A team of researchers has identified lipid defects in the brain as the cause of sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease. Restoring the balance of a key lipid, phosphatidylserine, improves sleep patterns in genetically modified fruit flies and suggests a potential new treatment direction.
Researchers discover that people with monogenic obesity can lose weight with liraglutide, a modified form of GLP-1 hormone. The medicine has a positive effect on reducing hunger and body weight, even for those who respond poorly to existing treatments.
Genetically modified pigs have been shown to digest key nutrients in their feed, reducing environmental impact. The study found that these pigs can absorb more nitrogen and phosphorus from their grains, lowering emissions and improving feed efficiency.
Rothamsted Research will conduct a field trial of genome-edited (GE) Camelina, a genetically modified crop that accumulates omega-3 fatty acids, alongside a traditional GM version. The trials aim to investigate the efficiency of genetic engineering in developing plants with desired traits, such as improved nutrition and sustainability.
Researchers successfully grafted induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural precursor cells into the spinal cords of genetically identical adult pigs, eliminating the need for immunosuppression measures. The grafted cells survived long-term and displayed differentiated functionality without causing tumors.
Forest elephant populations across Central Africa exhibit genetic similarity, highlighting the importance of conserving this critically endangered species. Conservation efforts can save many species by protecting one, as forest elephants play a vital role in maintaining plant diversity and ecosystem balance.
A study found that the Bajau people have genetically enlarged spleens, allowing them to free dive for extended periods. The discovery could lead to new insights into Acute Hypoxia and its treatment.
Two genetically modified broadly neutralizing antibodies protected rhesus macaques from an HIV-like virus, SHIV, with long-term protection of up to 37 weeks. The study demonstrated that genetic mutations increased durability and led to extended protection.
Brown bears may fall into evolutionary and ecological traps due to poor decision-making on environmental cues, leading to declines in population. The article proposes mechanisms by which these traps can affect brown bear dynamics and viability in human-modified landscapes.
Scientists have developed a method to efficiently genetically modify T-cells from mice, allowing for targeted gene surgery and potential therapeutic applications. The technique involves using plasmids and CRISPR-Cas9 molecular scissors to introduce specific changes into the cells.
Researchers at Tufts University created a genetically modified yeast that can efficiently consume xylose, enabling faster growth and higher cell densities. The new synthetic regulon, dubbed XYL, preserved a natural interaction between feeding and survival genes, leading to improved survival of the xylose-eating yeast organism.
A study by Indiana University found that 93% of pregnant women had detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine, correlating with shortened pregnancy lengths. Glyphosate exposure is suspected to be primarily through dietary intake of genetically modified food items and caffeinated beverages.
Researchers found that talimogene laherparepvec, a genetically modified herpes virus, can be safely administered into active cancer in the liver to stimulate the immune system and destroy cancer cells. The treatment has been well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Researchers at Kyoto University developed a gene editing method called MhAX, which creates genetically matched stem cell 'twins' for studying disease-related mutations. The technique guides the cell's own repair mechanisms and allows for precise removal of reporter genes, leaving only the modified SNP behind.
A team of researchers has genetically engineered cancer-killing immune cells to hunt brain tumors displaying CSPG4, a highly prevalent molecular target. The approach holds promise for controlling tumor growth in glioblastoma patients, who currently have limited treatment options with survival benefits of less than a year and a half.
Researchers at the German Primate Center have improved DNA transfer in gene therapy by modifying viruses to produce a protein called CD9, which increases exosome production and virus efficiency. This results in an 80% infection rate, making gene therapies more efficient.
Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Yokohama City University report a high-volume production method for bioengineered human gut and liver tissues that avoids tumor risks. The new approach uses genetically stable posterior gut endodermal progenitor cells, which can be programmed to form different tissue ty...
Researchers have developed a novel technology platform to genetically modify phage genomes systematically, providing additional functionality. The new phage workbench allows for the creation of custom bacteriophages with various functions, overcoming constraints associated with naturally occurring phages.
Researchers at UT Southwestern's Simmons Cancer Center have made a historic breakthrough in CAR-T therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and young adults. Eighty-one percent of patients treated with CAR-T therapy went into remission, offering new hope for those previously untreatable.
A global study by researchers at Senckenberg Nature Research Society and Goethe University Frankfurt found that mammals cover half to one-third of their usual distances in human-modified areas. This reduction affects ecosystem functions, including nutrient transport and species interactions.
Researchers have created the world's first monkey clones using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), a technique that made Dolly the sheep. The cloned monkeys, Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua, are genetically identical long-tailed macaques born recently at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center find GRHL2 protein crucial for concentrating urine and maintaining salt levels in the kidneys. Genetically modified mice lacking GRHL2 produce more diluted urine, highlighting its importance for regulating body fluids.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol has successfully transplanted genetically modified olfactory ensheathing cells that secrete a treatment enzyme, promoting nerve regrowth in rodent models of spinal cord injury. This approach may potentially lead to improved recovery and functional restoration for individuals with sev...
A new PET tracer has been developed to effectively gauge the effectiveness of promising Alzheimer's treatments in mouse models. The tracer binds to BACE1, a key enzyme involved in amyloid-β development, and accurately measures its effects on brain metabolism, neuroinflammation, and amyloid-β pathology.
A Japanese research team developed a refrigeration preservation technology that extends mouse sperm freezing period from three days to 10 days. This breakthrough enables safe and easy transportation of genetically modified mice worldwide, accelerating international collaborative research.
A team of scientists discovered that a major cause of variation between genetically identical C. elegans worms is their mother's age, particularly in younger mothers. The study found that the youngest mothers produce offspring with impaired characteristics such as size, growth rate, and starvation resistance.
A study by Rutgers University researchers suggests that gut bacteria at a young age contributes to the onset and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study found that genetically engineered mice exposed to normal environment developed MS-like disease, highlighting the role of gut bacteria in triggering immune system changes.
Researchers developed and grew modified Cavendish bananas resistant to Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), a devastating soil-borne fungus. One line remained TR4-free for three years, while three others showed strong resistance.
A new gene therapy has shown significant improvements in vision for patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited retinal disease. The treatment, currently under FDA review, allows patients to navigate mazes and experience improved light sensitivity and peripheral vision.
A boy suffering from extensive skin damage due to epidermolysis bullosa was successfully treated with genetically modified stem cell transplants. The treatment resulted in the growth of high-quality, stress-resistant skin, allowing him to attend school and participate in social life.
Research suggests that amyloid-beta, a toxic protein, can travel to the brain from other parts of the body, contributing to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery offers hope for new drug therapies that target the kidneys or liver to prevent the protein from reaching the brain.
Scientists found that skin helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate in response to changes in oxygen availability. In mice genetically modified to lack certain HIF proteins, the response to low-oxygen conditions was altered, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and overall activity.
Researchers found significant increases in glyphosate and its metabolite in the urine of older adults from Southern California between 1993 and 2016. Average glyphosate levels increased by 13 years, with detectable levels present in more than 70% of samples.
Human exposure to glyphosate has increased significantly since the introduction of genetically modified crops, with 70% of study participants having detectable levels by 2016. Glyphosate use has also increased 15-fold since 1994.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a promising approach called synthetic incompatibility to prevent interbreeding between genetically engineered and unaltered organisms. This technology effectively makes engineered organisms a separate species unable to produce viable offspring.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a method for creating modified DNA-based hydrogels with unique properties. These hydrogels can be dissolved, reformed, and retain their biochemical activity, making them suitable for various applications such as drug delivery and cell growth.
A global assessment reveals that genetically engineered crops producing insect-killing proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis have led to a fivefold increase in pest resistance cases over the past decade. However, some pests remain suppressed due to factors such as recessive inheritance of resistance and abundant refuges.
Researchers compared GM soybean oil to conventional soybean, coconut, and olive oils, finding that GM soybean oil reduces obesity and insulin resistance but causes similar negative effects on diabetes and fatty liver as conventional soybean oil. Olive oil produced identical negative effects to Plenish.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University engineered GM mosquitoes with altered microbiota that suppresses human malaria-causing parasites. The trait was successfully passed along to multiple generations of offspring, even when combined with wild mosquitoes, and maintained for 7 years.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discover two new strategies to combat malaria: genetically modified bacteria that spread rapidly in mosquito populations and boost the immune system of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. These innovative approaches aim to reduce the need for continuous malaria control measures, p...
A modified poliovirus therapy has been found to induce an inflammation process that counteracts cancer cells' ability to evade the immune system. The therapy activates dendritic cells and macrophages, which present tumor antigens to T-cells, launching a targeted immune response.
A large-scale genetic study of Papuan New Guinean people found strong genetic differences between groups, reflecting linguistic and cultural diversity. The study suggests that the country's isolated highlands region has remained genetically independent for thousands of years.
A chemically modified version of heparin shows promise in reducing brain swelling and inflammation after traumatic brain injury in mice. The new treatment, ODSH, is being tested in a Phase II clinical trial to assess its effectiveness in people with TBI.
Researchers have observed unusual neural activity in some genetically modified lab mice widely used in neuroscience research. This abnormal activity may be linked to the expression of a genetically-encoded calcium sensor during development.
Scientists use nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations to model gene movement and develop 'switches' that initiate and terminate gene drives, balancing genetic traits with embedded weaknesses. They also find that intense release in specific regions can trigger spreading, but can be stopped by barriers like pesticides.
A mouse model of autism shows that social environment influences behaviors characteristic of ASD. Housing genetically modified mice with unmodified littermates alters their behavior, highlighting the impact of social hierarchy on ASD-like traits.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have discovered a novel synthetic lethality screen to discover molecules that target genetically modified yeast lacking NF1. The team identified one lead candidate called Y100, which disrupts tumor cell growth and induces oxidative stress causing death of NF1-deficient cancer cells.
Researchers found genetically modified CAR T cells successfully migrated to and penetrated glioblastoma tumors, but triggered an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To overcome resistance, existing immunotherapies targeting checkpoint inhibitors may be necessary.
Researchers have developed a simple methodology to capture proteins implicated in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. The new method uses engineered tails to trap sugar-modified proteins, which can then be identified using routine laboratory techniques.
A recent study analyzing over half of the malaria parasite's genes found that two thirds are essential for survival, opening up new avenues for antimalarial drug development. The researchers developed a method to decipher gene function by switching off and counting the growth of genetically modified parasites.
Researchers developed genetically enhanced cord-blood derived immune cells to target B-cell malignancies, boosting persistence and embedding a suicide gene. The engineered natural killer cells showed improved efficiency in killing cancer cells and extended survival in mouse models.
A study published in the European Heart Journal shows a vaccine that lowers cholesterol may be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. The AT04A vaccine, administered to genetically modified mice, reduced cholesterol levels by 53% and induced long-lasting antibodies against PCSK9, an enzyme contributing to high cholesterol.
Researchers have developed a new method to control fire blight by using a genetically modified bacteriophage (Y2) that can dissolve the slime layer protecting the Erwinia bacteria and kill it. Additionally, another variant of Y2 has been engineered to detect Salmonella by emitting light when bound to infected bacteria.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a highly safe and practical biocontainment strategy for GMOs, utilizing a phosphite-based control method. The new method has shown promise in reducing the risk of GMO escape and proliferation, making it an attractive solution for legislators to consider.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed two new modified toy car designs to encourage children with disabilities to engage in physical and social activities. The sit-to-stand car promotes standing up to activate the switch, while the Throw Baby Throw car uses a pitching machine to facilitate throwing skills.
Researchers aim to genetically modify human bone marrow cells to produce more bone morphogenetic protein, a key factor in bone healing, to tackle challenging bone repairs such as extensive fractures and failed spinal fusions. The five-year grant will support the study's efficacy and safety assessment.
Research in The FASEB Journal reveals a key role for cilia structure in determining susceptibility to neural tube defects. Genetically modified mice studies found that methylation of the Septin2 protein affects neural tube closure, leading to an increased risk of birth defects.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that interbreeding genetically engineered cotton with non-Bt cotton can delay and even reverse evolution of resistance by pests. This novel strategy involves planting a mix of Bt and non-Bt seeds, which generates a random mixture of plants within fields.
A new technique uses modified insulin and red blood cells to regulate blood sugar levels in mice with Type 1 diabetes. The system effectively reduces blood sugar levels for 48 hours and has shown promise in reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Scientists successfully completed the first EPA-approved outdoor field trial for genetically engineered algae, testing a strain in real-world conditions without adverse impact on native populations. The study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating genetically engineered algae outdoors while maintaining engineered traits.