RNA has newly identified role: Repairing serious DNA damage to maintain the genome

Researchers discovered a previously unknown function of RNA, potentially opening the door to new ways to treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Francesca Storici, Professor of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
June 16, 2025 ~6 min

Trade in a mythical fish is threatening real species of rays that are rare and at risk

They look like devils and hence are called pez diablo in Spanish, but these demonic objects are dried and mutilated versions of living rays known as guitarfish.

Peter Kyne, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow in Conservation Biology, Charles Darwin University • conversation
June 16, 2025 ~8 min


p53 is both your genome’s guardian and weakness against cancer – scientists are trying to repair or replace it when it goes awry

The gene that codes for p53 is the most frequently mutated in cancer. Researchers are targeting different parts of its complex pathway to restore its ability to stop cancer.

Prosper Obed Chukwuemeka, Ph.D. Candidate in Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Feb. 20, 2025 ~7 min

Plants and animals with bigger genomes grow less efficiently – new research helps explain why they never died out

The size of DNA cells between the biggest and smallest genomes varies by as much as 10,000 times.

Kimberley Simpson, Research Fellow, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield • conversation
Nov. 7, 2024 ~6 min

Ancient DNA helped us uncover the Iberian lynx’s potential secret weapon against extinction

Research into the vulnerable Iberian lynx reveals surprising insights into its genetic history.

José A. Godoy, Investigador Genómica de la Conservación , Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) • conversation
Sept. 24, 2024 ~8 min

DNA reveals secrets of cave-dwelling medieval community that survived conquest and epidemics

It’s unclear why people chose to live in the caves, but DNA is shedding light on their lives.

Ricardo Rodriguez Varela, Research in Molecular Archaeology, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University, Stockholm University • conversation
Aug. 28, 2024 ~8 min

Summer holiday science: turn your home into a lab with these three easy experiments

You don’t need a fancy qualification for these experiments – just some curiosity and few household basics.

Audrey O'Grady, Associate Professor in Biology, University of Limerick • conversation
Aug. 12, 2024 ~6 min

The five scholars who won two Nobel Prizes — and what sets them apart

Winning a Nobel Prize is a rare achievement, but some researchers have been awarded more than one.

Sam McKee, Tutor and researcher in Philosophy of Science, Manchester Metropolitan University • conversation
July 9, 2024 ~7 min


How DNA analysis of our rivers and lakes can reveal new secrets about their biodiversity

Our research suggests environmental DNA analysis could transform traditional ways of monitoring freshwater ecosystems.

Simon Creer, Professor in Molecular Ecology, Bangor University • conversation
June 13, 2024 ~8 min

Depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder linked with ancient viral DNA in our genome – new research

‘Hervs’ date back hundreds of thousands of years – and play an important role in regulating genes.

Timothy Powell, Senior lecturer, King's College London • conversation
May 24, 2024 ~6 min

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