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Over the past decade, research in the field of epigenetics has revealed that chemically modified bases are abundant components of the human genome and has forced us to abandon the notion we’ve had since high school genetics that DNA consists of only four bases.
Now, researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have made a discovery that once again forces us to rewrite our textbooks. This time, however, the findings pertain to RNA, which like DNA carries information about our genes and how they are expressed. The researchers have identified a novel base modification in RNA which they say will revolutionize our understanding of gene expression.
Their report, published May 17 in the journal Cell, shows that messenger RNA (mRNA), long thought to be a simple blueprint for protein production, is often chemically modified by addition of a methyl group to one of its bases, adenine. Although mRNA was thought to contain only four nucleobases, their discovery shows that a fifth base, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), pervades the transcriptome. The researchers found that up to 20 percent of human mRNA is routinely methylated. Over 5,000 different mRNA molecules contain m6A, which means that this modification is likely to have widespread effects on how genes are expressed.
Several years ago, Bio-Rad Laboratories released the highly successful music video “The PCR Song.” The song, which boasts great lyrics and a catchy tune, went viral receiving over 1 Million views since its release. There have been many attempts to copy Bio-Rad’s success and hundreds of knock-off videos have been posted to YouTube. One thing is for sure, The PCR Song has helped spread awareness about PCR technology among the lay public and is inspiring a whole new generation to learn more about cutting edge science.
Here is the latest PCR Song remix posted by budding future scientists:
The results are in from SelectScience’s Scientists’ Choice Award and Bio-Rad Laboratories‘ Trans-Blot® Turbo™ has taken the prize for Best Life Science Product of 2011. Over 30,000 SelectScience members were invited to vote for their favorite product of 2011 and the Trans-Blot Turbo was given the recognition that it deserves.
Click on the picture below to watch the award ceremony.
Imagine charging your phone as you walk, thanks to a paper-thin generator embedded in the sole of your shoe. This futuristic scenario is now a little closer to reality. Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have developed a way to generate power using harmless viruses that convert mechanical energy into electricity.
The scientists tested their approach by creating a generator that produces enough current to operate a small liquid-crystal display. It works by tapping a finger on a postage stamp-sized electrode coated with specially engineered viruses. The viruses convert the force of the tap into an electric charge.
Their generator is the first to produce electricity by harnessing the piezoelectric properties of a biological material. Piezoelectricity is the accumulation of a charge in a solid in response to mechanical stress.
The milestone could lead to tiny devices that harvest electrical energy from the vibrations of everyday tasks such as shutting a door or climbing stairs.
