Reading DNA, backward and forward
MIT biologists reveal how cells control the direction in which the genome is read.
Patterning graphene with DNA
Folded DNA templates allow researchers to precisely cut out graphene shapes, which could be used in electronic circuits.
Cardiac development needs more than protein-coding genes
Biologists find that long non-coding RNA molecules are necessary to regulate differentiation of embryonic stem cells into cardiac cells.
Putting the squeeze on cells
By deforming cells, researchers can deliver RNA, proteins and nanoparticles for many applications.
Editing the genome with high precision
New method allows scientists to insert multiple genes in specific locations, delete defective genes.
Deciphering the language of transcription factors
A new method identifies the precise binding sites of transcription factors — proteins that regulate the production of other proteins — with 10 times the accuracy of its predecessors.
Researchers identify biochemical functions for most of the human genome
New map provides a reference for interpreting function of disease-associated regions.
Study identifies enzymes needed to mend tissue damage after inflammation
Findings may help predict colon cancer risk for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
A new look at prolonged radiation exposure
MIT study suggests that at low dose-rate, radiation poses little risk to DNA.
Pinpointing how antibiotics work
Team uncovers mechanism that produces fatal DNA damage in bacteria.
Getting to the root of genetics
Manolis Kellis uses computational techniques to decipher human disease.
Study shows unified process of evolution in bacteria and sexual eukaryotes
A single gene mutation can sweep through a population, opening the door for the concept of ‘species’ in bacteria.
Predicting how proteins will partner
Amy Keating models critical interactions that underlie most cellular functions.
Metabolic errors can spell doom for DNA
New study could explain why variant enzymes boost the risk of cancer for some people.
3 Questions: Evelyn Fox Keller on the nature-nurture debates
In a new book, prominent historian of science dismisses the ‘unanswerable’ question of whether heredity or the environment matter more in human development.