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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).

Mutated version of DNA repair protein may illuminate its role in preventing cancer

Two trillion times each day, the cells in a typical human divide to replace old, damaged or dead cells. Before a cell divides, though, it makes an exact copy of its DNA, which will be passed on to the new cells.

31 Oct 2019

Researchers identify new kidney cancer subtypes and clues to better diagnosis, treatment

In what is believed to be the most comprehensive molecular characterization to date of the most common - and often treatment-resistant - form of kidney cancer, researchers at Johns Hopkins' departments of pathology and oncology, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine report evidence for at least three distinct subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), along with new revelations about the proteins that define them.

From Johns Hopkins Medicine 31 Oct 2019

Mechanisms preserving cell identity are based on status of proteins housing DNA

The inheritance, not only of DNA, but of changes to proteins that package it, maintains the identity of cells as they multiply, a new study finds.

31 Oct 2019

Researchers identify genes linked to most severe symptoms of multiple sclerosis

In a bid to determine factors linked to the most debilitating forms of multiple sclerosis, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers say they have identified three so-called "complement system" genes that appear to play a role in MS-caused vision loss.

From Johns Hopkins Medicine 31 Oct 2019

Novel method for aggressive breast cancer detection

A new study in rats published in the journal Cell Reports shows that the pattern of RNA molecules produced within certain immune cells called macrophages, found within breast cancers (tumor-associated macrophages, TAMs), can tell whether the tumor is cancerous or not and indicate the type of outcome. The same pattern is present in humans as in mice. This makes it directly useful in predicting the nature of a breast tumor and its outcome.

30 Oct 2019

Scientists receive $1.6 million grant to study impact of phthalate exposure on male fertility

A cross-disciplinary team of scientists, led by University of Massachusetts Amherst environmental epigeneticist Richard Pilsner, will use a three-year, $1.6 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to expand research into the impact of phthalate exposure on male fertility.

30 Oct 2019

NTU study: Microorganisms show a precise daily rhythm in tropical air

Scientists from the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore have found that the air in the tropics is teeming with a rich and diverse range of at least 725 different microorganisms.

30 Oct 2019

Liquid biopsy can predict prognosis in patients with glioblastoma

A blood test that measures the amount of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the bloodstream - called a liquid biopsy - correlates with how patients will progress after they are diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), the deadliest and most common primary brain tumor in adults.

30 Oct 2019

Newly discovered immune control switch could protect the brains of premature babies

Researchers have discovered an immune control switch that could protect the brains of premature babies, who often suffer brain injuries when their immune response goes into overdrive.

30 Oct 2019

Scientists modify a toxic protein to create a biosensor

Researchers have shown that the pore-forming toxin (PFT), aerolysin, could be used as a biosensor in the sequencing of DNA and proteins.

30 Oct 2019

Improved Cas9 enzyme reduces chance of off-target CRISPR mutations

Genomics experts have discovered that when guide RNAs (gRNA) are designed properly, the risk of off-target mutations induced by the cas9 enzyme is very rare.

30 Oct 2019

Chemotherapy-induced senescent cells eat neighboring cells

A new study has found that chemotherapy-induced senescent cancer cells feed on other neighboring cells to enhance their survival.

30 Oct 2019

Novel, cost-effective method successfully identifies aggressive tumors

Researchers have developed a novel, cost-effective genomic method that can identify highly heterogenous tumors that are typically aggressive in nature.

30 Oct 2019

TDP-43 study could speed up the diagnosis and treatment of ALS

A new study suggests that TDP-43 may be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

30 Oct 2019

DNA sequences encode information in many different ways

DNA sequences encode information in many different ways. Codons specify the amino acids involved in making a protein.

30 Oct 2019

Botswana now the origin of humans

A group of scientists have reported their new theory that human life was first seen in northern Botswana, south of the Zambezi river in Africa, according to their article published in the journal Nature.

29 Oct 2019

Polygenic scoring system shows promise to predict depression risk and resilience under stress

Depression doesn't come from one gene, one life event, or one personality trait. That's what makes it so hard to predict, prevent or treat effectively.

29 Oct 2019

Landmark study pinpoints the birthplace of modern humans

A landmark study led by Sydney researchers pinpoints the birthplace of modern humans in southern Africa and suggests how climate change may have driven the first migrations.

29 Oct 2019

Researchers develop new test to detect nutrient deficiencies in harsh environments

Mothers and children in low resource communities may appear well fed but often suffer from micronutrient deficiencies.

29 Oct 2019

Researchers develop new genomic analysis method for identifying Yersinia strains

The Yersinia genus covers a vast range of bacteria that are distinguished by criteria such as whether or not they are able to cause disease (their pathogenicity).

29 Oct 2019