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

Beethoven’s DNA reveals he just wasn’t that musical

Analysis of Beethoven’s DNA has revealed that he had a low genetic predisposition for beat synchronization, an ability that’s closely related to musicality. This is according to researchers who set out to show how making genetic predictions for individ… Continue reading Beethoven’s DNA reveals he just wasn’t that musical

Resurrecting the mammoth: Elephant breakthrough gets us a step closer

We’re a step closer to seeing a live woolly mammoth walking the Earth for the first time in 4,000 years. Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to the controversial-but-unquestionably-cool goal of resurrecting extinct species, has now announced a ma… Continue reading Resurrecting the mammoth: Elephant breakthrough gets us a step closer

Algae-gene-boosted crop plants grow better by using more light

Thanks to a recent discovery regarding marine algae, scientists have developed crop plants that absorb a fuller spectrum of sunlight, resulting in better growth. The finding could also lead to increased production of biofuels.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Algae-gene-boosted crop plants grow better by using more light

Potato chip breakthrough crunches cancer risk for healthier snack

In what many of us would consider a true public service to one of the world’s best food groups, scientists have flicked the switch on a mechanism that causes cold-stored potatoes to produce the carcinogen acrylamide. Growing these genetically tinkered … Continue reading Potato chip breakthrough crunches cancer risk for healthier snack

USDA approves stunning bioluminescent “firefly petunias” for sale

The USDA has approved Light Bio’s “Firefly Petunias,” and the company is taking US$29 pre-orders on these remarkable gene-edited houseplants. They glow in the dark, making them a captivating home decor addition for science buffs.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading USDA approves stunning bioluminescent “firefly petunias” for sale