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Jun 18, 2019

New DNA-Scanning Software Can ID You in Minutes

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics

But could hackers abscond with your genetic information?

Jun 18, 2019

Pocket-sized DNA reader used to scan entire human genome sequence

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

It still needs some help to assemble a genome, but it provides unique information.

Jun 18, 2019

Sensitive scanning technology for low frequency nuclear point mutations in human genomic DNA

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics

Knowledge of the kinds and numbers of nuclear point mutations in human tissues is essential to the understanding of the mutation mechanisms underlying genetic diseases. However, nuclear point mutant fractions in normal humans are so low that few methods exist to measure them. We have now developed a means to scan for point mutations in 100 bp nuclear single copy sequences at mutant fractions as low as 10–6.Beginning with about 10 human cells we first enrich for the desired nuclear sequence 10 000-fold from the genomic DNA by sequence-specific hybridization coupled with a biotin–streptavidin capture system. We next enrich for rare mutant sequences 100-fold against the wild-type sequence by wide bore constant denaturant capillary electrophoresis (CDCE). The mutant-enriched sample is subsequently amplified by high fidelity PCR using fluorescein-labeled primers. Amplified mutant sequences are further enriched via two rounds of CDCE coupled with high fidelity PCR. Individual mutants, seen as distinct peaks on CDCE, are then isolated and sequenced. We have tested this approach by measuring N-methyl–N ′-nitro–N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced point mutations in a 121 bp sequence of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC) in human lymphoblastoid MT1 cells. Twelve different MNNG-induced GC→AT transitions were reproducibly observed in MNNG-treated cells at mutant fractions between 2 × 10–6 and 9 × 10–6. The sensitivity of this approach was limited by the fidelity of Pfu DNA polymerase, which created 14 different GC→TA transversions at a mutant fraction equivalent to ~10–6 in the original samples. The approach described herein should be general for all DNA sequences suitable for CDCE analysis. Its sensitivity and capacity would permit detection of stem cell mutations in tissue sectors consisting of ~10 cells.

Jun 18, 2019

The Cat From Outer Space (1978) — Trailer

Posted by in categories: entertainment, space

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Movie Trailer for “The Cat From Outer Space” (1978)

Continue reading “The Cat From Outer Space (1978) — Trailer” »

Jun 18, 2019

Medical Benefits of Scorpion Venom

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

Medical benefits of Scorpion Venom, the most expensive liquid on Earth!

Jun 18, 2019

Satellites show 740 square kilometres of rainforest cleared in 30 days

Posted by in category: satellites

The bulldozing of the Amazon rainforest has risen sharply since Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro came to power.

Jun 18, 2019

Scientists discover new type of self-healing material

Posted by in categories: materials, robotics/AI

A research group from RIKEN and Kyushu University has developed a new type of material, based on ethylene, which exhibits a number of useful properties such as self-healing and shape memory. Remarkably, some of the materials can spontaneously self-heal even in water or acidic and alkali solutions. The new material is based on ethylene, a compound that is the source of much of the plastic in use today.

Materials that can self-heal have become a popular area of research during the last decade, and a variety of materials have been developed. However, most of the materials reported to date have relied on sophisticated designs that incorporate chemical mechanisms into polymer networks, such as irreversible or reversible covalent-bond formation, hydrogen bonding, metal-ligand interactions, or ionic interactions. As a result, they require some , such as heat or pressure, to prompt them to heal, and in most cases, they do not function in water, acid or alkaline solutions because the chemical networks cannot survive such conditions. The ideal is to create a material that possesses sufficient toughness and can autonomously self-heal under various conditions.

Continue reading “Scientists discover new type of self-healing material” »

Jun 18, 2019

Google backs a bid to use CRISPR to prevent heart disease

Posted by in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, computing, food, genetics, health

Ever wonder why some fortunate people eat chips, don’t exercise, and still don’t get clogged arteries? It could be because they’ve got lucky genes.

Now Alphabet (Google’s parent company) is bankrolling a startup company that plans to use gene editing to spread fortunate DNA variations with “one-time” injections of the gene-editing tool CRISPR.

Heart doctors involved say the DNA-tweaking injections could “confer lifelong protection” against heart disease.

Jun 18, 2019

Humans, Cyborgs, Posthumans: Francesca Ferrando at TEDxSiliconAlley

Posted by in category: cyborgs

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Jun 18, 2019

Captain Marvel’s Powers: Could CRISPR Make Them a Reality?

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

Captain Marvel is considered one of the top female superheroes of all time by many standards. Learn about her powers, how they work, and explore how sci-fi could become reality if CRISPR genome editing could create superhumans just like Captain Marvel.