Archive for the ‘bioengineering’ category: Page 139
Feb 22, 2019
Hachimoji DNA doubles the genetic code
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, evolution, genetics
Researchers in the US have built an “alien” DNA system from eight building block letters, so expanding the genetic code from four and doubling its information density. The new system meets all of the requirements for Darwinian evolution and can also be transcribed to RNA. It will be important for future synthetic biology applications and expands the scope of molecular structures that might be capable of supporting life, both here on Earth and more widely in the universe.
One of the main characteristics of life is that it can store and pass on genetic information. In modern-day organisms, this is done by DNA using just four building blocks: guanine, cytosine, adenine and thymine (G, A, C and T). Pairs of DNA strands form a double helix with A bonding to T and C bonding to G.
Four more building blocks .
Feb 19, 2019
Bioengineers create ultrasmall, light-activated electrode for neural stimulation
Posted by Quinn Sena in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, neuroscience
Neural stimulation is a developing technology that has beneficial therapeutic effects in neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. While many advancements have been made, the implanted devices deteriorate over time and cause scarring in neural tissue. In a recently published paper, the University of Pittsburgh’s Takashi D. Y. Kozai detailed a less invasive method of stimulation that would use an untethered ultrasmall electrode activated by light, a technique that may mitigate damage done by current methods.
Feb 19, 2019
Without Bugs, We Might All Be Dead
Posted by Quinn Sena in categories: bioengineering, economics, existential risks, food, genetics
There are 1.4 billion insects for each one of us. Though you often need a microscope to see them, insects are “the lever pullers of the world,” says David MacNeal, author of Bugged. They do everything from feeding us to cleaning up waste to generating $57 billion for the U.S. economy alone.
Today, many species are faced with extinction. When National Geographic caught up with MacNeal in Los Angeles, he explained why this would be catastrophic for life on Earth and why a genetically engineered bee could save hives—and our food supply—worldwide.
Feb 19, 2019
Studying evolution to banish ageing — a new frontier in gerontological drug development
Posted by Ira S. Pastor in categories: aging, bioengineering, biological, biotech/medical, DNA, evolution, futurism, genetics, health, life extension
Feb 19, 2019
Landmark research creates “universal” stem cells using CRISPR gene editing
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, genetics
In an incredible milestone, scientists have for the first time created “universal” stem cells by using CRISPR gene-editing technology to produce pluripotent stem cells that can be transplanted into any patient without generating an immune system response.
Feb 18, 2019
CRISPR gene editing makes stem cells ‘invisible’ to immune system
Posted by Quinn Sena in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, genetics, life extension
UC San Francisco scientists have used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system to create the first pluripotent stem cells that are functionally “invisible” to the immune system, a feat of biological engineering that, in laboratory studies, prevented rejection of stem cell transplants. Because these “universal” stem cells can be manufactured more efficiently than stem cells tailor-made for each patient—the individualized approach that dominated earlier efforts—they bring the promise of regenerative medicine a step closer to reality.
“Scientists often tout the therapeutic potential of pluripotent stem cells, which can mature into any adult tissue, but the immune system has been a major impediment to safe and effective stem cell therapies,” said Tobias Deuse, MD, the Julien I.E. Hoffman, MD, Endowed Chair in Cardiac Surgery at UCSF and lead author of the new study, published Feb. 18 in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
The immune system is unforgiving. It’s programmed to eradicate anything it perceives as alien, which protects the body against infectious agents and other invaders that could wreak havoc if given free rein. But this also means that transplanted organs, tissues or cells are seen as a potentially dangerous foreign incursion, which invariably provokes a vigorous immune response leading to transplant rejection. When this occurs, donor and recipient are said to be—in medical parlance—” histocompatibility mismatched.”
Continue reading “CRISPR gene editing makes stem cells ‘invisible’ to immune system” »
Feb 12, 2019
Genetically Modified Super-Charged Cassava Could Help Stamp Out Malnourishment In Africa
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: bioengineering, food, genetics
Over 800 million people depend on cassava as a main food staple. Also known as manioc and yuca, this root vegetable also makes up around 50 percent of the caloric intake of around one-third of people in sub-Saharan Africa.
Unfortunately, it isn’t the most nutritious of food sources. As a result, iron and zinc deficiencies are sky high in many parts of Africa. It’s estimated that up to 75 percent of preschool children and 67 percent of pregnant women in Nigeria are anemic as a result of iron deficiency.
However, researchers have now developed super-charged cassavas using genetic engineering to enrich the plant with significantly higher levels of both iron and zinc.
Feb 6, 2019
Ira Pastor — Dr. Michael Lustgarten — IdeaXMe
Posted by Ira S. Pastor in categories: aging, bioengineering, biotech/medical, DNA, futurism, genetics, hacking, health, life extension, transhumanism
Very excited to have interviewed Dr. Michael Lustgarten in my role as longevity / aging ambassador for the ideaXme Show — Mike has been at the forefront of studying the 100 trillion organisms present in the human microbiome, their effect on human health and wellness, as well as a major proponent of metabolomics and biologic age tracking — A true future thinker in the area of extending human lifespan and healthspan
Feb 5, 2019
CRISPR revolutionized gene editing. Now its toolbox is expanding
Posted by Klaus Baldauf in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, genetics
The scientists who developed the revolutionary gene-editing system known as CRISPR are improving it with new tools that make it work better.