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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.

Researchers comprehensively describe the 'human tissue virome atlas'

Human-resident microbes can influence both health and disease. Investigating the microbiome using next-generation sequencing technology has revealed examples of mutualism and conflict between microbes and humans.

22 Jul 2020

Silver-plated gold nanostars could be used to detect early cancer biomarkers

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have engineered a method for simultaneously detecting the presence of multiple specific microRNAs in RNA extracted from tissue samples without the need for labeling or target amplification.

22 Jul 2020

Advanced cryo-EM reveals stunning details of viral RNA replication complex structure

For the first time, scientists at the Morgridge Institute for Research have generated near atomic resolution images of a major viral protein complex responsible for replicating the RNA genome of a member of the positive-strand RNA viruses, the large class of viruses that includes coronaviruses and many other pathogens.

21 Jul 2020

Disseminated cancer cells hijack crucial iron micronutrients to survive

In order to survive within the remote and harsh anatomical microenvironments of the central nervous system, the disseminated cancer cells that cause rare yet deadly leptomeningeal metastases (LM) hijack crucial iron micronutrients from native macrophages, researchers report.

17 Jul 2020

New technique increases the precision of gene editing

A group of biomolecular engineers from Rice University has now identified a C-worthy method that significantly improves the precision of gene editing.

17 Jul 2020

Researchers identify key enzyme that drives the production of ribosomes

Scientists have demonstrated that an enzyme fuels the production of ribosomes—the molecular machines that synthesize all cellular proteins.

From University of Toronto 17 Jul 2020

RNA editing repair technique shows promise for treating neurological disorders

Researchers have effectively edited RNA in a living creature such that the repaired RNA subsequently rectified a mutation in a protein that leads to Rett syndrome—a debilitating neurological disorder that affects people.

15 Jul 2020

Research helps uncover hidden gene associations in our cells

As cells develop, changes in how our genes interact determines their fate. Differences in these genetic interactions can make our cells robust to infection from viruses or make it possible for our immune cells to kill cancerous ones.

15 Jul 2020

Novel approach to analyze organ development through gene analysis in single cells

When cells develop, variations in the interaction of genes of an individual determine their fate. Such variations in genetic interactions can make the individual’s cells powerful against infection from viruses or enable the immune cells to kill the tumor cells.

14 Jul 2020

Researchers evaluate role of zinc in COVID-19 prevention

Researchers from Sechenov University in collaboration with colleagues from Germany, Greece and Russia reviewed scientific articles on the role of zinc in the prevention and treatment of viral infections and pneumonia, with projections on those caused by SARS-CoV-2. The results were published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine.

14 Jul 2020

A fine balance between maintaining immunity and longevity

As we age, the immune system gradually becomes impaired. One aspect of this impairment is chronic inflammation in the elderly, which means that the immune system is constantly active and sends out inflammatory substances.

13 Jul 2020

Study may provide a therapeutically safer strategy for gene editing

The CRISPR gene editing system is a robust tool specifically developed for the targeted editing of genomes. While this tool has considerable therapeutic potential, it is associated with improper editing of “off-target” sites.

13 Jul 2020

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing helps compare transcriptional responses to acute cocaine

The lab of Jeremy Day, Ph.D., at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has used single-nucleus RNA sequencing approaches to compare transcriptional responses to acute cocaine in 16 unique cell populations from a portion of the brain called the nucleus accumbens, or NAc.

From University of Alabama 10 Jul 2020

Bioinformaticians reveal previously unknown features of genes involved in brain functioning

In a recent study of genes involved in brain functioning, their previously unknown features have been uncovered by bioinformaticians from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and the Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology, RAS. The findings are reported in PLOS One.

10 Jul 2020

New type of molecular editor can make precise changes in mitochondrial DNA

The genome in mitochondria -- the cell's energy-producing organelles -- is involved in disease and key biological functions, and the ability to precisely alter this DNA would allow scientists to learn more about the effects of these genes and mutations.

9 Jul 2020

Lessons from early embryo could increase the efficiency of cell reprogramming

Cell reprogramming provides an outstanding opportunity for the artificial generation of stem cells for regenerative medicine approaches in the clinic.

7 Jul 2020

Organoids reveal inflammatory processes that play a role in infectious diseases

Research is employing mini-organs to model the digestive tract in the laboratory setting. These supposed organoids shed light on the inflammatory processes.

6 Jul 2020

Novel technology significantly improves the quality of stem cells

For years, stem cells have continued to have excellent potential in regenerative medicine.

6 Jul 2020

Study highlights the role of hematopoietic immune cells in gene regulation

More often, the human body is viewed as a “machine” containing specialized components: immune cells protect against pathogens, organs contribute physiological functions, and soft tissue and bones give structure.

6 Jul 2020

Mineral-coated microparticles are better vehicles for promising mRNA-based therapy

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have developed a safer and more efficient way to deliver a promising new method for treating cancer and liver disorders and for vaccination -- including a COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Therapeutics that has advanced to clinical trials with humans.

3 Jul 2020