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Keeping it together

Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered a protein complex called condensin that keeps chromosome arms folded and easy to transport. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of how chromosomes are organized during cell division, with implications for our own cells' ability to divide properly.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2011

New study reduces threat level for caribou in Alberta's oilsands country

A new study has reduced the threat level for caribou in Alberta's oilsands country by revealing that their survival isn't as threatened as previously thought. The researchers found that it is not merely the presence of roads and cut lines, but the intensity of human activity such as noise levels that has the biggest effect on the animals.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 21, 2011

Research to target untested rape kits

A new study funded by the National Institute of Justice will investigate the issue of untested rape kits in Houston and develop strategies to solve the problem. The project includes collaboration between researchers from Sam Houston State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and law enforcement agencies.

Comprehensive study finds no link between XMRV retrovirus and chronic fatigue syndrome

Researchers at the University of Utah Health conducted a comprehensive study finding no evidence of XMRV in CFS patients or healthy controls. The study's results contradict previous findings that linked the retrovirus to CFS, and experts emphasize the need for further research into potential infectious agents associated with the disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 4, 2011

NIH researchers identify cause and new treatment for common recurrent fever in children

Researchers identified a new treatment for periodic fever syndrome, targeting the body's immune response. The therapy shows promise in reducing fever and inflammation symptoms without increasing flare-ups, differing from current corticosteroid treatment. A larger clinical trial is planned to validate the findings.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2011

Listening to music is biological

Researchers studied 437 family members aged 8-93, finding a strong link between active music listening, creativity, and genetic variations associated with AVPR1A gene. The study provides molecular evidence of sound's role in social communication and attachment behavior.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2011

Smithsonian scientists discover 7 new species of fish

Scientists at Smithsonian Institution and Ocean Science Foundation used genetic analysis to identify 10 distinct species of blennies (Starksia) previously thought to be three. The discovery sheds light on the complexity of Caribbean reef life, with widespread species exhibiting geographically restricted ranges.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 4, 2011

Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery

Researchers at JILA disprove the popular theory that DNA's backbone needs a small gap or loose ends to extend by 70% when subjected to 65 picoNewtons of force. The new study uses a novel test structure to demonstrate that the mechanism behind overstretching is the same for both nicked and intact DNA molecules.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2011

Researchers in Bonn find an 'altruism gene'

A study published in Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience found that a specific genetic variant, COMT-Val, is associated with an increased willingness to donate. Participants with this variant donated twice as much money to charity compared to those with the other variant, COMT-Met.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateNov 8, 2010

HPV screen-and treat-intervention effective in cervical cancer prevention

A randomized trial found that HPV DNA-based screening and cryotherapy significantly reduced high-grade cervical cancer precursors in unscreened South African women. The study suggests that a 'screen-and-treat' approach can be an effective cervical cancer prevention strategy, especially in low-resource settings.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 30, 2010

Bedouin tribe reveals secrets to McGill's GA-JOE

Researchers from McGill University have discovered that mutations in the SCARF2 gene are responsible for Van Den Ende-Gupta syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by unique head and facial features. The study utilized a high-tech genome analyzing machine to quickly sequence coding portions of the human genome and id...

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 30, 2010

What causes hybrid vigor?

Researchers found that genetic variation, known as gene expression noise, can lead to increased vigour in species hybrids. This study provides a new explanation for hybrid vigor, covering both natural and domesticated varieties.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 20, 2010

New study shows that the major events of the Jewish diaspora can be seen in the genomes of the Jewish people

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center found that Jewish communities retained their genetic influences despite migration, exhibiting common genetic threads. The study identified distinct population clusters with shared Middle Eastern ancestry and variable degrees of European and North African intermingling.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 3, 2010

Powerful genome barcoding system reveals large-scale variation in human DNA

A powerful new genome barcoding system has revealed large-scale structural variations in the human genome, including variations of thousands to hundreds of thousands of DNA's smallest pieces. This technology allows for a comprehensive view of the human genome and may lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment and personalized genomics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2010