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Paving a road toward mitochondrial plant cell factories

Scientists have devised a new strategy for selectively delivering genes into the mitochondria of plant cells by using a simple combination of cell-penetrating and mitochondria-targeting peptides. This work lays the groundwork for the rational design of peptide-based gene carriers with the potential to create a new field of 'mitochondria engineering', which could enable the creation of mitochondria-based plant cell factories for the creation of bio-polymers and bio-fuels.

Jan 16th, 2015

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Damaged DNA amplified

Researchers have succeeded for the first time in amplifying gene samples containing DNA adducts while retaining references to these adducts. This type of amplification is a prerequisite for the majority of technologies used by researchers to determine a gene's DNA sequence.

Jan 15th, 2015

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Photosynthesis in 3D

Researchers were recently successful in revealing the native structure of the chloroplast in 3D. The results are the first of their kind and provide new insights into the mechanisms of photosynthesis.

Jan 15th, 2015

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Bacteria could be rich source for making terpenes

New research shows that the genetic capacity of bacteria to make terpenes is widespread. Using a specialized technique to sift through genomic databases for a variety of bacteria, the researchers found 262 gene sequences that likely code for terpene synthases - enzymes that catalyze the production terpenes.

Dec 23rd, 2014

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A clear, molecular view of how human color vision evolved

Many genetic mutations in visual pigments, spread over millions of years, were required for humans to evolve from a primitive mammal with a dim, shadowy view of the world into a greater ape able to see all the colors in a rainbow. Now, after more than two decades of painstaking research, scientists have finished a detailed and complete picture of the evolution of human color vision.

Dec 19th, 2014

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