Although epigenetic changes were long thought to largely act on the genome, rather than as part of it, research is now showing that these patterns can, directly or indirectly, change the genetic code.

Evidence is mounting that epigenetic marks on DNA can influence future generations in a variety of ways. But how such phenomena might affect large-scale evolutionary processes is hotly debated.

Noncoding RNAs are proving to be critical players in the evolution of brain anatomy and cognitive complexity.

Neurologically important noncoding RNAs come in many shapes and sizes.

A study finds that plants sharing the same growth medium can exchange microRNAs that silence genes in the recipient, suggesting the nucleic acids may act as signaling molecules.

From his student days in veterinary medicine in Ethiopia to running a lab on metastasis at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Debeb has a passion for understanding how living things work.

A noninvasive saliva test accurately identified concussions in a study of hundreds of rugby players.

A finding of distinct patterns of gene-regulating RNA snippets in the blood of ME/CFS patients in response to a stress test could pave the way for a diagnostic tool for the condition and help untangle its underlying mechanisms.

Weill Cornell Medicine geneticist Christopher Mason speaks with The Scientist about a bolus of new work on the physiological, cellular, and molecular effects of leaving Earth.

Collagen inside ankles has more turnover than that in hips, thanks to the action of microRNAs.

A selection of notable quotes from the annual American Association for Cancer Research meeting

Stressed male mice can pass on an abnormal stress response to their offspring via microRNAs found in sperm, a study shows.

Professor, Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Age: 36

Previously enigmatic circular RNAs have been found to influence gene expression by binding to and blocking another class of regulatory RNA, the microRNAs.

Gene expression controlled from afar may have spurred the spurt in brain evolution that led to modern humans.