Scientists have discovered a new property of the molecular motors that shape our chromosomes. While six years ago they found that these so-called SMC motor proteins make long loops in our DNA, they ...

A hitherto unknown mechanism for DNA folding is described in a new study. The findings provide new insights into chromosomal processes that are vital to both normal development and to prevent disease.

The Y chromosome is perhaps the most puzzling part of the human genome. Associated with male development, it is chock-full of repetitive and inverted stretches of DNA, a hurdle that makes it ...

Scientists from the Kavli Institute of Delft University of Technology and the IMP Vienna Biocenter discovered a new property of the molecular motors that shape our chromosomes. While six years ago ...

A picture of a mouse MII stage eggs with the location of chromosomes (green) and the distribution of the histone modification H3K4me3 (purple). The team confirmed that H3K4me3 was significantly ...

The DNA in our cells is organised into chromosomes, which are highly dynamic structures that are altered when genes are transcribed, when DNA damage is repaired or when chromosomes are compacte in ...

For decades, the Y chromosome — one of the two human sex chromosomes — has been notoriously challenging for the genomics community to sequence due to the complexity of its structure. Now, this elusive ...

Robertsonian chromosomes (ROB) are a type of structurally variant chromosome that is created when two chromosomes fuse together to form an unusual bond. Found commonly in nature, these chromosomes are ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes, act much like the plastic tips of shoelaces, preventing our DNA ...

In about one out of every 800 people, two chromosomes fuse together to form an unusual bond. These are known as Robertsonian chromosomes. It's a mystery that has long stumped scientists. Subscribe to ...