Polymerase News and Research

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Researchers report a potential cancer drug that targets mitochondrial function

A newly developed compound starves cancer cells by attacking their "power plants" - the so-called mitochondria. The new compound prevents the genetic information within mitochondria from being read.

23 Dec 2020

Novel amplification-free rapid SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection platform based on HC-FIA

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid and accurate nucleic acid detection at the point of care.

11 Dec 2020

Study reveals novel dimension in the study of protein-protein interactions

Many proteins are required to maintain the structure, and to preserve the genetic integrity, of DNA. Sliding clamps are proteins that increase the efficiency of DNA replication.

11 Dec 2020

Sensitive testing system allows rapid and reliable detection of resistance in bacteria

Researchers from the University of Basel have developed a sensitive testing system that allows the rapid and reliable detection of resistance in bacteria.

8 Dec 2020

New study refutes a major cellular process in bacteria

Despite explanations in textbooks, a new study has discovered and elucidated a cellular process that has continued to remain a mystery for researchers.

30 Nov 2020

Polβ enzyme prevents breakdown of DNA in the hippocampus region

It's a fact of life that things break down. And when they do, whether it's your car, the roof, or a blocked artery, there are people who we can call to help with the repairs.

From Osaka University 12 Nov 2020

Genetic predispositions affect the efficacy of COVID-19 drugs

A paper recently uploaded to bioRxiv* aimed to utilize genome-wide CRISPR screening to identify genes involved in modulating the activity of COVID-19 drugs.

29 Oct 2020

Serologic testing of COVID-19 patients as an adjunct diagnostic method

A recent paper explored the possibility of using serologic testing as an adjunct diagnostic method in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

28 Oct 2020

Exploiting CRISPR systems for the fast detection of SARS-CoV-2

A paper published on medRxiv describes a repurposed type III CRISPR-Cas system that can detect the virus from nasopharyngeal swabs in less than an hour.

26 Oct 2020

Scientists explain the role of transcription factors in genetic diseases

Transcription factor proteins can be described as the light switches of the human genome. These proteins bind to DNA and allow genes to turn “on” or “off.”

26 Oct 2020

New technology rapidly diagnoses sickle cell disease

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have developed a new way to diagnose diseases of the blood like sickle cell disease with sensitivity and precision and in only one minute.

16 Oct 2020

Study shows neutralizing antibodies can protect against SARS-CoV-2 virus

In May, a fishing vessel exited a port and returned with the first-ever proof that neutralizing antibodies offer protection from being re-infected by SARS-CoV-2.

1 Sep 2020

New method accurately detects single gene mutation in a pool of 10,000 cells

Rare genetic mutations occurring in cells cannot be detected by existing sequencing techniques because these methods do not have the required sensitivity.

1 Sep 2020

Scientists identify complex enzyme that protects cells from constant DNA damage

A team of researchers have revealed the mechanism and 3D structure of a complex enzyme that guards cells against persistent DNA damage.

19 Aug 2020

Using genetic engineering to study evolutionary assimilation of foreign DNA in a new host

All life is subject to evolution in the form of mutations that change the DNA sequence of an organism's offspring, after which natural selection allows the 'fittest' mutants to survive and pass on their genes to future generations.

11 Aug 2020

Increased blood lead levels in children are linked to reduced expression of genes

Researchers have revealed a connection between methylation of genes implicated in heme synthesis and carcinogenesis and high blood lead levels in children, signifying a previously unfamiliar mechanism for lead poisoning.

10 Aug 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

Rapid laboratory test can aid in early diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients

A rapid laboratory test, the eosinophil count, readily obtained from a routine complete blood cell count (CBC) can aid in the early recognition of COVID-19 in patients, as well as provide prognostic information, according to new research in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

20 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

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