Japan Developing Yen For Islamic Finance Apr 23, 2008
The buildings that Atlas and Boubyan bought on Monday were vetted thoroughly according to the standards of Islamic finance, which bars tenants such as interest-taking financial institutions, restaurants that serve alcohol or pork, hotels, cinemas and record companies, and businesses that deal with arms, animal genetic engineering or pornography. The deal was designed to avoid loans involving interest payments, which are forbidden under Islamic law, or Sharia. (Forbes -- Business)
Resistance relaxes to modified wheat Apr 22, 2008
They argue that while genetic engineering might have been deemed unnecessary when food was abundant, it will be essential for helping the world cope with the demand for food and biofuels in the decades ahead ... A new international assessment of the future of agriculture, released last week, gave such tepid support to the role genetic engineering could play in easing hunger that biotechnology industry representatives withdrew from the project in protest. (International Herald Tribune)
FOOD CRISIS WEAKENS OPPOSITION TO BIOTECH CROPS... Apr 21, 2008
They argue that while genetic engineering might have been deemed unnecessary when food was abundant, it will be essential for helping the world cope with the demand for food and biofuels in the decades ahead ... And a new international assessment of the future of agriculture, released last Tuesday, gave such tepid support to the role genetic engineering could play in easing hunger that biotechnology industry representatives withdrew from the project in protest. (The Drudge Report)
UGA curriculum isn't any tougher Apr 20, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Letters to the Editor (April 16) (39) Apr 17, 2008
Roscoe wrote on Apr 16, 2008 11:18 AM:" The pride that some people have for the US flag allows the flag to blow across their eyes and they are blinded. The US has done some very nasty things to certain groups of people in the past. I know, hard to swallow, but true. If you are African heritage, you are one of those groups. If you are female, you are one of those groups. If you are a white male or a white female who thinks you are a white male, you aren't one of those groups and need to temper... (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Canadian Literary Magazines Apr 15, 2008
Several Canadian magazines either have a particular politicized slant or spend much of their content reporting on political issues from war to genetic engineering. Of the former, periodicals like Contemporary Verse 2 are representative. (Suite101.com)
Journal of Women's Health named official journal of American Medical Women's Association Apr 15, 2008
Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering chnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industrys most widely publication worldwide. A complete list of the firms 60 journals, books and newsmagazines is available online. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Plants deserve respect Apr 15, 2008
Similarly "all action that involves plants in the aim to conserve the human species is morally justified," the commission, tasked to offer an ethical take on all areas of biotechnology and genetic engineering, said in its report. Nor did the commission object to genetic engineering, since this did not threaten plants' "autonomy that is their capacity to reproduce or their capacity of adaptation". (iAfrica.com)
Revealed: 'Earliest step' in human development Apr 14, 2008
The Hindu News Update Service. The HinduPrint Edition. (Hindu)
Earliest Step In Human Development Revealed By Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Apr 12, 2008
So using a conventional genetic engineering tool, the researchers tried for years-literally-to knock out PIG-A in adult stem cells, without success. They then turned to knocking out PIG-A in human embryonic stem cells. (Science Daily)
Get facts straight Apr 11, 2008
Consequently, it is logical to assume the founders could neither believe nor disbelieve in evolution, or for that matter, atomic energy and genetic engineering, as these concepts had not yet transpired. However, many of these "kindest" of men and women founding this country did believe in slavery, suppression of women's rights and the annihilation of indigenous peoples. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Gut Reaction: Cow Stomach Holds Key To Turning Corn Into Biofuel Apr 11, 2008
The work also is presented in the "Plant Genetic Engineering for Biofuel Production: Towards Affordable Cellulosic Ethanol" in the June edition of Nature Review Genetics. Cows, with help from bacteria, convert plant fibers, called cellulose, into energy, but this is a big step for biofuel production. (Science Daily)
An Unexpected Way To Cause Leukemia Apr 11, 2008
Researchers from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Italy, the EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, UK, and the Universities of Harvard, USA, and Lund, Sweden, have now used genetic engineering to introduce a mutation found in human leukaemia patients into mice. See also. (Science Daily)
Consider altering distance for field trial, court asks GM panel Apr 9, 2008
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) to consider whether the distance of 200 metres from one field trial to another one could be reduced or increased depending on the choice of crop. A Bench consisting of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justice R.V. Raveendran was hearing an application from the Centre and pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking modification of the May 2007 court order. (Hindu)
Wacky photo captions Apr 4, 2008
Using genetic engineering, scientists at Tokyo University say they have successfully switched off the rodents' instinct to cower at the smell or presence of cats, showing that fear is genetically hardwired and not leaned through experience, as commonly believed. (AP Photo/Ko and Reiko Kobayakawa, Tokyo University Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry Graduate School of Science, HO). (Montana Standard, MT)
Reveal sperm bank daddies Apr 4, 2008
Perhaps the answer to all of the worlds difficulties, from global warming to Spitzers randy appetites, lies in genetic engineering. Like I said, Jim, a lot to muse about, today. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Food Prices To Rise For Years, Biofuel Firms Say Apr 4, 2008
Soaring food prices and tight supplies will heighten the debate surrounding genetically modified crops, which use genetic engineering to raise yields and production, Deike said. The delegates were speaking on the last day of the two-day Outlook 2008 conference, organised by Agra Europe. (Planet Ark, United States)
No confusion here Apr 3, 2008
Some current examples include global warming, conservation, energy and space exploration, genetic engineering of prions to human cloning, abortion, euthanasia, management of personal data, blastocyst or progenitor stem cell research. The interplay of public policy decisions will always continue to support and challenge the scientific community. (Longview Daily News, WA)
A Random Analysis Apr 3, 2008
Ce: So our bodies do a kind of genetic engineering to evolve new antibodies ... Dr. Judson s use of words like accidental and random in the context in which she applies them perhaps shed more light on the state of knowledge currently to be found in microbiology and genetic engineering. (New York Times)
Electric Shocks Boost Plants' Production Of Commercially Useful Chemicals Apr 2, 2008
To boost levels of plant chemicals for commercial purposes, scientists have often turned to synthetic chemical additives as well as genetic engineering, which can be expensive and potentially harmful. A better method is needed, scientists say. (Science Daily)
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News reports on cancer biomarkers Apr 2, 2008
Genetic Engineering chnology News reports on cancer biomarkers ... Genetic Engineering chnology News reports on cancer biomarkers ... New Rochelle, NY, April 1, 2008Biotechnology companies are focusing on the development of novel biomarkers to overcome the limitations of current diagnostic tests for cancer, reports Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News (GEN). (EurekAlert!)
The Doping Dilemma Apr 1, 2008
"Drugs aka doping is an element on a continuium. Morals has essentially nothing to do with what is happening. Drugs, genetic engineering, breeding,...[]". Posted 3/28/08 by. (Scientific American)
Humans causing new extinction event: academic Apr 1, 2008
" - what a cop out. It starts in our own backyard. Educate yourself and those around you - change begins with oneself. Do I need all of these products that chew up so much fuel to produce and transport? Consumerism is eating us alive. Sure, it needs to come from the top, but we also need to make changes at the grass roots level. Each one of us contributes. (0) G: 01 Apr 2008 10:33:43am The problem is that we're capitalsists, we need to be prodded in the hip pocket before we do anything at all.... (ABC Online)
post a comment » Mar 31, 2008
I think it is hilarious to watch the decadent human race play with ever more dangerous toys - particle accelerators, genetic engineering, nanotech, NBC warfare, etc. I know we will destroy ourselves eventually and would prefer a painless black hole extinction over a slow painful demise from a synthetic virus. (International Herald Tribune)
Genetically modified crops banned Mar 30, 2008
The three-page ordinance is aimed at providing protection against products introduced in the marketplace whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering before risks and long-term impacts were identified. Montville collected yellow and pink ballots in a small ballot box. (Courier Publications, ME)
More of this story Mar 28, 2008
Kauai s citizens reject the philosophy that we must poison our environment and use the radical genetic engineering of plants and animals to produce enough food for everyone. Because of this belief, organic seeds, plants and even organic popcorn have been given out around the island. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Taro at heart of hearing ... It’s a rebellion of sorts’ ... Bargains for the weekend at Koloa Library sale ... Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon seeks to join community for stronger families ... Island History ... Kauai service area board on mental health and substance abuse ... ';var marqueewidth="408px";var marqueeheight="25px";var marqueebgcolor="#white";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}} Demetri Rivera, one of the many speakers at the Kauai County Council meeting, gets support from the audience with displays of taro plants and posters as he makes a point using a taro plant.Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island KAUAI NEWS Taro at heart of hearingMost residents back county resolutions for cultural reasonsMore of this story Mar 28, 2008
Opponents claim genetic engineering research could produce disease-resistant taro, securing its future. They also said there is little chance of cross-contamination between varieties because of the nature of the species. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Hope among patients with ALS may take a variety of forms Mar 28, 2008
Asking the patients themselves what hopefulness means to them leads to a more nuanced definition," says Charles F. von Gunten, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of the journal. ### Journal of Palliative Medicine ( ), publishing 10 issues annually in print and online, is an interdisciplinary journal that reports on the clinical, educational, legal, and ethical aspects of care for seriously ill and dying patients. It includes coverage of the latest developments in drug and non-drug treatments for patients... (EurekAlert!)
The Birth Of Life Mar 27, 2008
If scientists succeed in creating life in the lab, "Life 2.0" could make genetic engineering old-hat by creating new nano-scale life forms, tailor-made to do particular jobs. Of course, as the doco points out, creating various new kinds of mobile, independent, self-replicating creatures might not be without its problems. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Eat your greens (purples, blacks, blues and stripes, too) Mar 27, 2008
These garish veggies aren't the product of genetic engineering. In fact, they're nothing new - many are heirloom varieties or naturally selected hybrids of varieties that have been have been around for centuries. (Globe and Mail)
Umbilical cord blood cell therapy in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease Mar 27, 2008
Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering chnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industrys most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firms 60 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available online. (EurekAlert!)
Ban proposed on genetically modified crops Mar 26, 2008
The proposal to enact a ban on organisms whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering first arose at town meeting two years ago, according to Town Clerk Abbie Hills. Citizens voted to set up a committee to look into the issue and to draft an ordinance. (Courier Publications, ME)
Star Spanish bull to be cloned in bid to preserve fighting genes Mar 24, 2008
s, a biologist who specializes in genetic engineering at the Open University in Madrid. Cort. (International Herald Tribune)
Organic movement, genetic engineering do not mix Mar 23, 2008
PAMELA RONALD'S articleargues that the organic agriculture movement should embrace genetic engineering as another tool in our collective pursuit to feed a growing world population. But Ronald's optimism in the unquestioned virtues of genetic engineering will not likely find a following within the organic movement ... Nature is complex and unpredictable, and while we cannot predict the specific consequences of genetic engineering, we can confidently predict that effects will ripple in... (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Letters for Sunday, March 23, 2008 Mar 23, 2008
SB958, the proposed 10-year moratorium on taro research, is a fear-based reaction to genetic engineering and to the fear of the unknown. It is not based on science or facts. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Global Warming: Is the debate over? Mar 22, 2008
Global Warming: Is the debate over. - (Maine News) MaineCoastNOW.com Your daily source for local news, sports, entertainment, photos and advertising LivingGreenMaine. (Courier Publications, ME)
Virtual Innovation Mar 20, 2008
They will join hands-on exhibits that let museum-goers try their hand at genetic engineering with live bacteria or strap themselves into a contraption that simulates an astronaut's jet pack. In other words, the museum has high standards not just for educational content--but for fun. (Forbes -- Technology)
Silicon Valley Can't Be Beat Mar 20, 2008
Another thing government is shutting down is genetic engineering. We should be using genetic engineering to make biofuels from plants. (Forbes -- Technology)
Can Cancer Causing Compounds Be Cut From Tobacco? Gene 'Knockout' Floors Tobacco Carcinogen Mar 20, 2008
To get initial lines of plants with the troublesome gene silenced, the NC State researchers used a technique called RNA interference in which genetic engineering was used to introduce a gene that inhibits the demethylase gene function into the tobacco plant. Dewey and Lewis have since developed tobacco lines with the same effect without using genetic engineering. (Science Daily)
On The Trail Of Rogue Genetically Modified Pathogens Mar 19, 2008
The scientific community will need to cooperate with computational experts to sequence and track available vector sequences if DNA signatures are to be used successfully to support detection and deterrence against malicious genetic engineering applications ... "As with any attempt to counter malicious use of technology, detecting genetic engineering in microbes will be an immense challenge that requires many different tools and continual effort," says Allen ... DNA signatures for detecting... (Science Daily)
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News reports on clinical trials in developing countries Mar 19, 2008
Genetic Engineering chnology News reports on clinical trials in developing countries ... Genetic Engineering chnology News reports on clinical trials in developing countries ... New Rochelle, NY, March 18, 2008Biotechnology companies are increasingly turning to developing nations as sites for clinical trials, reports Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News (GEN). (EurekAlert!)
Blood Discovery: New Hemoglobin Type Found Mar 18, 2008
7, 2000) Using genetic engineering techniques, researchers have created artificial hemoglobin that could someday alleviate perennial blood bank shortages. Hemoglobin - the vital component that carries. (Science Daily)
Same Process Discovered To Both Form Skeleton And Protect It For Life Mar 18, 2008
While the Hilton team only shut down Notch signaling, the Lee-Boyce study used genetic engineering to greatly increase it in one set of experiments and to shut it down in another. Both sets of changes were made later in the differentiation process than in the Hilton study, near the last step in the pathway where immature osteoblasts mature into active bone-making cells. (Science Daily)
guest viewpoint - Taro: The enemy is disease not genetic engineering Mar 18, 2008
The Hawaiian people, organizations and culture are being steered by outside influences to support Senate Bill 958, which would require a 10-year moratorium on genetic engineering research on taro ... The program would also include alternative forms of taro research other than genetic engineering ... After all of their talk on defending Haloa, what they really want is to stop genetic engineering research altogether. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Tobacco plants get gene therapy Mar 18, 2008
Dewey said the next phase will be to develop tobacco plants that have the same low nornicotine characteristics without genetic engineering and to develop similar characteristics in other varieties of tobacco. But plant breeding is a slow process. (News & Observer)
Mayo Clinic cancer model to speed up drug research Mar 17, 2008
A team of 12 scientists led by Dr. Leif Bergsagel were able to create a model of the disease in mice through genetic engineering. Bergsagel is a widely recognized authority on the genetic roots of the disease. (AZCentral -- News)
The new organic Mar 16, 2008
The future of food may depend on an unlikely marriage: organic farmers and genetic engineering ... It is genetic engineering ... To meet the appetites of the world's population without drastically hurting the environment requires a visionary new approach: combining genetic engineering and organic farming. (Boston Globe)
The 7 Deadly Offset Credits Mar 15, 2008
I don't cause social injustice (not much anyway); I'm not a pedophile; I don't have abortions; I don't abuse drugs or do any genetic engineering. I score so well on the new sins test that I should be awarded plenty of offsets that I could sell back to the Vatican to offset their pedophile priest problem. (Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IO)
Opposing Views On Biotech Crops Keep Debate Alive Mar 10, 2008
Kimbrell said that, although biotech companies promise genetic engineering can offer a range of benefits to consumers, the vast majority of the technology to date is focused on crops that can endure increased chemical treatments or make their own insecticides but cause a range of environmental damage. "As far as genetic engineering for food, that is the great experiment that has failed," Kimbrell said in an interview. (Planet Ark, United States)
Woman convicted of arson at UW facility Mar 7, 2008
Their fires, which began in 1996, caused $20 million in damage, destroying a Colorado ski resort, sport utility vehicles and genetic engineering labs. Of the five people charged in the UW fire, Waters was the only person to stand trial. (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. Announces Corporate Milestones Mar 7, 2008
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories was founded in April 2006 to develop and commercialize spider silks and other high performance polymers using spider silk gene sequences discovered and invented at the University of Wyoming by Dr. Randy Lewis, in combination with genetic engineering concepts developed by the company's founder ... Pursuant to that agreement, the Company is sponsoring genetic engineering research within the University's laboratories with a primary emphasis on spider silk polymer... (Primezone Releases)
Decoding Food Labeling Mar 6, 2008
"100 Percent Certified Organic" means the product was grown, produced or raised using only methods that are thought to be good for the earth -- that is -- without pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or genetic engineering. "Organic" means the item contains at least 95 percent organic ingredients. (CBS News)
Tech Pundit Sees Bright Future for Solar Energy Mar 5, 2008
The inspiration for the report was a previous NAE that reflected on the engineering achievements of the 20th century, such as the automobile, aircraft, jet aircraft, rockets, missiles, satellites, radio, radar, television, nuclear power, nuclear weapons, the computer, Internet, genetic engineering and antibiotics ... Advances in genetic engineering to address the problem of drug-resistant viruses and bacteria, and to create personalized medicine. (Fox News)
Glow in the dark| Mar 4, 2008
Yin's university, located in China's far northeastern city of Harbin and rarely the centre of public attention, has become the focus of enormous interest thanks to the genetic engineering work. Fame first came a year ago when the sow was born fluorescent green all over, even her tongue. (iAfrica.com)
GMO taro bill moves forward ... Truck spills raw sewage ... Man charged in Kintaro crash ... Esaki has unfinished business on KIUC board ... Kilauea Bridge closures start tomorrow ... Talk Story ... Senior Calendar ... Hanalei, Ka Leo O Kauai meeting tonight ... Breakfast is part of serving the community ... Kauai students take break from books to GLO ... ';var marqueewidth="408px";var marqueeheight="25px";var marqueebgcolor="#white";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}} Proposed legislation, carried over from 2007, seeks a moratorium on creating genetically engineered strains of Hawaiian taro. Many Native Hawaiians feel once the taro is genetically engineered, there is no going back to the original plant. Photo by Adam Harju/The Garden Island KAUAI NEWS GMO taro bill moves forwardWould put moratorium on developing GMO strainsMore of this story Mar 4, 2008
But Nishijima said the Hawaiian taro s susceptibility to various pests, such as Phytophthora colocasiae a fungus-like organism that invaded American Samoa taro in 1993 could be solved with genetic engineering ... In my opinion, extending the moratorium to include genetic engineering of non-Hawaiian taro varieties does not follow their argument of infringement of their cultural rights and heritage, Nishijima said. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Gene That Controls Ozone Resistance Of Plants Could Lead To Drought-resistant Crops Mar 1, 2008
27, 2007) Using genetic engineering techniques, researchers have proven a long-standing theory of how many plants ship sugars from their leaves to flowers, roots, fruits and other parts of their. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Open for discussion Mar 1, 2008
Organizers are hoping to offer several panel discussions each year, and already have a long list of possible topics ranging from genetic engineering to reinstatement of the draft. They are also open to suggestions from those in attendance for topics of discussion and presenters, Beach said. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News reports on advances in miRNA Mar 1, 2008
Genetic Engineering chnology News reports on advances in miRNA ... Genetic Engineering chnology News reports on advances in miRNA ... New Rochelle, NY, February 29, 2008 miRNA research is now one of the most interesting areas in the life science world, reports Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News (GEN). (EurekAlert!)
Fluorescent Piglets Born In China Feb 28, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008. Fluorescent piglets give hope for innovations in Chinese science Posted: 28 February 2008 1110 hrs. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Surprising Non-Vegetarian Foods Feb 27, 2008
It is possible to obtain rennet from bacterial or fungal sources and advances in genetic engineering means the active ingredient in rennet, chymosin, may also be produced by altering micro-organisms. Vegetarian cheeses are now readily available in grocery stores, but they must be labelled as such. (Suite101.com)
ECU looks within for new associate research dean Feb 25, 2008
In addition to her teaching duties, she conducts National Science Foundation research on the genetic engineering of proteins involved in the process of photosynthesis. She was named to the position after the retirement of longtime associate dean Scott Snyder. (The Daily Reflector)
New understanding of how big molecules bind will lead to better drugs, synthetic organic materials Feb 22, 2008
The artificial spider silk production exemplified the expertise and skills required for successful applications in biosupramolecular chemistry, in this case by combining genetic engineering with sophisticated micro-manipulation techniques to optimise production of the desired material. Firstly genes were inserted into the bacteria to produce proteins as similar as possible to spider silk. (EurekAlert!)
No jail for geneticist who posted bacteria to artist Feb 21, 2008
Kurtz used bacteria in experiments involving the audience to explore attitudes towards bioterror and genetic engineering in shows by his performance art troupe, the Critical Art Ensemble. Kurtz's wife suffered a fatal heart attack in May of that year. (Nature News Service)
Ray Wu, 79; scientist created key rice strains Feb 20, 2008
LOS ANGELES - Cornell University geneticist Ray Wu, a pioneer in genetic engineering who developed pest-, drought- and salinity-resistant rice strains that are poised for widespread use throughout the world, died of cardiac arrest Feb. 10 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, N.Y. He was 79. The strains have the potential to sharply increase the supply of rice, which is the staple food for about half the world's population. (Boston Globe)
* Scientists identify gene determining yield of oil in corn Feb 18, 2008
Proposed methods include classic cross-breeding as well as genetic engineering, a technology that remains fiercely opposed in some countries. This story has been viewed 251 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
