Tweak to common cell protein gene extends healthy lifespan by 30%

Not only have researchers identified how a common cellular protein affects aging, but they’ve tweaked the genes that produce it in fruit flies, extending healthy lifespan by 25% to 30%. The discovery opens the door to healthier aging in humans.Continue… Continue reading Tweak to common cell protein gene extends healthy lifespan by 30%

“Golden Lettuce” genetically engineered to pack 30 times more vitamins

Most of us don’t eat as much fruit and veggies as we know we should, but that goal might now be a bit more achievable. Scientists in Spain have engineered a new “Golden Lettuce” with 30 times more nutrients than the regular green stuff.Continue Reading… Continue reading “Golden Lettuce” genetically engineered to pack 30 times more vitamins

Genetically engineered thornless roses pave the way for better crops

Everybody loves roses, but we’d probably love them even more if they didn’t have those sharp thorns. Well, scientists have found a way of growing thornless roses, and their findings could lead to easier-to-harvest crops.Continue ReadingCategory: Biolog… Continue reading Genetically engineered thornless roses pave the way for better crops

Engineered microbes may find use in living, long-term mosquito repellent

There could soon be a non-toxic, longer-lasting and less-smelly alternative to DEET for repelling mosquitos. Scientists have created genetically engineered human skin bacteria that are decidedly unappealing to the irritating and disease-spreading insec… Continue reading Engineered microbes may find use in living, long-term mosquito repellent

Insects as biofactories: Turning dangerous waste into valuable products

“We can feed black soldier flies straight, dirty trash,” says a team that’s working to turn insects into landfill-clearing biomanufacturing machines that turn regular, dangerous or contaminated garbage into a range of high-value products.Continue Readi… Continue reading Insects as biofactories: Turning dangerous waste into valuable products

Freeze-dried mammoth reveals most complete ancient genome in 3D

Scientists have assembled the most complete 3D reconstruction of the woolly mammoth genome, thanks to an incredibly well-preserved specimen that was “freeze-dried” straight after death. With its DNA preserved in a glass-like state, fossilized chromosom… Continue reading Freeze-dried mammoth reveals most complete ancient genome in 3D

Engineered mRNA turns your body into a drug-making biofactory

Messenger RNA (mRNA) contains the instructions that direct a cell to make a specific protein using its built-in machinery. Many will be aware of mRNA because of its association with the COVID-19 vaccine. But mRNA has potential uses far beyond that, inc… Continue reading Engineered mRNA turns your body into a drug-making biofactory

World-first pig kidney transplant recipient has died

The first successful transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney into a human recipient is still being regarded as a medical milestone and success, even though the recipient has sadly passed away.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags: Tran… Continue reading World-first pig kidney transplant recipient has died

AI-designed gene editing tools successfully modify human DNA

Medically, AI is helping us with everything from identifying abnormal heart rhythms before they happen to spotting skin cancer. But do we really need it to get involved with our genome? Protein-design company Profluent believes we do.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading AI-designed gene editing tools successfully modify human DNA

Self-dying bacterial black leather paves the way for greener textiles

Bacteria-produced leather is already an eco-friendly alternative to its cow-derived counterpart, but it could soon be even eco-friendlier. Scientists have derived a method of getting the microbes to color the stuff themselves, eliminating the need for … Continue reading Self-dying bacterial black leather paves the way for greener textiles