Genetics / Biotech news around the web
Scientists downsize the human genome
(MSNBC.com) How many genes does it take to make a human? Only about the same number it takes for a small flowering plant or a tiny worm, says a new estimate that?s sharply reduced from just three years ago.
Submitted on Oct 21, 2004 by Tormod
Worms hold 'eternal life' secret
(BBC Science) A tiny round worm can live six times longer than normal if certain genes and hormones are tweaked, according to a report in the journal Science.
Submitted on Oct 24, 2003 by tormod
Frankenstein 'life blobs' created
(Ananova) Scientists have created blobs of electrically charged gas that behave as if they are alive. The plasma "cells" grow, replicate and communicate, fulfilling most of the biological requirements for life.
Submitted on Sep 19, 2003 by tormod
Gene discovery could save babies' lives
(Ananova) A new genetic discovery could one day allow doctors to save the lives of babies born with heart defects, it has been revealed.
Submitted on Jul 6, 2003 by tormod
Chimps are human, gene study implies
(New Scientist) With just 0.6% difference in the most critical DNA sites, the new work suggests chimps should be in the same taxonomic group as humans
Submitted on May 19, 2003 by Noah
Human DNA Neanderthal-Free
(Discovery) Neanderthals did not contribute to the gene pool of modern humans, according to a recent study that compared the DNA of two ancient Cro-Magnons with that of four Neanderthals.
Submitted on May 12, 2003 by tormod
Burgeoning SARS virus decoded in China
(New Scientist) As its government admits the wide spread of the virus, China's scientists probe the genetic sequence of the microbe for mutations
Submitted on Apr 22, 2003 by Noah
Genetic sequence of SARS virus revealed
(New Scientist) The full DNA sequence of the coronavirus believed to cause SARS has been published by scientists in Canada, the worst-affected western country. The genetic sequence is vital to developing tests for the infection, and drugs and vaccines to treat it.
Submitted on Apr 14, 2003 by Noah
Final human genome sequence released
(New Scientist) This time it is the real thing, scientists promise - the complete sequence of human DNA, as perfectly rendered as it ever will be.
Submitted on Apr 13, 2003 by Noah
Molecular Block to Viable Clones
(Wired) Cloning humans, or any other primates, may be impossible with today's techniques because of a fundamental molecular obstacle, say scientists trying to understand why attempts to clone monkeys have failed.
Submitted on Apr 11, 2003 by tormod
