DNA
Coverage of DNA in the Nexus archive.
- Tyler Robinson's lawyers fight DNA found on towel wrapping rifle in Charlie Kirk murder: Live updates
Tyler Robinson's lawyers are challenging DNA evidence found on a towel that wrapped a rifle linked to the Charlie Kirk murder. The case centers on whether the DNA evidence is valid in connecting Robinson to the crime.
- Tyler Robinson's and Lance Twiggs' DNA both allegedly found on key evidence in Charlie Kirk's assassination
Tyler Robinson and Lance Twiggs' DNA were allegedly found on a towel and screwdriver linked to Charlie Kirk's assassination. Robinson, accused of fatally shooting Kirk during a Turning Point USA event, is facing charges including aggravated murder, while Twiggs, whose DNA also appears on the evidence, is cooperating with investigators.
- Anthropologists use DNA to identify remains of Revolutionary War soldier who died in 1780
Anthropologists used DNA to identify the remains of a Revolutionary War soldier who died in 1780 at the Battle of Camden, allowing his relatives to learn his name.
- Scientists BUILD a cell from scratch: Synthetic organism can feed, grow, copy its DNA and divide in world-first breakthrough
Scientists have built a synthetic cell from scratch that can feed, grow, copy its DNA, and divide, marking a world-first breakthrough. The organism demonstrates key biological functions essential for life.
- Detectives use DNA to trace relatives of suspected double rapist after two women were attacked by a stranger four years apart
Detectives used DNA to trace relatives of a suspected double rapist linked to two attacks on women four years apart. The suspect is accused of attacking a stranger in each case.
- Ali Khameni’s body likely in ‘cold storage’ as Iran prepares historic funeral for Supreme Leader killed in Operation Epic Fury
Ali Khameni's body is likely in cold storage as Iran prepares a historic funeral for the Supreme Leader killed in Operation Epic Fury. Khamenei was killed by a bunker-penetration strike, and others killed with him were recovered weeks later and identified by DNA.
- Investigators scouring sewers below Philly house of horrors for possible traces of DNA, dangerous chemicals
Investigators are searching the sewers beneath the decrepit Philadelphia home of Eugene Horsch, 44, for DNA, chemicals used to dissolve bodies, and evidence of a drug lab.
- What Breaks a Cell’s Ribs Can Make It Stronger
The article explains how cells divide by doubling their DNA, condensing it into chromosomes, disassembling the nucleus, and splitting into two daughter cells. This process highlights the dynamic restructuring of cellular components during division.
- Unlucky in love? Blame your DNA! Genetics influence who is most likely to experience a relationship breakdown, study reveals
A study reveals that genetics influence who is most likely to experience a relationship breakdown, suggesting that DNA may play a role in romantic instability.
- Life, uh, finds a pathway — Caltech researchers think they found one too
Caltech researchers discovered a chemical reaction involving benzene and hydrogen cyanide that could explain the formation of DNA and RNA nucleobases on early Earth and potentially Mars. The study suggests sunlight and asteroid impacts may have driven this pathway, offering a simpler explanation than previous theories.
- Why the Human Genome’s Tangled Physicality May Confound AI
The article discusses how the physical complexity of the human genome may challenge AI's ability to interpret DNA as a straightforward blueprint or code. It highlights that while DNA has been viewed as a genetic database containing life's secrets, its tangled physicality could confound computational analysis.
- DNA from 2,000-year-old grape seeds points to origins of modern winemaking
DNA from 2,000-year-old grape seeds found in Tuscany's ancient wells reveals that Roman-era vineyards in Chianti produced white fruit, forming part of the empire's agricultural network. This discovery provides the most extensive genetic history of grapevines from a single site and links ancient practices to modern winemaking.
- Ancient ground squirrels feasted on carcasses like ‘zombies of the Pleistocene’
Fossilized feces from ancient ground squirrels contained remains of mammoths, bison, and big cats. These findings include some of the oldest DNA ever reconstructed, suggesting the squirrels scavenged carcasses during the Pleistocene era.
- Llano County cold case remains likely identified as missing man from 2017
DNA evidence suggests Eric Wallace is the victim in a 2018 Llano County cold case, which investigators now link to a missing man reported in 2017. Authorities are pursuing new leads and requesting records to confirm the identification.
- 26-Year Mystery of a Skeleton in a Tent Ends With DNA Identification
A 26-year-old mystery involving a skeleton found in a tent was solved using DNA identification techniques. The discovery took place in Olympic National Park in Washington state.
- Rachel Morin's mom shares the detective's advice that kept her going before her daughter's killer was caught
Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, shared how a detective's advice to 'have hope' helped her during her daughter's eight-month murder investigation, which led to the arrest of Victor Martinez-Hernandez. She now offers similar encouragement to the family of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, whose abduction remains unsolved, as investigators work on DNA samples with potential delays.
- Man jailed over 2003 Salford rape for which Andrew Malkinson was wrongly imprisoned
Paul Quinn, 52, was jailed for 24 years for a 2003 Salford rape after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Andrew Malkinson was previously wrongfully imprisoned for the same attack, marking one of Britain's worst miscarriages of justice.
- DNA had one rule. Bacteria didn’t get the memo
A bacterial protein has been found to copy DNA in a way that differs from the universal method used by all other cells. Scientists observed this unique process, which challenges existing understanding of DNA replication.
- DNA solves 250-year-old mystery of the Seychelles’ lost crocodiles
Scientists used DNA from historic museum specimens to solve the mystery of the Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles, revealing they were not a unique species but an isolated population of saltwater crocodiles that likely drifted thousands of kilometers across the Indian Ocean.
- New Scientist recommends Turi King's expert book about DNA's secrets
New Scientist recommends Turi King's book 'The Secrets of Our DNA', which explores topics like using DNA to clear murder convictions and identify a monarch's remains. Michael Le Page describes the book as an 'insider's must-read' and expresses fascination with its content.
- Scientists are raising new questions about vitamin B12 and cancer
Scientists are discovering that while vitamin B12 is essential for DNA repair and blood cell production, extremely high levels from long-term supplements may be linked to certain cancers or worse cancer outcomes, complicating its previously held 'more is better' reputation.
- Remains of lost arctic explorers identified with DNA, nearly two centuries later
DNA analysis has identified the remains of lost Franklin Expedition members, nearly two centuries after their 19th-century voyage to the Canadian Arctic ended in disaster. The research sheds light on the fate of the ill-fated Arctic expedition.
- Scientists use DNA from poop to save the world’s rarest marsupial
Scientists in Australia are using DNA techniques to help save the critically endangered Gilbert's potoroo, with fewer than 150 left in the wild. They analyze DNA in the animals' scat to uncover clues about the fungi they depend on for survival. This could help conservationists identify safer habitats and establish backup populations.
- Airborne DNA can yield insights with the right techniques
Airborne DNA can provide insights when analyzed with the right techniques, according to a study published in Nature. The study highlights the potential of airborne DNA in yielding valuable information. This breakthrough can lead to new discoveries in various fields.
- DNA-folding changes block production of self-directed antibodies
DNA-folding changes can block the production of self-directed antibodies. This is due to DNA rearrangements in immune-system B cells, which generate diverse antibody-encoding genes. The process helps avoid producing antibodies that target the body's own tissues.
- Scientists “bottle the sun” with a liquid battery that stores solar energy
UC Santa Barbara scientists have developed a liquid battery that stores solar energy in molecules, inspired by DNA and photochromic sunglasses. The material can hold energy for years and has higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, potentially eliminating the need for traditional electrical grids or bulky batteries.
- New DNA analysis of Christopher Columbus reveals truth about explorer's origins that rewrites history
New DNA analysis of Christopher Columbus reveals his origins, rewriting history. The study sheds light on the explorer's ancestry. This discovery provides new insights into Columbus' past.
- New DNA analysis of Christopher Columbus reveals truth about explorer's origins that rewrites history
A new DNA analysis of Christopher Columbus has revealed the truth about his origins, rewriting history. The study sheds light on the explorer's ancestry. This discovery is a significant breakthrough in understanding Columbus' heritage.
- Giant squid discovery uncovers a hidden deep-sea world off Australia
Scientists discovered a hidden deep-sea world off the coast of Western Australia, uncovering 226 species including bizarre marine life and signs of the giant squid. The discovery was made by analyzing DNA traces in seawater from depths exceeding 4 kilometers. This find may include unknown species to science.
- Audio long read: The air is full of DNA — here’s what scientists are using it for
Scientists are using floating genetic material in the air to gain insights into ecosystem health and identify pathogens before they cause harm. This could also help detect invasive species. The research is published in Nature.
- Scientists accidentally discover DNA that breaks the rules of life
Scientists discovered a bizarre genetic code in a microscopic pond organism that rewrites how genes signal their end, challenging long-held assumptions about genetic translation. This discovery was made using a new single-cell DNA sequencing method. The finding hints that nature may be more flexible and mysterious than previously thought.
- Your DNA may predict your future success more than your upbringing
A new twin study suggests genes play a bigger role in future success than upbringing, with IQ strongly predicting education, career, and income. Genetic differences led to divergent life outcomes even among twins raised together. The findings imply life outcomes may be more hardwired than expected.
- Trafficked pangolins can be traced to their source by DNA — even to a specific forest
Trafficked pangolins can be traced to their source by DNA, even to a specific forest. A method reveals that some local wild-meat markets share the same supply chains as global smuggling operations. This breakthrough can help combat wildlife trafficking.
- The human genome encodes for a new category of molecule
The human genome has been found to encode a new category of molecule, which may be useful targets for future drugs. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in medical treatment. The new molecules have potential applications in various fields.
- New AI method tackles one of science’s hardest math problems
Penn researchers have developed a new AI method to solve inverse equations, making calculations more stable and less computationally demanding. This breakthrough could transform fields like genetics and disease research. The method introduces mollifier layers to smooth noisy data.
- RNA-triggered cell killing with CRISPR–Cas12a2
CRISPR-Cas12a2 enables RNA-triggered killing of eukaryotic cells through DNA shredding, allowing selective elimination of virus-infected or mutation-bearing cells. This technology has potential applications in gene expression and cell targeting. The research was published in Nature on May 6, 2026.
- 'I had to stick to the plan': Officer describes retrieving crocodile with human remains inside
A missing man's remains are suspected to be inside a retrieved crocodile, with DNA tests underway for confirmation. The retrieval was conducted by an officer who stuck to their plan. The incident involves a human fatality and a wild animal.
- Powerful tools are revealing the ‘control knobs’ of the genome
Powerful tools are accelerating the identification of DNA sequences that control gene expression, revealing the hidden grammar of the regulatory genome. This is giving scientists the means to rewrite it. The assays are helping to identify the 'control knobs' of the genome.
- Remains of missing University of South Florida student confirmed through DNA
The remains of missing University of South Florida student Nahida Bristy were confirmed through DNA testing. The identification marks a resolution to the ongoing search for the student.
- AI discovery reveals DNA isn’t locked away in cells after all
An AI-driven study challenges the long-held belief that DNA is confined to the nucleus of cells, revealing that DNA fragments are present in the cytoplasm. This discovery, led by researchers at Gladstone Institutes, could reshape understanding of cellular biology and disease mechanisms.