Polymerase News and Research

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De-bookmarking could be key to better reprogramming of fibroblasts into iPS cells

In reading, a bookmark tells where you stopped. Cells use bookmarks too, specific proteins that help the cell remember what collection of genes needs to be turned on again after the brief halt of gene expression during cell division.

20 Sep 2016

New less invasive method could detect bacterial infection in young febrile infants

Physicians from Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University, UC Davis Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital, in collaboration with 19 other pediatric emergency departments around the country, have established a "proof of principle" for measuring patterns of ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression in the bloodstream that can enable clinicians to distinguish bacterial infections from other causes of fever in infants up to two months old.

19 Sep 2016

Genome-wide studies reveal evolutionary conserved enzyme facilitates DNA replication

Genome-wide studies of fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) suggest that the evolutionary conserved enzyme Pfh1 helicase facilitates DNA synthesis by tracking along with the replication apparatus, promoting intact DNA synthesis at hard-to-replicate sites and consequently suppressing DNA damage. The findings are published in PLOS Genetics.

12 Sep 2016

Triptolide molecule can turn into 'cruise missile' against cancer

More than 20 years ago, a billboard in China piqued the interest of a chemical biologist. It endorsed an extract from the plant known as the “thunder god vine” as an immunosuppressant.

9 Sep 2016

Researchers develop novel label-free method for detecting real-time DNA amplification

Research team led by Nagoya University develop a label-free method for detecting DNA amplification in real time based on refractive index changes in diffracted light.

7 Sep 2016

Mayo Clinic offers CDC’s Zika virus screening test

Mayo Clinic will offer the Zika virus antibody test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

1 Sep 2016

TSRI scientists tackle decades-old challenge by re-creating primordial RNA world

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have taken a big step toward the laboratory re-creation of the “RNA world,” which is generally believed to have preceded modern life forms based on DNA and proteins.

17 Aug 2016

Researchers discover new set of bacterial cell wall synthesizers

Harvard Medical School scientists have identified a new family of proteins that virtually all bacteria use to build and maintain their cell walls.

17 Aug 2016

Newfound role for PARP proteins could lead to therapeutic opportunities for cancer

Using technology they developed, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have identified a previously unknown role of a certain class of proteins: as regulators of gene activity and RNA processing.

16 Aug 2016

New study sheds light on pathogenesis of DNA lesions present in leukemia

Researchers have succeeded in shedding light on the pathogenesis of DNA breakpoints that are associated with leukemia.

20 Jul 2016

Enhancers can boost frequency of transcriptional bursting, study shows

A new study by researchers at Princeton University suggests that sporadic bursts of gene activity may be important features of genetic regulation rather than just occasional mishaps.

20 Jul 2016

Biochemists design genetic poison pill to thwart coxsackievirus B3

It has a funny name - coxsackievirus - but there's nothing funny about how this tiny germ and its close relatives sicken their hosts.

18 Jul 2016

Researchers develop new detection systems for genotyping DNA and RNA with naked eye

DNA polymerases are the “Xerox machines” that replicate our DNA. They must work with great precision to keep errors from creeping into our genes.

14 Jul 2016

Porvair Sciences extends range of high performance PCR plates

Porvair Sciences range of high performance PCR plates are made from polypropylene for extra rigidity. These plates are compatible with the majority of 96- and 384-well block PCR and sequencing instruments, including fast sequencers and the Roche Light Cycler (TM) RT-PCR machine.

From Porvair Sciences Limited 8 Jul 2016

Penn researchers develop low-cost genetic test for Zika virus

University of Pennsylvania engineers have developed a rapid, low-cost genetic test for the Zika virus.

6 Jul 2016

Roche Diagnostics responds to HPV announcement

Roche Diagnostics welcomes the announcement by Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison, to introduce Human Papillomavirus (HPV) primary screening in England.

6 Jul 2016

Mitochondrial DNA levels may represent accurate, predictive measure of embryo viability in IVF

Despite the claims and counter-claims for new embryo assessment techniques introduced over the past two decades, the search for the holy grail of assisted reproduction - the key to the embryo destined to implant - continues.

4 Jul 2016

Lab-established diagnosis necessary for treatment of patients with persistent diarrhea

Persistent diarrhea, which is diarrhea that lasts at least 14 days, is an illness typically caused by parasites or bacteria and requires accurate diagnosis in order to determine what treatment to give, according to Herbert L. DuPont, M.D., director of the Center for Infectious Diseases at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health.

29 Jun 2016

Researchers reveal DNA unwrapping can happen asymmetrically to expose specific genes

The protein complex that holds strands of DNA in compact spools partially disassembles itself to help genes reveal themselves to specialized proteins and enzymes for activation, according to Rice University researchers and their colleagues.

22 Jun 2016

Mobile devices of healthcare workers often contaminated by viral RNA

In clinical settings, mobile phones benefit patients by placing useful data and information at the fingertips of health professionals during interactions on the ward.