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Link between COVID-19 vaccine complication and rare ‘common cold’ blood disease

Researchers from Flinders University and international experts have found a link between COVID-19 vaccine complications and a rare blood disease related to adenovirus infections. The study identified identical molecular fingerprints in both vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) and classic adenoviral vectored VITT.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2024

Scientists ID burned bodies using technique used for extracting DNA from wooly mammoths, Neanderthals

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new technique to extract usable DNA from bones of fire victims, allowing identification through dental records or DNA testing. The method uses two different techniques to extract DNA, one suitable for temperatures below 350 degrees and the other for hotter fires.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2024

Duct tape evidence holds up in court using innovative method from WVU forensic scientists

Forensic scientists at West Virginia University have developed a systematic approach to compare pieces of trace evidence, including duct tape, using a novel method. The technique evaluates fracture edges and demonstrates physical fit, providing a foundation for evaluating error rates and improving accuracy in crime scene investigations.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2023

Study probes how DNA folding might affect gene activity

Researchers have clarified the mechanism behind activating genes in drosophila fly sex cells, which may hold clues to understanding diseases. The study's findings suggest that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with abnormal packaging potentially leading to misregulation and disease.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Genetic barcodes can ensure authentic DNA fingerprints

Researchers propose genetic barcodes to guarantee DNA samples' authenticity before reaching the lab, mitigating cyberbiosecurity threats. The system introduces non-harmful material into samples as they're collected, which acts as a password ensuring their genuineness upon processing.

SourceDuke University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateMay 21, 2020

Scientists develop tool to sequence circular DNA

Scientists have developed a new method called CIDER-Seq to sequence circular DNA, providing insight into its function in bacterial and viral genomes. The tool also sheds light on extrachromosomal circular DNA in human and plant cells, which has been difficult to study due to the lack of effective methods.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Protocols·DateMay 14, 2020

Humans may be uniquely identified by the proteins in their hair

Researchers have identified a unique set of protein markers in human hair that could be used to distinguish individuals. The findings demonstrate the robustness of these proteins and estimate that they would be sufficient to provide a unique pattern for an individual among a population of one million.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 7, 2016

Novel DNA-sensing pathway in immune response to malaria

A novel DNA-sensing mechanism plays a role in the innate immune response to Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. The study identifies an unknown receptor coupling to molecules linked with DNA-mediated type I interferon production, suggesting a broader impact on infectious diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateAug 4, 2011

Big Brother in the wild

A study by University of Exeter biologists uses digital video technology, tagging, and DNA fingerprinting to examine the behavior and ancestry of field crickets in their natural environment. The research reveals that dominant males don't always have more mates or offspring, and females can benefit from having multiple partners.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2010

UMMS researchers publish DNA identification of czar's children

Researchers have confirmed the identities of the two missing Romanov children murdered in 1918 using DNA analysis. The study used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to link the remains to Empress Alexandra and Crown Prince Alexei, resolving a 90-year-old mystery. Genetic connections were established through maternal and paternal lineages.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2009

Foxes get frisky in the far north

A recent study by the University of Alberta reveals that some Arctic foxes engage in polyandry, where females have multiple male mates, and multiple paternity, leading to increased genetic variation. This finding challenges previous notions of monogamous mating habits in canid species.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology·DateJul 17, 2007

Have the police hijacked our DNA?

The use of DNA fingerprinting in criminal cases is a growing concern due to its potential for misidentification. In New York City, the DNA itself will be charged with an offense, ignoring the statute of limitations and raising questions about fairness and accuracy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 18, 2003