Articles tagged with Genetic Engineering
Researchers developed a genetically modified protein that reverses vitiligo in mice and shows similar effects on human skin tissue samples. The modified protein, called mutant HSP70i, supplants normal HSP70i, thereby reversing the autoimmune response that causes vitiligo.
CWRU's Maxwell J. Mehlman examines the emerging issues in genetic engineering, balancing innovation with caution. The book discusses the potential for evolutionary engineering, which allows parents to form the next generation by altering reproductive cells to remove disease risks.
A European-wide network aims to improve GMO regulatory systems through systematic environmental impact assessments. The network addresses public concerns and creates confidence in the ENSyGMO results by analyzing GM crop effects using integrated approaches and methods at various scales.
Researchers have developed semi-dwarf trees through genetic modification, which can improve wood production, biomass production, branching, water-use efficiency, and root structure. The modified trees can also be more resistant to drought stress and better sequester carbon.
Ecologists warn of potential unintended consequences of genetically engineered algae for biofuel production. Researchers argue for independent studies and adequate funding to explore potential risks, including survival in the wild, hybridization, and ecosystem disruption.
Biotech Boulevard features companies making a mark on the global bioindustry through novel therapeutics and technologies. The microsite provides a platform for discovery, investment, and collaboration among these promising young companies.
Researchers have devised a new method for producing genetically modified animals using haploid embryonic stem cells, which may enable genetic modification of animals that can't be modified by today's means. The technique could also potentially be used in assisted human reproduction for those affected by genetic disease.
Scientists have discovered how to control the Ruby gene, which is associated with improved cardiovascular health and reduced obesity. This breakthrough could lead to genetically engineered blood oranges that can thrive in warmer climates without cold dependency.
University of Pittsburgh researcher Sandra Mitchell emphasizes the need for adaptive policy in GMO regulation due to local variations and diverse host plants. Her proposal includes scenario analyses and mediation to address conflicting values among stakeholders.
A study by Max Planck scientists found that available scientific information on genetically modified insect releases is highly restricted. They call for clear and accurate descriptions to be widely circulated before releases, particularly if mosquito species are involved.
Researchers engineered Anopheles mosquitoes to produce higher levels of Rel2, an immune system protein that attacks malaria parasites. The study suggests that this approach could lead to the development of malaria-resistant mosquito populations.
Researchers have discovered genetically engineered canola populations growing outside of established cultivation regions along roadsides across North Dakota. These 'escaped' plants accounted for 45% of total roadside plants sampled and persisted from year to year, raising questions about oversight and monitoring protocols.
Purdue University scientist William Muir argues that genetically engineered salmon, AquAdvantage (AA), poses little real risk to the environment or human health. Once assessed and deemed safe, AA salmon should be allowed for production and sale in the US to increase food supplies for a growing world population.
Researchers create 'excitable' cells by introducing specific ion channels, enabling electrical communication between cells. The modified cells can restore large electrical gaps in heart tissue and have potential applications in treating diseases of the nervous system or heart.
A $1.2 million NSF grant will support research on gene instability in maize, enabling scientists to make precise genetic modifications and improve crop yields. The project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression in plants.
Recent developments in protein kinase inhibitors include innovative drug development paradigms, improved inhibitor profiling, and expanded disease targets such as Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are focusing on inactive kinase states and using selectivity strategies to overcome obstacles in the field.
Researchers in China have developed a genetically modified form of E. coli that can extract toxic pesticides like parathion and methyl parathion from the air with high efficiency. The biofilter system has shown average removal efficiencies of up to 95.2% for parathion and 98.6% for methyl parathion.
Researchers have successfully developed genetically modified chickens that do not transmit avian influenza virus to other chickens, potentially stopping bird flu outbreaks within poultry flocks. This genetic modification has the potential to reduce the risk of bird flu epidemics leading to new flu virus epidemics in humans.
The top biotech acquisitions in 2010 that exceeded $1 billion included a $41 billion purchase of Alcon by Novartis, followed by a $18.5 billion bid for Genzyme from sanofi-aventis. Merck's $5.2 billion acquisition of Millipore and Teva's €3.625 billion purchase of ratiopharm also made the list.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully created synthetic circuits in yeast cells using gene-regulated communication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of complex biological systems for detecting diseases and monitoring environmental pollutants.
Simon Cocklin, Ph.D., wins the ProteOn XPR36 Giveaway Program for his novel research applications for surface plasmon resonance technology. He plans to use the system in his lab and make it available to other researchers at Drexel University.
The biopharmaceutical industry is shifting towards more sustainable operations, with companies adopting environmentally friendly practices that also offer economic benefits. Key findings include the potential for waste reduction through process intensification and purification bottlenecks.
Researchers at UC San Diego successfully synchronized bacterial genetic clocks to blink in unison and alter their blinking rates in response to environmental conditions. The achievement is a crucial step towards creating genetic sensors that can monitor temperature, poisons, and other hazards.
The BIOFAB facility aims to produce thousands of standardized DNA parts, shortening the development time and lowering the cost of synthetic biology for academic or biotech laboratories. The project will enable researchers to mix and match genetic parts in synthetic organisms to produce new drugs, fuels, or chemicals.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a molecular security system in human cells that deactivates and degrades foreign DNA. This discovery could lead to major improvements in genetic engineering and gene therapy technologies.
Advances in qPCR technology are expanding its applications in basic research and diagnostics, enabling more efficient detection and quantification of specific DNA sequences. Companies like Qiagen and Bio-Rad Laboratories are developing new methods to improve multiplex PCR and sample preparation.
NGS technologies offer streamlined workflows, massive parallelism, and cost reduction through targeted sequencing of specific genes or regions. Researchers are applying NGS to various fields, including hereditary cancer research and bacterial gene expression studies.
The article presents optimized ChIP protocol for mammalian cells, while recombineering methods are used to construct targeting vectors for conditional knockout mice. These techniques provide efficient and precise genetic modifications.
Scientists have developed a therapy using genetically engineered Bacteroides ovatus that activates a human growth factor to treat bowel disorders like inflammatory bowel disease. The treatment reduces rectal bleeding, accelerates gut lining healing, and prevents disease onset.
Scientists have discovered a bowl-shaped molecule that can pull carbon dioxide out of the air, offering new possibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The molecule's unique properties make it suitable for industrial use in removing CO2 from ambient air and potentially even from living organisms.
The development of genetically modified trees is being obstructed by anti-biotech groups and regulations that prioritize process over product. Researchers argue that a regulatory environment focused on scientific case-by-case assessments is necessary to unlock the full potential of forest biotechnology.
Researchers are exploring various methodologies to meet biofuel needs, including Edenspace Systems' Energy Corn and Coskata's Flex Ethanol technology. These approaches aim to lower fossil fuel reliance and mitigate global warming concerns.
The ACLU is challenging the patentability of two human genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer, alleging that gene patents stifle life science research. The organization claims that the patents are invalid and unconstitutional, with supporters arguing that they would harm patients and limit medical research.
Newly emerging biotechnology clusters globally showcase life science expertise across various disciplines. China's Shanghai and Beijing are home to the largest groupings of biotech companies, while Brazil has strong centers in Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
A novel digital gene-expression profiling technique is gaining traction, offering a fully quantitative approach to gene-expression analysis. The method has been shown to provide robust and comparable expression profiling data, making it an attractive alternative to traditional microarray-based platforms.
The Madoff scandal has led to a shift away from risky investments, affecting endowment institutions and university research projects. Academic medical and bio-related research are tightening their belts as a result of the general economic situation.
Biomanufacturers are developing fully disposable bioprocess streams to minimize validation studies, sterilization, and cleaning procedures. Companies like GE Healthcare and Pall offer disposable products that reduce inventory costs and improve flexibility in bioprocessing.
Biotech scientists are applying genomics technologies to toxicology research to better understand the effects of novel drug candidates. This trend towards predictive toxicogenomics aims to develop a new compound's mechanism of action and predict toxicity, with several companies and consortia already working on this technology.
Companies like UCB Pharma and CeeTox are using cell-based assays to assess the toxic characteristics of small molecule compounds. This early identification can improve clinical trial results and reduce the time to market.
Developing nations offer a ready supply of patients, large potential markets, and reduced competition for clinical trial sites. Companies conduct trials primarily in cities due to the presence of doctors, staff, and equipment similar to those found in Western conditions.
A new genomics tool identifies artificial vector sequences by clustering shared DNA regions, allowing for high sensitivity and specificity in detecting engineered pathogens. The tool's potential is being explored to combat malicious genetic engineering applications.
Researchers are studying the effects of over- or underexpression of specific miRNAs on disease development and inhibition. For instance, scientists identified miR-373 and miR-520c, which promote tumor metastasis.
The NIH is awarding $105 million to 41 innovative investigators through the Pioneer and New Innovator Awards. These grants will support groundbreaking research in various fields, including neuroscience, physics, and biology.
Iron deficiency affects an estimated 2 billion people, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes, impaired school performance, and decreased productivity. Genetic engineering can increase iron content in staple crops like rice and improve bioavailability by introducing genes that break down phytate.
Researchers develop genetically engineered proteins to form erasable chemical detectors. They also create self-grown forests of molecular 'bottlebrushes' that keep themselves contamination-free. Additionally, they design auto-assembled DNA 'towers' that could serve as anchors for the tiniest devices.
A new GM mosquito sexing technique allows for the quick identification of males, paving the way for releasing sterile males to control mosquito populations. This could lead to a significant reduction in malaria cases and population growth.
Researchers successfully treated a laboratory model of GM1 – gangliosidosis using genetically modified bone marrow cells that produce an enzyme breaking down excess GM1. The treatment restored the activity of degenerating brain cells, suggesting a potential cure for this neurodegenerative disease.
Despite China's genetically modified (GM) rice ambitions, poverty and unequal land distribution will persist, hindering efforts to eliminate hunger. The Lancet notes that GM technology is not a solution to food insecurity, but rather a Band-Aid on the symptoms of deeper issues.
A recent study found that genetically modified rice in China reduces pesticide use by 80% and increases crop yields by up to 9%. The research also indicates no significant impact on farmers' health. The study provides valuable information for developing countries considering genetically modified food crops.
The new technique improves specificity of human estrogen receptor alpha by 100 million times, allowing for targeted activation or deactivation of genes in living systems. This breakthrough could lead to advances in gene therapy, metabolic engineering, and animal disease model studies.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a technique to produce large numbers of genetically modified NK cells that can effectively target and eliminate leukemia cells. The new technology has the potential to be used as a treatment for leukemia patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.
The US Constitution offers a set of shared values that can help frame the debate on genetic engineering of humans, including promotion of welfare, science, and equal protection. Policymakers will likely debate the benefits and potential harm to future children and the public.
Researchers found that mice with enhanced neuronal excitability outperformed their wild-type counterparts in the Morris water maze, a test for learning and memory. The study suggests that manipulating neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity may be effective in ameliorating age-related cognitive decline.
A genetically modified bacterium, Lactococcus, has been engineered to produce a therapeutic protein that protects the epithelium and heals intestinal tissues. The bacteria shows great promise in treating both acute and chronic intestinal inflammation, including Crohn's disease.
A team of scientists identified genomic regions in wild tomato species that boost yield and drought resistance, outperforming commercially available hybrids. Their approach harnesses natural biodiversity to enrich the genetic basis of cultivated plants.
Researchers at UC Davis suggest using transposons to introduce genes that block malaria in mosquitoes, which could spread through the population via natural selection and eventually eliminate malaria transmission.
Research reveals that beavers' selective herbivory affects plant types in their community, favoring hybrid cottonwoods with lower tannin levels. This study suggests a link between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through genetically-based plant traits.
A new report from Ohio State University recommends prioritizing the risks and benefits of genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) before release. The panel suggests developing regulations based on scientific findings and implementing measures to prevent unwanted side effects.
Purdue scientists Rick Howard and colleagues discovered that genetically modified fish have a reproductive advantage, but their offspring are less likely to survive. This paradox could lead to a population dwindling in size and potentially disappearing entirely if not managed carefully.
Researchers discover transgenic mosquitoes are severely impaired in development and reproduction, laying fewer eggs and having lower egg-adult survivorship. This finding has major implications for the competitiveness of transgenic mosquitoes against non-engineered wild-types.