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Getting cancer to unmask itself

Researchers from Prof. Yardena Samuels's lab developed a new approach to cancer treatment by manipulating cancer cells to produce dozens of suspicious proteins, leading to a powerful immune response that destroys human cancer cells and slows tumor growth in mouse models.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 31, 2025

Adaptive defenses against malicious jumping genes

Scientists found that piRNA rapidly catches up with changes in jumping genes, improving efficiency through a competition between sites. This unique property of piRNA has implications for medical research and potential diagnostic or therapeutic strategies against unwanted genetic mutations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Protecting crops: Researchers open up new avenue to combat a widespread plant virus

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new avenue to combat the Cucumber mosaic virus by directing the plant's natural defences. The RNA-based active agents have shown high efficacy in laboratory experiments, protecting 80-100% of treated plants from infection.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

Study finds common breast cancer treatments may speed aging process

A new study found that common breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can increase expression of aging markers in breast cancer survivors. The study suggests that these treatments can have a more extensive impact on the body than previously thought, leading to accelerated biological aging.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 7, 2024

Research shows how RNA 'junk' controls our genes

Researchers at Arizona State University created a detailed map of the 3'UTR regions of RNA in C. elegans, revealing crucial elements for gene regulation and protein production. The study provides valuable insights into the machinery of gene control, shedding light on fundamental biological processes essential to human health and disease.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

Editing without “cutting”: Molecular mechanisms of new gene-editing tool revealed

Researchers elucidated the spatial structure and molecular mechanisms of 'prime editor,' a novel gene-editing tool that achieves reverse transcription without DNA cutting. This breakthrough contributes to designing gene-editing tools accurate enough for gene therapy treatments, opening new avenues for both basic and applied research.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish

Researchers have identified over 2000 protein-coding genes that change significantly between summer and winter in the starfish's reproductive process. This study provides a promising breakthrough in understanding how crown-of-thorns starfish communicate during reproduction, which could lead to the development of natural pest control me...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 14, 2024

GPT-4 for identifying cell types in single cells matches and sometimes outperforms expert methods

A study published in Nature Methods found that GPT-4 can accurately interpret cell types from single-cell RNA sequencing data, matching human expert annotations in over 75% of cases. The model's robustness and speed were also demonstrated, making it a promising tool for cost-efficient and seamless cell type annotation.

NTU Singapore scientists invent a coin-sized device to rapidly isolate blood plasma for diagnostics and precision medicine

Researchers at NTU Singapore have created a chip that can directly isolate blood plasma from a tube of blood in just 30 minutes, removing over 99.9% of blood cells and platelets. The device, called ExoArc, enables high-quality plasma for disease screening and research, improving diagnosis accuracy and reducing waiting times.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Nano·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2024

Photosynthetic secrets come to light

Researchers at John Innes Centre used cryo-EM to visualize the structural architecture of chloroplast RNA polymerase and build a detailed atomic model. The study reveals new insights into transcription, a fundamental step in making photosynthetic proteins, and how these proteins interact with DNA and mRNA.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2024