene therapy delivery
Scientists developed an electrically neutral matrix to hold DNA fragments, which spontaneously align and form ordered structures at high concentrations. This technology has potential applications beyond gene therapy, including the delivery of chemical drugs.
Texas A&M chemical engineer's work could lead to improved DNA analysis
A Texas A&M chemical engineer has discovered a way to achieve more effective separation of DNA fragments using a hydrogel substance. The findings provide a rational approach to designing gels that can harness specific effects, leading to enhanced analysis in various fields.
Yale researchers develop test to identify 'best' sperm
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a method to select sperm with the highest DNA integrity, comparable to the egg's natural selection abilities. The test identified a biochemical marker that allows clinicians to choose the best sperm for fertilization, improving male fertility rates.
First-ever high-resolution observations of DNA unfolding
Researchers observe DNA unfolding at high resolution for the first time, revealing two main mechanisms of separation. This breakthrough aims to design drugs that modulate gene activity and DNA replication.
Unique study isolates DNA from Linnaeus' botanical collections
A unique study has successfully isolated long DNA fragments from dried, pressed plant material collected in the 1700s by Linnaeus. The findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution of plant species and may allow for the creation of a living herbarium.
Study shows Chronix technology using serum DNA can identify early presence of disease
A study in Zoonoses and Public Health confirms Chronix's potential for early disease detection, identifying signature sequences in serum DNA before clinical symptoms appear. The findings advance the company's ability to apply these results to laboratory tests for routine clinical use.
DNA gripped in nanopores
A team of researchers used nanopores to investigate the movement of DNA in a gel, finding that larger pores reduce resistance and calculations based solely on electrostatic forces did not accurately predict results. The study's unique combination of techniques offers promising developments in single molecule techniques.
Normal-looking sperm may have serious damage; scientists urge more care in selection
Research finds that many normal-looking sperm used in ICSI have DNA damage, decreasing pregnancy chances and increasing risk of miscarriage. The study urges for more careful selection methods to avoid problems in the future.
Weizmann Institute scientists build a better DNA molecule
Researchers used recursion to correct errors in synthetic DNA building blocks, producing flawless long DNA molecules in just two rounds of construction. The new method improves upon existing methods by increasing speed and precision.
New cheaper method for mapping disease genes
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new, cheaper DNA-sequence method that can map disease genes in large patient groups, leading to quicker breakthroughs for new treatments.
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Scientists at the Salk Institute report that ATM protein activation depends on both damaged DNA and surrounding flanking regions. This discovery reveals a new mechanism for efficient DNA repair, highlighting the importance of intact chromatin in activating the cellular response.
Study shows that genetic quality of sperm deteriorates as men age
A study led by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory found a steady increase in sperm DNA fragmentation with increasing age of participants. Sperm motility showed a high correlation with DNA fragmentation, associated with increased risk of infertility.
Why damaged DNA gets a case of the bends
A recent simulation study revealed that damaged DNA becomes more susceptible to bending due to a reorganization of its sugar-phosphate backbone. This change allows the molecule to bend easily, which is recognized by enzymes as a damaged site.
Allergic to your DNA?
Researchers found that ICAD-deficient flies lack apoptotic DNA fragmentation due to impaired CAD protein expression. Meanwhile, DNase II-deficient flies accumulate fragmented DNA and trigger an immune response. This study reveals a crucial role for innate immunity in apoptotic DNA degradation.
Counting the cost of genome projects
A new approach to genome sequencing, called 'walking,' can sequence large segments of the genome in an orderly procession. By reducing redundant sequencing, this method may substantially decrease the cost of sequencing enterprises.