Phages with fully-synthetic DNA can be edited gene by gene

A team led by Graham Hatfull at the University of Pittsburgh has developed a method to construct bacteriophages with entirely synthetic genetic material. This innovation allows researchers to edit genes on a gene-by-gene basis, which could enhance the understanding of how these bacteria-killing viruses function. The ability to add and subtract genes at will opens new pathways for potential therapies aimed at treating bacterial infections. In addition to the advancements in bacteriophage research, there have been significant developments in the field of nanotechnology utilizing DNA. Researchers have been creating modular robots inspired by origami, specifically employing folded strands of DNA to form reconfigurable structures. These DNA origami arrays are being explored for their potential applications in developing new nanoscale systems for medical purposes. Moreover, a new fluorescent sensor developed at Utrecht University allows scientists to observe DNA damage and repair processes in real time within living cells. This tool is expected to significantly impact various research areas, including cancer research, drug safety testing, and aging biology. The ability to monitor these processes in real time facilitates experiments that were previously unfeasible, providing new insights into DNA behavior and repair mechanisms. Furthermore, researchers have made advancements in capturing the dynamic movements of DNA strands. Traditionally, DNA images appear orderly, but the strands are constantly twisting, bending, and undergoing repairs by proteins. High-fidelity imaging is required to observe these intricate details of DNA behavior, presenting challenges for researchers in the field.