Genes or environment? Which has the greater influence on who we are?

What’s in our genes: International research team identifies over 1,000 markers linked to human personality

12-Oct-2026 - Genes or environment? Which has the greater influence on who we are? This question has been debated for decades. An answer has now been found regarding human personality: whether we are shy or brave, tidy or rather chaotic is partly determined by our genes. This is shown by a large-scale study ...

Non-viral DNA delivery platform Tethosome goes to Eli Lilly

Lilly acquires California-based startup Engage Biologics for up to $202 million

22-May-2026 - Engage Biologics Inc., a preclinical biotechnology company pioneering non-viral DNA delivery, announced that it has been acquired by Eli Lilly and Company. Engage is developing the Tethosome platform, a novel non-viral DNA delivery system designed to overcome key limitations in DNA delivery, ...

DNA steps out of the "blueprint" role to become an active "field agent"

02-Apr-2026 - Stepping away from its billions-of-years-old role as a genetic "blueprint," DNA is now embarking on a new journey as an active "field agent" within cells. This research by a team led by Professor Jongmin Kim and Ph.D. candidate Geonhu Lee from the Department of Life Sciences at POSTECH (Pohang ...

Scientists capture first detailed look inside droplet-like structures of compacted DNA

09-Dec-2025 - Inside human cells, biology has pulled off the ultimate packing job, figuring out how to fit six feet of DNA into a nucleus about one-tenth as wide as a human hair while making sure the all-important molecules can still function. To compress itself, DNA wraps around proteins to form nucleosomes ...

Scientists uncover DNA secrets to bolster corn crop traits

The discovery could enable scientists to use new technologies to improve corn, making it more resilient and productive

18-Jul-2025 - A team that includes Rutgers University-New Brunswick scientists has unlocked some of the secrets of corn DNA, revealing how specific sections of genetic material control vital traits such as plant architecture and pest resistance. The discovery could enable scientists to use new technologies to ...

What the sea spider genome reveals about their bizarre anatomy

The first high-quality pycnogonid genome provides novel insights in chelicerate evo-devo

10-Jul-2025 - An international collaboration featuring the University of Vienna and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) has led to the first-ever chromosome-level genome assembly of a sea spider (Pycnogonum litorale). The genome informs about the development of the characteristic sea spider body plan and ...

Colossal Announces World’s First De-Extinction

Successfully birthed an extinct species

10-Apr-2025 - Colossal Biosciences, the world’s only de-extinction company, announces the rebirth of the once extinct dire wolf, the world’s first successfully de-extincted animal. The dire wolf, largely assumed to be a legendary creature made famous from the HBO hit series Game of Thrones, was an American ...

Revealing DNA behavior in record time

26-Aug-2024 - “DNA, RNA and proteins are the key players to regulate all processes in the cells of our body,” Leiden Professor John van Noort explains. “To understand the (mis-)functioning of these molecules, it is essential to uncover how their 3D structure depends on their sequence and for this it is ...

Ointment with DNA molecules combats allergic contact dermatitis

Study shows that what are known as aptamers can be absorbed directly via the skin

08-Jul-2024 - Researchers at the University of Bonn have isolated a DNA molecule that is suitable for combating allergic contact dermatitis in mice. What is known as an aptamer binds to certain immune system messenger substances, rendering them ineffective. This even works if the active ingredient is applied ...

Protecting art and passwords with biochemistry

New technology is based on a pool of one hundred million different DNA molecules and protects against counterfeiting

10-Apr-2024 - A new molecular test method helps to prove the authenticity of works of art. The new method could also help to make passwords secure against quantum computers. Instead of using algorithms, the method employs the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Security experts fear Q-​Day, the ...