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Aug 12, 2019

Multiplexed genome engineering

Posted by in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, genetics

The ability to modify multiple genetic elements simultaneously would help to elucidate and control the gene interactions and networks underlying complex cellular functions. However, current genome engineering technologies are limited in both the number and the type of perturbations that can be performed simultaneously. Here, we demonstrate that both Cas12a and a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) array can be encoded in a single transcript by adding a stabilizer tertiary RNA structure. By leveraging this system, we illustrate constitutive, conditional, inducible, orthogonal and multiplexed genome engineering of endogenous targets using up to 25 individual CRISPR RNAs delivered on a single plasmid. Our method provides a powerful platform to investigate and orchestrate the sophisticated genetic programs underlying complex cell behaviors.

Aug 12, 2019

Superbug is evolving to thrive in guts of people with sugary diets, scientists warn

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

The sugar-rich Western diet is fueling a superbug which has evolved to thrive in hospitals, scientists have warned.

The gut-infecting bacterium Clostridium difficile (C.diff) is evolving into two separate species, with one group increasingly adapting to live in the guts of people with poor diets, while growing ever better at avoiding the harsh disinfectants used to clean wards.

More than 13,000 NHS patients each year are infected with C.diff, which can cause debilitating diarrhoea and leave sick people dangerously dehydrated.

Aug 12, 2019

Cloud Atlas Hackers Add Polymorphic Malware to Their Toolkit

Posted by in categories: cybercrime/malcode, government

Cyber-espionage group Cloud Atlas has added polymorphic malware to its arsenal to avoid having its operations detected and monitored with the help of previously collected indicators of compromise (IOCs).

The hacking group also known as Inception [1, 2] was initially identified in 2014 by Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team researchers, and it has a history of targeting government agencies and entities from a wide range of industries via spear-phishing campaigns.

While the malware and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) Cloud Atlas uses during its operations has remained unchanged since at least 2018, the APT group has now added new polymorphic HTML Application malware dropper in the form of a malicious HTA and a backdoor dubbed VBShower.

Aug 12, 2019

Space travel breakthrough: Spacecraft which could cover 3.6m miles per day passes test

Posted by in categories: innovation, space travel

A SPACESHIP which is so fast it could travel 3.6 million miles per day has been successfully tested in Earth orbit.

Aug 12, 2019

FDA announces new policy framework for development of regenerative medicine products

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics, life extension, policy

Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a comprehensive policy framework for the development and oversight of regenerative medicine products, including novel cellular therapies.

The framework — outlined in a suite of four guidance documents — builds upon the FDA’s existing risk-based regulatory approach to more clearly describe what products are regulated as drugs, devices, and/or biological products. Further, two of the guidance documents propose an efficient, science-based process for helping to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these therapies, while supporting development in this area. The suite of guidance documents also defines a risk-based framework for how the FDA intends to focus its enforcement actions against those products that raise potential significant safety concerns. This modern framework is intended to balance the agency’s commitment to safety with mechanisms to drive further advances in regenerative medicine so innovators can bring new, effective therapies to patients as quickly and safely as possible. The policy also delivers on important provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act.

We’re at the beginning of a paradigm change in medicine with the promise of being able to facilitate regeneration of parts of the human body, where cells and tissues can be engineered to grow healthy, functional organs to replace diseased ones; new genes can be introduced into the body to combat disease; and adult stem cells can generate replacements for cells that are lost to injury or disease. This is no longer the stuff of science fiction. This is the practical promise of modern applications of regenerative medicine.

Aug 12, 2019

Tomorrow’s bionic eyes will have ‘Predator’ vision

Posted by in categories: cyborgs, military, neuroscience, transhumanism

The makers of the Argus II bionic eye are working on a new interface that sits directly on the user’s brain.

Aug 12, 2019

Latest Treatments For Kidney Failure

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

Gene therapy and stem cells could treat Kidney Failure.

Aug 12, 2019

The Futurist New Deal podcast welcomes Paul Spiegel from the Board of Directors at Humanity+, also the Founder of Libertas Biomedical- in a discussion about best practices for making longer lifespans a reality

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, life extension, transhumanism

Click on photo to start video.

Aug 12, 2019

Kizoo Announces Support for N-LIfT Cancer Immunotherapy

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

Kizoo, part of the Forever Healthy Foundation, has announced today that it will be supporting biotech company LIfT Biosciences, a company that focuses on creating a new generation of cancer therapies that use our own immune systems.

Turning our immune system into a cancer-fighting machine

Led by CEO Alex Blyth, LIfT Biosciences is developing a new type of cancer immunotherapy approach that uses neutrophils, a type of immune cell, to seek and destroy all types of solid tumors.

Aug 12, 2019

Blue Origin files protest over ‘flawed’ Air Force launch procurement

Posted by in categories: government, space travel

WASHINGTON — Blue Origin filed a protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office on Monday challenging the Air Force’s plan to select two providers in the next procurement of launch services under the National Security Space Launch program.

Blue Origin, a rocket manufacturer and suborbital spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, filed what is known as a “pre-award” protest with the GAO, arguing that the rules set by the Air Force do not allow for a fair and open competition.

“The Air Force is pursuing a flawed acquisition strategy for the National Security Space Launch program,” states a Blue Origin fact sheet that outlines the reasons for the protest.