Genetics & Molecular Biology

The Imperfect Replacement For Human Embryonic Stem Cells

In the field of regenerative medicine, embryonic stem cells are considered the “mother cells” that can replace virtually any type of tissue that are damaged or lost as a result of injury of degenerative diseases[1, 2]. This could be attributed to the abili ...

Article - Jennifer Wong - May 10 2010 - 6:21pm

MiRNAs- How Viruses Manipulate Host Cells

A team of virologists have discovered important details about a genetic mechanism pathogenic viruses use to evade the immune systems of their hosts. They say their results could point the way to new treatments that use the viruses' own trick against t ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 22 2010 - 12:47pm

Effects Of Autism Reversible?

Researchers studying the differential expression of microRNA say they may have discovered a way to treat autism by reversing the effects of the disease. Taken together with recently published research regarding “DNA tagging” by methylation, they say their ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 23 2010 - 11:57am

Why The Primary Sequence Of Amino Acids In Any Polypeptide/Protein Is Fundamental To The Correct Functioning Of That Polypeptide/Protein

The primary structure of a protein also sometimes referred to as a polypeptide, is decided by sequences of amino acids. The amino acids are sequenced in a linear polypeptide chain which folds as it is being produced. it is this three- dimensional folded s ...

Article - Stephanie Reynolds - Apr 23 2010 - 9:44am

Biomarkers May Catch Multiple Sclerosis 9 Years Before It Strikes

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an equal opportunity destroyer. It attacks the central nervous system and eventually renders most patients disabled. Among its high-profile victims are celebrated cellist Jacqueline du Pre, whose career was ended by MS, and Joan ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 29 2010 - 11:14am

Stem Cell Study Reveals Genome-Wide Pause Button

A new study of embryonic stem cells shows that mammalian genes may all have a layer of control that acts like the pause button on your DVR, previously thought to be a peculiarity of particular genes. The research demonstrates that the infamous cancer gene ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 29 2010 - 1:40pm

MicroRNA Silence Cancer-Fighting Genes

Molecules called microRNA can silence genes that protect the genome from cancer-causing mutations, say Ohio State researchers writing in PNAS. Their study shows that microRNA-155 (miR-155) can inhibit the activity of genes that normally correct the damage ...

Article - News Staff - Apr 30 2010 - 11:25am

The Brain's Molecular Software

If you ever looked at the inside of a computer, you would find intricate wirings and connections. But the computer is essentially useless until you’ve downloaded all the necessary software and applications. In a way, this analogy could be applied to the wo ...

Article - Jennifer Wong - Dec 11 2012 - 1:12pm

Researchers Recover 43,000-Year-Old Mammoth Blood

Using ancient DNA preserved in bones from Siberian mammoths 25,000 to 43,000 years old, scientists have brought the primary component of the specimens' blood "back to life." The seven-year research effort, detailed this week in Nature Geneti ...

Article - News Staff - May 3 2010 - 1:15pm

Enzyme May Prevent Alcoholism By Causing Sleepiness

A variant of the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme ADH1B*3 is associated with reduced rates of alcohol dependence (AD), according to a study in Alcoholism: Clinical&Experimental Research. The enzyme variant appears to cause sedation and reduce the amount al ...

Article - News Staff - May 4 2010 - 4:53pm