Research News and Research

RSS

Gene Loss and Gain Shaped the Evolution of Relapsing Fever Bacteria

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and UCL have analyzed ancient DNA from Borrelia recurrentis, a type of bacteria that causes relapsing fever, pinpointing when it evolved to spread through lice rather than ticks, and how it gained and lost genes in the process.

24 May 2025

Study Reveals How Introns Multiply and Move Across Genomes

DNA is the genetic code that provides the biological instructions for every living species, but not every bit of DNA helps the species survive. Some pieces of DNA are more like parasites, along for the ride and their own survival.

24 May 2025

New Strategy Eliminates Biofilms and Prevents Regrowth

Most people have encountered the black, grey, or pink stains of bacterial biofilms built up on the bathroom tiles or kitchen sink.

24 May 2025

New Study Hints at Customizable Chili Heat and Pain Relief

A new study identifying molecules that reduce the heat of chili peppers suggests the potential to develop these compounds into an “anti-spice” condiment for excessively spicy foods.

23 May 2025

Reversible DNA Modification Controls Replication and Gene Activity

Study uncovers ADP-ribosylation's role in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, showing how DNA modification controls replication and gene expression for survival.

23 May 2025

Scientists Develop Method to Overcome Key Limitations of Cryo-EM

Sample loss has been a persistent problem in cryo-EM, a high-tech method for creating 3D models of molecules that reveals their inner structures.

22 May 2025

Study Reveals Epigenetic Clues Behind Autism Development

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition affecting the brain's development and often affects the ability of a person to perceive sensory information and social cues and socialize with others.

22 May 2025

Unraveling the Co-Evolution of Human Height and Basal Metabolic Rate

Taller stature and a higher basal metabolic rate are two characteristics that distinguish modern humans from non-human primates. A genetic variant that helped these traits co-evolve was discovered by researchers and published in Cell Genomics.

22 May 2025

Ultra-Rapid Genetic Test Revolutionizes Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Scientists and medics have developed an ultra-rapid method of genetically diagnosing brain tumors that will cut the time it takes to classify them from 6-8 weeks, to as little as two hours – which could improve care for thousands of patients each year in the UK.

21 May 2025

Cell Painting Technology Reveals Potential Cancer-Fighting Flavonoids

A team led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has identified flavonoids, natural compounds found in plants, that are toxic to bladder cancer cells cultured in the lab.

21 May 2025

New Discovery Explains Increased Infection Risk in Patients with Mitochondrial Diseases

Patients with rare mitochondrial diseases already face a host of serious health issues, from muscle weakness to neurological problems and heart conditions.

21 May 2025

Study Unveils Molecular Mechanism Behind Synapse Maturation

Researchers from the lab led by Prof. Joris De Wit (VIB-KU Leuven) have discovered an important clue to how connections between brain cells, known as synapses, mature.

21 May 2025

Compression Drives Aggressive Behavior in Liver Cancer Cells

Yale researchers are providing new insights into how physical forces, such as cells being compressed in physically restrictive environments, play key roles in cancer progression.

21 May 2025

Geisinger Scientists Uncover Genetic Basis for Sex-Based Height Variation

Geisinger's study reveals Y chromosome genes significantly influence height differences between sexes, highlighting genetic factors beyond hormones.

21 May 2025

TEAD Proteins Switch Partners to Drive Neural Cell Maturation

The basic mechanisms that control neural development are intricate, and as research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital shows, the underlying motivations may even seem contradictory.

21 May 2025

Tracing the Evolution of Cyanobacterial Circadian Clocks Through Earth's History

Investigating ancient cyanobacterial timekeeping systems sheds light on the evolution of circadian rhythms and their significance in Earth's ecosystems.

21 May 2025

High Densities of European Honey Bees Threaten Native Bee Reproduction in Australia

New Curtin University research has revealed that high densities of European honey bees could be harming Australian native bees' 'fitness' by reducing their reproductive success and altering key traits linked to survival.

21 May 2025

Zebrafish Study Warns of Ecological Risk from Tire-Related Water Contaminants

Emerging contaminants from rubber tires N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its oxidation product 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ)-are raising new red flags for aquatic ecosystems.

20 May 2025

Autophagy: A Double-Edged Sword in Cancer and Protein Conformational Disorders

A new FEBS Letters review explores the dual role of autophagy in cancer and protein misfolding diseases—highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target and the challenges of tipping the balance between protection and harm.

20 May 2025

Environmental Nanoplastics Linked to Increased Foodborne Virus Severity

There are nanoplastics everywhere. These particles are found in water, food, and bodies; they are so small that they can build up on bacteria and be absorbed by plant roots.

20 May 2025