Genetics

Microbes

Possible nearest living relatives to complex life found in seafloor mud

New phylum of sea-bottom archaea microbes could be closest living relatives yet found to the eukaryote domain of complex life that includes people.

Genetics

‘Brainbow’ illuminates cellular connections

A mouse’s optic nerve fluoresces in a rainbow of colors. The image offers a detailed look at nerve-protector cells called oligodendrocytes.

Genetics

Gene therapy for blindness dims a bit

Gene therapy improves vision temporarily but can’t save sight.

Genetics

DNA disorganization linked to aging

Changes in the way that DNA is tightly packed in cells leads to mayhem that promotes the aging process.

Animals

Woolly mammoth DNA shows toll of low diversity

A new sequencing analysis of two woolly mammoth genomes reveals evidence of genetic decline due to isolation and inbreeding just prior to extinction.

Genetics

Gene in human embryos altered by Chinese researchers

Chinese researchers have genetically altered human embryos.

Genetics

Genetic editing can delete deleterious mitochondria

A new technique slates mutant mitochondria for destruction.

Genetics

Depression leaves lasting mark on DNA

Stress affects cells at the molecular level.

Genetics

Mosquito bites might be foretold in genes

Attractiveness to mosquitoes could be inherited, twin study suggests.

Space

Driving Curiosity to discovery

Discovery is driven by curiosity, on Mars and closer to home.

Animals

Finland’s brown bears on surprise fast track to recover diversity

Brown bears in southern Finland show surprisingly fast improvements in genetic diversity and connections with other bears.

Animals

Whether froglets switch sexes distinguishes ‘sex races’

Rana temporaria froglets start all female in one region of Europe; in another region, new froglets of the same species have gonads of either sex.