ScienceDaily: Genetic Modification News

Fingernails reveal clues to limb regeneration

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:25 EDT

Mammals possess the remarkable ability to regenerate a lost fingertip, including the nail, nerves and even bone. In humans, an amputated fingertip can sprout back in as little as two months, a phenomenon that has remained poorly understood until now. Biologists now shed light on this rare regenerative power in mammals, using genetically engineered mice to document for the first time the biochemical chain of events that unfolds in the wake of a fingertip amputation.

Biotech crops vs. pests: Successes and failures from the first billion acres

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:21:21 EDT

A landmark study analyzes why pest resistance to genetically modified crops evolved quickly in some cases, but not others. The global assessment could help to gauge the risk of resistance for new biotech crops before they are commercialized.

Personality is the result of nurture, not nature, suggests study on birds

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:05:05 EDT

Personality is not inherited from birth parents says new research on zebra finches. External factors are likely to play a bigger part in developing the personality of an individual than the genes it inherits from its parents, suggests the study.

Genetic engineering alters mosquitoes' sense of smell

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:31:31 EDT

In one of the first successful attempts at genetically engineering mosquitoes, researchers have altered the way the insects respond to odors, including the smell of humans and the insect repellant DEET. The research not only demonstrates that mosquitoes can be genetically altered using the latest research techniques, but paves the way to understanding why the insect is so attracted to humans, and how to block that attraction.

New 1-step process for designer bacteria

Tue, 28 May 2013 10:02:02 EDT

A simpler and faster way of producing designer bacteria used in biotechnology processes has been developed.

Fast new, one-step genetic engineering technology

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:12:12 EDT

A new, streamlined approach to genetic engineering drastically reduces the time and effort needed to insert new genes into bacteria, the workhorses of biotechnology, scientists are reporting. The method paves the way for more rapid development of designer microbes for drug development, environmental cleanup and other activities.

Archaeological genetics: It's not all as old as it at first seems

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:51:51 EDT

Genomic analyses suggest that patterns of genetic diversity which indicate population movement may not be as ancient as previously believed, but may be attributable to recent events.

Bacteria use hydrogen, carbon dioxide to produce electricity

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:11:11 EDT

Researchers have engineered a strain of electricity-producing bacteria that can grow using hydrogen gas as its sole electron donor and carbon dioxide as its sole source of carbon.

Engineered spider toxin could be the future of anti-venom vaccines

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

New engineered spider protein could be the start of a new generation of anti-venom vaccines, potentially saving thousands of lives worldwide. The new protein is created from parts of a toxin from the reaper spider

Soy and tomato may be effective in preventing prostate cancer

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:43:43 EDT

Tomatoes and soy foods may be more effective in preventing prostate cancer when they are eaten together than when either is eaten alone, said a new study.

New technique to track cell interactions in living bodies developed

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:16:16 EDT

Researchers have developed a new technique to see how different types of cells interact in a living mouse.

Scientists revolutionize creation of genetically altered mice to model human disease

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Scientists have efficiently created mouse models with multiple gene mutations in a matter of weeks. Because the method does not require embryonic stem cells, the approach also could allow any animal to become a model organism.

Europe needs genetically engineered crops, scientists say

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:26:26 EDT

The European Union cannot meet its goals in agricultural policy without embracing genetically engineered crops. That's the conclusion of scientists based on case studies showing that the EU is undermining its own competitiveness in the agricultural sector to its own detriment and that of its humanitarian activities in the developing world.

Quest for edible malarial vaccine leads to other potential medical uses for algae

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:26:26 EDT

Can scientists rid malaria from the Third World by simply feeding algae genetically engineered with a vaccine? That's the question biologists sought to answer after they demonstrated last May that algae can be engineered to produce a vaccine that blocks malaria transmission. In a follow up study, they got their answer: Not yet, although the same method may work as a vaccine against a wide variety of viral and bacterial infections.

Plant protein shape puzzle solved by molecular 3-D model

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:25:25 EDT

Researchers believe they have solved a puzzle that has long vexed science. The researchers provide the first three-dimensional model of an enzyme that links a simple sugar, glucose, into long-chain cellulose, the basic building block within plant cell walls that gives plants structure. Cellulose is nature's most abundant renewable biomaterial and an important resource for production of biofuels that represent alternatives to fossil fuels.

Molecular 'superglue' based on flesh-eating bacteria

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:58:58 EDT

In a classic case of turning an enemy into a friend, scientists have engineered a protein from flesh-eating bacteria to act as a molecular "superglue" that promises to become a disease fighter.

Couch potatoes may be genetically predisposed to being lazy, rat study suggests

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:47:47 EDT

Researchers were able to selectively breed rats that exhibited traits of either extreme activity or extreme laziness. They say these rats indicate that genetics could play a role in exercise motivation, even in humans.

Avian virus may be harmful to cancer cells

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Researchers have discovered that a genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus, which harms chickens but not humans, kills prostate cancer cells of all kinds, including hormone-resistant cancer cells.

Bird flu mutation study offers vaccine clue

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:50:50 EDT

Scientists have described small genetic changes that enable the H5N1 bird flu virus to replicate more easily in the noses of mammals.

Fast track to mouse modeling

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

What genes are responsible for the development of breast cancer? What are the brain cell mutations that lead to the onset of Alzheimer's? To find new therapies, scientists have to understand how diseases are triggered at cell level. Experiments on genetically modified mice are an indispensable part of basic medical research. Now a method has been found to help laboratories carry out their work with fewer test animals.

Multi-toxin biotech crops not silver bullets, scientists warn

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:08:08 EDT

The widely used strategy of endowing crops with redundant toxins to fend off pests rests on flawed assumptions, researchers have discovered. Their study helps explain why pests are evolving resistance much faster than predicted and offers solutions for better agricultural management.

Researchers engineer plant cell walls to boost sugar yields for biofuels

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:12:12 EDT

Using the tools of synthetic biology, researchers are engineering healthy plants whose lignocellulosic biomass can more easily be broken down into simple sugars for the production of clean, green and renewable advanced biofuels.

Mate choice in mice is heavily influenced by paternal cues, mouse study shows

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:53:53 EDT

Hybrid offspring of different house mice populations show a preference for mating with individuals from their father's original population.

Caffeine-'addicted' bacteria: Finding may lead to new decontamination methods, new medicines

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:35:35 EDT

Some people may joke about living on caffeine, but scientists now have genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to do that -- literally. Their report describes bacteria being "addicted" to caffeine in a way that promises practical uses ranging from decontamination of wastewater to bioproduction of medications for asthma.

Researchers alter mosquito genome with goal of controlling disease

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:48:48 EDT

With a technique called TALENS, scientists used a pair of engineered proteins to disrupt a targeted gene in the mosquito genome, changing the eye color of ensuing generations of the insect. The method might help scientists find ways control disease transmission.

Tomatoes that mimic actions of good cholesterol created

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:41:41 EDT

Researchers have genetically engineered tomatoes to produce a peptide that mimics the actions of good cholesterol when consumed. In this early study, mice that were fed these tomatoes in freeze-dried, ground form had less inflammation and plaque build-up in their arteries.

Making fuel from bacteria

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:22:22 EDT

In the search for the fuels of tomorrow, Swedish researchers are finding inspiration in the sea. Not in offshore oil wells, but in the water where blue-green algae thrive.

Indirect side-effects of the cultivation of genetically modified plants

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:54:54 EDT

Genetically modified Bt cotton plants contain a poison that protects them from their most significant enemies. As a result, these plants rely less on their own defence system. This benefits other pests, such as aphids.

Some bacteria may protect against disease caused by stomach infection

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:47:47 EDT

Half of the world's human population is infected with the stomach bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, yet it causes disease in only about 10 percent of those infected. Other bacteria living in the stomach may be a key factor in whether or not H. pylori causes disease, according to a new study.

Biologists produce rainbow-colored algae

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:51:51 EST

What can green algae do for science if they weren’t, well, green?

Protein lost in tumors blocks normal cells from being reprogrammed into stem cells

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:48:48 EST

Researchers have discovered that a particular protein prevents normal cells from being reprogrammed into cells that resemble stem cells, providing new insight into how they may lose their plasticity during normal development.

Scientists improve transgenic 'Enviropigs'

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:48:48 EST

A new line of transgenic pigs can digest phosphorus more efficiently. Researchers say the new line is healthy and can pass the transgenic trait to new generations.

Spinal tap -- using cactus spines to isolate DNA

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:46:46 EST

In the family Cactaceae, isolation of genetic material can be difficult due to the presence of polysaccharide-based mucilage content and other secondary compounds. Although important for water storage, these compounds necessitate the use of toxic chemicals and numerous modifications to DNA extraction protocols. Scientists have now developed a novel method for isolation of DNA using cactus spines.

Why fish is better than supplements: Omega-3s from fish vs. fish oil pills better at maintaining blood pressure in mouse model

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:45:45 EST

Researchers show how fish oils help lower blood pressure via vasodilation at ion channels. In vascular smooth muscle cells, such as those that line blood vessels, ion channels that span the outer membrane of a cell to let such ions as sodium, calcium, and potassium in and out, are critical to maintaining proper vessel pressure.

Viruses: More survival tricks than previously thought

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:07:07 EST

Among eukaryotes with modified nuclear genetic codes, viruses are unknown. Until now it had been believed that the modifications to the genetic code effectively prevented new viral infections. However, researchers have now reported the first example of a virus that can be shown to have crossed the boundary from organisms using the standard genetic code to those with an alternate genetic code.

Fighting GM crop vandalism with a government-protected research site

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:41:41 EST

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been a source of great controversy -- particularly in Europe -- but acts of vandalism and associated security costs have made scientific evidence about the health and ecological impacts of those crops hard to come by. A Swiss government-protected field site dedicated for use in GM crop studies could serve as an example to other European countries interested in pursuing crop biotechnology, according to a new article.

'Fat worms' inch scientists toward better biofuel production

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:21:21 EST

Fat worms confirm that researchers have successfully engineered a plant with oily leaves -- a feat that could enhance biofuel production as well as lead to improved animal feeds.

Omega-3s inhibit breast cancer tumor growth, study finds

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:43:43 EST

A lifelong diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit growth of breast cancer tumors by 30 percent, according to new research from the University of Guelph. The study, published recently in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, is believed to be the first to provide unequivocal evidence that omega-3s reduce cancer risk.

Genetically modified crops are overregulated, food science expert says

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:42:42 EST

Scientists argue that genetically modified foods are safe for consumption and overregulated.

Avoiding virus dangers in 'domesticating' wild plants for biofuel use

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:50:50 EST

In our ongoing quest for alternative energy sources, researchers are looking more to plants that grow in the wild for use in biofuels -- plants such as switchgrass.

The human pathogen Streptococcus pneumonia shields foreign DNA derived from other bacteria to promote genetic diversity and vaccine evasion

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:41:41 EST

A new report shows that the human pathogen Streptococcus (S.) pneumoniae (one of the known causes of bacterial pneumonia) has an unusual enzyme that protects foreign DNA taken up during transformation, allowing exchange of pathogenicity islands donated from other pathogenic bacteria.

Studies reveal genetic variation driving human evolution

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:39:39 EST

A pair of studies sheds new light on genetic variation that may have played a key role in human evolution. The study researchers used an animal model to study a gene variant that could have helped humans adapt to humid climates, and they used whole-genome sequence data to identify hundreds of gene variants that potentially helped humans adapt to changing environmental conditions over time.

Colon cancer exhibits a corresponding epigenetic pattern in mice and humans

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:21:21 EST

The epigenetic investigation of mice can as a result contribute to early diagnosis of cancer in humans.

Device made of DNA inserted into bacterial cell works like a diagnostic computer

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 07:42:42 EST

A biological device made of DNA inserted into a bacterial cell works like a tiny diagnostic computer.

Scientists design mouse with more human-like immune response

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:37:37 EST

Scientists have genetically engineered a mouse to more closely mimic a human immune response. The transgenic mouse exhibits humanized CD1d molecules, naturally occurring molecules that activate an especially potent white blood cell called the natural killer T cell. The mouse model has the potential to accelerate development of human immunotherapies for diseases like cancer, diabetes and tuberculosis.

Genetically modified tobacco plants produce antibodies to treat rabies

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:02:02 EST

Smoking tobacco is bad for your health, but a genetically altered version of the plant might provide an inexpensive cure for the deadly rabies virus. Scientists have produced a monoclonal antibody in transgenic tobacco plants shown to neutralize the rabies virus. This antibody works by preventing the virus from attaching to nerve endings around the bite site and keeping the virus from traveling to the brain.

Engineered oncolytic herpes virus inhibits ovarian and breast cancer metastases

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:08:08 EST

A genetically reprogrammed Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cure metastatic diffusion of human cancer cells in the abdomen of laboratory mice, according to a new study.

Developing microbial cell factories by employing synthetic small regulatory RNAs

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST

Biotechnologists have been working hard to address the climate change and limited fossil resource issues through the development of sustainable processes for the production of chemicals, fuels and materials from renewable non-food biomass. One promising sustainable technology is the use of microbial cell factories for the efficient production of desired chemicals and materials. Scientists have now discovered that synthetic small RNA can be employed for finely controlling the expression levels of multiple genes at the translation level.

Leopards and tigers in India: New genetics research underscores importance of protecting forest corridors

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:30:30 EST

As rapid economic expansion continues to shape the Asian landscape on which many species depend, time is running out for conservationists aiming to save wildlife such as tigers and leopards. Scientists have used genetic analysis to find that the natural forest corridors in India are essential to ensuring a future for these species. According to two recent studies, these corridors are successfully connecting populations of tigers and leopards to ensure genetic diversity and gene flow.

Designer bacteria may lead to better vaccines

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

The 61 strains of E. coli are part of a new class of biological "adjuvants" that is poised to transform vaccine design. Adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to boost the human immune response.

Giant tobacco plants that stay young forever

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

Tobacco plants bloom when they are just a few months old -- and then they die. Now, researchers have located a genetic switch which can keep the plants young for years and which permits unbounded growth. In short, an ideal source of biomass.

Research revisiting the safety of GM weevil-resistant peas in mice contradicts previous risk assessment findings

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 07:53:53 EST

Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna have conducted feeding trials with mice to investigate the allergenicity of genetically modified (GM) weevil-resistant peas. Development of the peas was discontinued in 2005 when a risk assessment conducted by the CSIRO and Australian National University showed negative reactions in mice to the peas.

Engineering alternative fuel with cyanobacteria

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:09:09 EST

Biologists have engineered two strains of cyanobacteria to produce free fatty acids, a precursor to liquid fuels. Micro-algal fuels might be one way to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign energy. Such fuels would be renewable since they are powered by sunlight. They also could reduce carbon dioxide emissions since they use photosynthesis, and they could create jobs in a new industry.

Editing genome with high precision: New method to insert multiple genes in specific locations, delete defective genes

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:32:32 EST

Researchers have developed a new technique for precisely altering the genomes of living cells by adding or deleting genes.

Can observations of a hardy weed help feed the world?

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:39:39 EST

Scientists have explored how the responses to environmental stresses by one small, genetically diverse plant species might illuminate possible approaches to addressing growing human demand for crop products amid decreasing resources.

Production of 5-aminovaleric and glutaric acid by metabolically engineered microorganism

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:37:37 EST

Scientists have applied a systems metabolic engineering approach to develop recombinant Escherichia coli for the production of 5-aminovaleric acid and glutaric acid, the promising C5 platform chemicals, by fermentation.

Soybeans a source of valuable chemical

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:23:23 EST

The humble soybean could become an inexpensive new source of a widely used chemical for plastics, textiles, drugs, solvents and as a food additive.

Genetic markers for the conservation of wild herbivores in the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:16:16 EST

Tanzania is one of the few African countries with a diversity of wildlife species and a network of protected areas for these animals. The mapping of genetic variations in wild animals can help to improve wildlife management in the country.

Drug used to treat HIV might defuse deadly staph infections

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:15:15 EST

A new study suggests that an existing HIV drug called maraviroc could be a potential therapy for Staphylococcus aureus, a notorious and deadly pathogen linked to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations each year.

New study brings long-sought vaccines for deadly parasite closer to reality

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:17:17 EST

One major cause of illness from food-borne diseases is the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). New insights into how the immune system combats T. gondii are provided in a new study. The findings could lead to the development of long-sought vaccines to protect against T. gondii and related parasites.