Transposable elements are stretches of DNA that can move around the genome. Many of these DNA sequences originate from long ago, when viruses inserted their genetic material into our ancestors' ...

A team of scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) has uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that controls how genes are switched ‘on’ and ‘off’ during embryonic development.

All cells contain the same DNA but must turn specific genes ‘on’ and ‘off’ – a process known as gene expression – to create different body parts. The cells in your eyes and arms harbour the same genes ...

Researchers have gained new insights into the mechanism behind the spatial organization of DNA within the cells of early embryos. When an embryo is first formed after fertilization, each cell has the ...

For many years, researchers believed that the DNA inside a newly fertilized egg began as a structural ‘blank slate’ – a loose ...

What if you could screen embryos for diseases before they became babies? What if you had the power to choose the traits your baby would have? Would you use it? These practically polar opposite ...

Ancient viruses are embedded everywhere in the human genome. Estimates range, but it's thought that about eight percent of the human genome could be made up of these ancient retroviruses, which are ...

Over the past few decades, growing evidence has challenged the belief that inheritance is governed solely by DNA sequences. Scientists now recognize the crucial role of epigenetic inheritance—the ...

Week 3 of pregnancy marks a crucial phase when your baby’s genetic blueprint begins to guide development. Although DNA is ...

A small tissue fold in fly embryos, once thought purposeless, plays a vital role in stabilizing tissues. Researchers show that it absorbs stress during early development, and its position and timing ...