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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).

Specialized subset of CD4+ T cells jump into action early during an infection, study shows

Every kind of T cell has a job to do. A healthy immune system makes sure no T cell oversteps.

22 Feb 2022

Novel platform can become a potential approach for personalized cancer treatments

Killing cancer cells without affecting surrounding normal cells is the most desirable approach for targeted cancer therapy. However, it cannot be easily achieved due to the similarities in the properties between normal and cancer cells.

22 Feb 2022

An abundance of SARS-CoV-2-like viruses in hunted wild animals traded in China

New research published in the journal Cell assesses the viromes of 18 different species of game animals across China to predict potential pathogens similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that could infect human populations.

22 Feb 2022

Research shows the impact of accessory genes deletion in SARS-CoV-2 evolution

In a recent study published in the journal PLoS ONE, researchers investigated the effect of genetic variability based on accessory gene deletions on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission and the clinical severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

22 Feb 2022

The logic that controls gene regulation in human cells discovered

A research group at the University of Helsinki has discovered the logic that controls gene regulation in human cells. In the future, this new knowledge can be applied to, for example, investigating cancers and other genetic diseases.

21 Feb 2022

Researchers unravel essential final steps in the production of mRNA

Proteins need to interact in a complex manner for a so-called "messenger RNA" (mRNA) to be created in human cells from a precursor molecule. mRNA provides a blueprint for proteins; the first vaccines against the coronavirus are also based on mRNAs.

21 Feb 2022

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant prompts system sciences and precision medicine

In a new review study, researchers aimed to describe the emergence of the Omicron variant, its structure, its impact on health and health systems, and the challenges that can be expected due to this variant.

21 Feb 2022

Pathogens in pneumonia-associated respiratory samples from Wuhan prior to SARS-CoV-2 emergence

An interesting paper in PLoS Pathogens describes the broad situation with respect to respiratory pathogens that cause acute respiratory infection (ARI) and pneumonia in the city.

21 Feb 2022

First study in North America uses genetic testing to identify people at risk of heart disease

Dignity Health in Arizona is launching the first research study in North America in which genetic testing is used to identify men and women at risk of developing heart disease based on the makeup of their DNA.

21 Feb 2022

Novel approach pinpoints genetic variants involved in congenital heart disease

Nearly 1 percent of all children are born with congenital heart disease - a range of potentially life-threatening problems with the structure and function of their hearts. For most children, the precise causes of these frightening defects are unknown.

18 Feb 2022

New insights could help long-term care facilities enhance infection prevention and control measures

Findings from a study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control provide new insights that could help long-term care facilities assess the cleanliness of high-touch surfaces, and thereby enhance infection prevention and control measures designed to prevent serious diarrheal diseases and deaths among their residents.

17 Feb 2022

Research shows alterations in transfer RNAs at the epigenetic level in cancer

A recently published paper in the journal Molecular Cancer by the group of Dr. Manel Esteller, Director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, ICREA Research Professor and Genetics Chairman at the University of Barcelona, shows that transfer RNAs for certain amino acids are altered at the epigenetic level in some types of cancer, expressing it in an exaggerated manner in some cases and being deficient in others.

17 Feb 2022

New mutation may define a high-risk subtype of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

A new mutation was identified in 9 percent of relapsed cases of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that may define a new subtype of the disease.

17 Feb 2022

Optical genome mapping holds potential to become an important component of leukemia diagnostics

Optical genome mapping involves the extraction of very long DNA molecules, for example routinely collected blood samples or bone marrow material from patients.

17 Feb 2022