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
Ethological research in Hungary is most often associated with studies on dogs, largely due to the extensive work conducted by researchers at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University. However, recent methodological advancements are shifting the focus towards a less conventional model: the paradise fish. These small, vibrant fish offer unique advantages, such as ease of handling and … 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
Developmental biology is a fascinating field that explores the processes governing the growth, differentiation, and organization of cells into complex multicellular organisms. From the moment of fertilization, when a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, to the formation of fully functional organs and tissues, developmental biology seeks to unravel the intricate molecular, cellular, and … 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
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
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
Human genetics is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of inherited traits, genetic variation, and genetic disorders in humans. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the basics of inheritance and genetic inheritance patterns to the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diseases. Human genetics plays a crucial role in understanding the genetic … Read more
Marine biology is the scientific study of life in the oceans and other saltwater environments. It is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses various branches of biology, including ecology, physiology, genetics, and oceanography, to understand the complex interactions between marine organisms and their habitats. With over 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by oceans, marine biology … 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
Microbiology is the branch of biology that explores the world of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. These tiny life forms, invisible to the naked eye, play essential roles in ecosystems, human health, agriculture, industry, and environmental processes. Microbiology encompasses diverse areas of study, from microbial diversity and evolution to microbial ecology, … Read more
Genetics, the study of heredity and the molecular basis of life, represents a cornerstone of modern biology with profound implications for understanding biological diversity, human health, evolution, and biotechnological applications. At the core of genetics lies the exploration of genetic inheritance, the transmission of traits from parents to offspring, and the molecular mechanisms governing genetic … Read more