Shifts In Soil Bacterial Populations Linked To Wetland Restoration Success Nov 18, 2008
Previously, researchers have used genetic techniques to target known organisms or bacterial groups in wetland soils, he said. "But this study is unique in that we used these methods to capture the full range of bacterial groups present, and determine how their composition shifts with land-use changes and restoration.". (Science Daily)
It's huge and smells foul - an ocean motion is caught on camera Nov 17, 2008
"By seeing one of these animals poo and getting hold of some of that stuff, we can use sophisticated genetic techniques to look at the DNA in that sample to find out exactly what those animals have been eating.". Genetic analysis revealed that the whale shark had been feasting on red crab larvae - and this could be why the fish are attracted to Ningaloo Reef in Australia, which has plenty of this foodstuff available. (BBC News)
Damaged Brain Cells Regenerated In Mice Nov 7, 2008
He and his team used genetic techniques to delete two key inhibitory regulators of the mTOR pathway, known as PTEN and TSC1, in the brain cells of mice ... Although this study used genetic techniques, He notes that it may be possible to accomplish the same re-growth through pharmacologic means. (Science Daily)
How Tuberculosis Might Be Thwarting Immune System: Proteomics Study Yields Clues Nov 7, 2008
6, 2008) A link between the immune system and the self-cleaning system by which biological cells rid themselves of obsolete or toxic parts may one day yield new weapons in the fight against tuberculosis and other deadly infectious diseases. Scientists with the U.S. Department of Energy s (DOE) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have discovered proteins residing in both systems that point to cross-talk between them. (Science Daily)
Tracking the Echidna's Sex Life Oct 26, 2008
In addition, in cold climates, they go into a hibernation-like state where they decrease their body temperature, but they do not have brown fat like other mammals that hibernate," he said. (See ) "We are integrating state-of-the-art animal tracking and molecular genetic techniques that we established in studying the platypus. We are growing cell lines from individual echidnas so we can develop genetic fingerprints. (Suite101.com)
Using and Understanding Sheep EPDs When Purchasing Sheep Oct 24, 2008
These EPDs use powerful statistical genetic techniques. The EPDs are determined by combining production data of individuals and their relatives into the most accurate estimate of genetic value possible. (Agri-View, WI)
DNA Could Reveal Your Surname Oct 10, 2008
"These days, using genetic techniques, it is possible to tell Y chromosomes apart from one another so we wondered if you might find that a particular surname was associated with a particular Y chromosome type.". Dr King said there were a number of factors which could break the link between surnames and Y chromosome type: for example, there could have been more than one person, known as a surname founder, who took on a surname at the time of surname formation around 700 years ago. (Science Daily)
Blood Tests Ease Search for Down Syndrome Oct 7, 2008
Now, scientists using powerful genetic techniques are closing in on that goal with tests that require only a blood sample from the pregnant woman. A biotechnology company in San Diego called Sequenom says it will begin selling such a test next June. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
113 New Sharks and Rays Announced in Australia Sep 22, 2008
During the 18-month study, researchers used genetic techniques to help scientifically describe, for the first time, species already in museum collections in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. "We reviewed the entire shark and ray fauna," said fish taxonomist Peter Last, who led the project for Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). (National Geographic)
Google abandons antiabortion-ad policy after U.K. legal battle Sep 19, 2008
In related news, Google (plus Microsoft and Yahoo) are off their search-engines result in India that hawk cheap (and illegal) DIY and genetic techniques to find out an unborn baby's gender. In India, disclosing the gender of a child before it is born is illegal, as most Indians prefer to bear sons rather than daughters, according to Agence France-Presse. (Salon)
Google, Microsoft pull sex ads after India legal threat Sep 18, 2008
India's Supreme Court had last month asked the two companies plus Yahoo to respond to a complaint that they were illegally advertising do-it-yourself kits and expensive genetic techniques to find out an unborn baby's gender. Activists said the products -- which have not been scientifically proven to be accurate or safe -- damage efforts to stem mass abortions of girls because of a traditional preference for boys in India. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
New Oral Drug Shrinks Lung Cancers Before Surgery, Researchers Report Sep 18, 2008
26, 2008) New results on genetic techniques that are helping doctors diagnose and treat lung cancer have just been released. A new test helps make crucial distinctions between types of lung cancer. (Science Daily)
Europe's GM food fear 'exacerbates famine' Sep 8, 2008
"The most advanced form of plant breeding, using modern genetic techniques, is now available to us," he will tell the BA Science Festival at Liverpool University this evening. "The problem is that the western world's move toward organic farming a lifestyle choice for a community with surplus food and against agricultural technology in general and GM in particular, has been adopted across the whole of Africa... with devastating consequences.". (Telegraph.co.uk)
Whopping fish declared new species Aug 22, 2008
"For more than a century, ichthyologists have thought that Pacific and Atlantic goliath grouper were the same species," said lead researcher Matthew Craig of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, "and the argument was settled before the widespread use of genetic techniques.". advertisement. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Study hooks new type of gargantuan grouper Aug 22, 2008
"For more than a century, ichthyologists have thought that Pacific and Atlantic goliath grouper were the same species, and the argument was settled before the widespread use of genetic techniques. The genetic data were the key to our finding: two species, one on each side of the isthmus," said Dr. Matthew Craig of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, lead author of the study in the journal Endangered Species Research. The two goliath grouper were the same species about three-and-a-half... (USA Today -- Tech)
DNA Secrets of a Salty Survivor Aug 19, 2008
This mastery is what scientists want to learn from: In recent years, a series of experiments by NASA-funded researchers at the University of Maryland has probed the limits of Halobacterium's powers of self-repair, using cutting-edge genetic techniques to see exactly what molecular tricks the "master" uses to keep its DNA intact. "We have completely fragmented their DNA. I mean we have completely destroyed it by bombarding it with [radiation]. And they can reassemble their entire chromosome and... (FirstScience.com)
Fossil feathers reveal their hues Jul 13, 2008
Scientists have previously used genetic techniques to reveal the colours of extinct species. In 2006, researchers showed that some woolly mammoths would have sported dark brown coats, while others had pale ginger or blond hair. (BBC News -- Science)
Sequencing The Cacao Genome To Safeguard Chocolate Jun 27, 2008
Since 1999, ARS researchers at the SHRS, led by plant geneticist Ray Schnell, have worked in partnership with Mars Inc., the world s largest manufacturer of chocolate-related products, to apply modern molecular genetic techniques to cocoa production. This research, in collaboration with institutes in the Americas and Africa, has produced genetic linkage maps for cacao populations, segregating for resistance to the three fungal diseases. (Science Daily)
Microbes eating away at pieces of history Jun 24, 2008
Today, genetic techniques allow scientists to better identify micro-organisms, but that does not always mean they can reverse the damage. "We can use DNA analysis to identify who's there, but it doesn't mean that they cause the problem," said Robert Koestler, director of the Museum Conservation Institute at the Smithsonian. (International Herald Tribune)
Arsenic And New Rice Jun 11, 2008
11, 2006) Researchers at the University of Georgia had used genetic techniques to create "arsenic-eating" plants that could be planted on polluted sites. Now, the research team, led by geneticist Richard. (Science Daily)
How Some Bacteria Survive Antibiotics May 3, 2008
Mankin and his team of researchers -- Nora Vazquez-Laslop, assistant professor in the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, and undergraduate student Celine Thum -- used new biochemical and genetic techniques to work out the details of its operation. "Combining biochemical data with the knowledge of the structure of the ribosome tunnel, we were able to identify some of the key molecular players involved in the induction mechanism," said Vazquez-Laslop. (Science Daily)
New Technique Puts DNA Profiling Of E. Coli On Fast Track Mar 15, 2008
14, 2008) Using new genetic techniques, scientists are unlocking the secrets of how E coli bacteria contaminate food and make people sick. See also. (Science Daily)
Zebrafish Provide Useful Screening Tool For Genes, Drugs That Protect Against Hearing Loss Mar 5, 2008
Using genetic techniques, the group then examined the larvae's DNA, searching for segments that were closely tied to the desired property. In doing so, they zoomed in on five mutations--each located on different genes--that, when inherited from each parent, protected against hair cell damage. (Science Daily)
Family Of Liver Cancer Genes Discovered Mar 1, 2008
When they removed the Iqgap2 gene using sophisticated genetic techniques, the mice developed HCC. This result confirmed that Iqgap2 has a fundamentally important protective role against the development of liver cancer. When mice retained Iqgap1, the cousin gene of Iqgap2, the animals developed more advanced disease. (Science Daily)
Toward Developing A New Class Of Asthma And Allergy Drugs Feb 16, 2008
For this reason Professor Vanhaesebroeck's team uses genetic techniques to find out which PI3K family members are linked to specific diseases. By gaining a better understanding of each PI3K they hope to target drugs more specifically and reduce the potential for side effects. (Science Daily)
Dutch authorities, breeders question 'designer' cats Feb 6, 2008
Brodie said the company, using unspecified genetic techniques and artificial insemination, had combined components of three breeds to create the Ashera. He also said that while the Ashera would look similar to a Savannah, it is not a Savannah. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Science, lightly done Jan 4, 2008
Fluorescent markers and genetic techniques allow scientists to color-code individual cells and their structures. Deerinck says it's hard to know how deeply and in how much detail future scientists will be able to see into the microscopic world. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Giraffes And Frogs Provide More Evidence Of New Species Hidden In Plain Sight Jan 3, 2008
Today sophisticated genetic techniques mean that superficially identical animals previously classed as members of a single species, including the frogs and giraffes in these studies, could in fact come from several distinct 'cryptic' species. See also. (Science Daily)
Researcher Seeks Clues To How Tuberculosis Infects Cells Dec 27, 2007
26, 2007) Cornell researchers are using advanced genetic techniques to better understand the relationship between the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and the human immune system defense cells that engulf them. See also. (Science Daily)
UK researchers tackle chronic pain Dec 16, 2007
The researchers will use techniques spanning bioinformatics and molecular biology through integrated systems neuroscience to experimental medicine studies using functional imaging and genetic techniques in patients. "Pain is a complex process and as such, research into its causes requires a multidisciplinary and innovative approach," says Dr Rice. (Imperial College London)
Radiant Information Nov 20, 2007
Palettes of light are diversifying as scientists develop new fluorescent markers and new genetic techniques for incorporating them into samples, throwing open doors to discovery. For example, the researchers responsible for this year s first-prize image employed a new technique, called Brainbow, to turn each neuron in a mouse s brain a distinct color under the microscope. (Scientific American)
U.S. researchers discover first moisture-sensing genes Nov 8, 2007
The researchers used various genetic techniques to study over 20 genes assumed to be involved in touch in fruit flies. Screeningeach gene mutation for its effect on the flies' ability to detect moisture, the researchers identified two genes that are required for normal moisture sensing. (Xinhuanet, China)
Glue Inside The Cell Oct 24, 2007
Using biochemical, molecular and genetic techniques the scientists could prove that this novel Malt1 ubiquitination is an essential step in the regulation of T cell activation. Mechanistically, ubiquitin is virtually acting as all-purpose glue that links different protein components inside the cell , Krappmann explains. (Science Daily)
Strange but True: The Largest Organism on Earth Is a Fungus Oct 14, 2007
Next, the microbiologists developed a new way to tell an individual apart from a group of closely related siblings using a battery of molecular genetic techniques. The major test compared fungal genes for telltale signs of inbreeding, where heterozygous strips of DNA become homozygous. (Scientific American)
Capecchi, Smithies and Evans share the Nobel Oct 9, 2007
Researchers are honored for developing genetic techniques for making knockout mice. Published 8th October 2007 05:35 PM GMT. (The Scientist)
Glowing Mice Light The Way To Understanding Type 2 Diabetes Sep 8, 2007
Using biochemical and genetic techniques to change the levels of various molecules in the pathway, including insulin and TORC2, the researchers measured the effect of these changes on the amount of light emitted from the liver. The experiments revealed that the rise in insulin during feeding turned off the CREB/TORC2 switch. (Science Daily)
New study shows greenback cutthroat trout involved in recovery effort misidentified Sep 6, 2007
"Fortunately, the data is becoming more accurate over time as genetic techniques improve and the peer review process is increasingly incorporated into scientific management strategies.". The Colorado Division of Wildlife reached its goal of 20 self-sustaining populations in 2006, positioning the greenback for removal from the list of federally protected species. (EurekAlert!)
Role For Glucose-sensing Neurons In Type 2 Diabetes Identified Aug 31, 2007
"New advances in genetic techniques have allowed us to express green fluorescent proteins [GFP] specifically in one cell type," explains Parton, a member of the Lowell laboratory at BIDMC and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at HMS. "The advantage of expressing a fluorescent marker specifically in one type of neuron is the ability to identify and distinguish these cells from the many hundreds of other cell types that are present in the brain.". As predicted, the electrophysiology experiments... (Science Daily)
Echidna's Sex Life Under Study Aug 29, 2007
"We want to integrate state-of-the-art animal tracking and molecular genetic techniques that we have established in the platypus to give us an in-depth insight into the behaviour and ecology of the echidna. We plan to grow cell lines from individual echidnas so we can develop genetic fingerprints," Dr Gr. tzner says. (Science Daily)
Glia Play An Important Role In Circadian Timing Aug 8, 2007
Jackson and his colleague Joowon Suh, a student in the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences neuroscience program at Tufts, used cellular and molecular genetic techniques to show that Ebony is localized exclusively in glial cells, and that it is involved in one of the commonly studied rhythmic behaviors observed in Drosophila--locomotor activity. "Not only do our studies indicate that Ebony abundance is under clock control," Jackson says, "but they also suggest that Ebony may exert its... (Science Daily)
UAF scientist is North America's top moose biologist Aug 6, 2007
He is also developing genetic techniques for wildlife managers to use to track and manage animal populations in Alaska. "Genetics is kind of a new tool in our toolbox to help managers," he said, noting that genetics can be useful to track population migrations. (Anchorage Daily News)
New molecular switch for genes Jul 27, 2007
Genetic techniques to create "knockouts" are irreversible, making it difficult to study the function of genes at different points in development. Approaches that use such as tetracycline don't completely block expression of the target protein. (The Scientist)
Foxes get frisky in the far north Jul 18, 2007
But molecular genetic techniques are starting to reveal complexities in mammalian mating systems that were not apparent from observational studies of animal social behavior. Using a technique called microsatellite DNA fingerprinting, a team of researchers from the University of Alberta in Edmonton and the University of Quebec at Rimouski collected DNA samples from 49 arctic foxes trapped in dens on Bylot Island, Nunavut. (EurekAlert!)
Ancient Etruscans were immigrants from Anatolia, or what is now Turkey Jun 17, 2007
Now modern genetic techniques have given scientists the tools to answer this puzzle. Professor Piazza and his colleagues set out to study genetic samples from three present-day Italian populations living in Murlo, Volterra, and Casentino in Tuscany, central Italy. (EurekAlert!)
Flying clear of tuberculosis Jun 6, 2007
This is a good time for public health to employ more advanced genetic techniques to detect all drug resistance earlier and then restrict travel on an as-needed basis. It is also a good time for public health officials to learn to communicate risk through facts rather than fear. (Boston Globe)
Egyptians, Not Greeks Were True Fathers Of Medicine May 10, 2007
Fellow researcher Dr Ryan Metcalfe is now developing genetic techniques to investigate the medicinal plants of ancient Egypt. He has designed his research to determine which modern species the ancient botanical samples are most related to. (Science Daily)
Full Story » May 4, 2007
A professor in the molecular, cellular and developmental biology department, Pace pioneered the use of molecular genetic techniques to rapidly detect, identify and classify microbe species using nucleic acid technology. oday's discoveries and advancements in microbiology are directly built upon the foundations established by this influential microbiologist, according to an ASM statement. (Boulder Colorado Daily, CO)
One Small Carnivore Survived The Last Ice Age In Ireland Apr 23, 2007
Using genetic techniques the scientists used a total of 197 tissue and skin samples collected from stoats from 153 localities in Eurasia and Greenland which yielded definite sequences. Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Queen's University Belfast. (Science Daily)
Rare child cancer breakthrough Apr 21, 2007
However, scientists had found it impossible to use normal genetic techniques, which inactivate genes from conception, to investigate how the tumour forms and how the cancer could be treated. The team recently discovered a crucial time during the development of the kidney when loss of the WT1 gene activity causes cells to multiply in an uncontrolled way, as is found in Wilms' tumour. (BBC News -- Health)
Child cancer study research hailed Apr 20, 2007
This meant it was impossible to use normal genetic techniques, which inactivate genes from conception, to investigate how the tumour forms and how it could be treated. In the latest research a team at Edinburgh University developed a new method for inactivating genes at any time of the experimenters' choosing. (Channel 4 News)
New Success In Engineering Plant Oils Mar 7, 2007
"Our group sought to gain a better understanding of the enzymes and metabolic pathways that produce these oils to find ways to manipulate the accumulation of fats using genetic techniques.". The researchers focused on an enzyme known as KASII that normally elongates fatty acid chains by adding two carbon atoms. (Science Daily)
A challenge to the labs Mar 1, 2007
Genetic techniques allow animal strains to be created with human diseases or susceptibilities, making results much more relevant to the human condition, Shine says. Similarly, as medicines evolve to become more specifically targeted to particular molecules or proteins, differences between humans' and animals' overall physiology matter less. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Non-GMO Solution To Seafood Allergies Feb 27, 2007
Samuel Lehrer of Tulane University in New Orleans, USA, is already working on removing allergens from prawns using genetic techniques. But Zhenxing's method could be preferable for people wary of eating genetically modified foods. (Science Daily)
Marker That Identifies Energy-producing Centers In Nerve Cells Can Help Track Metabolic Changes Related To Aging And Diseases Feb 17, 2007
Using advanced genetic techniques, the researchers have produced mice with fluorescent protein markers that identify only the mitochondria in neurons. These structures light up with a greenish-yellow glow when the scientists look at the brains of these mice through a fluorescent microscope. (Science Daily)
World's Largest Flower Finally Finds Home Jan 13, 2007
Even genetic techniques, reliable for spot-on descriptions of organisms, proved troublesome. Scientists usually rely on DNA from light-gathering structures needed for photosynthesis. (FOX News)
Giant, stinky flower finally finds its roots Jan 12, 2007
Even genetic techniques, reliable for spot-on descriptions of organisms, proved troublesome. Scientists usually rely on DNA from chloroplasts light-gathering structures needed for s. Since rafflesia depends solely on a host for nutrients, and not photosynthesis, it lacks chloroplasts. (MSNBC -- Technology)
