A team from the Innovative Genomics Institute at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) has produced an increase in gene expression in a food crop by changing its upstream regulatory DNA. While other studies have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing to knock out or decrease the expression of genes, new research published in Science Advances is the … Read more
Archaeologists have discovered evidence for the earliest cattle herds in northern Europe, at the site of Swifterbant in the Netherlands. Using a combination of zoological, botanical, and biochemical methods, they investigated the emergence of farming in northern Europe and found that, not only are these the earliest known domestic cattle, they were also managed in … Read more
An international team of scientists has uncovered toxic metals in mineral phosphate fertilizers worldwide by using a new tool to identify the spread and impact of such contaminants on soil, water resources, and food supply. “While mineral phosphate fertilizers are critical to boost global sustainable agriculture and food security, we found high levels of toxic … Read more
Microbial genetics is a specialized field within genetics that focuses on the study of genetic mechanisms in bacteria and archaea, collectively referred to as microorganisms or microbes. These single-celled organisms play crucial roles in various ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, biogeochemical processes, symbiotic relationships, and human health. Microbial genetics explores the diversity, evolution, regulation, and … Read more
Systems biology is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand biological systems as integrated networks of components, processes, and interactions, rather than isolated parts. It combines principles from biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and other disciplines to analyze complex biological phenomena at multiple scales, from molecular and cellular levels to tissues, organs, organisms, populations, and … Read more
Evolutionary genetics is a field of study that explores genetic changes within populations and species over generations, elucidating the mechanisms and processes driving evolutionary processes. It integrates principles from genetics, molecular biology, population genetics, and evolutionary biology to understand how genetic variation, mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and other factors shape the genetic … Read more
Plant genetics encompasses the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in plants, including their breeding, genetic modification, inheritance patterns, molecular mechanisms, and applications in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and biotechnology. Understanding plant genetics is essential for improving crop traits, developing new crop varieties, enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and addressing global challenges such as … Read more
Gene editing technologies have revolutionized the field of molecular biology and genetics by providing powerful tools to precisely modify DNA sequences, study gene functions, correct genetic mutations, and engineer biological systems. Among the most widely used and transformative gene editing technologies is CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and its associated protein, Cas (CRISPR-associated … Read more
Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the study and preservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and the natural environment. It integrates principles from ecology, genetics, evolutionary biology, population biology, biogeography, and environmental science to address conservation challenges, mitigate biodiversity loss, protect endangered species, restore habitats, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. Conservation biology … Read more
Genomics is a field of biology that focuses on the study of genomes, which are the complete sets of genetic material (DNA) present in an organism. Genomics encompasses a wide range of disciplines, techniques, and methodologies aimed at mapping genomes, analyzing genetic variation, understanding gene function, and elucidating the genetic basis of traits, diseases, and … Read more
Bioinformatics is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, mathematics, and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data. It plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of complex biological systems, from genomics and proteomics to evolutionary biology and drug discovery. By leveraging computational tools and algorithms, bioinformatics enables researchers to extract meaningful insights … Read more
Plant anatomy is the study of plant structure at cellular and tissue levels. Plant tissues, such as meristematic, dermal, ground, and vascular tissues, each perform distinct functions crucial for plant growth, support, and survival. Meristematic tissue drives growth, while dermal tissue protects against environmental stresses. Ground tissue aids in photosynthesis and storage, while vascular tissue … Read more
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. It can affect virtually any part of the body and is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The genetics of cancer play a crucial role in understanding its causes, development, progression, and potential treatments. Genetic Basis of … Read more
The history of life on Earth spans billions of years, from the formation of our planet to the evolution of diverse life forms. This epic tale of biological evolution is intertwined with geological events, environmental changes, extinction events, and the emergence of complex organisms. The story of life on Earth is a testament to the … Read more
Molecular biology is a branch of biology that explores the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, at the molecular level. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, methodologies, and disciplines aimed at understanding biological processes, genetic information flow, gene expression, cellular functions, and molecular mechanisms underlying life. … Read more
Botany, the scientific study of plants, encompasses a vast array of topics ranging from plant structure and function to their evolutionary history, ecological interactions, and economic importance. Plants are essential for life on Earth, serving as the primary producers in ecosystems, providing oxygen, food, shelter, and numerous other resources for humans and other organisms. The … Read more
Plant physiology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of how plants function, grow, develop, and respond to their environment. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including plant anatomy, biochemistry, metabolism, genetics, reproduction, and interactions with biotic and abiotic factors. Understanding plant physiology is essential for agriculture, forestry, ecology, environmental science, … Read more
Virology is the scientific study of viruses, their structure, function, evolution, and interactions with host organisms. Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that can infect a wide range of living organisms, from bacteria and archaea to plants, animals, and humans. They are unique entities that straddle the boundary between living and non-living, as they require host … Read more
Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field that harnesses biological processes and systems to develop innovative solutions for various applications in medicine and industry. It encompasses a diverse range of techniques, including genetic engineering, fermentation, and cell culture, to manipulate biological systems for practical purposes. Biotechnology has revolutionized healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and industrial manufacturing, offering … Read more
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that serves as the blueprint of life, carrying the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. Its structure and function are essential components of molecular biology and genetics, providing insights into the fundamental processes that govern life on Earth. DNA Structure The … Read more