Down's syndrome happens when a human being ends up with an extra copy of chromosome 21 — three copies, instead of the normal two. But scientists say they might have found a way to make that extra chromosome functionally irrelevant. If they're right, it could lead to treatments that could someday reduce the symptoms of Down's. The trick is connected to another extra chromosome that the human body "turns off" all the time — the X. Women have two X chromosomes, of course, but only one ever gets to express itself. Scientists put the same mechanism to use on chromosome 21 in petri dish experiments.
Scientists experiment with "turning off" excess chromosome that causes Down's
- COMMENTS
- disorders
- genetics
- Science
Possible sign of life on Venus
Astronomers reported today that they've detected phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus, a possible biosignature of life on the planet. The researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of… READ THE REST
Startling, beautiful, and weird close-up images of our Sun
Using Europe's largest solar telescope, GREGOR, researchers captured these incredible images of details on the surface of the sun. Above is a sunspot while the image below "reveals intricate structures… READ THE REST
Programmable, 3D-printed fabric that can "remember" its original shape and transform into new ones
Imagine that your jacket changes shape depending on the temperature or your socks can provide additional support with the push of a button. Harvard engineers created a new material using… READ THE REST
Short Post, just one paragraph
Disclosure: Boing Boing earns a commission on purchases made through links in this post. Dessert cheesecake wafer bear claw fruitcake. Fruitcake chupa chups donut candy canes marzipan. Apple pie sweet… READ THE REST
Save 50% on a 1-year subscription to Dashlane's premium password manager
Disclosure: Boing Boing earns a commission on purchases made through links in this post. We all know vital information about ourselves and our private digital accounts can be compromised by… READ THE REST
The Bite Helper removes the itch of a mosquito bite in seconds
Disclosure: Boing Boing earns a commission on purchases made through links in this post. While mosquitoes have certainly earned their title as the deadliest animal on earth, their impact on… READ THE REST