Sugar molecule found in DNA could be floating in deep space
NASA-led study sheds light on the possibility of these molecules being scattered across the universe, potentially aiding life forms on other planets
DNA as history and sophistry
Genetics is only giving us some clues about our identity and lineage
Did ancient Americans settle in Polynesia? The evidence doesn’t stack up
Indigenous Americans have no history of open ocean voyaging. Similarly, there is no archaeological evidence of pre-Polynesian occupation on any …
Botswana is humanity’s ancestral home, claims major study – well, actually …
Mitochondrial DNA comes almost only ever from mothers, so the story of its inheritance is much simpler than the histories of other genes
Messengers of the gods: 1,400-year religious protection of sika deer in Japan’s Nara have made them genetically unique
Deer around the shrine were found to have unique mitochondrial DNA, which is passed only from mother to offspring
Here come the gene hackers
Interventions to make heritable changes to the human genome are fraught with uncertainties. There are legitimate concerns about using a still …
Genes might be useful while treating kidney diseases
New study shows how genetic testing could be used to personalise diagnosis and manage kidney disease
The DNA of a flawed Bill
A new Bill, if passed, will allow the government to collect and use DNA samples of suspected criminals as well as civilians, leaving the …
Fighting rhino poaching in India, CSI-style
A tool developed in South Africa could help catch poachers in India
Scientists find new nano-drug delivery route for chemotherapy
Researchers from IISER, Thiruvananthapuram, fabricated a 3-component nano-drug delivery system that targets cancer cells specifically and …
In-depth: What ails India’s coronavirus genome sequencing system
The country sequenced only 0.2% samples till date, one of the lowest in the world
Genomic sequencing: Here’s how researchers identify omicron and other COVID-19 variants
When an organism replicates, it makes a copy of its entire genome to pass on to its offspring. Sometimes errors in the copying process can lead …
Genetic secrets of peanut varieties unveiled
Scientists found that its sequence was comparable in size to that of the human genome
Scientists are on a path to sequencing 1 million human genomes, use big data to unlock genetic secrets
If researchers wanted to understand humanity in all its diversity, it would take sequencing thousands or millions of complete genomes. Now, a …
One drop of sunscreen can damage a fragile coral reef system, says report
A chemical found in these creams and lotions not only kills the corals but also causes DNA damage in both adults and larvae
HIV can be edited out of genome
Unlike currently available drugs, a new technology provides tool to target dormant HIV in the body
Nobel prize: Svante Pääbo’s ancient DNA discoveries offer clues as to what makes us human
Pääbo sequenced genomes of our extinct relatives Neanderthals and Denisovans; These discoveries resulted in novel insights into human …
Sexism pushed Rosalind Franklin toward the scientific sidelines during her short life, but her work still shines on her 100th birthday
Franklin’s greatest and most enduring legacy is the many women who have been inspired by her example to pursue scientific carriers
A million-year-old marine DNA can reveal how climate change will affect Antarctica
New form of analysis helps scientists study long-term responses of ocean ecosystems
Victims of Bhopal gas tragedy continue to suffer damage in their DNA: new study
An increase in chromosomal aberrations was seen even in those who were not exposed or moderately exposed to the gas, shows the study
You shed DNA everywhere you go, raising ethical questions about privacy
Trace samples in the water, sand and air are enough to identify who you are
Unavoidable presence
International Day for Biological Diversity 2020: Why viruses are necessary
Possible solution to antimicrobial resistance, organ protection are some beneficial roles viruses play
Tannery workers in Kanpur risk DNA damage
Trivalent chromium, widely used in tanning industry, and thought to be harmless found to be the culprit
What genes do we share with fruit flies, roundworms?
Study comparing the human genome with that of fruit flies and roundworms can offer insights into how the information in the human genome …
