Optical Detection Adds Color to 5hmC AnalysisJune 11, 2013A talented crew of researchers led by Dr. Yuval Ebenstein (Tel-Aviv University, Israel) recently pioneered a technique that gives anyone the ability to assay 5hmc “nanodrop” style. In their paper, they presented proof-of-principle experimentation. They labeled DNA and then sandwiched it between two glass slides to stretch it.. The DNA was then imaged on a […]
The Consequences of RNAs Alternative Polyadenylation LifestyleJune 7, 2013First it started enjoying the ‘occasional’ methylation. Then it crossed the LINE when it ‘borrowed’ its good buddy’s machinery. And now it seems like RNA just can’t stop. It turns out that just like all those hipsters, splicing isn’t the only one to enjoy an ‘alternative’ lifestyle. Researchers from UCLA have shown that polyadenylation wants […]
DNA Methylation in Twins Changes Early, Like Really EarlyMay 30, 2013Like anyone else, identical and fraternal twins change a lot as they get older. Just look at Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (fraternal twins, believe it or not). Perhaps not-so-surprisingly, researchers are reporting that DNA methylation patterns of identical and fraternal twins change a lot in their first 18 months. The kicker is that even though […]
Life Long Changes in DNA Methylation & ncRNAs in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)May 22, 2013Spring is in the air and with all the great weather who could say no to a nice refreshing beer or upside down margarita shot? Well, if you’re an expecting mother you may just want to hold off. Recent research from Dr. Shiva Singh’s laboratory at Western University (Oh Canada!) has shown that not only […]
Of Mice and Men: Human DNA Methylation Arrays for BothMay 9, 2013Usually when you hear about translational research it involves taking findings from mice and applying them to humans. But Dr. Richard Saffery’s group from the University of Melbourne, apparently inspired by their upside-down geography, decided to celebrate opposite day. They realized that while the mouse is an excellent model for epigenetic research, there is no […]
Epigenetics in Stem Cells TimelineMay 7, 2013Epigenetics and stem cells go hand in pipette. These two research areas have seen explosive growth so we thought we’d highlight some of our favorite highlights.
Bullying and Epigenetics: Stick, Stones, and EpigenomesMay 6, 2013Stress. We all know it’s not good for you. About a decade ago, Dr. Michael Meaney’s and Dr. Moshe Szyf’s research group from McGill University made some pioneering breakthroughs in the field while examining the effects of early life stress on the epigenome of rats. Since then the field has been booming, however most studies […]
Dissolving the Layers in Genetics and Epigenetics with Dr. Adrian BirdMay 1, 2013Dr. Adrian Bird discusses the dissolving barrier between genetics and epigenetics and why he’s cautious about linking epigenetics in heredity. Dissolving the Layers in Genetics and Epigenetics I think what’s most exciting about the field at the moment is that a field called epigenetics is no longer really outside of biology trying to get […]
SCANning Single Molecules to Pinpoint Co-Occurrence of Epigenetic MarksApril 24, 2013Just because two people live on the same street doesn’t necessarily mean they live that close to each other or in the same house, yet that’s what you often have to assume when using ChIP to detect epigenetic modifications. Either that, or you have to use tons of sample and/or a labor-intensive method to figure […]
Epigenetic Mechanisms in AutismApril 24, 2013Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to related neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in reciprocal communication and social interactions, coupled with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. Because ASD tends to run in families, much effort has been spent on genetic analyses to identify genetic variations that either cause or elevate risk for […]
