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

“Superpopcorn” packs almost twice the amount of an essential nutrient

Although plain unbuttered popcorn is a relatively healthy snack, it’s still not one that most people would think of as being particularly nutritious. That could change, however, as a new variety reportedly offers nearly twice the normal levels of an im… Continue reading “Superpopcorn” packs almost twice the amount of an essential nutrient

Genetic engineering breakthrough ups oil content of seeds by 18%

Vegetable oils have wide-ranging uses, playing a role in everything from food processing, to perfume production to the manufacture of biofuels. With demand only expected to increase, a team of scientists in Singapore has demonstrated a way of increasin… Continue reading Genetic engineering breakthrough ups oil content of seeds by 18%

Viruses used to deliver CRISPR gene-editing to bacteria

Scientists have demonstrated a new potential way to edit the genomes of bacteria in complex environments, by equipping viruses to hunt them down and insert the CRISPR gene-editing system.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: CRISPR, Genetics, Genetic … Continue reading Viruses used to deliver CRISPR gene-editing to bacteria