20 – 26 March 2017
Scientists cracked the code for making an unlimited blood supply
A team at the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant say they have made a significant leap towards mass-producing red blood cells suitable for donation by making the stem cells "Immortal". Find source
Zika mosquito genome mapped – at last
The genome sequence of the Zika mosquito was incomplete and consisted of short DNA fragments, hampering research efforts. Now ‘Breakthrough’ technique used to piece together genome sequence of Zika vector 10 years after publication of draft sequence. Find source
Big data renews fight over animal origins
Evolutionary biologists have battled for years over which animal lineage came first — sponges or comb jellies. A new study supports the sponge case, using an unprecedented array of genetic data to deduce that they were the first to branch off. Find source
Critical step in DNA repair, cellular aging pinpointed
The body's ability to repair DNA damage declines with age, which causes gradual cell demise. Now, research reveals a critical step in a molecular chain of events that allows cells to mend their broken DNA. Find source
66% of Cancer is by luck, mainly bad luck
For the first time, we know that what percentage of cancer mutations are due to environmental/ lifestyle factors, hereditary factors and random chance or bad luck. Overall, 66% of the genetic mutations that develop into cancer are caused by random replication errors. Find source
