Newly discovered protein prevents DNA triplication

Every time a cell divides, its DNA is duplicated so that the two daughter cells have the same genetic material as their parent. This means that, millions of times a day, a biochemical wonder takes place in the body: the copying ...

Tracking molecules at turbo speed

Microbiologists and biophysicists from the University of Bonn have developed a method that makes the high-throughput process for observing molecules five times faster, enabling insights to be gained into hitherto unknown ...

Greener neighborhoods can protect us—at the cellular level

A new study finds that greenspace—the vegetation in a neighborhood's yards, parks and public spaces—has a positive impact on a key genetic marker associated with exposure to stress. However, the study also finds that ...

Remnant of cell division could be responsible for spreading cancer

Once thought to be the trash can of the cell, a little bubble of cellular stuff called the midbody remnant is actually packing working genetic material with the power to change the fate of other cells—including turning ...

X-file cracked: Mini-key determines DNA shape

We finally know why our DNA has an X shape. This finding by researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute may have much broader implications for how our cells behave. "It looks like we have uncovered a universal mechanism ...

Can we live longer? Physicist makes discovery about telomeres

With the aid of physics and a minuscule magnet, researchers have discovered a new structure of telomeric DNA. Telomeres are sometimes seen as the key to living longer. They protect genes from damage but get a bit shorter ...

How cells correct errors under time pressure

How does a cell balance risk and speed when dividing? EPFL scientists have developed and experimentally tested the first mathematical theory that describes the cell's best strategy for dividing safely and efficiently.

page 1 from 3