DNA : Science World Report

May 26, 2015 11:15 AM EDT

Overweight Teens Are Twice As Likely To Develop Bowel Cancer When They Get Older

New findings published in the journal Gut look at how being overweight can double a teen's risk of developing bowl cancer by the time he or she has hit middle age.

Apr 08, 2015 08:14 AM EDT

How Life Spawned: The Spontaneous Appearance of Primordial DNA

Scientists have found that the self-organization properties of DNA-like molecular fragments four billion years ago may have guided their own growth into repeating chemical chains long enough to act as a basis for primitive life.

Mar 05, 2015 11:47 PM EST

How Much Of A Role Do Genetics Play In Autism?

Previous studies have linked an increased risk of the behavioral health issue, Autism, to numerous environmental health conditions. However, a recent study links genetic makeup to 74 to 98 percent of cases.

Feb 27, 2015 06:54 AM EST

Legume DNA Reveals Secrets to Hardier, Drought-Resistant Crops

Are our climate changes, scientists are examining new strains of crops to see which ones are the hardiest. Now some of the most underappreciated crops could become the most valuable tools in agriculture.

Feb 13, 2015 11:05 AM EST

'Fossilized' DNA May Store Humanity's Knowledge for Over a Million Years

Imagine using DNA to store knowledge--not just genetic knowledge, but also information about culture and technology. Now, scientists have found that it may be possible to use DNA to store large amounts of information in a compact manner.

Feb 06, 2015 07:10 PM EST

Is Our DNA Psychic? Telomeres Show Us Our Lifespan

Our DNA says a lot about us. In fact, we are composed of our DNA. Yet did you know Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that encodes the genetic instructions in the development of living organisms and viruses, can also give a hint about the length of our lifespan?

Feb 06, 2015 09:07 AM EST

Killer Whale Victim Identified by Biologists with New DNA Evidence

Observers on a NOAA Fisheries marine mammal survey watched as a pod of killer whales killed a marine animal, leaving only its lungs and heart behind. Now, scientists have learned exactly what the whales killed and then ate with DNA evidence.

Jan 22, 2015 07:00 AM EST

New Biological Safety Lock Prevents GMOs from Escaping the Lab

When it comes to genetically modified organisms, testing is crucial. Because they're biological, it's important to contain them both physically and genetically. Now, scientists have created a method to cause genetically modified biological organisms to die if released from the lab into the "wild."

Jan 20, 2015 11:37 AM EST

Build-A-Baby: Scientists Stress that 'Designer Baby' Discussion Should Happen

Genetics studies are moving forward by leaps and bounds and now, we may just be entering the age of "designer babies." Tony Perry, a pioneer in cloning, has announced that he's managed precise DNA editing at the moment of conception in mice.

Jan 19, 2015 09:08 AM EST

Scientists Analyze Ancient DNA from Extinct Giant Kangaroos in Australia

Most of us are familiar with the kangaroos of today, but did you know that giant kangaroos once existed in Australia? Now, scientists have managed to extract DNA from this extinct animal, which once roamed the continent 40,000 years ago.

Jan 12, 2015 12:52 PM EST

The Origins of Maize: DNA Tests Reveal Two Paths

Maize is one of the staples of the Americas and now, scientists are learning a bit more about its ancient history. Researchers have analyzed the DNA of corn cobs and have found that maize actually followed two paths into the southwest.

Dec 17, 2014 10:45 AM EST

Ancient DNA Reveals Why Gorilla-sized Lemurs Became Extinct on Madagascar

Ancient DNA may explain why giant lemurs became extinct. Scientists have taken a closer look at the bones and teeth of giant lemurs that lived thousands of years ago and have found a bit more about these now-extinct animals.