Mezcal worm in a bottle DNA test reveals a surprise
At the bottom of some mezcal bottles sits one of the most recognizable curiosities in the world of spirits: a pale, curled “worm” preserved in alcohol. It has helped give…
Ancient DNA reveals a farming shift that pushed a society to the brink
A new interdisciplinary study published in Nature traces more than 2,000 years of population history in Argentina’s Uspallata Valley (UV), a key southern edge of ancient Andean farming. The research…
Scientists discover ALS protein that links DNA repair to cancer and dementia
Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered that a protein tied to neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also helps control a critical DNA repair process. This…
Ancient DNA solves 12,000-year-old mystery of rare genetic growth disorder
An international team led by the University of Vienna and Liège University Hospital Centre has uncovered genetic changes linked to a rare inherited growth disorder in two people who lived…
Scientists were wrong for decades about DNA knots
Scientists at the University of Cambridge, working with international collaborators, have identified a crucial process that shapes how DNA behaves as it moves through nanoscale pores. This process is fundamental…
New DNA analysis rewrites the story of the Beachy Head Woman
A long-standing mystery surrounding a Roman-era skeleton discovered in southern England may finally be close to an answer. Earlier studies suggested the young woman, known as the Beachy Head Woman,…
Decoding the perfect steak: The hidden DNA behind Wagyu’s legendary marbling
Scientists at the University of Adelaide’s Davies Livestock Research Centre (DLRC) have unveiled the most comprehensive cattle genome ever assembled, a breakthrough expected to improve Wagyu breeding and enhance beef…
The 98% mystery: Scientists just cracked the code on “junk DNA” linked to Alzheimer’s
When people picture DNA, they often imagine a set of genes that shape our physical traits, influence behavior, and help keep our cells and organs functioning. But genes make up…
Indoor tanning triples melanoma risk and seeds broad DNA mutations
Indoor tanning drastically increases melanoma risk, and scientists have now mapped the sweeping DNA damage tanning beds inflict across nearly the entire skin surface — damage far beyond what sunlight…
A simple DNA test could reveal the right antidepressant for you
Depression and anxiety are the most widespread mental health disorders in the world. Around 300 million people live with depression, and roughly 301 million have an anxiety disorder, affecting nearly…