Genetically modified cells attack tumors
Public release date: 21-Dec-2006
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Research shows that genetically modified stem cells in the nervous system actively seek out tumors. The modified cells migrated to tumors no matter the size or location. The drug has a homing ability that is able to seek out the tumors. Because of this, people (especially children) with high-risk neuroblastoma have a higher chance to recover and not relapse into chemo therapy-resistant cancer.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-12/sjcr-gmc122106.php
Thai Hill Farmers Help Preserve Genetic Diversity of Rice
Washington University in St. Louis (2010, January 5). Thai hill farmers help preserve genetic diversity of rice. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 10, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/01/100104181535.htm
The strains of rice are genetically static and cannot adapt to change in growing conditions. They compared the genetic variation among the same variety of rice grown in different fields and villages. Expert farmers play a role in maintaining their crop's genetic diversity exchanging and choosing seeds to plant the following year. Natural genetic drift and agricultural practices of the traditional farmers combine to influence the genetic diversity of a given land race of rice.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104181535.htm
Infection-Fighting Antibodies Made in Plants as Effective as Costlier Conventional Version
Washington University School of Medicine (2010, February 11). Infection-fighting antibodies made in plants as effective as costlier conventional version. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 10, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/02/100208185349.htm
Plant produced antibodies can fight infection equally well. The expense of manufacturing such antibodies makes it economically infeasible to use them to treat disease in the developing world. Plants don't normally make antibodies, but in 1989 scientists developed a way to genetically alter a tobacco plant so it did. Antibodies from plants were equally effective as the ones from mice.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100208185349.htm
Sugar-Hungry Yeast to Boost Biofuel Production
Society for General Microbiology (2010, March 29). Sugar-hungry yeast to boost biofuel production. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/03/100329075915.htm
Plant waste is a mixture of complex sugars and is available in large amounts. Butanol has a lower vapor pressure, ignites at a higher temperature and is less corrosive so it would be a better biofuel. Engineering yeast to transform sugars more efficiently into alcohols could be an economically and environmentally sound way to release fossil fuels. Have worked out how to modify yeast cells so that they successfully convert a wider range of sugars from plant waste such as wheat and rice straw into alcohol that can be used as biofuel.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100329075915.htm
A Lab Rat -- Created in the Lab: Bioengineering Tissues as an Alternative to Animal Testing
American Friends of Tel Aviv University (2010, April 15). A lab rat -- created in the lab: Bioengineering tissues as an alternative to animal testing. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/04/100413121330.htm
New research holds promise that far fewer lab animals may one day be needed for the necessary experimental trials. The necessary tissue can be produced from fat, skin, bone and muscle cells. The new approach no longer requires the sacrifice of large numbers of animals. They are now able to build simplified tissues and keep them alive.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100413121330.htm
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering
Pros or Advantages of Genetic Engineering
Cons or Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering
- Crops are being engineered to have better nutritional qualities.
- Changing the crops so they are able to grow in areas where they weren't able to grow before.
- The food could be modified to taste better.
- Changed so they resist pests.
- Slow down food spoiling.
- Increase medicinal value.
Cons or Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering
- Contamination of crop genes.
- Undesirable mutations could cause allergies in crops.
- Some think it is unethical.
- Could cause natural imbalances in an ecosystem.
- Costly.
- Mutations could alter the future in a bad way.
Friday, May 14, 2010
What is Genetic Engineering?
Genetic Engineering is the application of anything that allows the direct manipulation of genetic material so to alter the hereditary traits of a cell or organism. [Genetic Engineering (n.) In reference online. Retrieved from http://www.reference.com/ on 5/14/10.]
Because the idea of genetic engineering is complex it is easy to misunderstand. Genetic engineering is like customizing DNA to get whatever result desired. It has the potential to alter our whole world so it needs to be taken very seriously. There could be serious consequences if it is not used properly.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Essential Question
Should Farmers Be Genetically Engineering Crops?
Yes, genetically engineering crops to create a heartier harvest should be allowed.
Yes, genetically engineering crops to create a heartier harvest should be allowed.
Labels:
crops,
engineering,
farmers,
food,
genetically,
harvest,
mutant,
scary
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