Learn about how quadruple-helix DNA could help us fight cancer; how diversity improves technology, with materials scientist Ainissa Ramirez; and how cats domesticated themselves.

Quadruple-helix DNA exists - and it might be useful for fighting cancers by Cameron Duke

• Rare quadruple-helix DNA found in living human cells with glowing probes. (2021). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/icl-rqd011321.php
• Researchers Observe Formation of Four-Stranded DNA in Living Human Cells | Biology, Genetics | Sci-News.com. (2020). Breaking Science News | Sci-News.com. http://www.sci-news.com/biology/dna-g-quadruplexes-human-cells-08693.html
• Scientists Discover Quadruple Helix DNA in Human Cells | Genetics | Sci-News.com. (2013). Breaking Science News | Sci-News.com. http://www.sci-news.com/genetics/article00835.html
• Summers, P. A., Lewis, B. W., Gonzalez-Garcia, J., Porreca, R. M., Lim, A. H. M., Cadinu, P., Martin-Pintado, N., Mann, D. J., Edel, J. B., Vannier, J. B., Kuimova, M. K., & Vilar, R. (2021). Visualising G-quadruplex DNA dynamics in live cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Nature Communications, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-20414-7

Additional resources from Ainissa Ramirez:

• Pick up "The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MyB4l8
• Ainissa's website: https://www.ainissaramirez.com/
• Ainissa Ramirez on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ainissaramirez

In True Feline Fashion, Cats Domesticated Themselves by Anna Todd

• Ottoni, C., et. al. (2017). The palaeogenetics of cat dispersal in the ancient world. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 1(7). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-017-0139
• Smith, C. (2017, June 19). Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. National Geographic News. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/06/domesticated-cats-dna-genetics-pets-science/

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Find episode transcript here: https://curiosity-daily-4e53644e.simplecast.com/episodes/quadruple-helix-dna-is-a-thing

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