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Categories: Biology: Cell Biology, Mathematics: Puzzles
Published How a natural compound from sea squirts combats cancer



Trabectedin, a promising drug derived from the sea squirt Ecteinascidia turbinata, has shown potential in combating cancers resistant to conventional treatments. However, its precise mechanism of action has remained elusive -- until now.
Published A coral superhighway in the Indian Ocean



Despite being scattered across more than a million square kilometers, new research has revealed that remote coral reefs across the Seychelles are closely related. Using genetic analyses and oceanographic modelling, researchers demonstrated for the first time that a network of ocean currents scatter significant numbers of larvae between these distant islands, acting as a 'coral superhighway.'
Published Gene flow in giraffes and what it means for their conservation



Giraffes, with their bizarre body plan, have always held a special place in the minds of evolutionary biologists and non-experts alike. In a new study whole-genome sequencing data was used to investigate the evolutionary processes occurring within giraffes. In particular, the authors were interested in establishing whether different populations of giraffes really have been isolated from each other for extended periods of time, which is normally a requirement before new species can arise.
Published Study illuminates the protective role of fluorescence in neon-colored sea anemones



A team of researchers has uncovered a direct genetic link between fluorescence and color in sea anemones -- those soft and tentacled tide pool creatures often encountered by beachgoers.
Published New study reveals transgenerational effects of pesticide linuron on frogs



Grand-offspring of male frogs exposed to the pesticide linuron exhibited changes in their DNA that was linked to significant physiological impacts, a study reveals. The research highlights the profound transgenerational consequences of environmental pollution on amphibian populations, which are already under threat of extinction.
Published Researchers uncover protein responsible for cold sensation



Researchers have identified the protein that enables mammals to sense cold, filling a long-standing knowledge gap in the field of sensory biology.
Published Muscaris grapes: Molecular secret of lychee note revealed



Researchers have succeeded in identifying the odorants responsible for the characteristic lychee note of Muscaris grapes.
Published Anemonefish are better taxonomists than humans



Scientists reveal new lineages of giant sea anemones in Japan and their surprising associations with anemonefish.
Published 'Molecular Rosetta Stone' reveals how our microbiome talks to us



Researchers have uncovered thousands of previously unknown bile acids, a type of molecule used by our gut microbiome to communicate with the rest of the body.
Published Research sheds light on new strategy to treat infertility



New research describes the science behind a promising technique to treat infertility by turning a skin cell into an egg that is capable of producing viable embryos. The technique could be used by women of advanced maternal age or for those who are unable to produce viable eggs due to previous treatment for cancer or other causes. It also raises the possibility of men in same-sex relationships having children who are genetically related to both parents.
Published New study discovers how altered protein folding drives multicellular evolution



Researchers have discovered a mechanism steering the evolution of multicellular life. They identified how altered protein folding drives multicellular evolution.
Published Mutation solves a century-old mystery in meiosis



A team deciphers complicated mechanism underlying genetic diversity.
Published Researchers develop artificial building blocks of life



For the first time, scientists have developed artificial nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, with several additional properties in the laboratory.
Published Researchers open new leads in anti-HIV drug development, using a compound found in nature



A team of researchers has successfully modified a naturally occurring chemical compound in the lab, resulting in advanced lead compounds with anti-HIV activity.
Published Vitamin A may play a central role in stem cell biology and wound repair



Retinoic acid, the active state of Vitamin A, appears to regulate how stem cells enter and exit a transient state central to their role in wound repair.
Published How does a virus hijack insect sperm to control disease vectors and pests?



A widespread bacteria called Wolbachia and a virus that it carries can cause sterility in male insects by hijacking their sperm, preventing them from fertilizing eggs of females that do not have the same combination of bacteria and virus. A new study has uncovered how this microbial combination manipulates sperm, which could lead to refined techniques to control populations of agricultural pests and insects that carry diseases like Zika and dengue to humans.
Published The Malaria parasite generates genetic diversity using an evolutionary 'copy-paste' tactic



All modern Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite in humans, are descendants of one initial infection and so are very closely related, with relatively limited genetic differences. A long-standing mystery in the field has revolved around a very few locations in the P. falciparum genome where there are 'spikes' of mutations -- far more than anywhere else. Researchers have identified two genes in which these unusual mutation spikes result from DNA being copied and pasted from one gene to another.
Published First atom-level structure of packaged viral genome reveals new properties, dynamics



A computational model of the more than 26 million atoms in a DNA-packed viral capsid expands our understanding of virus structure and DNA dynamics, insights that could provide new research avenues and drug targets researchers report.
Published Children surpass a year of HIV remission after treatment pause



Four children have remained free of detectable HIV for more than one year after their antiretroviral therapy (ART) was paused to see if they could achieve HIV remission, according to new research. The children, who acquired HIV before birth, were enrolled in a clinical trial in which an ART regimen was started within 48 hours of birth and then closely monitored for drug safety and HIV viral suppression. The outcomes reported today follow planned ART interruptions once the children met predefined virological and immunological criteria.
Published Cracking epigenetic inheritance: Biologists discovered the secrets of how gene traits are passed on



A research team has recently made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the DNA copying machine helps pass on epigenetic information to maintain gene traits at each cell division. Understanding how this coupled mechanism could lead to new treatments for cancer and other epigenetic diseases by targeting specific changes in gene activity.