24 – 30 July 2017
Significant ongoing decline in sperm counts of Western men
A rigorous and comprehensive meta-analysis of data collected between 1973 and 2011 finds that among men from Western countries, sperm concentration declined by more than 50 percent. Find source
Genome-wide cancer 'dependency map' now revealed
In one of the largest efforts to build a comprehensive catalog of genetic vulnerabilities in cancer, researchers have showed more than cancer 760 genes upon which cancer cells dependents. Find source
Longstanding biological mystery of DNA organization now solved
Stretched out, the DNA from all the cells in our body would reach Pluto. So how does each tiny cell pack a two-meter length of DNA into its nucleus of sizeone-thousandth of a millimeter? Find source
Sixteen genetic markers can cut a life short
The answer to how long each of us will live is partly encoded in our genome. Researchers have identified 16 genetic markers associated with a decreased lifespan, including 14 new to science. Find source
Crops that kill pests by shutting off their genes
Researchers are now weaponizing RNAi to produce specific RNA fragments that, upon ingestion by insects, shut down a target gene essential for life, thus killing insects. Find source
