Whales, dolphins and porpoises are much better at fighting cancer than we are, and a DNA analysis brings us closer to understanding why cetaceans can do this Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2268865-whales-and-dolphins-can-resist-cancer-and-their-dna-reveals-why/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
Tag: DNA analysis
The World’s First DNA ‘Tricorder’ In Your Pocket
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) scientists developed the world’s first mobile genome sequence analyzer, a new iPhone app called iGenomics. By pairing an iPhone with a handheld DNA sequencer, users can create a mobile genetics laboratory, reminiscent of the “tricorder” featured in Star Trek. Phys.Org reports: The iGenomics app runs entirely on the iOS device, reducing the need for laptops or…
Who lies in the tomb of the ‘Six-Headed Chief’? DNA reveals clues.
A strange grave in the Scottish Highlands is starting to make more sense to scientists, with DNA analysis showing that several members of the same family were buried in the same place. Source: https://www.livescience.com/six-headed-chief-tomb-dna.html
A Disturbing Twinkie That Has, So Far, Defied Science
Apparently Twinkies aren’t immortal. After discovering that his 8-year-old Twinkies “tasted like old sock,” biologist Colin Purrington sent them to a pair of scientists — Brian Lovett and Matt Kasson from West Virginia University in Morgantown — to study the kind of fungus growing on them. An anonymous reader shares the report from NPR: The researchers immediately thought some kind of…
Polynesians and Native Americans paired up 800 years ago, DNA reveals
A DNA analysis of 807 Polynesians and Native Americans suggests that their ancestors were bedfellows long ago. Source: https://www.livescience.com/polynesians-native-americans-dna.html
Stone Age ruling elite in Ireland may have had incestuous marriages
DNA analysis of the 5000-year-old bones of a man buried in the Newgrange passage tomb in Ireland suggest the ruling elite at the time married within their family like some ancient Egyptian rulers Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2246227-stone-age-ruling-elite-in-ireland-may-have-had-incestuous-marriages/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
DNA analysis reveals just how intertwined ancient human lineages are
Ancient humans in Africa mixed far more than we thought, according to new findings revealed by sequencing the genomes of a diverse group of people from across the world Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2238034-dna-analysis-reveals-just-how-intertwined-ancient-human-lineages-are/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
DNA analysis of people in West Africa reveals ‘ghost’ human ancestor
Four West African populations may carry genes from an undiscovered archaic hominin that diverged from a shared ancestor of Neanderthals, Denisovans and modern humans Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2233488-dna-analysis-of-people-in-west-africa-reveals-ghost-human-ancestor/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
A better way to convert dog years to human years
Researchers collected DNA samples from 104 Labrador retrievers over a 16-year period. They compared changes in their DNA samples against DNA previously collected from humans. The result? A better sense of what a “dog year” really means. Source: https://earthsky.org/human-world/a-better-way-to-convert-dog-years-to-human-years…
Genetic screening of IVF embryos is unlikely to lead to smarter babies
Can DNA analysis help prospective parents choose IVF embryos on the basis of future intelligence? A study suggests this approach would have little, if any, effect Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2224393-genetic-screening-of-ivf-embryos-is-unlikely-to-lead-to-smarter-babies/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…