Genetic Engineering: May 2010

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

Pros or Advantages 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.

[Author, Anju Shandilya. Benefits of Genetic Engineering. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com]

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.

[Author, Manali Oak. Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com ; Author, None. What are the disadvantages of genetic engineering? Retrieved from http://answers.yahoo.com]