Discovery is "an important breakthrough that allows further investigation into what could affect the strength of the checkpoint."

Bacterium exhibits remarkable ability to repair or prevent DNA damage arising from internal processes, contrary to previous findings

Researchers now know how key proteins get where they need to be to facilitate the process

Time-lapse imaging helps provide new insights into process

Sites where DNA is damaged may cause a molecule that slides along the DNA strand to scan for damage to slow on its patrol, delaying it long enough to recognize and initiate repair. The finding suggests that the delay itself may be the key that allows the protein molecule to find its target, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Using a new imaging technique, National Institutes of Health researchers have found that the biological machinery that builds DNA can insert molecules into the DNA strand that are damaged as a result of environmental exposures. These damaged molecules trigger cell death that produces some human diseases, according to the researchers. The work, appearing online Nov. 17 in the journal Nature, provides a possible explanation for how one type of DNA damage may lead to cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and lung disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Damaged messenger RNA can jam cellular machines that make protein. The failure to clear the jams and chew up bad messengers is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Berkeley Lab researchers assess health impacts of inhalable constituents of thirdhand tobacco smoke.

Some nanoparticles commonly added to consumer products can significantly damage DNA.