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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).

Umea University researchers find link between levels of DNA building blocks and colon cancer

When cells divide, the proper balance between the four DNA building blocks is required in order for the DNA to be copied without the introduction of potentially harmful mutations. Researchers at Umea University in Sweden have now shown a connection between levels of DNA building blocks - dNTPs - and colon cancer. This discovery has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

13 Apr 2016

Scientists use FAN1 knockout mice to refine detailed mechanisms involved in damaged DNA repair

Like jewels in a vault, our precious genetic material is stored in the nucleus of a cell--sequestered away from potentially damaging cellular components and toxins so that no harm can come to it. Yet over the course of a life moving through this world, our DNA does get damaged, and our cells have a host of complicated repair mechanisms to deal with such injuries.

13 Apr 2016

Certain red blood cell manufacturing methods may be less damaging to cells than others

Scientists from Blood Systems Research Institute in San Francisco, California, and Canadian Blood Services' Centre for Innovation lab in Edmonton, Alberta, report for the first time that specific red blood cell manufacturing methods may be less damaging to cells than others.

12 Apr 2016

Porvair Sciences to launch new microplate for genomics at Analytica 2016

Porvair Sciences has announced that it will launch an exciting new microplate for genomics sample preparation at the forthcoming Analytica 2016 exhibition in Munich, Germany.

From Porvair Sciences Limited 12 Apr 2016

Flexible ramp scripting interface added for BioScope Resolve BioAFM

At the 7th AFM BioMed Conference, Bruker’s Nano Surfaces Division today announced the release of RampScript™, which provides extensive new scripting capabilities for the BioScope Resolve® BioAFM. BioScope Resolve has set new standards for highest resolution AFM imaging with the first ever images of microvilli on live cells and by routinely resolving submolecular structures, such as the major and minor groove of DNA, while operating on an inverted microscope.

From Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology 11 Apr 2016

Newcastle scientists develop new type of genetic blood test to diagnose liver scarring

Newcastle scientists and medics have developed a new type of genetic blood test that diagnoses scarring in the liver - even before someone may feel ill.

11 Apr 2016

New study suggests that Neanderthals across Europe may have diseases carried out of Africa

A new study suggests that Neanderthals across Europe may well have been infected with diseases carried out of Africa by waves of anatomically modern humans, or Homo sapiens. As both were species of hominin, it would have been easier for pathogens to jump populations, say researchers. This might have contributed to the demise of Neanderthals.

11 Apr 2016

Researchers identify gene crucial to development of coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a chronic, immunological disease that is manifested as intolerance to gluten proteins present in wheat, rye and barley. This intolerance leads to an inflammatory reaction in the small intestine that hampers the absorption of nutrients. The only treatment is a strict, life-long, gluten-free diet.

11 Apr 2016

Simple blood test rapidly detects key genetic mutations in non-small cell lung tumors

A simple blood test can rapidly and accurately detect mutations in two key genes in non-small cell lung tumors, researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and other institutions report in a new study - demonstrating the test's potential as a clinical tool for identifying patients who can benefit from drugs targeting those mutations.

11 Apr 2016

AstraZeneca, MedImmune to present new clinical trial and scientific data on lung cancer treatments at ELCC 2016

AstraZeneca and its global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, will report new clinical trial and scientific data from their industry-leading lung cancer franchise of marketed and pipeline medicines at the European Lung Cancer Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, 13 -16 April 2016.

11 Apr 2016

Baker’s yeast could help in finding disease-causing mutations

It's easier than ever to sequence our DNA, but doctors still can't exactly tell from our genomes which diseases might befall us. Professor Fritz Roth is setting out to change this by going to basics -- to our billion-year-old cousin, baker's yeast.

7 Apr 2016

New study demonstrates diversity, resourcefulness of Vibrio cholera

In humans, cholera is among the world's most deadly diseases, killing as many as 140,000 persons a year, according to World Health Organization statistics. But in aquatic environments far away from humans, the same bacterium attacks neighboring microbes with a toxic spear - and often steals DNA from other microorganisms to expand its own capabilities.

7 Apr 2016

Person's age, mobility could be powerful predictors of survival than certain biomarkers

Advances in technology allow scientists to measure intricate details about the human body that greatly enhance understanding of health, disease and aging.

7 Apr 2016

Researchers develop innovative method for gene transfer

Researchers have developed a new and highly efficient method for gene transfer. The technique, which involves culturing and transfecting cells with genetic material on an array of carbon nanotubes, appears to overcome the limitations of other gene editing technologies.

7 Apr 2016

Forensic scientists find that HSV-1 strains could be useful for tracing a person's history

The genomes of two distinct strains of the virus that causes the common lip cold sore, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), have been identified within the same person -- an achievement that could be useful to forensic scientists for tracing a person's history.

6 Apr 2016

Maternal smoking influences epigenetic programming of unborn child's genetic make-up

If mothers smoke during pregnancy, they influence the epigenetic programming of their unborn child's genetic make-up in the long term. This may give rise to an increased risk of the development of disease risks later in the child's life.

5 Apr 2016

Vanderbilt, Celgene collaborate to accelerate development of personalized therapies

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has entered into a strategic research agreement with Celgene Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company based in Summit, New Jersey.

5 Apr 2016

Pediatric researchers uncover new syndrome that causes intellectual disability

Pediatric researchers, using high-speed DNA sequencing tools, have identified a new syndrome that causes intellectual disability (ID). Drawing on knowledge of the causative gene mutation, the scientists' cell studies suggest that an amino acid supplement may offer a targeted treatment for children with this condition.

5 Apr 2016

Researchers develop novel vaccine strategy to protect against Chikungunya virus

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted through mosquitoes and causes fever and joint pain that can sometimes become severe and disabling. Outbreaks of the virus have already occurred in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and in late 2013, the virus was first seen in the Americas with the number of cases dramatically increased. No vaccine to prevent or treat this virus currently exists.

2 Apr 2016

U of S-led researchers develop novel class of compounds for effective cancer treatment

A novel class of compounds developed by a University of Saskatchewan-led research team could yield more effective and less toxic chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer.

2 Apr 2016

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Umea University researchers find link between levels of DNA building blocks and colon cancer

Scientists use FAN1 knockout mice to refine detailed mechanisms involved in damaged DNA repair

Certain red blood cell manufacturing methods may be less damaging to cells than others

Porvair Sciences to launch new microplate for genomics at Analytica 2016

Flexible ramp scripting interface added for BioScope Resolve BioAFM

Newcastle scientists develop new type of genetic blood test to diagnose liver scarring

New study suggests that Neanderthals across Europe may have diseases carried out of Africa

Researchers identify gene crucial to development of coeliac disease

Simple blood test rapidly detects key genetic mutations in non-small cell lung tumors

AstraZeneca, MedImmune to present new clinical trial and scientific data on lung cancer treatments at ELCC 2016

Baker’s yeast could help in finding disease-causing mutations

New study demonstrates diversity, resourcefulness of Vibrio cholera

Person's age, mobility could be powerful predictors of survival than certain biomarkers

Researchers develop innovative method for gene transfer

Forensic scientists find that HSV-1 strains could be useful for tracing a person's history

Maternal smoking influences epigenetic programming of unborn child's genetic make-up

Vanderbilt, Celgene collaborate to accelerate development of personalized therapies

Pediatric researchers uncover new syndrome that causes intellectual disability

Researchers develop novel vaccine strategy to protect against Chikungunya virus

U of S-led researchers develop novel class of compounds for effective cancer treatment

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