Scientists at UC Berkeley have discovered a microbe that bends one of biology’s most sacred rules. Instead of treating a specific three-letter DNA code as a clear “stop” signal, this methane-producing archaeon sometimes reads it as a green light—adding an unusual amino acid and continuing to build the protein. The result is a kind of genetic coin flip: two different proteins can emerge from the same code, influenced partly by environmental conditions.

Scientists at MIT have found compelling chemical evidence that Earth’s earliest animals were likely ancient sea sponges. Hidden inside rocks over 541 million years old are rare molecular “fingerprints” that match compounds made by modern demosponges. After testing rocks, living sponges, and lab-made molecules, researchers confirmed the signals came from life — not geology. The discovery suggests sponges were thriving in the oceans well before most other animal groups appeared.

Scientists recreated a life-size oviraptor nest to understand how these dinosaurs hatched their eggs. Their experiments showed the parent likely couldn’t heat all the eggs directly, meaning sunlight played a key role. This uneven heating could cause eggs in the same nest to hatch at different times. The results suggest oviraptors used a hybrid incubation method unlike modern birds.

Scientists have uncovered an enormous hidden archive of plant DNA that has endured for more than 400 million years. By comparing hundreds of plant genomes, researchers identified more than 2.3 million regulatory DNA sequences that act like genetic switches, controlling when and how genes are activated. These sequences, known as conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs), were detected using a new computational tool called Conservatory.

Not all parts of our genetic code are equal, even when they appear to say the same thing. Scientists have discovered that cells can detect less efficient genetic instructions and selectively silence them. A protein called DHX29 plays a key role in this process by identifying and suppressing weaker messages. This finding reveals a hidden layer of control in how genes are used.

A routine experiment with a new single-cell DNA sequencing method turned into a surprising scientific twist when researchers stumbled upon a bizarre genetic code in a microscopic pond organism. Instead of following the near-universal “rules” of life, this newly identified protist rewrites how genes signal their end. This unexpected discovery challenges long-held assumptions about how genetic translation works and hints that nature may be far more flexible—and mysterious—than scientists realized.

Analysing the births of a Utah family over seven generations has revealed that their disproportionate number of boys could be caused by a selfish Y chromosome

Statistics that quantify a person’s predisposition to diseases such as diabetes and cancer can be reverse-engineered to reveal the underlying genetic data, prompting privacy concerns

Are we evolving to be more stupid? Humans have a relatively high genetic mutation rate, which has been thought to be driving down our physical and mental fitness – but columnist Michael Le Page finds these mutations aren’t the health risk some make them out to be

Craig Venter has died aged 79. He was at the forefront of sequencing the human genome and of synthetic biology, but divided opinion in how he went about it

Recent research published in Science reveals how the dietary habits of our ancestors have significantly influenced our genetic evolution, particularly regarding starch digestion. The study focuses on the AMY1 gene, which produces amylase, the enzyme that breaks down starch into simpler sugars. Humans have historically adapted to their environments, and dietary changes have been pivotal […] The post How eating habits from 4,000 years ago shaped our starch gene appeared first on Longevity.Technology.

Myrtelle has published interim results from its Phase 1/2 trial of the investigational gene therapy rAAV-Olig001-ASPA (MYR-101) in Nature Medicine, reporting changes in biomarkers, imaging and functional measures in children with Canavan disease, according to the company. The trial includes eight children with typical Canavan disease, followed for up to two years post-treatment. The company […] The post Myrtelle releases interim data from gene therapy trial for Canavan disease appeared first on Longevity.Technology.

Form Bio and Cure Rare Disease have entered a strategic partnership aimed at speeding development of genetic therapies for rare neuromuscular diseases, beginning with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Under the collaboration, Form Bio will leverage its proprietary in silico and AI/ML platform to assist Cure Rare Disease in optimizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) construct designs. The […] The post Form Bio and Cure Rare Disease partner to accelerate genetic medicine appeared first on Longevity.Technology.