Immunoglobulin genes might have evolved much earlier than previously expected, perhaps even in the common ancestor of Cnidarians and Bilateria, a study suggests.

p53 is possibly the most important protein for maintaining cellular function. Losing it is synonymous with cancer.

Phylogenomics data place the enigmatic plankton in the middle of the algal family tree, despite their apparent lack of plastids—an organelle characteristic of all other algae.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Biomedical innovation has rallied to address that pressing concern while continuing to tackle broader research challenges.

George Church is at it again, this time using multiplex gene editing to create virus-proof cells, improve organ transplant success, and protect elephants.

Plants are locked in an ancient arms race with hostile viruses, but genome editing is giving crops the upper hand.

Neanderthal DNA surprises in modern humans, the first blood test for Alzheimer’s, a discovery of new human salivary glands, and, oh yeah, a pandemic

A T cell discovery, “hachimoji” DNA, a new species of human, and mounting fears of espionage rounded off the list this year.

Researchers are devising ways to prevent viral vectors carrying gene therapies from triggering an immune response.

Biology happens on many levels, from ecosystems to electron transport chains. These tools may help spur discoveries at all of life's scales.