Scientists have discovered that the most widely-used class of antifungals in the world causes pathogens to self-destruct. The University of Exeter-led research could help improve ways to protect food security and human lives. Fungal diseases account for the loss of up to a quarter of the world’s crops. They also pose a risk to humans … Read more
Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals, their behavior, physiology, classification, evolution, and distribution. It encompasses a vast array of organisms, from microscopic protozoa to large mammals, and explores the diversity of life on Earth. Zoologists investigate the structure, function, ecology, and behavior of animals in order to understand … 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
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
A perplexing problem for people with recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) is persistent pain, even after antibiotics have successfully cleared the bacteria. Now Duke Health researchers have identified the likely cause—an overgrowth of nerve cells in the bladder. The finding, appearing March 1 in the journal Science Immunology, provides a potential new approach to managing … Read more
A recent study by an international research team has unveiled an exciting discovery about how our cells defend themselves during stressful situations. The research, published in EMBO Reports, shows that a tiny modification in the genetic material, called ac4C, acts as a crucial defender, helping cells create protective storage units known as stress granules. These … Read more
Early in the development of sperm, a strange event happens: the X and Y chromosomes condense into tight packages and are sequestered away from the other 44 human chromosomes. If any part of this process goes awry, the cells cannot mature into sperm. Researchers in the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences have now identified … Read more
Plant leaves come in many different shapes, sizes and complexities. Some leaves are large and smooth, while others are smaller and serrated. Some leaves grow in single pieces while others form multiple leaflets. These variations in leaf structure play a crucial role in how plants adapt—and survive—in different environments. “Plant morphology is diverse in nature,” … Read more
Pancreatic cancer is the No. 3 cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and only 12% of patients survive five years after being diagnosed. Severe pancreatic cancer is associated with metastasis, and it is this spread of secondary tumors that usually causes death, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms that drive metastasis. … Read more
The study of genetics is a fascinating exploration into the inheritance of traits from one generation to the next. At the heart of this intricate web of heredity lies the distinction between dominant and recessive genes, two crucial concepts that shape the genetic landscape. Genes are segments of DNA that encode instructions for building and … Read more
Investigators from the laboratory of Ali Shilatifard, Ph.D., the Robert Francis Furchgott Professor and chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, have discovered a new repeat gene cluster sequence that is exclusively expressed in humans and non-human primates. The discovery, detailed in a study published in Science Advances, is a breakthrough for human genome biology and … Read more
Our DNA is not indestructible. Throughout the course of our lives, DNA can break in response to natural and environmental factors. Thankfully, our bodies have dedicated enzymes and pathways which can glue our broken DNA back together through several different mechanisms, known as DNA repair pathways. Some cancers, however, can hijack these pathways for their … Read more
The sub-tropical islands of Okinawa in Japan boast some of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems, with seagrass beds and coral reefs teeming with life. With over 360 species of coral alone, these delicate underwater ecosystems offer a haven for numerous animal species. Recently, a collaborative effort involving researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and … Read more
In the lush Atlantic forest of Brazil, Northern muriquis, a critically endangered species of monkey, face an uncertain future. Understanding their mating behaviors is crucial for their survival. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Wisconsin–Madison embarked on a unique journey, delving into the monkeys’ poop to unravel the secrets … Read more
Scientists from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have conducted a study on a transporter involved in cancer and immunity. By capturing six different structures of the transporter, including its binding to an inhibitor, the researchers have gained unprecedented insights into its structure and function. This breakthrough, published … Read more