DNA : Science World Report

Jan 01, 2014 06:29 PM EST

DNA Barcoding Reveals New Insight into 147 Bird Species

DNA barcoding could help scientists conserve species, such as whales, and even identify new species. Now, researchers have used the method to sequence 388 individuals of 147 different bird species from the Netherlands, revealing a bit more about the evolutionary history of these birds.

Dec 31, 2013 07:10 AM EST

DNA Barcoding Could Monitor Marine Mammal Biodiversity

Monitoring marine mammal biodiversity is often difficult. Now, though, scientists have found a way that could help monitor marine mammal genetic diversity. They've evaluated the usefulness of DNA barcoding when it comes to monitoring this biodiversity.

Dec 30, 2013 10:06 AM EST

Alcohol Leaves a Mark on DNA in Young, Healthy People

Alcohol can leave its mark in many ways. Now, scientists have found that it can also impact DNA. Scientists have discovered that a weekend of alcohol consumption can affect the lipids comprising cell membrane and its genetic material.

Dec 21, 2013 11:06 AM EST

DNA of Oldest Flowering Plant Solves Darwin's Evolution Mystery

One of Darwin's mysteries may have been solved thanks to the sequenced genome of the Amborella plant. Scientists have discovered why flowers suddenly proliferated on Earth millions of years ago. In fact, the newly sequenced genome sheds new light on a major event in the history of life on Earth.

Dec 17, 2013 04:00 PM EST

Scientists Discover Second Genetic Code Hidden in DNA

Scientists have discovered a second code hiding within DNA. This second code contains information that changes how scientists read the instructions contained in DNA and interpret mutations to make sense of health and disease.

Dec 02, 2013 02:57 PM EST

Stunning Discovery Shows Bacteria Recycle and Incorporate Broken DNA Pieces

From a bacteria’s perspective the environment is one big DNA waste yard.

Aug 09, 2013 02:52 PM EDT

Archaeologists Track Down the Real Mona Lisa with DNA Evidence

Who was Mona Lisa? Scientists may have found out new clues to who Mona Lisa actually was. They've decided to conduct DNA testing on the remains of a woman that they believe could have been the subject of the famous portrait.

Aug 09, 2013 11:38 AM EDT

Scientists Sequence Genome of Endangered Chinese Alligator

Scientists have completed the genome sequencing and analysis of a new animal: the endangered Chinese alligator. The new research could provide an explanation as to how terrestrial-style reptiles adapted to aquatic environments.

Aug 05, 2013 12:42 PM EDT

Genetic Mutations Don't Always Determine Disease Development

It's not just about nature; it's also about interactions. A new study on genetic mutations has shown how these variances don't always determine whether or not a person develops a disease. The findings could allow researchers to better predict whether or not a pre-disposed individual will have a dise...

Jul 30, 2013 03:32 PM EDT

Breakthrough in Detecting Single DNA Mutations Could Help Treat Tuberculosis, Cancer

Researchers have developed a new method that can look at a specific segment of DNA and pinpoint a single mutation, which could help diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis.

Jul 17, 2013 03:01 PM EDT

How to Unlock the Secrets of DNA With High-Throughput Computing

The binding power of DNA is well known – bases, bound into complementary pairs, are the building blocks of its double helix structure. Short sequences of DNA (15 to 40 base pairs in length) also chemically bond to small nanoparticles.

Jul 14, 2013 08:00 PM EDT

Researchers Perform DNA Computation in Living Cells

Chemists from North Carolina State University have performed a DNA-based logic-gate operation within a human cell. The research may pave the way to more complicated computations in live cells, as well as new methods of disease detection and treatment.