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Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and global collaborators identified over 2.3 million conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs) across 314 plant genomes from 284 species, using a new computational tool called Conservatory. These ancient 'DNA switches' originated before flowering plants diverged from non-flowering ancestors more than 400 million years ago, with some confirmed essential for developmental functions through genetic editing. The discovery provides a comprehensive atlas for plant biology, aiding crop breeders in addressing drought and food shortages by fine-tuning traits. CSHL's Zachary Lippman described it as 'a new window into the evolution of life across eons.'

Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), Hebrew University, and Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University published a study in Science identifying over 2.3 million conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs) across 314 plant genomes from 284 species, some originating more than 400 million years ago before flowering plants diverged from non-flowering ancestors. The team developed a new computational tool called Conservatory to locate these ancient DNA 'switches' essential for plant development, with co-first author Anat Hendelman confirming their function through genetic editing. This comprehensive atlas includes dozens of crop species and wild ancestors, offering plant biologists and breeders tools to address drought and food shortages by fine-tuning traits. CSHL's Zachary Lippman described it as 'a new window into the evolution of life across eons.'

A growing body of research shows that we tend to discount a person’s good deeds if they stand to benefit from them. Columnist David Robson explores where this instinct comes from – and whether we should resist it

Looking for molecular evidence of life on other worlds is tricky, but a test based on the reactivity of carbon compounds could be a useful indicator

We’re learning that frailty can quietly arrive decades before old age, with some people in their 30s or 40s unknowingly in a pre-frail state. There are surprising ways to stay strong – and it’s not all about weight training

Their species name is well known, but until recently we’ve understood very little for certain about Homo habilis. Columnist Michael Marshall reveals what new fossils are telling us about the hominins that have been considered the first humans

The errors that quantum computers make are holding the technology back. But recent progress in quantum error correction has excited many researchers

There are a few simple things you can do to make your digital life much more secure, says cybersecurity expert Jake Moore - follow these tips to tighten up your passwords

The US and Iran are trading blows in the Gulf with a simple drone that costs as little as $50,000 to make. But why is a slow, cheap and relatively primitive drone seeing use in 2026 alongside hypersonic missiles and stealth jets?

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths fell by nearly 30 per cent in the space of a year in the US, which could represent a significant turning point in the country's opioid addiction crisis

Simulations of Australopithecus hominins’ anatomy suggest that when they gave birth, they may have exerted tremendous pressure on their pelvic floors, putting them at risk of tearing

When New Scientist reporter James Woodford was assigned to a story about a virus designed to kill rabbits, he never expected to be accused of spreading it

Two mass strandings involving hundreds of dolphins in Argentina probably happened because the pods were being hunted by orcas, highlighting the role of predators in these mysterious events

The "world smells different" for people with Parkinson's disease, a discovery that could help doctors spot the condition sooner

Toys powered by AI show a worrying lack of emotional understanding. But we need to understand the risks and benefits of the technology so the industry can be regulated, not outright banned

A method for making quantum computers less error-prone could let them run complex programs such as simulations of materials more efficiently, thus making them more useful

A trumpet-shaped, single-celled organism seems able to predict one thing will follow another, hinting that such associative learning emerged long before multicellular nervous systems

US-Israeli strikes on oil facilities have caused black rain to fall on Tehran, but the black smoke filling the air is likely to be a bigger health risk