ANU scientists crack DNA replication mystery
Researchers discovered a key mechanism by which TUS stops the replisome in a directional manner. This finding has significant implications for bio- and nano-technology applications.
Dna Strands
Articles tagged with Dna Strands
Nanopore method could revolutionize genome sequencing
The new nanopore method has the potential to sequence human genomes in a matter of hours at a potentially low cost, reducing the time and expense associated with current methods. The approach uses mathematical calculations and computer modeling to distinguish between DNA bases, enabling faster and more accurate sequencing.
Researchers unravel DNA tangles and enzyme seamstresses
Using computer simulations, researchers found that linked and unlinked DNA loops can be identified by their touching points. This discovery has implications for designing new drugs to treat cancer and infectious diseases.
DNA self-assembly used to mass-produce patterned nanostructures
Researchers at Duke University used DNA self-assembly to mass-produce grids with infinitesimal patterns, down to nanometers. By specifying the sequence of bases for each DNA strand, they could create trillions of identical grids with specific letter patterns.
Researchers make long DNA 'wires' for future medical and electronic devices
Ohio State University researchers have developed a process to uncoil long strands of DNA and form precise patterns, potentially enabling the creation of biologically-based electronic circuits. The technique involves using a tiny rubber comb to pull DNA strands from water and arrange them into complex structures.
Normal chromosome ends elicit a limited DNA damage response
Researchers found that chromosome ends elicit a limited DNA damage response when exposed, but not during normal replication. This discovery highlights the importance of telomeres in preserving genome integrity and preventing cancer development.
Lasers help scientists delve into understanding
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to study the transcription of genes in DNA. They found that the initial and final stages of this process occur simultaneously, contradicting earlier theories that proposed separate processes for these stages.
New microscope allows scientists to track a functioning protein with atomic-level precision
Scientists at Stanford University have developed a new microscope that allows them to track the real-time motion of a single protein down to its individual atoms. The device uses infrared light to trap and control forces on a functional protein, enabling researchers to monitor its every move in real time.
Sisyphean movement of motor proteins may help preserve DNA integrity
Researchers found that motor proteins can snap back to their starting point when hitting obstacles, potentially playing a role in maintaining genome integrity. This 'recycling action' may prevent the accumulation of toxic proteins on DNA.
Engineers build DNA 'nanotowers' with enzyme tools
Researchers create three-dimensional topography on DNA surfaces using enzyme-driven process. The method combines enzyme-driven 'carving' and vertical length addition, enabling precise control over structure and composition of DNA nanostructures.
New look at DNA hints at origin of ultraviolet damage
Researchers found that DNA dissipates ultraviolet energy through a wave-like process along its edge, rather than damaging base pairs. This new understanding sheds light on the DNA repair process and has implications for biology.
Brown-Harvard team solves mobile DNA's surgical sleight-of-hand
A Brown University and Harvard Medical School team has revealed the crystal structure of λ-integrase, a protein responsible for site-specific recombination in lambda virus. The findings provide a major leap in understanding mobile DNA, with implications for studying viral infections and gene editing.
Tagging pathogens with synthetic DNA 'barcodes'
The researchers created 'nanobarcodes' that can be read by computer scanners or observed under fluorescent light microscopes, allowing for the simultaneous identification of multiple pathogens. The technology has potential applications in genomic research, clinical diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.
Method shows how precisely gene expression signals are copied in DNA replication
Researchers developed a method combining DNA sampling and mathematical modeling to measure methylation patterns during DNA replication. This technique allows examining how faithfully maintenance methylation is carried out across generations, which is crucial in understanding gene expression and its role in human disease.
Doing a spin with DNA
Topoisomerase IB helps unwind DNA during cell division to reduce torsional forces that can delay or stop cell division. The study's findings may lead to improved cancer treatments by enhancing the enzyme's functionality.
Children's Hospital & Research Ctr. at Oakland's DNA library helps to map the sex chromosome
Scientists at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute use harmless bacteria to create billions of bacterial cells with identical human DNA strands, mapping the X chromosome. The hospital's recombinant DNA library has over 20 million DNA samples used in global research programs.
Purdue researchers use enzyme to clip 'DNA wires'
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to create DNA-based structures using magnetic nanoparticles and restriction enzymes. By clipping the DNA 'wires' into smaller pieces, they aim to reduce production costs and increase efficiency in electronic devices.
NYU chemists create DNA translation machine
Researchers have developed a DNA translation machine that imitates the ribosome's translational capabilities. The device uses an arbitrary code to construct specific DNA sequences, potentially leading to new synthetic polymer materials and advancements in DNA-based computational methods.
Molecule that helps DNA replicate may make good target for cancer therapy
Researchers discovered a molecule that brings DNA polymerase alpha to replication sites, and it stabilizes the complex. This finding suggests that targeting Mcm10 may prevent cancer cells from multiplying.
DNA lends scientists a hand, revealing new chemical reactions
Researchers led by Harvard University's David R. Liu report a highly efficient system for reaction discovery using DNA-templated synthesis, allowing a single researcher to evaluate thousands of potential chemical reactions in just two days. The technique taps the unique assembly power of nucleic acids to address fundamental challenges ...
Scientists reinvent DNA as template to produce organic molecules
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a technique to produce organic molecules by attaching them to single DNA strands, which can then be used as a sequence-programmable assembly line for chemical synthesis. This method enables the selection and amplification of molecules with desired functional properties.
How DNA repair machinery is a 'Two-Way Street'
Scientists have defined the protein components of DNA repair machinery that allows it to recognize and correct mismatches. The system uses a clamping mechanism to regulate an enzyme that excises faulty DNA strands.
Diagnostic method based on nanoscience could rival PCR
A new nanoscience-based diagnostic method called bio-bar-code amplification (BCA) has been developed, rivaling PCR in sensitivity and selectivity. BCA can detect as few as 10 DNA molecules in a sample in minutes, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnostics at various locations.
St. Jude researchers create image of enzyme that orchestrates natural genetic engineering
Scientists have developed a 3D image of the UvsW enzyme, crucial for understanding replication-dependent replication in human cells. The findings reveal how this enzyme orchestrates the process by which viruses, plants and animals introduce new genes into DNA during replication.
Controlling biomolecules with magnetic 'tweezers'
Researchers at NIST have developed a chip-scale device that uses magnetic force microscopy to manipulate individual biomolecules. The device can stretch, twist, and uncoil strands of DNA with piconewton forces, paving the way for genomic studies.
Ultra-thin coating traps DNA on a leash
Researchers at Penn State have developed a coating made of molecules that binds to glass and grabs onto DNA strands, improving DNA retention on microarrays by over 50%. The coating, which is single molecule thick, allows DNA to act as if it were free-floating.
DNA used to create self-assembling nano transistor
Researchers have successfully created self-assembling nano transistors using DNA, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing of nanoscale electronics. The transistors can be switched on and off by applying voltage to them, making them a promising application in computing technology.
Researchers create 'supersized' molecule of DNA
Scientists at Stanford University have created a 'supersized' DNA molecule, xDNA, consisting of larger base pairs that can increase stability and fluorescence. This new genetic system has the potential to revolutionize medical biopsies and potentially lead to the discovery of new life forms.
Purdue researchers stretch DNA on chip, lay track for future computers
Researchers at Purdue University have precisely placed strands of DNA on a silicon chip and stretched them out to read the encoded information more clearly. This step is critical to harnessing the storage capacity of DNA for future computers that could offer advantages in speed, memory capacity, and energy efficiency.
Duke scientists 'program' DNA molecules to self assemble into patterned nanostructures
Duke researchers successfully programmed DNA molecules to form patterned nanostructures, enabling precise control over molecule location and potential use in sensors, diagnostics, and nanoelectronics. The breakthrough could lead to smaller-scale devices and circuits.
Battle of the DNA bulge may help thwart cancer
Researchers at the University of Houston are studying DNA transcription errors called bulges, which can lead to cancer. The team hopes to understand how these mistakes are recognized and repaired by the body's 'spellcheckers' to develop more effective cancer treatments.
DNA throttle controls molecular machine
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that a DNA enzyme called RecBCD slows down its movement when it encounters a specific short DNA sequence called Chi. This finding provides new insights into how DNA is repaired and replicated, and could lead to the development of more efficient nanomachines.
'Unzipping' double helix to study protein-DNA interaction
Researchers use unzipping force analysis of protein association (UFAPA) to study protein-DNA interactions, predicting applications in genomic sequencing and drug development.
DNA unwinding protein runs on two motors
Researchers have discovered that the DNA unwinding protein RecBCD uses two motors to move along the DNA, one from 3' to 5' and another from 5' to 3'. This allows the complex to travel long distances before stopping or getting derailed.
Molecular machine shuffles beads on a DNA string
Researchers discovered that Rad54 and Rad51 proteins form a molecular machine that can repair DNA damage by moving nucleosomes along the strand and stitching new DNA into place. This process becomes more efficient with the addition of Rad51, which binds to single strands of DNA.
New ‘DNA chip’ rapidly detects, identifies dangerous pathogens
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new DNA chip that can rapidly detect and identify dangerous pathogens. The chip uses a simple method to analyze genetic material quickly and accurately, eliminating time-consuming steps typically used in traditional techniques.
As Vitamin B-6 levels go down, numbers of DNA strand breaks go up
A study found that increasing Vitamin B-6 intake rapidly improved its status and decreased DNA strand breaks in both smokers and non-smokers. The researchers also suggested that Vitamin B-6 has a high prevalence of inadequate dietary intake in the general population, particularly among smokers.
The structure behind the switch
USC researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism behind immunoglobulin class switching, which enables antibodies to adapt to different areas of the body. The study reveals that an R-loop forms between the DNA and RNA strands, creating a stable bond that determines the cut point for DNA splicing.
Carnegie Mellon scientists create unique DNA probe with great potential
Researchers created a unique DNA probe, PNA2-DNA2 hybrid quadruplexes, which show great promise for studying genetic regions and preventing diseases. This breakthrough could lead to new compounds as biosensors or gene blockers.
Purdue researchers connect life's blueprints with its energy source
Purdue University researchers have discovered how RNA molecules bind energy-bearing ATP molecule, enabling physical work and potential applications in nanotechnology. The discovery sheds light on RNA's role in creation of living things and may unlock new methods for delivering therapeutic molecules.
DNA unzipping found to take at least two proteins, not one alone
New research has solved a long-standing mystery about DNA unzipping, revealing that it requires at least two proteins working together. The study found that if one protein falls away, the process stops and DNA reverts to its zipped state unless another protein joins in.
DNA separation by entropic force offers better resolution
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a DNA separation method using entropic force, which offers better resolution than traditional methods. The new technique uses a nanofabricated device to separate DNA strands of different lengths, with the potential to improve genetic analysis and gene expression studies.
New method of DNA testing promises to transform medical diagnostics
Researchers have developed a new DNA testing method using water-soluble conjugated polymers and peptide nucleic acid probes, which can detect specific DNA sequences at much lower concentrations. This approach significantly reduces the cost of diagnostics, especially in poorer countries where access to treatment is limited.
Writing nanopatterns with DNA inks
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new tool to write nanopatterns with DNA inks, enabling the creation of miniaturized gene chips with an array of diagnostic tests. This technology can produce spots of DNA down to 50 nanometers in diameter, reducing cost and time.
From a single DNA strand, a tiny motor
A University of Florida chemistry professor has created a nanomotor from a single DNA strand, which is more practical and easier to control than previous designs. The device can be used in biosensors to detect specific DNA sequences related to disease and may also play a role in clinical treatment by targeting cancer cells with precision.
Disorder forces DNA molecules out of tight spaces
DNA molecules are pulled into a dense array of pillars by an electric field and then recoil back into the open space due to entropic forces. The researchers estimate the minimum entropic force at 5.7 femtoNewtons, suggesting this method could be used to separate molecules by length.
Structure shows repair protein cradling broken DNA
The Ku heterodimer, a key player in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), is shown to 'cradle' broken DNA ends with its ring-shaped molecule, forming a precise alignment for repair enzymes. This structure provides insights into the accuracy of the NHEJ process and its importance in genome integrity.
Chemical probe reveals ultrafast movements of DNA proteins
A new chemical probe has revealed the tiny movements of DNA's chemical base pairs, which last only a fraction of a second. This discovery may improve drug design and help doctors understand diseases caused by genetic mutations, such as cancer.
Everyday Technology Underlies First DNA Computer Logic Gates
Researchers Animesh Ray and Mitsu Ogihara built DNA logic gates using common lab techniques, marking the first step towards a DNA computer. These gates detect specific DNA fragments, splice them together, and provide output through precise measurement of new strand lengths.