Nanoscale sequencer detects 2 cancer-linked RNA base modifications simultaneously
Using a new nanoscale sequencer, a research group has sequenced a microRNA that is a marker for refractory gastrointestinal cancer. The novel method can detect two types of chemical base modifications simultaneously, according to a study published on September 29 in Scientific Reports. Read More
New software finds relationships between RNA modifications, cancers
A new computational tool called ModTect could identify RNA modifications using preexisting sequencing data gathered from clinical cohort studies. The tool may bring scientists closer to understanding the relationships between RNA modifications and the development of cancer and other diseases, according to a recent study in Science Advances. Read More
'Minibrains' grown from stem cells replicate brain's electrical activity
Researchers have grown 3D human brain tissue from stem cells that replicates the patterns of electrical activity found in the brains of patients with Rett syndrome. These "minibrain organoids" can be used to investigate the underlying causes of neurological disease and screen and test potential drug candidates, according to research published on August 23 in Nature Neuroscience. Read More
Cell and gene therapy firms see over $13.6B so far in 2021
Rapid financing activity in the cell and gene therapy industry has exceeded $13 billion in 2021. Over half of this funding is from venture capital and private investments, with over 100 funding deals of this type. Read More
COVID multiomics dataset, portal go online for public use
A new multidimensional dataset for COVID-19 multiomics research has been released to the public, along with a free online research portal for analyzing the data. The COVIDome Explorer and dataset, described recently in Cell Reports, give researchers a way to share data and collaborate in real-time for the clinical management of COVID-19. Read More
Long-read sequencing of circRNA finds autism-linked microexons
Scientists have developed a new laboratory protocol and bioinformatic pipeline using a long-read sequencing platform from Oxford Nanopore Technologies for exploring the composition of circular RNA (circRNA). The technique, published on August 10 in Nature Communications, showed that a group of microexons that had been previously linked to autism are preferentially found in circRNA. Read More
Researchers identify chronic stress gene target in brain
By studying how genes affect receptors in the brain under stress, researchers have discovered new molecular mechanisms behind the function of corticosterone, the stress hormone. The research was published in Nature Communications on August 6. Read More
New sequencing workflow efficiently maps protein-protein interactions
A new tool called protein-protein interaction sequencing (PROPER-seq) allows researchers to map complex networks of proteins within cells of interest without the need for specialized resources, like antibodies or premade gene libraries. The methodology was published in Molecular Cell on August 3. Read More
Blocking some T cells may unleash full power of immune system against cancer
Researchers have identified a way to restrict regulatory T-cell activity in tumor cells, which in turn can unleash other immune cells to attack tumors in cancer patients. The research is being published in the August 3 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read More
Algorithm expands what scientists can uncover from individual cells
A new software tool can help researchers further utilize single-cell RNA sequencing data to learn more about individual cells by incorporating biologically relevant data into the analysis. The machine-learning algorithm, detailed in Genome Research on June 30, can be used to predict which transcription factors are most active in individual cells. Read More
Conferences
Science Briefs
Member Rewards
Earn points for contributing to market research. Redeem your points for merchandise, travel, or even to help your favorite charity.
Research Topics
Interact with an engaged, global community of your peers who come together to discuss their work and opportunities.
Conferences
Connect
