12 hours ago by Adam Hadhazy An artists impression of a DNA molecule. Credit: FBI New research intriguingly suggests that DNA, the genetic information carrier for humans and other complex life, might have had a rather humbler origin. In some microbes, a study shows, DNA pulls double duty as a storage site for phosphate. This all-important biomolecule contains phosphorus, a sometimes hard-to-get nutrient. Maintaining an in-house source of phosphate is a newfound tactic for enabling microorganisms to eke out a living in harsh environments, according to a new study published in the open-access, peer reviewed scientific journal PLOS ONE. The finding bodes well for life finding a way, as it were, in extreme conditions on worlds less hospitable than Earth. The results also support a second insight: DNA might have come onto the biological scene merely as a means of keeping phosphate handy. Only later on in evolutionary history did the mighty molecule perhaps take on the more advanced role of genetic carrier. "DNA might have initially evolved for the purpose of storing phosphate, and the various genetic benefits evolved later," said Joerg Soppa, senior author of the paper and a molecular biologist at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. Unraveling … Continue reading →

Only now have scientists involved in the practice disclosed that a study of the childrens long-term health is finally under way. It is quite extraordinary, says British fertility pioneer Professor Lord Winston. Not only the lack of follow-up, but the way the whole thing was run. This was not about preventing deadly diseases, this was mainly about getting older women pregnant via a rather dubious method, trying to rejuvenate older eggs. He is among many scientists who make a clear distinction between those experiments now outlawed and the proposals to allow three-parent babies in this country, which would be regulated. Lord Winston believes there is a clear case for the plans to help those with a high risk of having children who inherit disorders such as muscular dystrophy caused by faults in the mothers mitochondria, the structures that supply energy to the bodys cells. The therapy can dramatically reduce the risk of children inheriting disorders of the heart, brain and muscle. I think the case is self-evident and reasonable, says the emeritus professor of fertility studies at Imperial College London. This is about something that is unusual and will benefit a small number of patients. I know there are some … Continue reading →

The Ganeshotsav celebrations are under way and we at dna are going green. It's our annual dna eco-Ganesha celebrations presented by Tata Housing. We encourage our readers to send in their eco-friendly ideas, either as individuals or as societies. Last year, we had 600 entries and this year we expect a lot more. Like last year, this year too, the theme will be based on "Panch Mahabhooth" the five great elements of nature. Lord Ganesha is also known as Lord of Nature and its preserver. Therefore, through this initiative, dna wants to signify the importance of respecting the five great elements of nature. Through this theme, dna will emphasise on the need to care for the five great elements that are air (vayu), water (jal), fire (agni), sky (aakash), and earth (bhoomi). One of last year's finalists, BB Nikan, the president of Konkan Rail Vihar in Nerul, said that the society's celebrations have been eco-friendly for the past two years. "dna's initiative encouraged us to go green. Last year, we were one of the prize winners and this year, we want to repeat our feat. Our Lord Ganesh idol is made from paper mache and we've placed our idol on … Continue reading →