Contact: Alex Reid alexander.reid@tufts.edu 617-688-2753 Tufts University Changing bioelectric signals a key to halting tumor growth MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, Mass. (February 1, 2013) Biologists at Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences have discovered a bioelectric signal that can identify cells that… Read More ›
Messenger RNA
‘Junk DNA’ drives embryonic development
Contact: Heather Buschman, Ph.D. hbuschman@sanfordburnham.org 858-795-5343 Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute Sanford-Burnham researchers discover that microRNAs play an important role in germ layer formation—the process that determines which cells become which organs during embryonic development IMAGE: These are… Read More ›
Cordyceps could have anti-flammatory benefits
Contact: Lindsay Brooke lindsay.brooke@nottingham.ac.uk 44-011-595-15751 University of Nottingham Rare parasitic fungi could have anti-flammatory benefits Caterpillar fungi (Cordyceps) are rare parasites found on hibernating caterpillars in the mountains of Tibet. For centuries they have been highly prized as a traditional… Read More ›
Tenth of Quirky Creature’s Active Genes Are Foreign: Believed to ‘Ingest’ DNA from Other Simple Organisms
Bdelloid rotifer. Alan Tunnacliffe said: “We were thrilled when we discovered that nearly 10 per cent of bdelloids’ active genes are foreign, adding to the weirdness of an already odd little creature.” (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Cambridge) ScienceDaily… Read More ›
Humans, Chimpanzees and Monkeys Share DNA but Not Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
Chimpanzee. Humans share over 90% of their DNA with their primate cousins. The expression or activity patterns of genes differ across species in ways that help explain each species’ distinct biology and behavior. (Credit: © davemhuntphoto / Fotolia) ScienceDaily (Nov…. Read More ›
From vitro to vivo: Fully automated design of synthetic RNA circuits in living cells
From vitro to vivo: Fully automated design of synthetic RNA circuits in living cells September 14, 2012 by Stuart Mason Dambrot Schemes of methodology and designs. (A) Thermodynamic scheme of RNA interaction, showing the different free energies at play and… Read More ›
Binding sites for LIN28 protein found in thousands of human genes
Contact: Debra Kain ddkain@ucsd.edu 619-543-6163 University of California – San Diego Protein expression also causes changes in gene splicing IMAGE:This is Gene Yeo, Ph.D. Click here for more information. A study led by researchers at the UC San Diego Stem… Read More ›
Viruses with integrated gene switch
Contact: Dr. Sibylle Kohlstädt s.kohlstaedt@dkfz.de Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres Numerous viruses are used in the service of science today. They serve as gene taxis to transfer therapeutic genes into body cells or as therapeutic viruses targeted to infect… Read More ›