UK Scientists Begin Work on Artificial Human DNA

A team of researchers in the UK has started an ambitious new scientific project: to create an artificial human genome entirely from scratch. 

Study reveals 'switch-like' behavior for hundreds of genes with links to human disease

Gene expression, where cells use the genetic information encoded in DNA to produce proteins, has been thought of as a dimmer light.

Thousands of Undiscovered Genes May Be Hidden in DNA 'Dark Matter'

Combining several existing datasets, scientists zeroed in on thousands of potential new genes that make roughly 3,000 miniproteins.

An easier-to-use technique for storing data in DNA is inspired by our cells

Encoding information in DNA has long seemed like a promising way to secure data for the long term, but so far it has required an expert touch.

High-potency cannabis use leaves a distinct mark on DNA

Knowing how high-potency cannabis alters gene activity may bring us closer to understanding why some users develop psychosis.

Scientists Discover 'Skinny Genes' That Make It Easier to Lose Weight

Scientists have recently discovered 14 'skinny' genes that could influence how individuals lost weight in response to exercise.

DNA "computer" solves sudoku and stores millions of GB for millennia

A full DNA computer is a step closer, thanks to a new technology that could store petabytes of data in DNA for thousands or even millions of years. The system can also process data, as demonstrated by solving sudoku puzzles.

Neanderthal DNA Exists in Humans, But One Piece Is Mysteriously Missing

The Homo sapiens genome today contains a little bit of Neanderthal DNA. These genetic traces come from almost every part of the Neanderthal genome – except the Y sex chromosome, which is responsible for making males.

How Tardigrades Can Survive Intense Radiation

Tardigrades dramatically increase expression of certain DNA repair transcripts in response to ionizing radiation.

What octopus DNA tells us about Antarctic ice sheet collapse

This direct historical connection suggests that around 125,000 years ago, the massive 2.2 million cubic kilometer West Antarctic Ice Sheet that separates the two bays had fully collapsed into the sea.

A New Way Our DNA Can Make Novel Genes From Scratch

Researchers from Finland's University of Helsinki found that certain single mutations produce palindromes, which read the same backward and forward. Under the right circumstances, these can evolve into microRNA (miRNA) genes.

Electricity From Electric Eels May Transfer Genetic Material To Nearby Animals

The electric eel is the biggest power-making creature on Earth. It can release up to 860 volts, which is enough to run a machine. In a recent study, Japanese researchers found electric eels can release enough electricity to genetically modify small fish larvae. 

Step forward for massive DNA computer systems

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University has demonstrated a DNA computer that can solve quadratic equations with 30 logic gates.

Discovery of world's oldest DNA breaks record by one million years

Microscopic fragments of environmental DNA were found in Ice Age sediment in northern Greenland. Researchers discovered the fragments that are one million years older than the previous record for DNA.

Ancient DNA From 1 Million Years Ago Discovered in Antarctica

Technically referred to as sedaDNA – for sedimentary ancient DNA – the recovered samples are likely to prove useful in the ongoing efforts to understand how climate change could affect Antarctica in the future.