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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a biologically important type of molecule that consists of a long chain of nucleotide units. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar, and a phosphate.

Scientists solve 3D structure of vaccinia virus RNA polymerase

For viruses to multiply, they usually need the support of the cells they infect. In many cases, only in their host's nucleus can they find the machines, enzymes and building blocks with which they can multiply their genetic material before infecting other cells.

12 Dec 2019

Extensive tumor protein analysis reveals potential new players in cancer

Looking to gain a deeper understanding of cancer, a team led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine conducted an extensive computational analysis of the similarities and differences in the entire set of proteins, called the proteome, of more than 500 cancers from five different tissue sites.

12 Dec 2019

New method reveals how microbial communities function in our bodies

In the last decade, scientists have made tremendous progress in understanding that groups of bacteria and viruses that naturally coexist throughout the human body play an important role in some vital functions like digestion, metabolism and even fighting off diseases. But understanding just how they do it remains a question.

11 Dec 2019

Gut disease and gene analysis networks

Gut diseases are difficult to diagnose in many cases, and their underlying dysfunction is hard to understand in many cases. Now, a new study published in the journal Molecular Omics promises to uncover a better insight into how these conditions occur and their mechanisms, by providing a deeper look at how genes interact in complex ways in health and fail to do so in disease.

11 Dec 2019

Epigenome editing could repair genetic brain disorder

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications shows that it may be possible to reverse gene mutations that cause brain disorders, using a very precisely targeted epigenome editing technique. This type of gene editing does not change the gene’s DNA sequence itself but is focused on correcting epigenome changes only. The condition that was corrected in the study is called the WAGR syndrome and is associated with obesity and intellectual disability in people.

11 Dec 2019

Researchers find another piece of puzzle relating to bird flu viruses

Normally, bird flu viruses do not spread easily from person to person. But if this does happen, it could trigger a pandemic. Researchers from the MDC and RKI have now explained in the journal Nature Communications what makes the leap from animals to humans less likely.

10 Dec 2019

Study uncovers need to improve HCV testing rates in young people

A new study led by Boston Medical Center uncovered a need to improve testing rates for Hepatitis C Virus in young people, specifically those with documented substance use history.

10 Dec 2019

Study provides most detailed classification of acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome

Results from a study conducted by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Munich Leukemia Laboratory were presented today as a late-breaking abstract at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting. The study integrates genomic and transcriptomic sequencing to provide the most detailed classification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) to date.

10 Dec 2019

ERC promotes CRISPR research to better treat infections

Chase Beisel heads the "Synthetic Biology of RNA" research group at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg, a branch of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig and run in collaboration with the Julius-Maximilians-Universität in Würzburg.

10 Dec 2019

Researchers discover a widespread method used by phages to hide from bacterial defenses

University of Otago researchers have discovered how viruses that specifically kill bacteria can outwit bacteria by hiding from their defenses, findings which are important for the development of new antimicrobials based on viruses and provide a significant advance in biological knowledge.

10 Dec 2019

Study shows how a new combination approach helps overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunology drugs, which harness the body's immune system to better attack cancer cells, have significantly changed the face of cancer treatment. People with aggressive cancers are now living longer, healthier lives. Unfortunately, cancer immunology therapy only works in a subset of patients.

9 Dec 2019

Researchers validate RNA sequencing methods using crab's nervous system model

"Being crabby" might have a whole new meaning.

6 Dec 2019

Scientists uncover new link between pathways involved in RNA degradation

A recent study by a team of scientists in Korea reveals new findings about how various systems involved in cellular surveillance interact. This research is the first to identify a "cross-talk" molecule between these systems. Because these pathways are involved in fighting toxic cellular or foreign substances, the study has various potential applications in antiviral development, gene therapy, and agriculture.

6 Dec 2019

Researchers confirm two new prognostic markers for triple negative breast cancer

Physicians who treat patients with triple negative breast cancer have two new ways to predict which patients may benefit most from the well-established post-surgery treatment known as AC chemotherapy, short for adjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.

5 Dec 2019

New discovery on chromosomal function may shed light on human health and disease

Researchers have discovered key mechanisms and structural details of a fundamental biological process-;how a cell nucleus and its chromosomal material reorganizes itself after cell division

5 Dec 2019

Using genomics to identify promising novel treatment for lymphatic filariasis

Using innovative RNA sequencing techniques, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Institute for Genome Sciences identified a promising novel treatment for lymphatic filariasis, a disabling parasitic disease that is difficult to treat.

3 Dec 2019

Key component of immune response is activated by short RNAs, shows study

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich researchers report that a central component of the innate immune response is activated by two short RNAs which are produced by site-specific cleavage of a precursor RNA molecule - and both derivatives are generated by the same enzyme.

3 Dec 2019

Unexpected versatility of an ancient DNA repair factor revealed

If a bone breaks or a tendon snaps, you know to seek treatment immediately. But your most fragile and precious cellular commodity, chromosomal DNA, breaks with astounding frequency- some estimate as many as 10,000 times a day per cell- usually without consequence.

2 Dec 2019

Scientists discover new principle for activation of cancer genes

Researchers have long known that some genes can cause cancer when overactive, but exactly what happens inside the cell nucleus when the cancer grows has so far remained enigmatic.

2 Dec 2019

Scientists uncover functions of mysterious organelles in stress response

Stress is a normal response to physical and emotional stimuli, particularly when people face changes in their lives. Though it’s a normal feeling, long-term stress may lead to a range of health conditions. Though people feel stressed from time to time, not all stress is bad.

1 Dec 2019