Switching off gene makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy

Belgian scientists have shed light on the reason why particular types of cancers develop resistance to chemotherapy. By switching off the gene that produces a protein involved in chemotherapy resistance, they were able to make resistant cancer cells mo… Continue reading Switching off gene makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy

Protein behind streamlined sperm opens door for male contraceptives

Swimmers who wore Speedo’s controversial LZR Racer suit at the 2008 Beijing Olympics broke 23 out of the 25 world records broken, proving that being more streamlined has advantages. A new study out of Japan has shown that the same theory applies to spe… Continue reading Protein behind streamlined sperm opens door for male contraceptives

Bacteria genetically engineered to seek and destroy tumors

Cancer tumors are particularly adept at evading the body’s immune response, making treatment difficult. A new study has genetically engineered a common gut bacteria, enabling it to seek out and destroy cancer tumors from the inside.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Bacteria genetically engineered to seek and destroy tumors

Dodo next in line for de-extinction by scientists reviving the mammoth

Not content with aiming to resurrect the woolly mammoth and the thylacine, Colossal Biosciences has now announced the third animal on its de-extinction list – the dodo. This comes on the heels of a substantial new round of funding, with the company als… Continue reading Dodo next in line for de-extinction by scientists reviving the mammoth

Semi-living “cyborg cells” can survive where normal bacteria can’t

Manipulating microbes to work for us has been a staple of human civilization for millennia, since we learned how to use yeast to make bread and booze. In a modern breakthrough, scientists have now created semi-living “cyborg cells” that can survive in … Continue reading Semi-living “cyborg cells” can survive where normal bacteria can’t

Bioengineered “superplant” could soon be purifying the air in your home

We’ve all heard how it’s a good idea to have plants in your home, as they help purify the air. Well, the bioengineered Neo P1 is claimed to excel in that department, as it’s reportedly equivalent to up to 30 regular houseplants in terms of air purifica… Continue reading Bioengineered “superplant” could soon be purifying the air in your home

New cancer therapy and vaccine uses CRISPR to turn tumors into traitors

Scientists at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) have found a way to fight cancer with cancer. The team genetically engineered cancer cells to release anti-cancer drugs at the site of established tumors, as well as stimulating the immune system against… Continue reading New cancer therapy and vaccine uses CRISPR to turn tumors into traitors

Resurrected 2.6-billion-year-old CRISPR enzymes can still edit cells

Researchers in Spain have resurrected ancient CRISPR proteins from millions and even billions of years ago. Not only can they still edit human cells, but they’re more versatile than modern versions, paving the way for new and improved synthetic CRISPR … Continue reading Resurrected 2.6-billion-year-old CRISPR enzymes can still edit cells

CRISPR cuts tree flowering times from a decade to mere months

Selective breeding of plants can help give them new beneficial traits, but trees have a frustratingly long reproductive cycle. Now, scientists at the University of Georgia have used CRISPR gene-editing to make poplar trees flower within months rather t… Continue reading CRISPR cuts tree flowering times from a decade to mere months

New CRISPR gene-editing system can “drag-and-drop” DNA in bulk

A new technique has been added to the CRISPR gene-editing toolbox. Known as PASTE, the system uses virus enzymes to “drag-and-drop” large sections of DNA into a genome, which could help treat a range of genetic diseases.Continue ReadingCategory: Biolog… Continue reading New CRISPR gene-editing system can “drag-and-drop” DNA in bulk