Articles tagged with Transgenic Animals
Researchers have created genetically modified marmosets with a knocked-out OTOF gene, replicating key characteristics of human deafness. The animals developed normally but were deaf from birth, offering a crucial tool for developing new therapies.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University has linked the use of herbicide Roundup to convulsions in soil-dwelling roundworms, suggesting that glyphosate targets GABA-A receptors. The study found that even low concentrations of glyphosate had concerning effects on the nervous system.
A new review paper has proposed a framework for advancing the application of xenotransplantation, a potential solution to the organ shortage. The study discusses innovations and advances in transplanting animal hearts into human subjects, with a focus on overcoming challenges and barriers.
New tools for working with axolotls, developed by Prayag Murawala, hold promise for treating traumatic injury and disease. The axolotl's ability to regenerate tissues and organs could lead to new insights into human health.
Researchers discovered that mosquito brains use a surprisingly simple mechanism to recognize human odor, involving just two nerve centers. The team identified the specific compounds decanal and undecanal as key components of human scent, which are also present in other mammal odors.
Researchers have identified the Xist gene as a critical regulator of fetal development in mice, leading to miscarriage and abnormal placentas when epigenetic instructions are missing. The study's findings suggest that failed Xist imprinting can be 'cured' by targeting specific genes involved in histone modifications.
Researchers use transgenic worms to study whole-body regeneration and identify critical genes involved. They also gain insights into muscle cell connections and communication during regeneration.
Researchers have successfully created transgenic three-banded panther worms to study regeneration, revealing detailed insights into the cellular anatomy of these animals. By manipulating specific genes, scientists can now investigate the role of muscle cells in holding the worm's body together and storing information for regeneration.
Researchers at Duke University and UC Irvine identify Kenpaullone, a cancer drug, as an effective analgesic for chronic and challenging-to-treat pain. The compound enhances Kcc2 gene expression, which resets maladaptive genetic switches in neurons, leading to pain signal silencing.
A Pew Research Center survey finds that majority of Americans accept genetic engineering of animals to prevent disease transmission and grow organs for transplants. However, others oppose the use of technology to improve meat quality or revive extinct species, citing concerns about ecosystem risks.
Researchers at the National Institute of Genetics have elucidated a neuronal population essential for fear conditioning in zebrafish, revealing a functional equivalent of the amygdala in mammals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding fundamental neural circuits and their evolution.
Researchers at Caltech developed TRACT, a method to visualize neural connections in real-time within living flies, enabling the creation of brain wiring diagrams. This technique could help scientists understand neurological and psychiatric conditions by monitoring neuronal connections in the brains of hundreds of flies daily.
A team of researchers has developed a simplified genetic toolkit to test hypotheses about the neural underpinnings of behavior in animals. The toolbox allows scientists to easily tailor the approach for any purpose and any species, overcoming limitations in traditional model organisms like fruit flies and mice.
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that extra-virgin olive oil reduces brain inflammation and activates autophagy, preserving synaptic integrity and reducing amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This may provide a potential prevention or treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a novel GAL4-UAS system for C. elegans, allowing for systematic perturbation of the nervous system and creation of a database linking neural activity to behaviors. This 'breadboard' system enables precise control of neural activity, simplifying the study of nervous system function.
Researchers tracked individual cells in Hydra to reveal the mechanism behind its mouth opening, which involves dramatic elastic deformations of epithelial cells. The findings solve a long-standing puzzle on how Hydra feeds and offer insights into tissue formation and patterning in simple organisms.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized genome engineering by providing a precise and efficient method for making site-specific changes to the genome. Its applications extend from developing new therapies for genetic disorders to changing the pace of agricultural research.
A new scientific review from UC Davis reports that genetically engineered feed has no impact on animal health and nutrition. The review analyzed nearly 30 years of studies involving over 100 billion animals, finding no differences in the nutritional makeup of meat, milk, or other food products derived from GMO-fed animals.
A new scientific review of genetically engineered feeds in livestock diets concludes that feeding these crops has no impact on the health or productivity of animals. The review examines nearly 30 years worth of data from over 100 billion animals, revealing comparable performance and health between GE-fed and non-GE-fed animals.
Researchers developed a new, high-tech device for transferring DNA into cells with minimal stress, reducing cell death rates. The MEMS nanoinjector uses electrical forces to inject DNA into cells without using extra fluid.
Research using a mouse model of Loeys-Dietz syndrome reveals that enhanced TGF-beta signaling contributes to the development of aortic aneurysms. Treatment with Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists shows promise in ameliorating aortic aneurysm progression.
Researchers found that introducing protective variant APOE2 into brains of animals with established plaques reduced amyloid beta deposition, retention and neurotoxicity. This suggests the potential for gene-therapy-based treatment to alleviate Alzheimer's disease progression.
A genetic study published in Neural Regeneration Research identified the G4A polymorphism of the scavenger receptor class B type I gene as a possible predisposing risk factor for atherosclerotic cerebral infarction. The study found that individuals with the G4A GA + AA genotype had higher serum levels of high-density lipoprotein choles...
Indiana University neuroscientists have found evidence of source memory in rats, which has implications for future research into the biological underpinnings of memory and the treatment of diseases marked by memory failure. The study provides converging evidence that rats rely on source memory to recall how they acquired information.
Scientists have developed a transgenic zebrafish model, MitoFish, that enables non-invasive observation of mitochondria transport in living neurons, providing a new window into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This breakthrough model has the potential to accelerate the search for effective treatments.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that certain mutations can be maintained in populations if they have a heterozygote disadvantage, reducing their spread. This could help achieve safer release of genetically modified animals, such as mosquitoes resistant to malaria.
A new method for modifying mycotoxins in contaminated grains has been developed using transgenic yeast. The research, published in Biotechnology for Biofuels, shows that the yeast can convert toxic trichothecene mycotoxins to less toxic forms during fermentation.
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.
A team of researchers argues that FDA's current review process for transgenic salmon fails to consider the full impact on human health and environment. Experts call for a broader assessment of safety, including market impacts and environmental effects.
A German study has found that wild pigs and deer do not spread genetically modified (GM) corn through their feces or accumulate transgenic residues in their meat. The researchers fed GM-fed wild boars and fallow deer conventional maize, but found no evidence of germinable seeds in their feces.
A team of scientists discovered that novel genes are responsible for morphological differences between two closely related species of freshwater polyps called Hydra. The study found that a secreted protein encoded by one such gene controls the pattern in which the tentacles develop, leading to species-specific traits.
Researchers successfully engineered goat cells to silence prion protein genes, achieving over 90% knockdown. This breakthrough raises the possibility of using similar technology in cattle to prevent Mad Cow Disease and other diseases.
The study, led by Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, demonstrates the ability to distinguish patterns of brain activity in awake animals, including fleeting changes during sleep stages. The new analytical technique enables unprecedented insights into the healthy brain and neurological diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's.
Researchers have successfully produced transgenic zebrafish using cultured sperm cells grown in laboratory conditions, enabling the study of human development and disease. The new technique also holds promise for pre-fertilization strategies in human gene therapy, potentially leading to preventive treatment for certain genetic disorders.
Directed antisense expression has been shown to moderate feeding behavior and weight gain in various animal models. This regulatory effect is attributed to the suppression of genes involved in energy homeostasis, ultimately leading to changes in food intake and body weight.
Researchers at UCR discovered that animal cells use RNA silencing to protect themselves from viral infections, a mechanism also found in plants. This breakthrough could lead to new gene therapies and vaccine designs for treating recalcitrant human and animal viral diseases.