Nuclei of female cells. The Xist molecules, which are responsible for the inactivation of the second X chromosome, are marked with a red dye. Copyright: MPI for Molecular Genetics / Verena Mutzel

Genetics

Fruit flies with increased mutation rate

A new technique allows large-scale assessment of de-novo mutations in multicellular organisms more

€1.3M pre-seed funding for Lucid Genomics

Start-up will fine-tune AI models for diagnostics and biomarker discovery more

Post from Perth, Australia

Jozefien Van de Velde from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne traveled to Australia for two months in search of frogs in the outback. This was no easy task, as her study subjects are nocturnal, hide underground in dry conditions, and only emerge after heavy rain. more

How to improve transcription factors more

Cell division at record speed

Researchers developed a new variant of the fast-growing bacterium Vibrio natriegens more

Scientists capture the full spectrum of genetic diversity

Large variation in gene content contributes to diversity within a species more

Beethoven with a DNA strand in the background

An analysis of the famous composer's genetic make-up has revealed that DNA data has so far been too imprecise in capturing a person's abilities more

UV in the sunlight not only damages our DNA but also our RNA. After cell division, the DHX9 proteins from the mother cells assemble into stress granules to sequester the damaged RNA and shield the daughter cells

Stress granules protect cells from the effects of UV radiation more

Kiwi vine leaf close-up with visible damage from Pseudomomas syringae pathogen

The bacterium Pseudomonas syringae, which is widespread in agriculture, acquires new capabilities thanks to mobile genetic elements more

Early life adversity leaves long-term signatures in baboon DNA

Study shows multiple pathways connect early life adversity to later life health more

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€1.3M pre-seed funding for Lucid Genomics

Start-up will fine-tune AI models for diagnostics and biomarker discovery more

Beethoven with a DNA strand in the background

An analysis of the famous composer's genetic make-up has revealed that DNA data has so far been too imprecise in capturing a person's abilities more

UV in the sunlight not only damages our DNA but also our RNA. After cell division, the DHX9 proteins from the mother cells assemble into stress granules to sequester the damaged RNA and shield the daughter cells

Stress granules protect cells from the effects of UV radiation more

Early life adversity leaves long-term signatures in baboon DNA

Study shows multiple pathways connect early life adversity to later life health more

Hard to drug

Protein droplets reveal new ways to inhibit transcription factors in an aggressive form of prostate cancer more

Order for brewer`s yeast

An artificial chromosome combines all t-RNA genes for cellular protein production more

Increased efficiency, precision and reliability in DNA editing

New method brings breakthrough in the precise introduction of mutations in human genomes more

Protein droplets may cause many types of genetic disease

Malfunction of cellular condensates is a disease mechanism relevant for congenital malformations, common diseases, and cancer more

Zombie viruses on a hijacking trip

Ancient dormant sequences in the genome impact embryonic development in unexpected ways more

Genes and tongues are not always tied together

A global database helps explore the complex history of our genes and languages more

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Decoding gene transcription is a team effort: Patrick Cramer (centre) with members of his laboratory.

Nothing works with incomprehensible code – not even a cell. Patrick Cramer is carrying out research on the enzyme that transcribes the DNA code to enable a protein to be synthesized from a gene. To do so, he relies on high-resolution microscopes and artificial intelligence. more

Scientific highlights 2022

Scientific highlights 2022

December 14, 2022

Many publications by Max Planck scientists in 2022 were of great social relevance or met with a great media response. We have selected 12 articles to present you with an overview of some noteworthy research of the year more

Genes as parasites

Scientists analyse, how jumping genes can be copied in the DNA more

A new genome for regeneration research

First complete genome assembly of planarian flatworm reveals treasure trove on the function and evolution of genes more

Decoding the Axolotl genome

The sequencing of the largest genome to date lays the foundation for novel insights into tissue regeneration more

Possible cause of early colonial-era Mexican epidemic identified

Salmonella enterica, the bacterium responsible for enteric fever, may be the long-debated cause of the 1545-1550 AD “cocoliztli” epidemic in Oaxaca, Mexico that heavily affected the native population. more

Researchers sequence a new Neandertal genome

The genome of a European Neandertal allows more Neandertal DNA to be identified in present-day people more

How easily we tan is influenced by Neandertal DNA

Neandertal DNA influences variation in skin tone and hair colour in people living today more

First large-scale ancient genomes study from sub-Saharan African skeletons lifts veil on prehistoric populations

Genetic analyses uncover lost human populations and surprising relationships, revealing a complex history of population movements in ancient Africa more

Parkinson's disease involves degeneration of the olfactory system

Scientists discover anatomical link for the loss of smell in Parkinson’s disease more

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