Category Archives: DNA

Register for free to listen to this article

Thank you. Listen to this article using the player above.

Want to listen to this article for FREE?

Complete the form below to unlock access to ALL audio articles.

Butterflies and moths share blocks of DNA dating back more than 200 million years,new research shows.

Scientists from the Universities of Exeter (UK), Lbeck (Germany) and Iwate (Japan) devised a tool to compare the chromosomes (DNA molecules) of different butterflies and moths.

They found blocks of chromosomes that exist in all moth and butterfly species, and also in Trichoptera aquatic caddisflies that shared a common ancestor with moths and butterflies some 230 million years ago.

Subscribe to Technology Networks daily newsletter, delivering breaking science news straight to your inbox every day.

Moths and butterflies (collectively called Lepidoptera) have widely varying numbers of chromosomes from 30 to 300 but the studys findings show remarkable evidence of shared blocks of homology (similar structure) going back through time.

DNA is compacted into individual particles or chromosomes that form the basic units of inheritance, saidProfessor Richard ffrench-Constant, from theCentre for Ecology and Conservationon Exeters Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

If genes are on the same string, or chromosome, they tend to be inherited together and are therefore linked.

However, different animals and plants have widely different numbers of chromosomes, so we cannot easily tell which chromosomes are related to which.

This becomes a major problem when chromosome numbers vary widely as they do in the Lepidoptera.

We developed a simple technique that looks at the similarity of blocks of genes on each chromosome and thus gives us a true picture of how they change as different species evolve.

We found 30 basic units of synteny (literally meaning on the same string where the string is DNA) that exist in all butterflies and moths, and go back all the way to their sister group the caddisflies or Trichoptera.

Butterflies are often seen as key indicators of conservation, and many species worldwide are declining due to human activity.

However, this study shows that they are also useful models for the study of chromosome evolution.

The study improves scientific understanding of how moth and butterfly genes have evolved and, importantly, similar techniques may also provide insights about the evolution of chromosomes in other groups of animals or plants.

Reference:Traut W, Sahara K, ffrench-Constant RH. Lepidopteran Synteny Units reveal deep chromosomal conservation in butterflies and moths.G3: Genes Genomes Genet. 2023:jkad134. doi:10.1093/g3journal/jkad134

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

Continued here:
Butterflies and Moths Share 200-Million-Year-Old DNA Blocks - Technology Networks

Researchers have successfully realised logic gates using DNA crystal engineering, a monumental step forward in DNA computation. Their findings were published in Advanced Materials. Using DNA double crossover-like motifs as building blocks, they constructed complex 3D crystal architectures. The logic gates were implemented in large ensembles of these 3D DNA crystals, and the outputs were visible through the formation of macroscopic crystals. This advancement could pave the way for DNA-based biosensors, offering easy readouts for various applications. The study demonstrates the power of DNA computing, capable of executing massively parallel information processing at a molecular level, while maintaining compatibility with biological systems.

The DNA double crossover-like (DXL) motifs have emerged as key players in this new field of DNA computation. These motifs have the unique ability to associate with one another via a method known as sticky-end cohesion. The researchers manipulated these capabilities by encoding inputs within the sticky ends of the motifs, thus creating a tangible representation of common logic gates.

Consider these DXL motifs as the fundamental building blocks for the logic gate system. They are the foundation upon which these complex 3D crystal architectures are constructed. The realisation of these logic gates in this manner represents a significant shift in the direction of DNA computation and crystal engineering.

The most intriguing aspect of this study is perhaps the visibility of the logic gates. The researchers were able to observe the outputs through the formation of macroscopic crystals. This means that the results of the computations are not just theoretical, they are physically tangible. This tangible visibility of the output not only makes the process more comprehensible but also provides an easy method of readout, potentially simplifying the application of this technology in various fields.

Imagine a computer where the results of computations are not just numbers on a screen, but physical structures that can be seen and touched. This is the exciting reality that this research is pushing towards, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

The researchers didnt just stop at creating a single type of logic gate. They successfully implemented several logic gates, including OR, AND, XOR, NOR, NAND, and XNOR gates, using the DXL motifs. Each of these gates interacted with the DXL motif in a unique way, modulating its ability to assemble crystals. This variety showcases the versatility and programmability of the DXL crystal system.

For instance, the NOR gate consists of an assembly DXL motif and two single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) as computational inputs. The input strands hybridize with the DXL motif strands, thereby destroying the DXL motif and preventing crystal formation. This gate can be utilized as a detection platform for microRNAs, where the presence of the target microRNAs inhibits crystal formation.

This research opens up numerous possibilities for high-density information processing and storage based on DNA self-assembly. The unique 3D crystal architectures that can be created using this technology could revolutionise the way we store and process information. The crystal formation also provides an easy readout of DNA computation outputs, eliminating the need for special instruments and toxic chemicals.

Moreover, the potential applications of this technology are vast. It opens doors for exploring algorithmic self-assembly in 3D space and could be used to develop DNA-based biosensors for various applications, from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring.

See the rest here:
DNA computing breakthrough: bio-compatible computers in sight - Innovation Origins

Currently, the South Korean automaker is all about high-performance EVs, as it just revealed the 641-hp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. And it certainly tries to give us a hot hatch answer to the Tesla Model 3 or Y Performance conundrum, right? 10 photos

Photo: Digimods DESIGN / YouTube

The mid-size crossover SUV is currently a swoopy presentation, just like many other Hyundai models, but the future holds a much different approach. As such, the heavily-camouflaged prototypes speak of upcoming LR Defender-like boxy looks, attractive H-shaped or LED-patterned headlights, and very small, workhorse-like LED taillights. Well, this is going to be a very interesting CUV, indeed. But what if that design is the starting point for even more quirky ideas?

Across the imaginative realm of digital car content creators, that is more than welcomed, as someone thought the upcoming Santa Fe's boxy design and quirky headlight plus taillight LED assembly would bode well for another segment not just crossover SUVs. As such, here is Dimas Ramadhan, the virtual automotive artist behind the Digimods DESIGNchannel on YouTube, who has taken up the task of revealing a full-size Hyundai workhorse of the pickup truck variety!

Wow, that is quite a different approach from what Hyundai currently has on the American market where it tries to dominate the competition with sedans, CUVs, EVs, and performance models. The choice is vast and interesting, from the new Ioniq 6 four-door to the big Palisade or the fuel cell Nexo. But as far as pickup trucks are concerned, there is just one entry into the family the compact unibody Santa Cruz. And it is not a very successful one if you ask those who have seen its sales charts compared to the electrified Ford Maverick.

So, it is quite logical to think that the South Korean carmaker would be weary of trying to bring yet another fight to an area where the Blue Oval company feels even more comfortable. But that is not an issue when it comes to wishful-thinking vehicles, which is also why this pixel master not only used the hypothetical looks of the upcoming Santa Fe for a boxy-looking full-size pickup truck workhorse but also borrowed the DNA and partly the looks of the ultra-successful Ford F-Series models. Cool, or not?

Go here to read the rest:
Imagined Hyundai Combines Boxy Looks With F-150 DNA to Join ... - autoevolution

The eDNA Expeditions resulting data will be made publicly available through theUNESCO Ocean Biodiversity Information System, the worlds largest open science marine species database. Final results are expected to be available in Spring 2024.

The UNESCO eDNA initiative is a joint collaboration between theIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commissionand theWorld Heritage Centre. It is made possible with the support oftheGovernment of Flanders(Kingdom of Belgium) and implemented in the context of theUnited Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development(2021-2030).

About the Archipilago de Revillagigedo World Heritage Site (Mexico)

Archipilago de Revillagigedowas inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. Located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the island group is part of a submerged mountain range of which the four islands represent the peaks of volcanoes emerging above sea level. The islands provide critical habitat for a range of wildlife and are of particular importance for seabirds. The surrounding waters are recognised as important stepping-stones and stop overs for wide ranging species. The property harbours abundant populations of sharks, rays, large pelagic fish, Humpback Whales, turtles and manta rays; a concentration of wildlife that attracts recreational divers from around the world.

Read the rest here:
Archipilago de Revillagigedo in Mexico joins the UNESCO ... - UNESCO

A broadnose sevengill shark swims through a kelp forest. Credit: Adobe Stock

Biological science student Ryan Le is using DNA to study the broadnose sevengill shark to learn more about its genetic diversity and breeding population along Southern Californias coast.

By the time Discovery Channels Shark Week rolls around starting on July 23, which highlights conservation efforts and misconceptions about sharks, Le will be deep into his own research about the mysterious ocean predators. His research focuses on comparing genetics within populations of the species.

Le, a Cal State Fullerton senior, is working on his project under the mentorship of research advisers Misty Paig-Tran and Ryan Walter, both associate professors of biological science.

It is clear that sevengill sharks migrate from deeper waters into more shallow areas during certain times of the year. I want to know the reason why they migrate, Le said. Do they migrate to shallow waters to feed or to reproduce? Do they have a temperature preference?

Limited research is available about the broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus), noted Le, adding that his study will contribute to other researchers work and lead to more research opportunities.

The sevengill shark has seven pairs of gill slits, while most sharks have only five. The shark has a broad head, blunt nose and only one dorsal fin most have two and mature adults can range from 6 to 10 feet in length. This species is related to sharks that lived about 300 million years ago during the Jurassic Period.

The sevengill is found off Orange Countys beaches and up and down Californias coastline, including San Francisco Bay.

Because these sharks are highly mobile and migratory, Walter explained that their DNA could be an effective tool because it provides a genetic fingerprint of individual sharks.

This allows us to characterize sharks caught in California waters and examine genetic relationships among individuals at both contemporary and historical scales, Walter said.

Le is working closely with local recreational fishers to collect shark tissue samples for genetic testing. After taking samples and measurements, he will release the sharks back into the ocean.

The fishing community and scientists dont always see eye-to-eye, Paig-Tran added. Ryan comes from the recreational fishing side and is very sensitive to enacting best practices for protecting sharks while allowing for reasonable fishing practices.

It is important for future policymakers to be sensitive to the needs of the animals and the fishers who have a passion for the animal.

Paig-Tran relayed that undergraduate research allows students like Le to learn how science is done before entering the workforce.

These students are our future government workers, policymakers and scientists, she said. They become more equipped to perform and evaluate science with firsthand experience.

Le is a scholar in the universitys Summer Undergraduate Research Academy (SUReA) and Southern California Ecosystems Research Program (SCERP), gaining undergraduate research experience in the field and learning genetics skills in the lab.

Whether it is doing fieldwork or data collection, these skills will help me in my future career, said Le, a first-generation college student who aspires to become a shark researcher or work in fish farming.

Le became fascinated with the ocean and creatures of the sea as a child after watching the Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures animated film Finding Nemo. A few years ago, he started shark fishing off the pier and at the beach and has caught and released sharks, including sevengill and leopard sharks.

He wanted to turn his hobby of recreational fishing and passion for marine biology into meaningful scientific and conservation research.

Sharks are undoubtedly beautiful, and many people dont know much about the diversity of sharks, Le said. There are sharks that swim fast, others slow. They have different teeth shapes, and some species eat other sharks or filter-feed on tiny organisms like plankton.

I want to be the one exploring the ocean to learn more about sharks and other marine animals and finding sea life weve never seen before.

See the article here:
Science Student Uses DNA to Study Sharks off Southern California's ... - CSUF News

Knowing about your cat is half the battle, and DNA testing kits are a great way to glean more information about your feline friend. Luckily, Basepaws has extended its DNA testing kit deal until July 17.

Not knowing critical information about your cat means that you're limited on how to best approach your cat's health as your pet ages. Your kitty could have health conditions or nutritional needs that you may not know about. Or maybe you just can't figure out your cat's particular breed. Basepaws has a DNA testing kit to help give you genetic insight on your furry friend.

The Basepaws DNA test kit is an at-home kit that can help you dig up the dirt on the mysteries of your cozy companion. It provides results for over 115 known feline genetic markers -- 65 markers for genetic health conditions and 50 markers for traits. All you need to do is provide a sample of your cat's saliva and fur using the kit Basepaws sends you. You'll then receive a full report providing you information on your cat's breed, general health, dental health and trait markers. The company will even send you recommendations for at-home care treatments. You can save a whopping $74 on a cat breed and health DNA test kit right now when you use promo codePRIMETIME1 at checkout, which brings the cost down to just $85.

Read more from the original source:
Save $74 On Basepaws Cat DNA Testing to Learn About Your Cat's ... - CNET

14 July 2023, 16:03

Khloe Kardashian talks surgery to remove tumour from her face

A clip has resurfaced of the Kardashian family - including Khloe - finding out the results of their ancestry test.

A clip has resurfaced showing Khloe Kardashian reacting to a DNA test alongside her sisters on TikTok.

The 39-year-old was seen opening the results of an ancestry test on their previous reality show, KUWTK, back in 2018.

Mum Kris shared the results of the tests with her children, and fans were quick to notice Khloe's aloof reaction.

The clip saw Khloe's ancestry as "58% European, 41.6% Middle Eastern," as she was also part Native American.

"Oh my God Im Middle Eastern and North African!" remarked Kourtney, who was also "4.5 percent French."

Fans had their own opinions over the ancestry results, after years of speculation about if Khloe had a different father to siblings Rob, Kim and Kourtney.

"Khloe looked nervous at first," one fan said in the comments section underneath the resurfaced clip.

Another quipped: "They never show Khloe's paper in the scene" as someone else theorised: "Khloe stuck to the script but her eyes told it all."

Khloe's paternity has been the centre of years of speculation and rumours - however Khloe's Middle Eastern heritage is another piece of evidence to prove those theories to be false.

Did Byron Messia Just Tease A Chris Brown Collaboration? | Capital XTRA

Visit link:
Khloe Kardashian reacts to DNA test with sisters in resurfaced clip - Capital XTRA

The tomb of Clytemnestra at Mycenae. Credit: Jean Housen /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 3.0

DNA evidence proves that Greeks are indeed descendants of the Mycenaeans, who ruled mainland Greece and the Aegean Sea from 1,600 BC to 1,200 BC.

The evidence comes from a well-publicized 2017 study in which scientists analyzed the genes from the teeth of nineteen people across various archaeological sites within mainland Greece and Crete.

Those included ten Minoans from Crete dating from 2900 B.C.E. to 1700 BCE, four Mycenaeans from the archaeological site at Mycenae and other cemeteries on the Greek mainland dating from 1700 B.C.E. to 1200 B.C.E., and five people from other early farming or Bronze Age (5400 B.C.E. to 1340 B.C.E.) cultures in Greece and Turkey.

By comparing 1.2 million letters of genetic code, the researchers, who published their study in the journal, Nature, were able to plot how the individuals were related to each other.

After comparing the DNA of modern Greeks to ancient Mycenaeans, a genetic overlap was discovered that suggests that these ancient Bronze Age civilizations laid the genetic groundwork for later peoples.

The continuity between the Mycenaeans and living people is particularly striking given that the Aegean has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years, said co-author George Stamatoyannopoulos of the University of Washington in Seattle.

This suggests that the major components of the Greeks ancestry were already in place in the Bronze Age after the migration of the earliest farmers from Anatolia set the template for the genetic makeup of Greeks and, in fact, most Europeans.

The spread of farming populations was the decisive moment when the major elements of the Greek population were already provided, says archaeologist Colin Renfrew of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, who was not involved in the work.

One aspect that was revealed in the study was how the Mycenaeans themselves were closely related to the Minoan civilization, which flourished on the island of Crete from 2,000 BC to 1,400 BC.

Both cultures were shown to carry genes for brown hair and brown eyes, characteristics that are reflected on their frescoes and pottery despite having different languages.

The ancient Mycenaeans and Minoans were most closely related to each other, and they both got three-quarters of their DNA from early farmers who lived in Greece and southwestern Anatolia, which is now part of Turkey, the team reports today in Nature.

Both cultures additionally inherited DNA from people from the eastern Caucasus near modern-day Iran, suggesting an early migration of people from the east after the early farmers settled there but before Mycenaeans split from Minoans.

The Mycenaeans did have an important difference: They had some DNA4 percent to 16 percentfrom northern ancestors who came from Eastern Europe or Siberia.

According to Harvard population geneticist Iosif Lazaridis, any difference between the two civilizations suggests that a second wave of people came to mainland Greece from Eastern Europe but were unable to reach the island of Crete. In time they became known as the Mycenaeans.

Swedish Archaeologist Kristian Kristiansen at the University of Gothenburg commented on the significance of the study recently, saying that The results have now opened up the next chapter in the genetic history of western Eurasiaand that of the Bronze Age Mediterranean.

Read more:
Greeks Are Descendants of the Mycenaeans, DNA Study Confirms - Greek Reporter

Maury Povich the renowned TV host known for revealing the results of paternity tests on his show has taken his shtick a step further by launching his own at-home DNA paternity test company.

The new business, which Povich is cleverly calling The Results Are In, aims to provide families with an accessible solution to the questions he used to explore on his show.

During an appearance on TMZ Live, Povich highlighted the practical benefits the company offers beyond simply determining the birth father.

Maury Povich (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

We can unite families, Povich said, adding that the tests allow for a more seamless process than court-ordered paternity tests and can address the question of child support in a more timely manner. The process also eliminates the need for medical professionals, streamlining the testing procedure for families.

Now we have a test that brings the truth home, he added.

The testing kits provide all the necessary materials and instructions for individuals to collect DNA samples themselves. Once the samples are obtained, they are sent to a reputable lab at DNA Diagnostics Center for analysis.

Povichs company also guarantees confidential results in 2-3 business days, as well as a 99.99% accuracy rate.

Ive seen firsthand how DNA testing can change lives and bring families together, Povich continued, in a statement to TMZ. With The Results Are In, were making it easier and more affordable than ever before for people to get the answers they need.

After 31 seasons, Povichs daytime talk show Maury wrapped its final episodes last summer.

Here is the original post:
Maury Povich launching at-home DNA paternity test, 'The Results Are In' - New York Daily News

BOISE, Idaho Tuesday, Idaho News 6 reported on the release of DNA information in the investigation of Bryan Kohberger, charged with the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.

The affidavit discusses the link between DNA found on the knife sheath found at the crime scene and the DNA retrieved from a cheek swab of Kohberger after his arrest.

The prosecution says DNA searches in Codis using the STR (short tandem repeat) analysis were unable to generate a match to DNA found on the sheath.

Once the DNA recovered from the sheath was tested against Kohberger's cheek swab, the profile findings were said to be "at least 5.37 octillion times more likely to be seen if Defendant is the source than if an unrelated individual randomly selected from the population is the source," according to information in the motion for protective order filed June 16.

Those numbers are not like the force of gravity or E=MC2, theyre calculations that give us some idea of the weight of the match, the confidence, but this is a very strong match," said DNA expert and Boise State professor Dr. Greg Hampikian.

Hampikian is not affiliated with the case and only knows what the public does. He says DNA can tell us a lot, but not always the full story.

Did he touch this? Did somebody else touch it with his DNA on their hand? Did he touch it a long time ago? Was there a mix-up in the laboratory or by the police? Did somebody plant it?" Hampikian said, offering hypothetical situations of how DNA can show up in places. "All of that, DNA tells us nothing about."

The affidavit also talks about how Kohberger was first identified as a suspect. The investigators used a genealogy service, one like popular family tree tracking services, like Ancestry.com or 23-and-me.

The investigation on DNA, then turned over to the FBI, utilized a technique known as Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) using an SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) profile. The information learned during IGG was only used to establish familial relations.

The IGG information is only used as a tool to develop a possible lead to a suspect.

The prosecution says the lead pointed toward potential relatives of Kohberger, and investigators were able to create a family tree, leading them to find Kohberger.

To say its [geneaology mapping] publicly available to me is misleading at best," Hampikian said. "The police have special use of these databases. They can use the databases in a similar way that I can, but I can only do it for my DNA. They can do it for your DNA.

Hampikian says he is concerned about the use of these genealogy services in this way. He wants the public to be aware that their DNA could be used by authorities when they submit it to these companies.

I just hope that we are going to find out how the genealogy was done," Hampikian said. "They can blank out the names of people, but I think transparency about how the leads were generated is really important for the general public to know because theyre being used for this.

See the rest here:
DNA expert gives opinion on DNA information in Moscow murders - Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls