New programmable gene editing proteins found outside of CRISPR systems

Within the last decade, scientists have adapted CRISPR systems from microbes into gene editing technology, a precise and programmable system for modifying DNA. Now, scientists at MIT's McGovern Institute and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have discovered a new class of programmable DNA modifying systems called OMEGAs (Obligate Mobile Element Guided Activity), which may naturally be involved in shuffling small bits of DNA throughout bacterial genomes.

Is the COVID vaccine safe for pregnant people? What about when you are breastfeeding?

Kristin Woodring found out she was pregnant in the fall of 2020. A pharmacist at UR Medicine's Strong Memorial Hospital, she was eligible for a COVID vaccine a few months later. She was still early in her pregnancy—around 16 weeks—but the decision to get the shot was an easy one.

New roadmap guides industries to invest in low-cost, low-energy salt water treatment and recycle wastewater

Agriculture accounts for about 90% of total water consumption in the western United States and around 80% in the rest of the country.

Protoplanetary disks throw out more material than gets turned into planets

When a young solar system gets going it's little more than a young star and a rotating disk of debris. Accepted thinking says that the swirling debris is swept up in planet formation. But a new study says that much of the matter in the disk could face a different fate.

Citing high shot rates, Danes ends COVID-19 restriction

After 548 days with restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19, Denmark's high vaccination rate has enabled the Scandinavian country to become one of the first European Union nations to lift all domestic restrictions.

Gut flora composition may impact susceptibility to konzo, a neurological disease caused by world staple crop cassava

Differences between gut flora and genes from konzo-prone regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may affect the release of cyanide after poorly processed cassava is consumed, according to a study with 180 children. Cassava is a food security crop for over half a billion people in the developing world. Children living in high-risk konzo areas have high glucosidase (linamarase) microbes and low rhodanese microbes in their gut, which could mean more susceptibility and less protection against the disease, suggest Children's National Hospital researchers who led the study published in Nature Communications.

New technology designed to genetically control disease-spreading mosquitoes

Leveraging advancements in CRISPR-based genetic engineering, researchers at the University of California San Diego have created a new system that restrains populations of mosquitoes that infect millions each year with debilitating diseases.

Medicine that treats gout could also battle COVID-19

As COVID-19 cases continue to skyrocket across the U.S. and the world, few options are available for treating patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2.

Scientists reveal the fossilised skin of a bull-like carnivorous dinosaur

One of the strangest carnivorous dinosaurs ever discovered has been given a makeover by a pair of Belgian and Australian palaeontologists.

Texas bans social networks booting users over politics

Texas on Thursday made it illegal for popular social media platforms to ban users "simply based on their political viewpoints."

Super typhoon Chanthu threatens Philippines, Taiwan

A super typhoon that rapidly formed in just 48 hours is threatening both the Philippines and Taiwan with destructive winds and torrential rains over the coming days.

Hurricane Olaf makes landfall near Mexico's Los Cabos

Hurricane Olaf weakened to a Category One storm on Friday as it swept through Mexico's Baja California peninsula and as the disaster-prone country recovered from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake and major flooding.

Turn off the oil taps? Norway torn between climate and cash

In Stavanger's harbour, the Petroleum Museum chronicles Norway's road to riches. Now, faced with the climate crisis, a growing chorus wants fossil fuels to be relegated to history for good.

Analysis: Biden's war on virus becomes war on unvaccinated

They're a source of frustration. A risk to their fellow citizens. A threat to the nation's economic recovery.

Federal mandate takes vaccine decision off employers' hands

Larger U.S. businesses now won't have to decide whether to require their employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Doing so is now federal policy.

Epic seeks 'Fortnite' return on Apple's S. Korea App Store

Major US gamemaker Epic Games has asked Apple to restore its flagship game "Fortnite" on the South Korean app store after Seoul passed a law curbing the monopolistic power of platform operators, it said Friday.

Toyota cuts production further on virus issues, chip woes

Toyota, the world's top-selling automaker, said on Friday it would further slash production in Japan and abroad because of ongoing virus disruptions and a chronic global chip shortage.

When wolves are at the door – what communities need to get on with new neighbors

Large carnivore populations are expanding across Europe and experts are calling for increased support for communities to encourage harmonious relationships with their new neighbours.

How much does the DNA extraction route impact the results of microbiome research?

Let's face it, we are a results-driven society. Too focused on the outcome, people don't often think about the "how." For instance, did you think about "how" you got to work this morning or did you just get there? In microbiome studies the results are the graphs and the data but the "how," like commuting, is often just part of a routine.

Regular exercise may lower risk of developing anxiety by almost 60%

A quick online search for ways to improve our mental health will often come up with a myriad of different results. However, one of the most common suggestions put forward as a step to achieving wellness—and preventing future issues—is doing some physical exercise, whether it be a walk or playing a team sport.