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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).

How Chromosomes Shape Up for Cell Division

Among the many marvels of life is the cell’s ability to divide and thus enable organisms to grow and renew themselves.

26 Mar 2025

EMBL Scientists Observe DNA Looping Process in High Resolution

Among the many marvels of life is the cell's ability to divide and thus enable organisms to grow and renew themselves.

25 Mar 2025

Unveiling Bacterial Immune Mechanisms Against Temperate Phages

Like humans, bacteria can be attacked by viruses. In the case of bacteria, these viral attackers are referred to as bacteriophages, a term derived from the Greek word for bacteria-eaters, or simply “phages.”

24 Mar 2025

UV Light Reshapes 3D Genome Structure, Altering DNA Repair and Gene Activity

Research shows UV radiation modifies 3D genome structure, affecting DNA damage response and gene activity, offering insights for cancer prevention strategies.

24 Mar 2025

Engineered Yeast Offers Sustainable Way to Produce D-Lactic Acid from Methanol

Great recipes require the perfect combination of ingredients - biotechnology recipes are no exception.

22 Mar 2025

First-Ever Molecular Movie Shows DNA Unzipping Mechanism in Action

Scientists at the University of Leicester have captured the first detailed "molecular movie" showing DNA being unzipped at the atomic level – revealing how cells begin the crucial process of copying their genetic material.

22 Mar 2025

Programmable Embryoids Provide Insight into Early Development

The earliest days after fertilization, once a sperm cell meets an egg, are shrouded in scientific mystery.

22 Mar 2025

AGD Initiative Drives Progress in Drug Discovery with Sequencing of 250,000 Whole Genomes

Nashville Biosciences LLC (NashBio), a leading clinical and genomic data company and wholly owned subsidiary of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and global DNA sequencing giant Illumina Inc. today announced that 250,000 whole genomes have been sequenced for the Alliance for Genomic Discovery (AGD) initiative.

22 Mar 2025

New Resource for Improving Pistachio Quality

California generates around $3 billion in economic value from the production of 99% of the country's pistachios. The absence of a high-quality DNA map, however, has contributed to the minor understudies of pistachios.

21 Mar 2025

A Next-Gen CRISPR Tool Just Dropped

Over the past 15 years, developments in the gene-editing technique known as CRISPR-Cas9 have produced significant new understandings of the functions that particular genes play in a variety of disorders.

21 Mar 2025

Researchers Identify Promising Drug Candidates for Previously “undruggable” Cancer Target

For the first time scientists have identified promising drug candidates that bind irreversibly with a notoriously “undruggable” cancer protein target, permanently blocking it.

21 Mar 2025

Bioengineering a Luminous Biosensor for Aberrant DNA Detection

Cells contain a DNA sensor called cGAS, which alerts the immune system to viral and bacterial infections, cell death, and cancer-related transformations.

20 Mar 2025

Visualizing the Fundamental Process of DNA Strand Separation

The exact moment DNA starts to unravel has been seen by scientists for the first time, exposing a chemical process that is essential for DNA to be the molecule that codes for all life.

20 Mar 2025

New Chromosome Identification System Revolutionizes Alfalfa Research

In a recent study, scientists have developed a revolutionary chromosome identification system for alfalfa, one of the world's most economically vital forage crops.

19 Mar 2025

Researchers Develop RNA "Barcoding" Tool to Track Genetic Exchange in Bacteria

In the microscopic world of bacteria, gene transfer is a powerful mechanism that can alter cellular function, drive antibiotic resistance and even shape entire ecosystems.

19 Mar 2025

Early Embryo Development May Be the Foundation for Lifelong Health

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that the initial stages of embryo development significantly influence an individual's future health and aging.

19 Mar 2025

Genetic Research Uncovers a Lost Chapter of Human Evolution

Utilizing sophisticated analyses grounded in complete genome sequences, researchers at the University of Cambridge have uncovered indications that modern humans emerged from a genetic mixing event involving two ancient populations that diverged approximately 1.5 million years ago.

19 Mar 2025

Chilean Researchers Rediscover a Frog Lost to Science for 130 Years

The rediscovery of Alsodes vittatus in Chile highlights its conservation status and evolutionary history, emphasizing the need for biodiversity research.

19 Mar 2025

Breakthrough Microscopy Sheds Light on the Dynamics of Biomolecular Condensates

Biomolecular condensates are shifting blobs in our cells that organize cellular matter. They are distinct molecular communities made of DNA, RNA and proteins that "condense" molecules to key locations, yet they frequently defy description.

17 Mar 2025

Ultrasensitive Pathogen Detection Without Nucleic Acid Amplification

Rashid Bashir, a Bioengineering Professor and Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering oversaw a group of researchers in a project that produced new technology that provides quick, extremely sensitive detection of bacteria and other pathogens at low concentrations that are resistant to multiple drugs.

17 Mar 2025