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Chromosomes

All articles tagged with #chromosomes

Y Chromosome on the Clock: Extinction Fears Meet Scientific Debate
science16 days ago

Y Chromosome on the Clock: Extinction Fears Meet Scientific Debate

The fate of the human Y chromosome is still debated: it has shed most of its ancestral genes, but scientists disagree on whether it will disappear. Some argue key Y genes are essential and loss is limited, while others say remaining sequences are repeats and degradation could continue. Animal studies showing sex-determination relocating to other chromosomes suggest humans might compensate if needed; even if the Y vanishes, males would likely persist, and extinction is not imminent.

via Indian Defence Review|
#chromosomes#evolution#genetics
Mysterious Creature Holds Earth's Highest Chromosome Count
science8 months ago

Mysterious Creature Holds Earth's Highest Chromosome Count

The Atlas blue butterfly has the highest number of chromosomes ever recorded in an animal, with 229 pairs, resulting from chromosomes splitting into smaller sections over three million years. This discovery provides insights into evolution, adaptation, and potential implications for human cancer research, as chromosomal rearrangements are also seen in cancer cells.

via SciTechDaily|
#atlas-blue-butterfly#chromosomes#evolution
Molecular Machines: Twisting DNA and Looping Chromosomes
science1 year ago

Molecular Machines: Twisting DNA and Looping Chromosomes

Researchers from the Kavli Institute and IMP Vienna Biocenter have discovered that SMC motor proteins, which form loops in DNA, also twist the DNA by 0.6 turns per loop. This finding, published in Science Advances, enhances our understanding of chromosome structure and function, and has implications for diseases like cohesinopathies. The study shows that this twisting mechanism is conserved across species, including humans and yeast, highlighting its evolutionary significance.

via Phys.org|
#chromosomes#dna#genetics
"Scientists Convert Male Mice to Female by Deleting 6 Molecules"
science2 years ago

"Scientists Convert Male Mice to Female by Deleting 6 Molecules"

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that deleting six specific microRNAs can override the influence of sex chromosomes, transforming male mice (with XY chromosomes) into females by delaying the production of a crucial protein. This discovery adds complexity to our understanding of sex determination in mammals and suggests that similar mechanisms may exist in other vertebrates, including humans.

via Livescience.com|
#chromosomes#genetics#mice
"Identification of Turner Syndrome in Prehistoric Human DNA"
science2 years ago

"Identification of Turner Syndrome in Prehistoric Human DNA"

Researchers have identified the first prehistoric person with mosaic Turner syndrome, characterized by one X chromosome, using a new technique to measure the number of chromosomes in ancient genomes more precisely. They also identified the earliest known person with Jacob's syndrome, three individuals with Klinefelter syndrome, and an infant with Down Syndrome from ancient DNA samples. The study sheds light on the historical perspective of how sex, gender, and diversity were perceived in past societies.

via Phys.org|
#ancient-dna#chromosomes#genetic-disorders
Unveiling the Protective 'POT-hole' Safeguarding Chromosome Ends
science2 years ago

Unveiling the Protective 'POT-hole' Safeguarding Chromosome Ends

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new feature of how telomeres, the natural ends of chromosomes, are protected from DNA damage. They found that a protein called POT1 uses a cavity, which they call the "POT-hole," to hide the chromosome end from being recognized as DNA damage. This prevents the activation of the DNA damage response machinery. The study provides insights into how our chromosomes are protected and expands our understanding of the role of POT1 in safeguarding telomeres.

via Phys.org|
#chromosomes#dna-damage#dna-repair
Unraveling the Mystery of Cancer Growth: Gene Editing and Aneuploidy
health2 years ago

Unraveling the Mystery of Cancer Growth: Gene Editing and Aneuploidy

Researchers have used gene-editing tools to confirm a century-old theory that cells with abnormal numbers of chromosomes are drivers of cancer. The study, published in the journal Science, sheds new light on an old idea and could potentially lead to new ways of targeting cancer cells with drugs. By using a clever CRISPR hack, scientists were able to show that cancer cells without extra chromosomes were no longer able to seed tumors in animals. This discovery opens up the possibility of developing therapies that target and kill cells with abnormal numbers of chromosomes, expanding the number of potential targets for cancer treatment.

via The Washington Post|
#cancer#cancer-research#chromosomes
Pangolin Research Reveals Scientific Surprise
science-and-environment3 years ago

Pangolin Research Reveals Scientific Surprise

A recent study published in Chromosome Research reveals that the female white-bellied pangolin possesses 114 chromosomes, a count surpassed only by the Bolivian bamboo rat’s 118, significantly exceeding the human count of 46. The chromosome counts of other pangolin species align more with typical mammalian ranges, fluctuating between 36 to 42. The research team created a valuable genetic resource to support conservation efforts, especially attempts to control poaching, which is the primary reason the animals are endangered.

via SciTechDaily|
#chromosomes#conservation#endangered-species
Nettie Stevens: The Female Pioneer Who Unlocked the Science of Gender
science3 years ago

Nettie Stevens: The Female Pioneer Who Unlocked the Science of Gender

Nettie Stevens, a pioneering cytogeneticist and researcher at Bryn Mawr College, discovered in 1905 that sex is determined by hereditary traits passed through chromosomes. She found that females are born with a pair of XX chromosomes, inheriting an X from both the mother and father, while males are born with XY chromosomes; the X is from the mother, the Y from the father. Stevens' discovery revolutionized the field of genetics and challenged the assumptions of many powerful people in biology. Despite her groundbreaking work, she did not receive credit for her discovery at the time due to her gender.

via Fox News|
#chromosomes#genetics#nettie-stevens
Comb Jelly: Earth's Oldest Animal Group?
science3 years ago

Comb Jelly: Earth's Oldest Animal Group?

A new study published in Nature suggests that the first animal to have roamed the Earth about 700 million years ago was likely a comb jelly, or ctenophore. Scientists determined this by looking at the organization of genes in the chromosomes of the organisms. The chromosomes of the ctenophore look very different than the chromosomes of sponges, jellyfish and other invertebrates, alerting researchers that the ctenophore could have either come much earlier than the others, or much later. This new insight is valuable to learning about the basic functions of all animals and humans today, such as how we eat, move and sense our surrounding environment.

via CBS News|
#chromosomes#comb-jelly#ctenophore
"Comb Jelly: Earth's Oldest Animal?"
science3 years ago

"Comb Jelly: Earth's Oldest Animal?"

Scientists believe that the first animal to have roamed the Earth about 700 million years ago was likely a comb jelly, or ctenophore, according to a new study published in Nature. Researchers determined this by looking at the organization of genes in the chromosomes of the organisms. The chromosomes of the ctenophore look very different than the chromosomes of sponges, jellyfish and other invertebrates, alerting researchers that the ctenophore could have either come much earlier than the others, or much later. This new insight is valuable to learning about the basic functions of all animals and humans today, such as how we eat, move and sense our surrounding environment.

via Yahoo News|
#chromosomes#comb-jelly#evolution