Powerful ‘nanopore’ DNA sequencing method tackles proteins too

[ad_1] A nanopore sequencing device is typically used for sequencing DNA and RNA.Credit: Anthony Kwan/Bloomberg/Getty With its fast analyses and ultra-long reads, nanopore sequencing has transformed genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics. Now, thanks to advances in nanopore design and protein engineering, protein analysis using the technique might be catching up. “All the pieces are there to … Read more

DNA from ancient graves reveals the culture of a mysterious nomadic people

[ad_1] Scientists sampled genomic data from 279 graves at a cemetery in Rákóczifalva, Hungary, where people of the medieval Avar culture were buried.Credit: Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University Múzeum, Budapest, Hungary Most people know about the Huns, if only because of their infamous warrior-ruler Attila. But the Avars, another nomadic people who subsequently … Read more

Preparing for the DNA computation paradigm shift

[ad_1] In “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions,” physicist and philosopher Thomas Kuhn introduced the concept of a paradigm shift, which he used to describe a fundamental change in the basic framework of thinking in natural sciences. Throughout history, however, such paradigm shifts have occurred not just in natural sciences but across the entire spectrum of … Read more

DNA storage is coming, it’s just a matter of when not if — SNIA quietly unveils first specifications for storing bytes in DNA medium, an important first step towards almost ultra-cheap, limitless storage

[ad_1] Data will soon be able to be stored in DNA. French startup Biomemory has already shipped a DNA storage device to the general public. Now the DNA Data Storage Alliance, a technology affiliate of the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA), has unveiled the first specifications for storing vendor and CODEC information within a DNA … Read more

Memories are made by breaking DNA — and fixing it

[ad_1] When a long-term memory forms, some brain cells experience a rush of electrical activity so strong that it snaps their DNA. Then, an inflammatory response kicks in, repairing this damage and helping to cement the memory, a study in mice shows. The findings, published on 27 March in Nature1, are “extremely exciting”, says Li-Huei … Read more