A recent study in genetic control elements revealed around 11,000 gene regulators active in every cell type, also known as housekeeping cis-regulatory elements (HK-CREs). These elements are vital in ...

Researchers discover further evidence of an evolutionary arms race within organisms -- and the mechanisms at play in this arms race -- to combat selfish genetic elements. The human genome is littered ...

Evolution has allowed organisms to adapt to their environments, sometimes in very specific ways, through changes in their genetics. These adaptations can happen when changes occur randomly in the ...

The degree to which selfish genetic elements are actually selfish may need a rethink. For decades, it has been assumed that the typical selfish genetic element is a bit of DNA that resides in a host’s ...

Microbes are engaged in a never-ending battle, and they have ways of attacking each other as well as defense mechanisms. Viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages, and it's generally ...

Modifying the genetic structure of organisms is a central part of modern biotechnology. This article will discuss biotechnology and genetic engineering, providing an overview of the subject.

A component of the human intestinal flora that has been little studied to date is the focus of a new study. Plasmids are small extrachromosomal genetic elements that frequently occur in bacterial ...

Should we genetically modify wild lions? Of course not, might be your instant response. But what if lions were being wiped out by a devastating disease introduced by people? What if the genetic change ...

The human genome is littered with "selfish genetic elements," which do not seem to benefit their hosts, but instead seek only to propagate themselves. Selfish genetic elements can wreak havoc by, for ...