A new, reliable kill switch has been developed to eliminate genetically modified microbes that pose environmental risks. By inserting multiple kill switches into the microbial DNA, a success rate of one in billion microbes was achieved during experiments.
A new study suggests that widespread use of genetically modified crops in the EU could prevent the release of 33 million tons of CO2 equivalents, equivalent to 7.5% of annual greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. This is mainly due to reduced land-use change and preservation of the Amazon rainforest.
Researchers have produced double-sided spider silk fibers that can attract nerve cells and stimulate their growth. The fibers were created using a biotechnological approach and modified with different proteins to make one side more attractive to cells, while the other side could be used to attach factors or substances.
Researchers from Hokkaido University have proposed a framework to clarify the distinction between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genome-edited organisms (GEOs). The framework considers scientific, ethical, and social factors to determine whether an organism is a GMO or GEO. The proposal aims to enhance regulatory reliability...
UAB surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient, testing safety and feasibility in a novel human preclinical model. The experiment showed that the xenograft perfused normally and maintained vascular integrity, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands with organ failu...
A new study reveals that GMO labeling significantly affects consumer behavior, reducing demand for GM foods and influencing willingness to pay. The research finds that mandatory presence-focused labeling has a stronger impact than voluntary absence labeling, making consumers more sensitive to the GMO attribute and price information.
Researchers at UAB successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, demonstrating the feasibility of xenotransplantation. The kidneys functioned for 77 hours without immediate rejection, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands suffering from kidney failure.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying liver cirrhosis, a deadly disease poorly understood. The discovery, made using genetically modified mice, reveals that the lack of MCRS1 protein leads to bile acid accumulation and fibrosis, opening new avenues for treatment.
Researchers successfully engineered mesenchymal stromal cells to carry and deliver therapeutics specifically to targeted tissues, offering a precise and reliable approach for treating diseases. This novel cargo-carrier, dubbed 'Cargocytes,' retains most of its cellular functionality while greatly enhancing therapeutic capacity.
The use of self-spreading viruses in wildlife management and vaccine development poses significant risks due to their unpredictable nature. International institutions must be leveraged to address concerns and promote responsible research practices.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a framework to understand how herbicides interact and drift onto unintended plants, affecting crops and the environment. The study found that genetically modified crop introduction influences herbicide use rates and practices, leading to increased drift.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed their second xenotransplantation procedure using a genetically engineered pig kidney. The procedure, part of an ongoing study, demonstrates continued promise for these genetically engineered organs as a renewable source of life-saving gifts.
A new gene and stem-cell therapy has been proven to be effective in treating Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a genetic skin disorder, without any side effects. The treatment, which involves transplanting genetically modified skin cells, has resulted in stable results after five years, with the patient now 13 years old.
Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a genetically encoded probe to visualize active transcription sites in living cells. The probe successfully identified phosphorylated Ser2 in RNA polymerase II, allowing for the localization of elongation phase transcription sites in real-time.
Researchers have developed genetically modified plants that can produce and release insect sex pheromones to combat herbaceous plant pests. These plants, called pheromone biofactories, can create sexual confusion in pest males, reducing population growth and pest control needs.
A study published in The BMJ found that children who had nutrient-enriched formula milk as babies did not have higher exam scores than those fed with standard formula. Researchers linked data from seven randomised controlled trials to school records and found no clear differences in academic performance.
Researchers discovered two defence systems in bacteria that work together to protect against modified DNA bacteriophages. BrxU has the potential to be a biotechnological tool for mapping the human epigenome, which alters in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at CNIO and 12 de Octubre Hospital have developed a new cancer treatment called CAR-NK-cell immunotherapy, which uses natural killer cells to target cancerous cells. The treatment has shown promising results in mice with multiple myeloma, with 25% of treated mice remaining disease-free.
A study published in Cell Metabolism identified a protein called neurturin as crucial for muscle health, improving metabolic rates, motor function and exercise capacity. Mice genetically modified to produce more neurturin had increased resistance to degeneration in neurons associated with ALS.
A serum biomarker, polyubiquitinated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), was associated with a four-fold higher risk of kidney function decline. This modified form of PTEN was linked to severity of lesions in kidney structure, indicating early manifestations of diabetic kidney disease.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.
Researchers at HKUST have developed a novel genome-editing strategy to reduce Alzheimer's disease pathologies in genetically modified mouse models. The technology offers immense potential as a long-acting therapeutic treatment for AD patients, with lasting effects that prevent amyloid-related neurodegeneration.
A new platform can quickly identify common mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, allowing for the development of stronger COVID-19 boosters and universal vaccines. The tool uses genetically modified baker's yeast to map resulting mutations that form and escape neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers developed chemically modified guide RNAs for an RNA-targeting CRISPR system, significantly enhancing the ability to target and edit RNA in human cells. The optimized guides increased efficiencies of CRISPR activity by 2- to 5-fold and extended targeting activity from 48 hours to four days.
The study contributes to deciphering genetic background of unique marsupial characteristics by creating genetically modified opossums. The researchers successfully edited a gene responsible for body pigments, producing albino offspring with inherited genes.
A modified ketogenic diet was found to be safe and feasible for people with brain tumors called astrocytomas. The diet led to changes in metabolism in the body and brain, including decreased hemoglobin A1c levels, increased lean body mass, and alterations in brain metabolites.
Researchers developed transgenic strains of Drosophila suzukii that produce only males, using a common antibiotic as an off switch. The study found that releasing excess transgenic males into laboratory cage trials effectively suppressed female offspring.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a promising new cancer immunotherapy that uses genetically engineered natural killer cells to find and destroy malignant tumors. The modified cells can differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells, bringing new promise to this branch of immunotherapy.
The MucoRice-CTB vaccine, a new edible cholera vaccine made from genetically modified rice, has shown no obvious side effects and a good immune response in its Phase 1 human trial. The vaccine stimulates the mucosal immune system through the gut to induce antigen-specific antibodies, producing IgG and IgA responses.
A study from West Virginia University suggests that pollutant exposure can lead to increased free-radical damage, which speeds up aging. This occurs when pollutants break down into highly reactive molecules that damage biomolecules, leading to premature aging.
Researchers developed a new computational approach, CancerCellNet, to evaluate research models. The tool uses RNA sequences to compare lab-grown cancer cells with human tumor data, finding that cell lines are genetically inferior to genetically engineered mice and tumoroids in 4 out of 5 tested tumor types.
A rare mutation causes Parkinson's disease-like symptoms by disrupting dopamine transport, suggesting treatments targeting the transporters could alleviate symptoms. A malaria drug helps alleviate movement problems in genetically modified fruit flies with the mutation.
Researchers discovered that superoxide-producing cells in the inner ear cochlea increase with aging, noise damage, and ototoxic drugs, leading to age-related, noise-induced, and drug-induced hearing loss. Suppressing superoxide production or using Nox3 inhibitors may lead to new treatments for acquired hearing loss.
Researchers create a novel actuator driven by genetically modified biomolecular motors that can be printed using existing 3D techniques. The artificial muscle mimics natural muscle fibers, allowing for contraction and amplification of force from a molecular scale to millimeter one.
Researchers have successfully genetically modified grass to detoxify residues of the military explosive RDX, contaminating groundwater and posing a threat to drinking water supplies. The genetically modified switchgrass plants removed 27 kg of RDX per hectare, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for environmental cleanup.
A new strain of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG has been successfully developed to thrive in milk, offering potential benefits for infant gut health. The modified probiotic can utilize lactose and casein, producing lactic acid that inhibits gram-negative pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new approach to training immune cells to fight cancer, which has shown promising results in overcoming the hostile conditions found inside solid tumours. The modified natural killer cells were able to destroy advanced ovarian and lung cancer with high effectiveness.
Researchers genetically modified mosquitoes to express antimalarial genes, which were then passed on to their offspring. The approach shows promise in reducing mosquito populations and combating malaria.
A team of scientists has successfully genetically modified eucalyptus trees to prevent sexual reproduction, reducing the risk of invasive spreading in native ecosystems. The CRISPR Cas9 gene editing technique was used with nearly 100% efficiency to knock out LEAFY, the master gene behind flower formation.
A new RNA-sequencing method, PANDORA-seq, can detect modified small RNAs that were previously undetectable. The method employs a stepwise enzymatic treatment to remove key RNA modifications, uncovering a surprising small-RNA landscape dominated by tsRNAs and rRNA-derived small RNAs.
A study published in Science reveals that applied pesticide toxicity has increased substantially between 2004 and 2016, threatening plant and insect biodiversity. The findings apply to genetically modified (GM) crops, challenging the claim of decreasing environmental impact.
Researchers found genetically distinct Fal Estuary maerl beds, shaped by geographical isolation and limited connectivity. Threats from shipping and climate change require targeted conservation efforts to protect these ancient ecosystems.
Researchers successfully grow mouse stem cells into sperm in the body of rats, paving the way for efficient reproduction and future applications.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute modified E. coli to produce chondroitin sulfate, a drug used to treat arthritis, in an animal-free fashion. The process allows for fast and efficient production of the drug, with potential applications in therapeutics and regenerative medicine.
A recent study suggests that targeting a specific protein called eIF4E can reduce weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The researchers found that these mice stored less fat and had improved liver health compared to their counterparts. Additionally, the modified mice showed enhanced lipid metabolism, allowing them to burn more fat.
CU Anschutz researchers found a correlation between inflammatory T-cell responses to hybrid insulin peptides and worsening blood glucose measurements in genetically at-risk adolescents. This study provides an important advancement in identifying the risk of T1D early and potential for intervention.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a new role for fibrinogen in reducing inflammation and protecting against disease. Fibrinogen's ability to neutralize harmful chemicals like hypochlorite could lead to new biomarkers and therapies for kidney, heart, and other diseases.
BIOinFOOD's new test uses genetically modified brewer's yeast to detect SARS-CoV-2 presence in saliva, promising high sensitivity and speed. The test is expected to be available by mid-2021 and may use red light for easy identification.
Researchers have created a powerful therapeutic platform using a modified virus to treat pancreatic cancer. The treatment, which combines the virus with other drugs, remodels the tumour microenvironment and sensitizes tumours to immunotherapy, significantly extending survival in preclinical models.
Researchers at University of Missouri developed genetically modified mosquitoes resistant to Zika virus using CRISPR gene-editing technology. These 'suicide mosquitos' cannot transmit the disease and can interrupt the disease cycle, making them a potential solution for controlling the spread of Zika virus.
Scientists at ISCA, Inc. and their collaborators have successfully grown insect sex pheromone precursors in genetically modified camelina plants, creating a low-cost source of pheromones needed for sustainable pest control. The transgenic plants produce insect pheromone precursor compounds in their abundant seed oil.
University of Missouri scientists have discovered a genetically modified strain of salmonella that can target and kill prostate cancer cells, while leaving normal tissue intact. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized treatments tailored to individual patients' unique cancer characteristics.
Genetically identical cells can still behave differently after starvation, and researchers have identified key biomarkers that predict which cells will take quiescent or senescent paths. The findings could lead to more predictable responses to pharmaceutical treatments.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have developed a new approach to addressing the challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by replacing antibiotics with fluoride. The method uses a genetically engineered cell that can survive in the lab but dies when exposed to fluoride, preventing its propagation into the natural environment.
Researchers identified MAARS, a lncRNA expressed specifically in macrophages of atherosclerotic plaques, contributing to disease progression. Targeted interruption of MAARS's function reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 52%.
Researchers developed SuperNova2, an enhanced version of phototoxic protein SuperNova, for localized oxidative stress and molecular biology tasks. The new protein displays high speed and completeness of maturation, making it suitable for various applications.
A team of international scientists detected an external field effect in over 150 galaxies, challenging the dark matter hypothesis and supporting modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). The findings suggest that MOND's gravity at low accelerations is stronger than predicted by Newtonian understanding.
Researchers have produced genetically modified tomatoes enriched in L-DOPA, a natural source for the essential medicine. The development offers benefits for people who suffer from adverse effects of chemically synthesized L-DOPA.
Scientists at the University of Basel have identified a key protein regulating long-term memory, found to decline with age. By studying roundworms, they discovered that a molecule called MPS-2 plays a central role in intact long-term memory and is also involved in age-related memory loss.
Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend a coalition, CLEAR-GOV, to provide basic information about gene-edited crops for greater transparency. The proposed model would include details on plant species, trait modifications, and downstream uses.