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Confirmation of the stability of modified DNA opens up further possibilities in the field of medicine
Scientists from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB CAS) have proven that the highly modified DNA double helix is stable enough for further manipulation. This research could open up new possibilities for the use of DNA in areas of medicine. A team of scientists led by Professor Michal Hock from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic is investigating the limitations of DNA structure and function and successfully extending existing knowledge. Their latest research has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Nucleic Acid Research.
Breast cancer is influenced by a factor that is often overlooked
Genetics, obesity, alcohol, these are all factors that increase the risk of breast cancer and women are very aware of them. But there is one thing that many people do not primarily associate with a higher incidence of breast cancer and that is breast tissue density.
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, the symbol is different socks
World Down Syndrome Day falls on 21 March. People wear different socks on this day. It is a symbolic support for people with Down syndrome, with the message that being different is normal and okay. The socks, when put together with their heels, resemble the letter X, or the X chromosome. The date March 21 is also not chosen at random. It is a symbolic representation of the fact that children with Down syndrome are born with one extra chromosome, or three. By putting on a different sock each March 21, we symbolically join the idea that although people are different and everyone is different, we should still help, respect and support each other.
Humans have fewer coding genes than scientists expected
The number of coding or nuclear genes in human DNA (pictured), the genes involved in the process of making cellular proteins, is much lower than biologists have previously thought. That's according to researchers in an international study coordinated by Spain's National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), who say the true number of nuclear or coding genes is around 19,000. This is around four thousand fewer than the last estimates.