biotechnology
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‘Mind-Blowing’ 2-Million-Year-Old DNA Reveals Ancient Ecosystem in Greenland
A team of scientists sequenced the most ancient DNA yet, found in permafrost in the northernmost reaches of Greenland. The DNA is 2 million years old, blowing past the previous record for the most ancient DNA by a million years.
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A Cancer-Fighting Version of Herpes Shows Promise in Early Human Trial
Scientists may be able to turn a long-time germ foe into a cancer-fighting ally, new research this week suggests. In preliminary data from a Phase I trial, a genetically modified version of the herpes virus has shown promise in treating difficult-to-eradicate tumours, with one patient having experienced a complete remission for 15 months so far.…
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Building Blocks of RNA Spotted at the Centre of the Milky Way
A team of researchers say they’ve found some building blocks of RNA in a molecular cloud close to the centre of the Milky Way. The discovery has implications for theories about how life began on Earth — and perhaps elsewhere.
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5 Real Medical Treatments That Sound Like Sci-Fi
Modern medicine has extended our lives and reduced suffering in all kinds of ways. Many of the impactful interventions we have available today have been around for a long time, though, such as antibiotics, most painkillers, and various forms of cancer screening. But every once in a while, scientists do come up with novel treatments…