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CRISPR's growing pains

Recent studies have raised safety concerns over CRISPR's precision in human cell lines, but companies are forging ahead with therapies. The technology makes double-stranded breaks at specific sites in DNA to repair defective genes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 11, 2018

Imminent extinction of northern white rhinoceros motivates new genetic recovery efforts

Researchers have identified valuable pools of genetic material from cryopreserved cell lines, which may help guide a tailored recovery program for the northern white rhinoceros. The study's findings suggest that advanced sequencing technologies and novel reproductive strategies could improve recovery efforts for other endangered species.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 24, 2018

An advance for precision medicine

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new method to quickly and efficiently recognize the subtypes of cells within the body. This technology, led by Andrew Adey, allows for profiling thousands of cells simultaneously, improving our understanding of disease at the molecular level.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 9, 2018

New tool tells bioengineers when to build microbial teams

Researchers at Duke University created a framework to determine when using multiple cell populations is beneficial. The system models how variables interact in complex bioengineering tasks, revealing that efficiency and growth rate are key factors. This tool can help industries producing chemicals with bacteria, such as pharmaceuticals...

Ibuprofen and testicular health

Researchers found that ibuprofen modified hormonal profiles through selective transcriptional repression of testicular endocrine cells, leading to a state of compensated hypogonadism. The study used testis explants and human steroidogenic cell lines to investigate the effects of ibuprofen on testicular health.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

The flaws of HIV

Researchers from UNIGE and Trento University have deciphered the mechanism by which HIV infectivity is destroyed, revealing a new antiretroviral protein called SERINC5. SERINC5 enhances cell defense against HIV, rendering Nef's ability to neutralize it ineffective.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 2015

Life is but a DREAM

A crowdsourcing challenge in systems biomedicine has combined predictions from hundreds of scientists to estimate population-level response to toxic compounds. The study provides new methodologies for hazard evaluation and assessment, offering a way to accelerate toxicity testing.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 10, 2015

Queuing theory helps physicist understand protein recycling

Using the subway analogy, a physicist is applying queuing theory to study protein traffic jams in cells. By understanding these bottlenecks, he aims to discover mechanisms for alleviating them and develop new tools for synthetic biology. This research has the potential to impact areas such as development, inflammation and cancer.

Cisplatin-resistant cancer cells sensitive to experimental anticancer drugs, PARP inhibitors

Researchers identified biochemical changes in cancer cells that render them vulnerable to PARP inhibitors, which showed promise as a novel treatment strategy for cisplatin-resistant cancer. The study found that high levels of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 and elevated amounts of poly (ADP-ribosyl) were linked to resistance to cisplatin.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 3, 2013

Signaling pathway linked to fetal alcohol risk

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a signaling pathway that may determine genetic susceptibility for the development of FASD. The study found that phosphorylation events inside cells can render L1 adhesion molecules more vulnerable to alcohol's inhibitory effects, providing new targets for diagnosis and therapy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2013