All the cells of an organism share the same DNA sequence, but their functions, shapes or even lifespans vary greatly. This happens because each cell “reads” different chapters of the genome, thus producing alternative sets of proteins and embarking on different paths. Epigenetic regulation—DNA methylation is one of the most common mechanisms—is responsible for the […]

To analyze the genome or the genetic characteristics of a living organism, scientists typically rely on samples of millions of cells. The problem is that the DNA in each of our cells is not identical. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J https://ift.tt/3wIVaem

Researchers from Bochum and Osnabrück have gained new insights into the structure of the Ras protein, which acts as a molecular switch for cell growth and is involved in the development of cancer. With the help of fluorescence markings, they have demonstrated that the protein is deposited in a pair at the cell membrane, and […]

A team of researchers from the University of Aveiro and the University of Porto, both in Portugal, and the University of Birmingham in the U.K. has found that for humans, the brain and testis have the highest number of common proteins. In their paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Biology, the group describes […]

RNA sequencing is a powerful technology for studying cells and diseases. In particular, single-cell RNA sequencing helps uncover the heterogeneity and diversity of our body. This is the central technology of the “Human Cell Atlas” in its quest to map all human cells. However, single-cell RNA sequencing reaches its limits in very large projects, as […]

The mass of human chromosomes, which contain the instructions for life in nearly every cell of our bodies, has been measured with X-rays for the first time in a new study led by UCL researchers. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J https://ift.tt/3yT8QoY

Genetic disorders compromise the welfare of farm animals and have impacts on the production and management of these animals. One such way of reducing this risk is to map the genes responsible for different syndromes. However, until now, this has been a reactive process, with farmers alerting vets or breeding companies once a genetic disorder […]

Researchers from Zurich have developed a compact, energy-efficient device made from artificial neurons that is capable of decoding brainwaves. The chip uses data recorded from the brainwaves of epilepsy patients to identify which regions of the brain cause epileptic seizures. This opens up new perspectives for treatment. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J https://ift.tt/3wyT3tx

Urgent investment in new tools is needed to address major global losses of wheat crops which cost £22 billion per year. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J https://ift.tt/2QTLKgI