Ancient rock wiggles could be earliest trace of moving organism

Scientists say 2.1bn-year-old fossils may show evidence of self-propelled motion

A collection of short wiggly structures discovered in ancient rocks could be the earliest fossilised traces of organisms able to move themselves, scientists say.

If scientists are correct, the 2.1bn-year-old structures point to an earlier origin than generally thought for eukaryotes – cells with a membrane-bound nucleus and which make up plants, animals and fungi – previouslybelieved to have first emerged about 1.8bn years ago. It also pushes back the earliest evidence of self-propelled movement of eukaryotes by 1.5bn years – scooping the title from far younger multicellular lifeforms – and would be the first clear signs of motility for any type of organism.

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DNA discoverer James Watson loses honors over views on race

New York laboratory cuts ties with 90-year-old scientist who helped discover DNA, revoking all titles and honors

A New York laboratory has cut ties with James Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who helped discover DNA, over “reprehensible” comments in which he said race and intelligence are connected.

Related: Interview: James Watson

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UC vs. Harvard: Round 2 in CRISPR fight

The University of California is fighting back in its quest to regain control over the rights to the powerful gene-editing technology known as CRISPR-Cas9. On Monday, in a case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., UC asserted that the valuable patents on the revolutionary tool belong to UC, not the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT - and that the nation's patent office committed serious legal errors when it ruled in 2017 against the University of California.

CRISPR helps find new genetic suspects behind ALS/FTD

Researchers used the gene editing tool CRISPR to rapidly search the entire human genome for genetic suspects behind hereditary versions of ALS and FTD. NIH-funded researchers at Stanford University used the gene editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to rapidly identify genes in the human genome that might modify the severity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia caused by mutations in a gene called C9orf72.

Benioff’s new philanthropic mission: the oceans

Benioff's new philanthropic mission: the oceans 'It's the start of something for me,' Salesforce CEO tells USA TODAY of his $10 million gift. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2cqs5f0 President Barack Obama says he created the first monument in the Atlantic Ocean because the planet cannot be protected without trying to safeguard the oceans.

Martin Shkreli Weighs in on EpiPen Scandal, Calls Drug Makers ‘Vultures’

A growing chorus is calling on the Mylan pharmaceutical company to justify its price hikes on EpiPens, a potentially life-saving medication for children and others facing fatal allergies that has little real competition. In 2007, a two-pack of the epinephrine-filled devices went for $56.64 wholesale, according to data gathered by Connecture, a health insurance data specialist.

Bacteria resistant to ‘anti-biotic of last resort’ detected in Pennsylvania

A newly published study reveals that a woman in Pennsylvania was found to have a never before seen type of E Coli bacteria which was resistant to one of the strongest forms of anti-biotics known. The Washington Post reports : The antibiotic-resistant strain was found last month in the urine of a 49-year-old Pennsylvania woman.