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Horizontal Gene Transfer Happens More Often Than Anyone Thought
DNA passed to and from all kinds of organisms, even across kingdoms, has helped shape the tree of life, to a large and undisputed degree in microbes and also unexpectedly in multicellular fungi, plants, and animals.
Horizontal Gene Transfer Happens More Often Than Anyone Thought
Horizontal Gene Transfer Happens More Often Than Anyone Thought

DNA passed to and from all kinds of organisms, even across kingdoms, has helped shape the tree of life, to a large and undisputed degree in microbes and also unexpectedly in multicellular fungi, plants, and animals.

DNA passed to and from all kinds of organisms, even across kingdoms, has helped shape the tree of life, to a large and undisputed degree in microbes and also unexpectedly in multicellular fungi, plants, and animals.

DNA, genetics & genomics

Dogs of various breeds running in the field.
They’re All (Potentially) Good Dogs
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Apr 29, 2022 | 2 min read
Research finds that a dog’s behavior has little to do with its genes.
Conceptual image of gene expression in DNA
Enhancers: Conserved in Activity, Not in Sequence
Jack J. Lee | Nov 1, 2021 | 8 min read
Certain stretches of DNA that regulate gene expression have evolved differently from protein-coding genes.
Modern Approaches to qPCR
The Scientist | 1 min read
Download this ebook to learn how updated qPCR instruments provide optimal thermal performance and data connectivity!
Colored Genetic Code DNA Molecule Structure stock photo
Genetic Risks for Depression Differ Between Ancestral Groups
Chloe Tenn | Oct 19, 2021 | 4 min read
A large genome-wide association study in East Asians uncovers novel genetic links to depression, calling attention to the consequences of underrepresentation of non-European groups in genetic research data.
Two sets of identical twin children sitting
Identical Twins Carry Distinctive Epigenetic Marks: Study
Chloe Tenn | Sep 30, 2021 | 2 min read
Researchers found more than 800 sites in the genome where the twins bore the same chemical tags.
Advances in Nucleic Acid Sequencing
The Scientist | 1 min read
Download this eBook to learn how new sequencing methods revolutionize genetics research!
An illustration of an orange bacteriophage virus sitting on top of a green bacterium
Some Viruses Use an Alternative Genetic Alphabet
Abby Olena, PhD | Apr 29, 2021 | 4 min read
In a trio of studies, researchers follow up on a 40-year-old finding that certain bacteriophages replace adenine with so-called diaminopurine, perhaps to avoid host degradation.
mole rat, environmental DNA, eDNA, airborne DNA, Techniques, Ecology & Environment, biomonitoring, field monitoring, mammals, genetics & genomics
Environmental DNA Can Be Pulled from the Air
Amanda Heidt | Apr 7, 2021 | 4 min read
A proof-of-concept study uses eDNA in the air to detect mammals, expanding the technique beyond aquatic sampling.
early-life stress, histone, chromatin, epigenetics, epigenetic modification, methylation, DNA, protein, stress, adversity, mice, genetics, genomics
Early-Life Stress Exerts Long-Lasting Effects Via Epigenome
Asher Jones | Mar 18, 2021 | 5 min read
In mice, epigenetic marks made on histones during infancy influence depression-like behavior during adulthood. A drug that reverses the genomic tags appears to undo the damage.
How RNAs Called SINEUPs Upregulate Translation
Catherine Offord | Jan 1, 2021 | 2 min read
The recently discovered long noncoding RNAs seem to boost the production of specific proteins in the cell by interacting with RNA-binding proteins, researchers find.
Q&A, functional genomics, genetic privacy, bioinformatics, data science, Yale School of Medicine, Genetics & Genomics
Q&A: A New Tool for Ensuring Genetic Privacy
Amanda Heidt | Nov 12, 2020 | 6 min read
Gamze Gursoy and Mark Gerstein of Yale Medical School have developed a strategy for stripping identifying variants from functional genomic data, balancing privacy with utility.
New Map Charts Genetic Expression Across Tissue Types, Sexes
Ashley Yeager | Sep 10, 2020 | 3 min read
A decade-long effort to probe gene regulation reveals differences between males and females, points to essential regulatory elements, and offers insight into past work on telomeres.
Microbial Signatures in Blood Are Associated with Various Cancers
Shawna Williams | Jul 13, 2020 | 2 min read
A study suggests the potential for a noninvasive diagnostic that could detect tumors early and differentiate between disease types.
Gene Splicing Pioneer Dale Kaiser Dies
Ashley Yeager | Jun 29, 2020 | 5 min read
Working with a virus that infects bacteria, the Stanford University biochemist and developmental biologist helped to develop a way to stitch DNA together, a discovery that gave rise to genetic engineering.
Left-Handed DNA Has a Biological Role Within a Dynamic Genetic Code
Rachel Brazil | Jun 1, 2020 | 10+ min read
Once considered an unimportant curiosity, Z-DNA is now recognized to provide an on-the-fly mechanism to regulate how an RNA transcript is edited.
Infographic: DNA Isn’t Always Right-Handed
Rachel Brazil | Jun 1, 2020 | 1 min read
When the nucleic acid spirals to the left, it takes on a zig-zag shape known as Z-DNA that appears to regulate RNA editing.
Switch Master: A Profile of Barbara Meyer
Diana Kwon | Jan 13, 2020 | 9 min read
Working with bacteriophages and nematodes, the University of California, Berkeley, molecular biologist uncovered a role for genetic switches in early development.
Genomes Sequenced for Every US and Canada Butterfly
Emily Makowski | Nov 20, 2019 | 2 min read
Researchers analyzed more than 800 species.
The Two Genomes in Every Eukaryotic Cell
Viviane Callier | Nov 1, 2019 | 10+ min read
Interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes have further-reaching effects on physiological function, adaptation, and speciation than previously appreciated.
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