By Bernadette Gillis – Duke university School of Medicine –
A new study from Duke University School of Medicine has uncovered a surprising role for what was once considered “junk DNA.” Researchers found that these overlooked parts of our genetic code help stem cells sense their surroundings and decide what kind of cells to become during early development.
The findings of the study, which appear in Nature Cell Biology, open doors to potential breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
