Category Archives: Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, also called gene editing or genetic modification, is the process of altering an organism's DNA in order to change a trait. This can mean changing a single base pair, adding or deleting a single gene, or changing an even larger strand of DNA. Using genetic engineering, genes from one organism can be added to the genome of a completely different species. It is even possible to experiment with synthesizing and inserting novel genes in the hopes of creating new traits.

Many products and therapies have already been developed using genetic engineering. For example, crops with higher nutritional value, improved taste, or resistance to pests have been engineered by adding genes from one plant species into another. Similarly, expression of a human gene in yeast and bacteria allows pharmaceutical companies to produce insulin to treat diabetic patients. In 2020, scientists had their first successful human trial with CRISPR (a genetic engineering technique), to correct a mutant gene that causes sickle cell anemia, a painful and sometimes deadly blood disease.

There are many different genetic engineering techniques, including molecular cloning and CRISPR, and new techniques are being developed rapidly. Despite this variety, all genetic engineering projects involve carrying out four main steps:

Learn more about genetic engineering, and even try your hand at it, with these resources.

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Genetic Engineering Science Projects - Science Buddies

DSI adoption at COP15 can financially help protect biodiversity in India: Experts  The Tribune India

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DSI adoption at COP15 can financially help protect biodiversity in India: Experts - The Tribune India

Tel Aviv University researchers demonstrate success of potential one-time vaccine to treat HIV/AIDS  ETHealthWorld

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Tel Aviv University researchers demonstrate success of potential one-time vaccine to treat HIV/AIDS - ETHealthWorld

Should You Buy 22nd Century Group Inc (XXII) Stock After it Has Risen 14.29% in a Week?  InvestorsObserver

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Should You Buy 22nd Century Group Inc (XXII) Stock After it Has Risen 14.29% in a Week? - InvestorsObserver

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PAEC has clear mandates on the safe use of modern sciences with an aim to improve the socio economic growth of the country. NIBGE is one of the main biotechnology institutes of the four bioscience centers of PAEC and was formally inaugurated by the President of Pakistan in 1994. It is also an affiliate center of ICGEB. The institute is a focal point of modern biotechnology and provides a technology receiving unit to help the development of country through applications of modern biotechnology and genetic engineering. The research programs at NIBGE are mainly aimed at improving agriculture, health, environment and industry and are supported by national and international financial grants. The institute research facilities include state of the art equipments supported by technical services, IT facility and a National Library for Biological Sciences. The institute now offers several services and marketable products. The educational programs leading to MPhil and PhD degrees have also been incorporated in the institutes mandate for the development of human resources in modern sciences.

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Home :: National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

"The Covid data confirms the second law of infodynamics, and the research opens up unlimited possibilities. Imagine looking at a particular genome and judging whether a mutation is beneficial before it happens. This could be game-changing technology which could be used in genetic therapies, the pharmaceutical industry, evolutionary biology, and pandemic research," the researcher explained.

Vopson and Lepadatu's study claims that the observations directly contradict the second rule of thermodynamics' description of the evolution of physical entropy. This conclusion has far-reaching ramifications for many other branches of science.

"In physics, there are laws that govern everything that happens in the universe, for example, how objects move, how energy flows, and so on. Everything is based on the laws of physics," said Dr. Vopson.

"One of the most powerful laws is the second law of thermodynamics, which establishes that entropy a measure of disorder in an isolated system can only increase or stay the same, but it will never decrease."

This is an undisputed law linked to the arrow of time, demonstrating that time only moves in one direction. The lead author adds it can only flow in one direction and cannot go backward.

The study was first published in AIP Advances, a not-for-profit subsidiary of the American Institute of Physics (AIP).

One of the most powerful laws in physics is the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the entropy of any system remains constant or increases over time. In fact, the second law is applicable to the evolution of the entire universe and Clausius stated, The entropy of the universe tends to a maximum. Here, we examine the time evolution of information systems, defined as physical systems containing information states within Shannons information theory framework. Our observations allow the introduction of the second law of information dynamics (infodynamics). Using two different information systems, digital data storage and a biological RNA genome, we demonstrate that the second law of infodynamics requires the information entropy to remain constant or to decrease over time. This is exactly the opposite to the evolution of the physical entropy, as dictated by the second law of thermodynamics. The surprising result obtained here has massive implications for future developments in genomic research, evolutionary biology, computing, big data, physics, and cosmology.

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A recently discovered law of physics could help predict genetic mutations

There is no doubt that GMOs are beneficial to us, but there is sufficient data to demonstrate that GMOs have great potential for harm too.[Istockphoto]

The debate on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is upon us again and is still emotive and quite divisive.

Although we have more research, we still cannot be absolutely certain that we have adequate science to fully support GM foods. Genetic engineering (also called genetic modification of organisms - GMOs) uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. This may involve changing a single base pair (A-T or C-G), deleting a region of DNA or adding a new segment of DNA.

This happens when a scientist tweaks a gene to create a more desirable organism by taking DNA from organism A and inserting it in organism B to improve it. The result is known as recombinant (a combination of DNAs of two organisms) or in cases of drugs the modified drug is known as transgenic. There are many reasons why organisms are genetically modified. For example, to make them more resistant to diseases, insects/bugs or to make them mature/ripen faster, stronger, bigger, better, sweater. For example, food crops have been modified by food engineers to be resistant to specific bugs, bad weather or to grow faster.

Genetic engineering is very different from cloning. Cloning is the process of creating a genetically identical copy or duplication of a cell or an organism. It has far-reaching ethical concerns although people tend to confuse the two, especially when criticising GMOs.

There are many persuasive arguments for and against GMOs. There is no doubt that GMOs are beneficial to us, but there is sufficient data to demonstrate that GMOs have great potential for harm too. Those who support GMOs have advanced persuasive arguments that genetic engineering can help us cure diseases, ensure food security and nutrition, improve the quality of lives and well-being and even lengthen our lives. For example, most drugs such as insulin and vaccinations are all genetically modified or engineered, without which many people would die. There are also ethical, safety and environmental concerns about GMOs.

No side of the argument for or against, can state with absolute certainty that GMOs are devoid of risks and concerns or they are all bad for us. The question is, can scientists guarantee that there will be no side effects after consuming GM foods? Or that huge multinational companies will ensure environmental and safety requirements are complied with when they come to Kenya?

The potential for abuse of GMOs has necessitated very elaborate checks and controls at both international and national levels. The issue of concern now is, does Kenya have such elaborate and well-resourced checks and controls in place? According to the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), Kenya has robust policy, legislative and institutional mechanisms to implement biotechnology innovations having ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2003 and approved the National Policy on Biotechnology Development in 2006 to guide research and commercialization of modern biotechnology products.

The Biosafety Act, 2009 provides for the legal and institutional frameworks governing modern biotechnology which are implemented by the NBA established under the Act in 2010. The NBA developed regulations in 4 areas; contained use, environmental release, export, import and transit; all three in 2011 and for labeling in 2012. The NBA says it has put in place GM safety assessment with the goal to provide assurance that GM foods do not cause harm based on their best available scientific knowledge, although, we are not so certain that we indeed have that best scientific knowledge available so far.

The NBA indicates that, research on genetic modification is done under appropriate experimental conditions; open cultivation of genetically modified crops is safe for human health and the environment; they ensure safe movement of genetically modified materials in and out of the country and ensure accurate consumer information and traceability of genetically modified products in the food supply chain.

They say that they do this through collaboration with other eight bodies in Kenya, including KEBs. Because GMOs require very careful scientific monitoring and control, it is important to ensure that open cultivation is done in phases and only on a case-by-case basis at a time.

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Farmers, consumers will embrace GMOs if they understand them - The Standard

Douglas Insights

The key players in the market currently include Scientific Genomics Inc, Thermo Fischer Scientific, Blue Heron, TeselaGen, GenScript, DNA2.0, Integrated DNA Technologies, Eurofins Scientific, Inc, Editas Medicine Inc., among others.

Isle of man, Oct. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Douglas Insights Search Engine is the worlds first engine that offers comparative market analysis, and it has also recently addedSynthetic Biologyto the database. Market analysts, industry specialists, business personnel, and all relevant entities can make use of this comparative engine to identify the drivers, hindrances, obstacles, limitations, and opportunities for growth in each market. With the help of these insights, future market predictions can also be made. The engine users will be able to sort the relevant information by price, publication date, publisher rating, and table of contents, all of which will make access easier.

Synthetic biology refers to using lab-generated technology to help with biological processes and concerns. Synthetic biology refers to the development of testing kits, vaccines, treatments, and infectious diseases. In fact, synthetic biology played a key element in the Covid-19 pandemic as well. The development of the vaccine was accelerated, and new technology was used for vaccine development, showing how Synthetic integral biology was to the ordeal. Other than medical applications, the industry also helps to further develop the food and agriculture industry through genetic engineering and genome synthesis and helps industries by manufacturing Biofuels, biomaterials, industrial enzymes, and other useful products.

There are many drivers in the field of synthetic biology due to its need in the current era. For example, the wide range of applications of synthetic biology is one of the main factors driving the market growth. Synthetic biology can be applied to various industries, including food and agriculture, industrial work, and of course, many medical applications. The medical applications of synthetic biology will be driving the market the most.

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Other than that, the market will also continue to grow due to the increased funding of research and development projects by many governments. This funding will fuel research into the industry and allow for more applications of synthetic biology to arise moving forward. One example is biofuels, which will be much more common and necessary for the environment in the coming years as well.

However, there are still quite a few factors that are currently restricting market growth. These include biosafety, ethical, and security concerns regarding biological safety. One example of ethical and safety concerns is the possible intentional or unintentional introduction of synthetic organisms into ecosystems which can cause great disruption. These organisms can also breed with naturally occurring microorganisms, causing hybrid species to be released and hampering the environment as we know it. In fact, this is one of the ways in which antibiotic-resistant microorganisms can also be generated.

The largest market share of synthetic biology goes to North America. This is because it is the hub of most of the market's key players and has the most funding for medically forward projects. Other than that, Europe and the Asia Pacific also have large shares in the market and will use them for further development in the arena.

The key players in the market currently include Scientific Genomics Inc, Thermo Fischer Scientific, Blue Heron, TeselaGen, GenScript, DNA2.0, Integrated DNA Technologies, Eurofins Scientific, Inc, Editas Medicine Inc., among others. These players are working on further developments while also adding to the industry at present.

The tools currently used in the synthetic biology market include enzymes, Oligonucleotides, synthetic DNA, Synthetic cells, cloning technology, xeno nucleic acids, and chassis organisms. The technology being used in the market at present includes gene synthesis and genetic engineering, cloning, bioinformatics, sequencing, nanotechnology, micro fluids, among many others.

Key questions answered in this report

COVID 19 impact analysis on global Synthetic Biology industry.

What are the current market trends and dynamics in the Synthetic Biology market and valuable opportunities for emerging players?

What is driving Synthetic Biology market?

What are the key challenges to market growth?

Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period?

Which product type segment holds a larger market share and why?

Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Synthetic Biology market?

Key growth pockets on the basis of regions, types, applications, and end-users

What is the market trend and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa?

Unique data points of this report

Statistics on Synthetic Biology and spending worldwide

Recent trends across different regions in terms of adoption of Synthetic Biology across industries

Notable developments going on in the industry

Attractive investment proposition for segments as well as geography

Comparative scenario for all the segments for years 2018 (actual) and 2031 (forecast)

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Computational Biology Market: The computational biology market is growing rapidly due to the increasing demand for personalized medicine and drug development, and the need for early diagnosis of diseases. Computational biology is the study of biological processes using computational techniques.

Industrial Microbiology Market: Industrial microbiology is the study of microorganisms that are useful in the production of food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products. The demand for industrial microbiology is driven by the need for efficient and eco-friendly production processes, as well as the need for improved product quality.

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Synthetic Biology Market is Expected to Report a CAGR of ~21% from 2021 to 2029: Industry Size, Growth & Forecast at Douglas Insights - Yahoo...

Hybrid: an Interspecies Opera is having its premiere at the Esther Klein Gallery. The approximately 20-minute film is screening on a loop inside a darkened room built into the lobby of 3600 Market. It can be viewed anytime during gallery hours, which are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

It is one part of a small retrospective of Dewey-Hagborgs work, Closer Than Your Family, which also includes a love virus that can replicate the hormonal chemicals generated by being in love (an actual engineered virus, but never tested on a person), and 3D printings of peoples faces based on the genetic information in their DNA.Watsons ghost is one of three works by Heather Dewey-Hagborg that make up the last exhibit at the Esther Klein Gallery. It shows different interpretations of how James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, might look based on DNA alone. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Closer Than Your Family is the final exhibition in 3600 Market. After the show closes Dec. 16, the Esther Klein Gallery will be gone.

Since 1976, the gallery, named after its original benefactor and founding director Esther Klein, has driven the art programs of the University City Science Center, a hub for science innovation and entrepreneurship spread across several buildings. The gallery moved into 3600 Market shortly after it was built in 1989.

Curator Angela McQuillan said the art program of the Science Center will re-establish itself in 2024 under a different, still undetermined name, across the street at 3675 Market Street, a newer building finished in 2018 with a larger ground-floor community space called the Quorum.The Quorum on Market Street will be the new home of the Esther Klein Gallery, although it will no longer be known by that name. The science-based art gallery will expand its mission to address health issues. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

They have this big lounge in there, and they have a coffee shop and free wi-fi and everything, McQuillan said. People have migrated over there and less people come through this space. We want to capitalize on the amount of people going through that space, to have more people view the work.Angela McQuillan is curator of the Esther Klein Gallery in University City. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

The Esther Klein Gallery has championed science-based art for more than 45 years. In its early days, the gallery featured artwork that tended to revolve around robotics and technology. When McQuillan became curator nine years ago, she steered the gallery toward art involving biology and bioethics.

The Science Center also has an artist residency program, putting artists into the laboratories of its tenant scientists to inspire new work. That is where Dewey-Hagborg developed the love virus in 2018 with scientists in the lab of Integral Molecular.

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After 45 years of science-based art, Esther Klein Gallery winds down - WHYY

The Neanderthals have won a Nobel prize. Well, almost. Even if most people havent heard of Svante Pbo, the Swedish geneticist whose work on ancient genomes and human evolution has landed him with 2022s award for physiology or medicine, or the exact science behind palaeogenomics and ancient DNA, they certainly have heard of Neanderthals.

Honouring his contribution to building this incredibly vibrant field of palaeogenomics, the award is much deserved: you need vision, persistence and pioneering methods to recover and sequence immensely old, fragile genetic material. But its also a recognition of the astonishing revelations about our deep history that have come from palaeogenomics, which holds many untapped secrets about who we are today, including settling the long-debated question of whether Neanderthals and Homo sapiens ever encountered each other and, lets say, warmed up those icy tundra nights (the answer is yes, many times).

For research communities, the prize also feels like a recognition of the relevance of work on palaeogenomics, human origin and archaeology more broadly and its continuing importance. Research in the 21st century on our hominin relations, including Neanderthals, is an entirely interdisciplinary, collaborative endeavour. All kinds of material analyses take place, in all sorts of ways. We use photogrammetry or lasers to record entire caves in 3D; trace how stone tools were moved across the land; examine microlayers within ancient hearths; even pick out the starches preserved in grot between ancient teeth. And the advent of the ability to retrieve palaeogenomics from extraordinarily old contexts was nothing short of revolutionary. Today, DNA can be extracted not only from bones, but even from cave sediments: the dust of long vanished lives, waiting for millennia to be found. It has made it possible to assess individual Neanderthals genetic profiles, and has opened windows into previously invisible population histories and interactions.

More than a decade on from the first big findings, today there is a huge community of palaeogenomics researchers, in large part thanks to Pbo, with many having trained with him. Among the younger generations at the front end of the sampling, processing and analytical work who may be the first to make and recognise key new discoveries many are women. They include Mateja Hajdinjak of the Crick Institute whose work has identified complex patterns of interbreeding among Neanderthals and the earliest Homo sapiens in Europe, and Samantha Brown from the University of Tbingen, whose meticulous work on unidentifiable bone scraps found the only known first-generation hybrid, a girl whose mother was Neanderthal and father Denisovan (closely related hominins from eastern Eurasia). Alongside wielding scientific clout, they are overturning outdated ideas that the hard sciences of statistics and white coats (or, in palaeogenomics, full-body protection) are male domains.

As an incredibly fast-moving field, palaeogenomics has achieved an enormous amount in a relatively short space of time. Innovative approaches are constantly being developed, and it must be admitted, even for those of us working in human origins, that keeping up with new methods and jargon can be challenging. The rapidity of advances, especially in competitive academic contexts, has also led to a number of ethical issues. While many are being tackled, the direction of some research may soon force the field to lay out official standards and draw ethical red lines when, for example, reconstructing the brains of Neanderthals using genetic engineering.

Ultimately, while decoding ancient hominin genomes has allowed us to identify which inherited genes we have today hence the physiology or medicine element of the Nobel prize the recognition of Pbos work seems more about much deeper themes, resonating with something of a Neanderthal zeitgeist. Since the discovery of their fossils more than 165 years ago, science has been engaged in dethroning Homo sapiens, demoting us from special creations to something still marvellous but not entirely unique.

Palaeogenomics bolstered this vision of an Earth that hosted many sorts of human, at least five of which were still walking around just 40,000 years ago; translate that figure to a generational scale, and youd see a chain of just 2,000 people linking hands. Ancient DNA has confirmed that we are both embedded within a rich history of hominin diversity, and that we still embody that history ourselves. Alongside the genetic material we acquired sideways through interbreeding with Neanderthals and other species, a recent study found that less than 10% of our genome is distinctive to Homo sapiens, evolved uniquely in us.

Most strikingly, popular understanding has shifted too. While some still drag out Neanderthal as a slur, it now seems somewhat abstracted from general public views. The archaeological evidence for Neanderthals complex, sophisticated minds, with genetic revelations of how close we really are to them, has transformed opinion on who they were, and what that means for us. The knowledge that the very stuff of Neanderthals is still present today in each human heart, thumping with fear or joy has forged a new emotional connection not just to them, but to all our other hominin relations. It also underlines the fact that they, and we, have always been part of a planetary web of life.

The most profound legacy of Pbos establishment of palaeogenomics is, or should be, humility. Because it turns out that many of the earliest Homo sapiens populations entering Eurasia eventually shared the same fate as the Neanderthals they met and mingled with. Their lineages vanished, culturally but also genetically, leaving behind no descendants among living humans. Perhaps the greatest inheritance they left us is understanding that our story is not one of predestined, exceptional success, but a blend of serendipity and coincidence; and that being the last hominin standing is not necessarily something to be proud of.

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Behind this Nobel prize is a very human story: theres a bit of Neanderthal in all of us - The Guardian