Articles tagged with Bacterial Dna
Researchers at Stanford University have developed nanocircles that can shut down specific genes in living bacteria, paving the way for potential use in genetic therapy. The study demonstrates that nanocircles can act as a Trojan horse to target and inhibit disease-causing genes.
Cornell students developed a web-based software and database to track bacterial strain characteristics and visualize molecular subtypes, allowing researchers to quickly analyze outbreaks and epidemics. The new tool reduces manual comparisons from days to minutes, aiding scientists in tracking virulent bacteria.
Researchers studied coral outbreaks off the island of Curacao, finding high concentrations of metals and human pathogens near major oil refineries. The team suggests that environmental stresses caused by pollution may be weakening corals' resistance to bacterial infection.
Researchers discovered gene silencing can interrupt tumor formation in crown gall disease, producing over a 90% reduction in gall formation among genetically engineered plants. The technique has potential applications for disease-resistant rootstocks and non-transgenic crops.
A powerful molecular motor enables the virus to pack its DNA under high pressure, compacting it nearly 6,000 times its normal volume. The motor generates an enormous force of 57-60 picoNewtons, enough to lift six aircraft carriers.
Researchers have found that certain types of iron are naturally good at fixing nitrogen from the air, a process essential for life on Earth. This discovery could lead to more efficient and eco-friendly fertilizers, reducing the industry's environmental impact.
Virginia Tech biochemist White identifies 200 genes responsible for coenzyme formation in Methanococcus jannaschi, an ancient Archaea bacteria. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of metabolic processes in these unique organisms.
Researchers have learned that Pseudomonas syringae attacks healthy tomato plants by attaching itself to the plant cell, inserting a microscopic tube and sending a pathogenic protein into the cell. The plant cell detects alien proteins and mounts a defense using a molecular surveillance system.
Researchers found nearly a fourth of S. aureus genome is dispensable, allowing bacteria to adapt and spread through population. Contingency genes provide flexibility in causing diseases in humans, cows, and other organisms.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have found that the DNA-repair enzyme DNA-PK also plays a key role in innate immunity, protecting against internal and external threats. The discovery could lead to treatments for DNA instability caused by radiation or cancer treatment.
A team of scientists has discovered a group of enzymes capable of duplicating damaged genetic material, allowing cells to 'compromise' and replicate with a certain 'sloppiness'. This mechanism increases genetic diversity and enables natural selection, driving the evolutionary process.
A new study reveals that a commonly used DNA polymerase can withstand an unprecedented number of mutations without compromising its function. Researchers have identified 8,000 active mutant forms, which may have significant implications for understanding evolution, cancer research, and the development of new biotechnological applications.
Researchers have observed RNAP molecules possessing intrinsic transcription rates and propensities to pause and stop. The study provides new insights into how genetic expression in cells may be regulated, suggesting a kinetic competition between transcription and pausing.
Scientists at the University of Iowa have discovered a powerful tool to activate human dendritic cells, key players in the immune system, using CpG DNA. This breakthrough could lead to enhanced immunization and treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Scientists have discovered a highly error-prone DNA copying system in bacteria that causes genetic mutations under ultraviolet radiation. This 'sloppier copier' reveals how cells can intentionally introduce mistakes to survive and evolve.
A research team suggests that electronic charge transfer in DNA occurs through temporary distortions in its structure, creating a 'polaron' that carries the charge. This process can help scientists understand DNA damage and repair mechanisms, leading to potential applications in diagnostic techniques and micromachines.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute discovered that bacterial DNA forms a crystalline organization when exposed to stress, providing effective protection against oxidative agents and starvation. This finding may lead to the development of more efficient methods to fight bacterial diseases.
Researchers at UNC-CH discovered DNA helicase II can act individually in DNA repair, similar to fixing a car. This finding brings scientists closer to correcting defective biological processes and treating diseases like Werner's and Bloom's syndromes.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified a new mechanism of molecular recognition in which proteins regulate DNA transcription through asymmetric binding. This discovery sheds light on how homodimeric transcription factors can recognize their target DNA and has potential implications for drug design.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have revealed the molecular repair mechanism known as S.O.S. repair, which fixes DNA damage and introduces random genetic material to create a beneficial mutation. This discovery provides new insights into diseases like cancer and bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Researchers have identified the binding structure of DNA and protein in ancient hyperthermophilic archaeons, revealing a more complex and interesting mechanism than previously thought. The study sheds light on how proteins attach to DNA to stabilize and protect it in extreme conditions.
Scientists have discovered that saliva can be used as a source of DNA for genetic testing, with the potential to identify individuals at risk of certain diseases. This non-invasive method has significant implications for disease screening and diagnosis, particularly for children who may not be able to give blood.
Researchers discovered identical DNA fingerprints in bacterial cultures from two TB patients who were bronchoscoped at the same hospital. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining TB DNA fingerprint registries to identify unsuspected transmission modes.