'Jumping genes' help fungus kill salamanders
A fungus that infects salamanders contains multiple copies of the same "jumping genes", scientists have discovered.
Evolution
Jan 4, 2023
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Page 2 - News tagged with transposons
Genetic 'hitchhikers' can be directed using CRISPR
In a new study, North Carolina State University researchers characterize a range of molecular tools to rewrite—not just edit—large chunks of an organism's DNA, based on CRISPR-Cas systems associated with selfish genetic ...
Biotechnology
Nov 21, 2022
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119
Biologists track DNA 'parasites' in the hunt for disease treatments
They are considered "parasitic genes." Even though they comprise over half of human DNA, much remains to be learned about them. Now University of California, Irvine biologists offer new insights into these entities known ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Aug 23, 2022
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173
How highly resistant strains of fungi emerge
An international research team has deciphered the mechanism by which the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is resistant to fungus-specific drugs. It is a yeast-like fungus that can infect humans. Specific drugs, named antifungals, ...
Cell & Microbiology
Aug 3, 2022
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47
Researchers find 'genetic baggage' accumulates in the genomes of aging mutant animals
You are probably familiar with the term that some people carry "a lot of extra baggage." Usually that term refers to that person's emotional history, but in genetics and our genomes, "extra baggage" can also describe the ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Mar 3, 2022
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94
When two worlds meet: A protease that controls small RNA activity
The protection of genome integrity of germ cells is essential for animal fertility. Researchers from the Grosshans group characterized a defense mechanism against selfish genetic elements in the C. elegans germline. They ...
Cell & Microbiology
Apr 14, 2021
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65
'Jumping genes' repeatedly form new genes over evolution
In the same way that Lego pieces can be arranged in new ways to build a variety of structures, genetic elements can be mixed and matched to create new genes, according to new research.
Evolution
Feb 22, 2021
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48
Not a living fossil: How the Coelacanth recently evolved dozens of new genes
The capture of the first living Coelacanth, a mighty ocean predator, off the coast of South Africa caused quite a stir in 1938, 65 million years after its supposed extinction. It became known as a "living fossil" owing to ...
Evolution
Feb 9, 2021
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6792
Protecting the genome from transposon activation
Transposons are foreign DNA elements capable of random insertion into the genome, an event that can be very dangerous for a cell. Their activity must be silenced to maintain genomic integrity, which is primarily achieved ...
Biotechnology
Jan 15, 2021
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28
Researchers find that a type of RNA monitors the genome to help ensure its integrity
Deep inside your cells, DNA provides the instructions to produce proteins, the essential molecules that grow and maintain your body.
Cell & Microbiology
Nov 17, 2020
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