3 Questions: Phillip Sharp on the discoveries that enabled mRNA vaccines for Covid-19
Curiosity-driven basic science in the 1970s laid the groundwork for today’s leading vaccines against the novel coronavirus.
Explained: Why RNA vaccines for Covid-19 raced to the front of the pack
Many years of research have enabled scientists to quickly synthesize RNA vaccines and deliver them inside cells.
Down syndrome symposium highlights clinical, fundamental progress
Speakers describe studies to address Alzheimer’s disease, sleep apnea, and to advance fundamental discoveries in cell and chromosome biology.
Regulating the regulators
Tiny microRNAs help destroy unwanted messenger RNAs in cells. New research finds how the body keeps them in check.
Silencing gene expression to cure complex diseases
Immuneering uses bioinformatics to develop new medicines while also helping large pharmaceutical companies improve their treatments.
To make mini-organs grow faster, give them a squeeze
Study finds that compressing cells, and crowding their contents, can coax them to grow and divide.
Alzheimer’s risk gene disrupts endocytosis, but another disease-linked gene could help
Astrocytes with the APOE4 gene variant show deficits of a key cellular function, but overexpressing the gene PICALM overcame the defect.
Nanoparticles can turn off genes in bone marrow cells
Using these new particles, researchers could develop treatments for heart disease and other conditions.
Neuroscientists discover a molecular mechanism that allows memories to form
Modifications to chromosomes in “engram” neurons control the encoding and retrieval of memories.
New gene regulation model provides insight into brain development
A well-known protein family binds to many more RNA sequences than previously thought in order to help neurons grow.
Scientists discover new rules about “runaway” transcription
Findings related to bacterial gene expression overturn fundamental assumptions about basic biological pathways.
Bringing RNA into genomics
ENCODE consortium identifies RNA sequences that are involved in regulating gene expression.
3 Questions: Seychelle Vos on detangling DNA
An unconventional geneticist uses cryogenic electron microscopy and crystallography to understand gene expression and cell fate.
HIV genome bends over backwards to help virus take over cells
Differently shaped RNA molecules allow HIV to express different genes from the same RNA sequence.
Historic migration patterns are written in Americans' DNA
Genetic, geographic, and demographic data from more than 30,000 Americans reveal more genetic diversity within ancestry groups than previously thought.