Ancient viral DNA helps human embryos develop

Download the Nature Podcast 01 October 2025

In this episode:

00:50 How historical viruses drive fashionable human growth

Research means that historical viral DNA embedded within the human genome is taking part in a key position in early embryo growth. Around 8% of our genome consists of endogenous retrovirus DNA — the remnants of historical infections, however data of their exercise is proscribed. Now, a workforce reveals that these sequences are required for the proper growth of lab-derived embryo analogues, and for the switching on of human-specific genes.

Research Article: Fueyo et al.

News and Views: Ancient viral DNA within the human genome shapes early growth

10:39 Research Highlights

Longer whale moms usually tend to give delivery to daughters — plus, how the stink of the corpse flower waxes and wanes to draw pollinators.

Research Highlight: Big mom whales have extra daughters than sons

Research Highlight: Corpse flowers waft out pungent compounds as quick as landfills do

13:05 How warmth can gasoline DNA computer systems

Researchers have developed a means to make use of warmth to recharge DNA-based laptop circuits, which might assist overcome one of many obstacles stopping this know-how from being scaled up. Although DNA strands have been used to carry out computational duties for a while, present strategies can run out of power or construct up waste merchandise, stopping their continued use. Now, utilizing simply warmth, a workforce has demonstrated a reusable neural community primarily based on DNA. They hope that in the end this may very well be a step within the growth of larger and extra highly effective DNA computer systems that may very well be used to energy focused scientific therapies.

Research Article: Song & Qian

22:20 Briefing Chat

A one-time gene remedy for Huntington’s illness reveals promise at slowing the mind dysfunction’s development — plus, how mitochondria throw out ‘tainted’ DNA.

Nature: Huntington’s illness handled for first time utilizing gene remedy

Nature: Mitochondria expel tainted DNA — spurring age-related irritation

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