
Parasitic DNA stops “jumping” when protein takes charge
Biology researchers Vera Gorbunova and Andrei Seluanov report that the “jumping genes” in mice become active as the mice age when a multi-function protein stops keeping them in check in order to take on another role. A protein called Sirt6 is needed to keep the jumping genes—technically known as retrotransposons—inactive.

Less effective DNA repair process takes over as mice age, biologists find
Biologists Vera Gorbunova and Andei Seluanov have discovered one reason for the the increase in DNA damage as we age: the primary repair process begins to fail and is replaced by one that is less accurate.

Targeting cells’ protein-making machinery may stop harmful bacteria
For the first time, the middle-steps in the process that creates the protein-making machinery of bacterial cells—called the ribosomes—has been isolated. A new study by biologist Gloria Culver suggests that blocking these pathways may help kill off drug-resistant bacteria.

Alternate mechanism of species formation picks up support, thanks to a South American ant
A newly-discovered species of ant supports a controversial theory of species formation. “Most new species come about in geographic isolation,” said Christian Rabeling, assistant professor of biology at the University of Rochester. “We now have evidence that speciation can take place within a single colony.”

When temperatures drop, newly-discovered process helps fruit flies cope
Rochester biologist Michael Welte and his team made their discovery while studying the internal mechanisms of the egg cell of the fruit fly, known as Drosophila. What keeps the assembly line functioning—based on the new research—is a protein called Klar.

Protein anchors help keep embryonic development “just right”
Findings on the cellular-level regulation of proteins called histones by lipid droplets, or “fat depots,” shines light on chromosome production – and possible manipulation of that process.

Biologist Vera Gorbunova to lead 5-year project on longevity
A $9.5 million grant from the National Institute on Aging will support research into the factors responsible for longevity in various species of long-lived rodents, with the goal of developing treatments to improve the aging process in people.

Biologist honored with NSF award
Sina Ghaemmaghami has been recognized for “exemplifying the role” of teacher-scholar.

Madagascar No Longer an Evolutionary Hotspot
Daniel Scantlebury calls Madagascar “an ideal evolutionary laboratory” for studying species formation because it has long been isolated and geologically stable relative to other regions.

How Do Blind Mole Rats Ward Off Cancer?
Blind mole rats and naked mole rats—both subterranean rodents with long life spans—are the only mammals never known to develop cancer. Rochester biologists have now determined that the mechanism for fighting off cancer differs between the two.