Genetics & Molecular Biology

Geographic Mosaic Theory And How Parasites Make Sex Worthwhile

There's a coevolutionary struggle between a New Zealand snail and its worm parasite but it ends up being sexually advantageous for the snail, whose females favor asexual reproduction in the absence of parasites, according to scientists who say their r ...

Article - News Staff - Jul 23 2009 - 2:35pm

Systems Biology: Asking The Wrong Questions

Talk to any molecular biologist, and you'll find that most of them feel that there is something that we're missing when we analyze complex biological systems. These systems are often too difficult to reason about verbally in any sort of detailed ...

Article - Michael White - Jul 24 2009 - 11:52am

Genetic Interactions Underlie Multi-Resistant Bacteria

As antibiotic resistances continue evolve in a smaller world they become a more difficult problem to eradicate. Acquisition of mutations is one of the ways by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. But this comes with a cost: although crucial for ...

Article - News Staff - Jul 23 2009 - 11:31pm

Mitochondria As Regulators Of The Cell Cycle

Pop Quiz: What is the role of the mitochondria in a cell? Until just a few days ago, the only correct answer to this question would have been #3. The mitochondria of a cell are well recognized as the powerhouses of the cell. They are the location where ene ...

Article - Michael Windelspecht - Jul 25 2009 - 7:56pm

My favorite article 1: 2004-Nature-Functional genomic hypothesis generation and experimentation by a robot scientist

Abstract: The question of whether it is possible to automate the scientific process is of both great theoretical interest and increasing practical importance because, in many scientific areas, data are being generated much faster than they can be effectiv ...

Blog Post - Chao Xu - Jul 27 2009 - 1:39am

In Vitro Fertilization Caution- Mouse Study Shows Altered Gene Expression Related To Metabolism

Millions of children, as many as 2% of all births in the U.S. and Europe, have been born to couples with fertility problems through assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because it is a newer field, relatively little resear ...

Article - News Staff - Jul 27 2009 - 3:42pm

Enzyme Modification May Lead To 'Corrective' Genes

Genetic disease such as leukemia are a big target in 21st century science thanks to advancements in our understanding of how the body works.   Some of our treatments, like chemotherapy, are rather brute force in their solution.   Now scientists from the Un ...

Article - News Staff - Jul 28 2009 - 11:35am

Artificial Golgi Organelle Lab On A Chip Device Could Be Heparin Breakthrough

Scientists in New York and North Carolina say they have assembled the first functioning prototype of an artificial Golgi organelle, a key structure inside cells which helps process and package hormones, enzymes, and other substances that allow the body to ...

Article - News Staff - Jul 29 2009 - 12:05pm

'DNA Signature' Found In Human Sperm

Scientists say they have discovered a unique 'DNA signature' in human sperm, which may act as a key that unlocks an egg's fertility and triggers new life.  Drs David Miller and David Iles from the University of Leeds, in collaboration with D ...

Article - News Staff - Aug 3 2009 - 11:46am

Molecular Switches May Mean Biologically Based Sensors

Our cells are controlled by billions of molecular 'switches' that react to our environment.  All creatures, from bacteria to humans, must monitor their environments in order to survive. They do so with biomolecular switches, made from RNA or prot ...

Article - News Staff - Aug 3 2009 - 6:23pm