Category Archives: Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering (GE) is the modification of an organisms genetic composition by artificial means, often involving the transfer of specific traits, or genes, from one organism into a plant or animal of an entirely different species. When gene transfer occurs, the resulting organism is called transgenic or a GMO (genetically modified organism). Genetic engineering is different from traditional cross breeding, where genes can only be exchanged between closely related species. With genetic engineering, genes from completely different species can be inserted into one another. For example, scientists in Taiwan have successfully inserted jellyfish genes into pigs in order to make them glow in the dark. All life is made up of one or more cells. Each cell contains a nucleus, and inside each nucleus are strings of molecules called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Each strand of DNA is divided into small sections called genes. These genes contain a unique set of instructions that determine how the organism grows, develops, looks, and lives. During genetic engineering processes, specific genes are removed from one organism and inserted into another plant or animal, thus transferring specific traits. Nearly 400 million acres of farmland worldwide are now used to grow GE crops such as cotton, … Continue reading →

07.07.2014 - (idw) Deutsches Zentrum fr Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V. (DZNE) People whose genome carries certain variations have a particularly high risk of developing Parkinson's disease. In particular, genetic variants in a gene referred to as GBA1 (glucocerebrosidase) are associated to an increased risk for Parkinsons. Researchers of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research have now pinpointed the consequences that genetic variations in GBA1 have on neurons consequences that had been largely undetermined to date. Using stem cells, they found that mutations affecting GBA1 impair calcium metabolism and the cells garbage disposal that normally digests and recycles defective substances including alpha-synuclein, the protein that accumulates in the brain of patients suffering from Parkinsons. This research shows a link between alterations in the GBA1 gene and cellular dysfunctions in Parkinsons disease for the first time. It also suggests potential targets for drugs and biomarkers that could be useful for diagnosis. The study is published in the journal Nature Communications. In people suffering from Parkinsons, brain cells that are supposed to produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine, die off over time, making it difficult for these patients to control their movements. They may also suffer … Continue reading →

Mysore, July 3, 2014, DHNS: Rajya Sabha member Prof Rajiv Gowda onThursday asserted that there were many advantages to mankind through the study of genes. Addressing the gathering of researchers at the opening of Know Your Genome, a laboratory, at RaniBahadurAuditorium in the city, Gowda said, the findings of genetic engineering was laudable, especially in protecting ones health. However, there were also dangers of misusing the same, eventually leading to legal complications. Though the study of genetics was exorbitant, there were still ways to reach the same to the common man. Visiting Professor of IISc, Bangalore,HARanganath stressed that genetics studies be included in the syllabus to equip the students with the basics of the subject. Ranganath exhorted the University of Mysore to start a department and research centre in genetics studies, to produce a pool of young experts. The lab A dedicated laboratory was been opened in Vijayanagar in the city on Thursday. The lab, Know your genome helps one ascertain the diseases he/she can be afflicted with in advance, and the required treatment. According to its founderAvinash Veerappa, said that tests will be conducted in two levels by collecting samples of blood and mucus. Read the original: Genetic engineering … Continue reading →

ICGEB 19th symposium 2014 Photos from 19th symposium 2014. By: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology … Continue reading →

Stephen Cass: Hello, Im Stephen Cass for IEEE Spectrums Techwise Conversations. Nancy Kress is a celebrated author of science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. First published in 1976, her work often focuses on the implications of genetic engineering and other biomedical technologies. Among other awards, she has won five Nebulas from the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America. As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations this August, Spectrum will be publishing Coming Soon Enough, an anthology of six original science fiction stories, including one by Kress titled Someone to Watch Over Me. But you dont have to wait to read it: The story is available now as part of Spectrums June special issue about the long-term future of technology. Without giving anything away, Someone to Watch Over Me is a dark tale about the unintended consequences of advanced biomedical implant technology. To talk about the story and the broader themes that run throughout her work, Kress joins us now by phone from her home in Seattle. Nancy, welcome to the podcast. Nancy Kress: Thank you. Im glad to be here. Stephen Cass: So what was the inspiration for Someone to Watch Over Me? Nancy Kress: I often … Continue reading →

Published: Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 6:01 a.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 4:29 p.m. Genetic engineering is such a polarizing topic that it is hard to have an even-handed debate of the issue. Some opponents of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, spread false claims about safety while ignoring the vast amount of research to the contrary. That frustrates University of Florida researchers who have made advances in genetic engineering that might provide benefits in fighting crop diseases and reducing the need for pesticides if they could get beyond public misconceptions. As The Sun reported this week, UF researchers have taken a gene found in bell peppers and transferred it to tomatoes. The process has made tomatoes that are resistant to a particularly troublesome crop disease and have a higher yield. Contrary to scare stories about Frankenfoods, these methods represent a more technologically advanced way of doing the kind of crop breeding that has happen for millennia. But Florida tomato growers worry they wouldn't be able to sell a GMO product, hampering the ability of researchers to attract investors. "People are afraid, they don't understand why, they are just told they should be," Sam Hutton, a UF plant … Continue reading →

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 30-Jun-2014 Contact: Kathryn Ruehle kruehle@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News New Rochelle, NY, June 30, 2014St. John's wort is the most frequently used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment in the U.S. for depression and similar psychiatric disorders. The many commonly prescribed medications that St. John's wort can interact withsometimes with serious consequences such as serotonin syndrome or heart diseaseare reviewed in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine website. In the article "Use of St. John's Wort in Potentially Dangerous Combinations", Scott Davis, Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, and Sarah Taylor, MD, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, present the results of a large-scale search of a national medical database across 17 years to assess how often St. John's wort is prescribed and taken with other medications that may result in adverse reactions, such as oral contraceptives, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), blood thinners, chemotherapy medicines, digoxin, statins, immunosuppressants, or HIV medicines, for example. About the Journal The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine is a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing observational, clinical, … Continue reading →

Free Perfect Genetic Engineering Idea- Changing Spermatogonia and Gametogonia Came up with idea after a game of basketball and a near asthma attack. Took 3 hours of research but I find it is the easiest solution. By: Diallo Burke … Continue reading →

Genetic Engineering, the process of extracting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, which makes up the genes of all living things) from one organism and combining it with the DNA of another organism, thus introducing new hereditary traits into the recipient organism. The nature and characteristics of every living creature is determined by the special combinations of genes carried by its cells. The slightest alteration in these combinations can bring about significant changes in an organism and also its progeny. The science of devising techniques of modifying or controlling genes and genetic combinations is referred to as genetic engineering. It was practiced in one form or another in the past by farmers and agriculturists trying to create economically viable species of plants and animals through various breeding techniques Genetic engineering, as a science, was developed in the mid-1970's primarily to create new strains of microorganisms that produce certain chemicals useful in manufacturing or as drugs. Genetic engineering is now also applied to improving plants and creating transgenic animals (animals containing foreign genetic material). Some persons oppose genetic engineering on religious, ethical, or social grounds. Among the religious questions is whether humans have the right to transfer traits from one organism to another. A … Continue reading →

Dr. Patrick Byrne speaks on Genetic Engineering for YVSC Talking Green Talking Green is an adult educational program of the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council. By: YVSustainability … Continue reading →