Genetic engineering
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Bacteria-produced leather is already an eco-friendly alternative to its cow-derived counterpart, but it could soon be even eco-friendlier. Scientists have gotten the microbes to color the stuff themselves, eliminating the need for toxic dyes.
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Analysis of Beethoven’s DNA has revealed that he had a low genetic predisposition for musical ability. The study highlights how making genetic predictions for individuals, including famous historical figures, can be fraught with danger.
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We’re edging closer to seeing a live mammoth for the first time. Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to the controversial-but-unquestionably-cool goal of resurrecting extinct species, has made a breakthrough in creating elephant stem cells.
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Thanks to a recent discovery regarding marine algae, scientists have developed crop plants that absorb a fuller spectrum of sunlight, resulting in better growth. The finding could also lead to increased production of biofuels.
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In a true public service, potato scientists have flicked the 'off' switch on a genetic mechanism that causes cold-stored taters to produce carcinogenic acrylamide when cooked. It means that one of the world's greatest food groups could be made healthier.
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The USDA has approved Light Bio's "Firefly Petunias," and the company is taking US$29 pre-orders on these remarkable gene-edited houseplants. They glow in the dark, making them a captivating home decor addition for science buffs.
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Acne is an annoying part of pretty much everyone’s lives, and in some cases can get serious. Now, scientists have demonstrated an intriguing new way to fight it, by engineering bacteria that live on the skin to produce proteins found in acne drugs.
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While ethical questions abound, scientists have tweaked traditional SCNT cloning of mammals to produce the very first healthy rhesus monkey that has lived to adulthood. It’s the first successful cloning of a species notoriously hard to 'copy and paste.'
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Scientists have given yeast a brand new ability – gaining energy from light. The technique was remarkably easy, the team says, and could not only help us understand evolution but make better beer and biofuel.
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The "microbiome" is the population of microbes found in every organism. Scientists have now genetically altered that population in rice plants, making them more resistant to harmful bacteria. The technology could reduce the need for pesticides.
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Researchers have genetically engineered stem cells to transform into greater numbers of the neurons needed for effective Parkinson’s disease cell therapy. The method could be used to generate other types of brain cells to treat a range of disorders.
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CRISPR systems are powerful tools for genetic engineering, but they have their limitations. Now, scientists have discovered almost 200 new CRISPR systems in bacteria, and found that some can edit human cells even more precisely than existing ones.
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