RED FLAG A new genetic technology called gene drives may be easily thwarted, experiments with fruit flies suggest. The red flies shown here inherited a gene drive carrying a red fluorescent protein.
Jackson Champer
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Magazine
In the Aug. 5 SN: Seismologists study North Korea’s nukes, souped up solar cells, Larsen C finally cracks through, marshmallow test goes to Africa, bacteria’s mysterious architecture, an entanglement distance record, solar eclipse paths to come and more.
Genes & Cells
Topic Image Rail
WOW COW A special feature of bovine antibodies seems key to why cows in a new study were able to generate broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
Maynagashev/iStockphoto
FEELING THE BOND Dogs' friendliness to humans may be tied to tweaks in a few of the animal's genes. A new study examines how variations of these genes may have allowed for the domestication of dogs from wolves.
Astakhova/iStockphoto
Genes & Cells
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Genetics
News
Resistance to CRISPR gene drives may arise easily
New tools for pest and disease control could become useless without improvements.News
These genes may be why dogs are so friendly
Dog domestication may be the result of just a few genetic changes, including ones that made canines more interested in interacting with people. -
Cells
News
Immune cells play surprising role in steady heartbeat
Immune system cells called macrophages help heart cells rhythmically contract, maintaining the beat of mice’s hearts.Science Visualized
Cells’ stunning complexity on display in a new online portal
A new online explorer tool from the Allen Institute for Cell Science shows 3-D models of cell interiors. -
Development
News
How bearded dragons switch their sex
RNA editing might affect reptile sex determination at temperature extremes.Science TickerMouse sperm survive space to spawn
Sperm freeze-dried and sent into space for months of exposure to high levels of solar radiation later produced healthy baby mice. -
Physiology
Feature
A healthy old age may trump immortality
Despite disagreements about what aging is and isn't, scientists have reached a radical consensus: It can be delayed.ScicuriousWomen in sports are often underrepresented in science
More and more women are taking up recreational and competitive sports. But when it comes to exercise science, the studies don’t reflect that trend. -
Immune Science
News
When it comes to the flu, the nose has a long memory
Mice noses have specialty immune cells with long memories.News
Bacteria genes offer new strategy for sterilizing mosquitoes
Two genes in Wolbachia bacteria could be used to sterilize mosquitoes that transmit Zika. -
Microbiology
News
These bacteria may egg on colon cancer
Streptococcus gallolyticus may goad colon cancer growth.News
Chronic flu patients could be an early warning system for future outbreaks
Cancer patients’ long-term flu infections may preview future viruses. -
Epigenetics
News
Proteins that reprogram cells can turn back mice’s aging clock
Proteins that reprogram adult cells to an embryonic-like state can rejuvenate prematurely aging mice.News
Epigenetic marks may help assess toxic exposure risk — someday
Exposure to things in the environment may change chemical tags on DNA and proteins, but it’s still unclear how to use that data to assess health risks. -
Molecular Evolution
Editor's NoteJumping genes are part of all that makes us human
Ask 10 people what makes humans human and you’ll probably get 10 different answers — and then some.News
Ancient enzymes adapted to a cooler Earth to keep life’s chemical reactions going
Ancient enzymes kept their speed at lower temperatures.
