cell

How does a stem cell know what to become? Study shows RNA plays key role

July 7, 2020

In a study published July 6 CU Boulder researchers come one step closer to answering that fundamental question, concluding that the molecular messenger RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays an indispensable role in cell differentiation, serving as a bridge between our genes and the so-called “epigenetic” machinery that turns them on and off.

aptamer

Small Molecule Regulation of CRISPR-Cas9 Using RNA Aptamers

June 24, 2020

Researchers at CU Boulder, led by Biochemistry Professor Robert Batey , have developed compositions and methods for temporal regulation of single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that comprise a small molecule-binding aptamer in the sgRNA, which enables small-molecule-dependent gene editing in bacteria. They also developed a method for selecting sgRNAs that are...

bacteria

Scientists shed light on essential carbon-fixing machinery in bacteria

May 6, 2020

Scientists have been studying cyanobacteria and its many potential applications for decades, from cutting CO2 emissions to creating a substitute for oil-based plastics, but there wasn’t a deep understanding of the full life cycle and metabolism of specialized compartments within these common bacteria – until now.

sabrina spencer

To divide or not to divide? The mother cell may decide

April 2, 2020

When do cells decide to divide? For 40 years, the textbook answer has been that this decision occurs in the first phase of a cell’s existence – right after a mother cell divides to become daughter cells. But researchers at CU Boulder have found that it’s actually the mother cell...

cyanobacteria photosynthesis

Even single-celled organisms need their space: Squished bacteria may shut down photosynthesis

March 23, 2020

In a study published today, a team at CU Boulder took advantage of a new microscopic technique to follow the lives of individual bacteria as they grew and divided in complex colonies.

lab

Building materials come alive with help from bacteria

Jan. 15, 2020

CU Boulder researchers have developed a new approach to designing more sustainable buildings with help from some of the tiniest contractors out there.

Yang Liu and Keda Zhou

Meet DNA’s chaperone

Nov. 26, 2019

Researchers have discovered the structure of the FACT protein—a mysterious protein central to the functioning of DNA

xeudong liu

Lab Venture Challenge

Nov. 19, 2019

Lab Venture Challenge awards $900,000 to promising bioscience, physical science and engineering ventures

Telomeres

The unexpected complexities of TERT, a key cancer driver

Sept. 11, 2019

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), an enzyme associated with nearly all malignant human cancers, is even more diverse and unconventional than previously realized according to new research by CU Biochem and BioFrontiers' Distinguished Professor Thomas Cech and Professor John Rinn.

double helix graphic

A key ‘kill switch’ in a gene-regulating protein group

Sept. 9, 2019

CU Boulder and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) biochemists have revealed a key regulatory process in a gene-suppressing protein group that could hold future applications for drug discovery and clinical treatment of diseases, including cancer.

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