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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

New insights into retrotransposon-derived DNA zip codes in myeloma cells

A new editorial was published in Oncoscience (Volume 11) on July 13, 2024, entitled, "Unveiling retrotransposon-derived DNA zip code for myeloma cell internalization."

9 Aug 2024

Controllable chiral switching in double-helical foldamers for advanced molecular systems

The deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, the molecular system that carries the genetic information of living organisms, can transcribe and amplify information using its two helical strands.

9 Aug 2024

DeepPBS: A geometric AI model for accurate prediction of protein-DNA binding specificity

A new artificial intelligence model developed by USC researchers and published in Nature Methods can predict how different proteins may bind to DNA with accuracy across different types of protein, a technological advance that promises to reduce the time required to develop new drugs and other medical treatments.

9 Aug 2024

Breakthrough study uncovers TIP60’s role in DNA access and disease mechanisms

To transcribe the information contained in our genes or to repair the dozens of breaks that occur daily in our DNA, our enzymes must be able to directly access the DNA to perform their functions.

9 Aug 2024

Columbia study reveals bacteria create free-floating genes, challenging genetic code norms

Since the genetic code was first deciphered in the 1960s, our genes seemed like an open book. By reading and decoding our chromosomes as linear strings of letters, like sentences in a novel, we can identify the genes in our genome and learn why changes in a gene's code affect health.

9 Aug 2024

New insights into topoisomerase I inhibition reveal potential pathways for cancer therapies

A research group at the University of Bologna has identified, for the first time, the specific location and genomic context where DNA breaks occur due to the inhibition of the topoisomerase I, a protein crucial for many biological processes in cells.

8 Aug 2024

Cannabis dependence associated with increased occurrence of head and neck cancer

A study from the USC Head and Neck Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC and the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, suggests that cannabis, the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide, is associated with an increased occurrence of head and neck cancer.

8 Aug 2024

Review of fasting-mimicking diets in cancer treatment

Researchers present the role of cyclic fasting and fasting-mimicking diets (FMD) in cancer therapy.

8 Aug 2024

Investigational drug shows promise in treating rare blood disease in fetuses

Data from a new investigational drug that could alter the standard treatment for a rare blood disease suggests it has the potential to delay or prevent anemia and the need for intrauterine blood transfusions in babies who are at high risk for the condition, known as Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN).

7 Aug 2024

New treatment boosts pluripotent stem cell production in mice

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) have discovered a treatment which accelerates the production and quality of pluripotent stem cells in mice.

7 Aug 2024

Breakthrough study highlights ATM activation by DNA single-strand breaks

New research from a team of genome scientists and DNA damage response experts breaks new ground in understanding the function of a protein currently limited in clinical trials for cancer treatments.

7 Aug 2024

KAUST researchers uncover LINE-1 RNA’s role in triggering bone repair

Around half of the human genome is composed of DNA fragments originating from ancient viruses. These "transposable elements" (TEs) are now known to play various roles in modulating gene expression and disease development.

7 Aug 2024

METRNL protein identified as key player in cancer progression

A protein called Meteorin-like (METRNL) in the tumor microenvironment saps energy from T cells, thereby severely limiting their ability to fight cancer, according to new research directed by investigators at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and its Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Finding ways to block the effects of METRNL signaling on tumor-infiltrating T cells may allow these immune cells to regain the energy necessary to eliminate tumors.

7 Aug 2024

Study advances understanding of complex neurological disorder

To effectively treat a disease or disorder, doctors must first know the root cause. Such is the case for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), whose root causes can be hugely complex and heterogeneous. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrated the value of DNA methylation patterns for identifying the root cause of DEEs, showing specific gene methylation and genome-wide methylation "episignatures" can help identify the genes that cause DEE. The findings were published today in Nature Communications.

7 Aug 2024

Yogurt with probiotics and honey boosts gut bacteria but no digestive or cognitive benefits

A study in The Journal of Nutrition found that yogurt with B. animalis and honey increases probiotic levels but doesn't affect digestion, cognition, or mood.

6 Aug 2024

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and Illumina Accelerate Oncology Research with Launch of TruSight Oncology 500 DNA/RNA Application

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From Beckman Coulter Life Sciences - Flow Cytometry 6 Aug 2024

Reduced folate intake enhances metabolic plasticity in aged mice

Folate fortification of staple foods has long been practiced in many countries.

6 Aug 2024

Valproic acid shows promise in reducing COVID-19 severity and hospitalization

Researchers found that valproic acid (VPA), especially when combined with DHA, significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and severity, potentially activating antiviral mechanisms. Epidemiologic data support VPA's role in reducing COVID-19 severity and hospitalization rates.

6 Aug 2024

Upper respiratory microbiome shows age, sex, and lifestyle impacts, study finds

A Dutch study analyzed the upper respiratory tract microbiome across various age groups, finding significant associations between microbial composition, age, sex, and lifestyle factors like smoking and antibiotic use.

5 Aug 2024

Rapid, noninvasive tool tracks neurons and biomolecules activated in the brain by psychedelic drugs

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a rapid, noninvasive tool to track the neurons and biomolecules activated in the brain by psychedelic drugs.

5 Aug 2024