dna molecule

Chemists in Japan report development of the world's first DNA molecule made almost entirely of artificial parts.

The finding could lead to improvements in gene therapy, futuristic nano-sized computers, and other high-tech advances, they say. 

Scientists have detected subtle changes that may make the bowel more vulnerable to tumor development. One of the mechanisms controlling gene activity is the "epigenetic code," a set of chemical tags attached to the DNA molecule.

Changes in the epigenetic code may begin to occur in apparently normal tissues, and the scientists are investigating whether diet could control these changes and delay or reverse the onset of cancer.

(Weizmann Institute of Science) Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science demonstrate that a mathematical concept called recursion can be applied to constructing flawless synthetic DNA molecules.

The ideal molecules are created in successive rounds in which faultless segments are lifted from longer, error-containing DNA strands and assembled anew.

For the first time, researchers have witnessed the spontaneous repair of damage to DNA molecules in real time.

They observed this at the level of a single DNA molecule. Insight into this type of repair mechanism is essential as errors in this process can lead to the development of cancerous cells.

(Delft University of Technology) For the first time, researchers at Delft University of Technology have witnessed the spontaneous repair of damage to DNA molecules in real time.

They observed this at the level of a single DNA molecule. Insight into this type of repair mechanism is essential as errors in this process can lead to the development of cancerous cells.

Researchers from the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft publish this in the leading scientific journal Molecular Cell.