Our understanding of Parkinson’s disease is far from complete. But researchers now believe that in most cases, Parkinson’s is caused by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
Cells move their genetic material from one place to another in the form of RNA.
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Making sure RNA molecules are in the right place at the right time in a cell is critical to development and normal function. Researchers are figuring out exactly how they get to where they need to go.
The largest birds that ever lived on Earth, elephant birds have a spotty fossil record. But understanding them could help protect Madagascar’s biodiversity.
Epigenetics is but one of many factors that influence aging, health and disease.
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People don’t all age at the same rate. Untangling the factors that influence health and disease – such as epigenetics, demographics and behavior – could lead to better care for those who need it most.
Multicancer early detection tests are among the priorities of the Biden administration’s Cancer Moonshot. The tests show promise, but questions remain about when and how to use them.
Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms without nuclei and are commonly known as bacteria.
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Journals, museum collections and other historical sources can provide valuable data for modern ecological studies. But just because a source is old doesn’t make it useful.
Ancient DNA helps reveal the tangled branches of the human family tree. Not only did our ancestors live alongside other human species, they mated with them, too.
Svante Pääbo has won the Nobel prize in physiology or medicine for 2022.
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The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for 2022 has been awarded to Svante Pääbo, whose discoveries have been pivotal to the way we understand our evolutionary history.
The atmosphere protects life on Earth from the effects of the Sun’s radiation, but space travel is a different matter.
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As the potential for space travel increases, it is necessary to develop methods to protect astronauts from environmental stresses in space. Studying the DNA of baker’s yeast may provide some clues.
Ethical and equitable scientific collaboration could help increase the genetic diversity of genomic data.
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Existing genetic data and sequencing tools are overwhelmingly based on people of European ancestry, which excludes much of the rich genetic variation of the world.
A new DNA method could help making it easier to date skeletons.
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