Category Archives: Transhuman News

The role of tree DNA tracking is increasing in the fight against illegal logging as evidenced by prosecution cases in USA and Germany.

Modern DNA technology offers a unique opportunity: you could pinpoint the origin of your table at home and track down if the trees it was made from were illegally obtained. Each wooden piece of furniture comes with a hidden natural barcode that can tell its story from a sapling in a forest all the way to your living room.

"CSI rely on use of genetic info for catching criminals. Exactly the same type of analysis is used for illegal logging," explains Andrew Lowe, a professor in plant conservation biology in University of Adelaide, Australia and Chief Scientific Officer with Double Helix, a company leading in the development of the tree DNA tracking.

This technology is crucial in tracking down illegally-logged timber. More traditional source-of-origin paper certificates can be misplaced or falsified by corrupt officials and businessmen. "But you can't falsify DNA," Lowe says.

Professor Lowe's breakthrough in genetic analysis of tree tissue came when he managed to extract DNA from timber in a 500-year old shipwreck. Obtaining genetic code from processed wood is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together without having a picture to guide you. "It is a non-trivial exercise," he says.

Another challenge is building up a database of DNA fingerprints for each tree species from every region of the world. Without this baseline information, the DNA sample from commercially available timber may not be used to identify the tree species or where it was logged.

"It takes time, energy and money," Lowe says.

International research teams have already collected data for many high value timber species such as Spanish cedar, mahogany, teak, merbau and ebony. They have compiled DNA maps of Indonesia, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, French Guyana, Brazil, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon and are currently focusing their efforts in 8 more African countries from the Congo basin.

Using DNA technology, commercially available timber can be definitively certified as 'sustainably sourced.' The cost is less than 1% of the value of the timbera relatively small premium for consumers who want to ensure that their new home furniture was not a reason for cutting down rainforest.

Some socially responsible companiesmostly outside the U.S.already sell wood with a DNA certification stamp. However, the American Hardwood Export Counsel is now considering offering DNA verification for their supply chains as well.

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A new tool against illegal logging: tree DNA technology goes mainstream

Apr. 23, 2013 Ancient DNA recovered from a series of skeletons in central Germany up to 7,500 years old has been used to reconstruct the first detailed genetic history of modern Europe.

The study, published today in Nature Communications, reveals a dramatic series of events including major migrations from both Western Europe and Eurasia, and signs of an unexplained genetic turnover about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

The research was performed at the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD). Researchers used DNA extracted from bone and teeth samples from prehistoric human skeletons to sequence a group of maternal genetic lineages that are now carried by up to 45% of Europeans.

The international team also included the University of Mainz in Germany and the National Geographic Society's Genographic Project.

"This is the first high-resolution genetic record of these lineages through time, and it is fascinating that we can directly observe both human DNA evolving in 'real-time', and the dramatic population changes that have taken place in Europe," says joint lead author Dr Wolfgang Haak of ACAD.

"We can follow over 4,000 years of prehistory, from the earliest farmers through the early Bronze Age to modern times."

"The record of this maternally inherited genetic group, called Haplogroup H, shows that the first farmers in Central Europe resulted from a wholesale cultural and genetic input via migration, beginning in Turkey and the Near East where farming originated and arriving in Germany around 7,500 years ago," says joint lead author Dr Paul Brotherton, formerly at ACAD and now at the University of Huddersfield, UK.

ACAD Director Professor Alan Cooper says: "What is intriguing is that the genetic markers of this first pan-European culture, which was clearly very successful, were then suddenly replaced around 4,500 years ago, and we don't know why. Something major happened, and the hunt is now on to find out what that was."

The team developed new advances in molecular biology to sequence entire mitochondrial genomes from the ancient skeletons. This is the first ancient population study using a large number of mitochondrial genomes.

"We have established that the genetic foundations for modern Europe were only established in the Mid-Neolithic, after this major genetic transition around 4,000 years ago," says Dr Haak. "This genetic diversity was then modified further by a series of incoming and expanding cultures from Iberia and Eastern Europe through the Late Neolithic."

See the article here:
Ancient DNA reveals Europe's dynamic genetic history

New patent opens SYGNIS and QUALIPHIin a leading position in a 70 million global market.

Madrid/Heidelberg, 23 April 2013 - The biotech company SYGNIS Pharma AG (Frankfurt: LIO1; ISIN: DE000A1RFM03; Prime Standard) has been granted a patent by the USPTO (US patent and Trademark office) for its flagship product, QUALIPHI the polymerase for complete DNA amplification. Polymerase proteins are the main tool for amplifying long DNA fragments and whole genomes, and are a basic need for research involving the analysis and modification of DNA.

QUALIPHI is an upgraded version of the Phi 29 DNA polymerase used in isothermal amplification which provides enhanced properties compared to similar polymerase proteins on the market. Being less time-consuming and having highly superior performance characteristics, the method developed by SYGNIS enables DNA amplification from concentrations as low as those found in a single cell. This is extremely useful in cancer research, and many other applications.

"Certainly, the need for amplification of nucleic acids from minimal concentrations as present in single cell applications will be a critical issue in the coming era of personalised medicine and NGS. We expect QUALIPHI to become an essential tool for the DNA amplification needed in these markets", said SYGNIS` CEO, Pilar de la Huerta.

With the significant growth in the field of DNA amplifications used in sequencing and personalised medicine, the market of whole genome amplification with polymerase proteins is expected to grow at over 20% per annum over the next few years. Current estimates indicate that the size of the global isothermal DNA market alone is approximately 70 million, with the US as the leading market for QUALIPHI.

In 2012, SYGNIS granted an exclusive global licence to QIAGEN, including sublicensing rights, for the commercialization of QUALIPHI in the DNA amplification market. QIAGEN is a global leader in sample and assay technologies in research and molecular diagnostics.

About SYGNIS Pharma AG: http://www.sygnis.de

After the merger in 2012 between X-Pol Biotech, specialising in DNA amplification and sequencing, and SYGNIS Pharma AG, listed in the German Stock Exchange (Prime Standard segment, Tick: LIO1; ISIN: DE000A1RFM03), SYGNIS` new mission is to develop and distribute technologies and products from X-Pol, which has a commercial product in the DNA amplification segment, QUALIPHI, and is currently developing other products in the field of Next Generation Sequencing.

For further information: Pilar de la Huerta CEO/CFO of SYGNIS Pharma AG ,+34 902 02 69 31 / 609 47 29 34 / 654 41 01 11

# # # Disclaimer: Some statements included in this press release, relating neither to proven financial results nor to other historical data, should be viewed as forward-looking, i.e. not definitive. Such statements are mainly predictions of future results, trends, plans or goals. These statements should not be considered to be total guarantees since given their very nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks, as well as to aspects beyond human control, and can be affected by other factors as a consequence of which the actual results, plans and goals of SYGNIS Pharma AG may deviate greatly from the established conclusions or implied predictions contained in such statements. SYGNIS does not undertake to publicly update or revise these statements in the light of new information or future results or for any other reason. # # #

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SYGNIS granted US patent for QUALIPHI®, the Next Generation DNA amplification tool

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Its hard out here for a chief marketing officer. The economy is still tough, media is changing daily, and cost pressures continue to mount. And with the average CMO tenure of less than 18 months, its not surprising CMOs are looking for advice and insight from trusted sources.

Understanding these challenges, DNA, an independent full-service agency with expertise in brand strategy, advertising, digital strategy and media, has created the CMO Brief a compilation of short videos that provide insights and thoughts from business leaders about branding, marketing, media, culture and leadership.

DNA has launched the CMO Brief with six business leaders from a wide variety of industries Clark Kokich, chairman of Razorfish; Rod Brooks, CMO of PEMCO Insurance; Kurt Beecher Dammeier, founder and owner of Beechers Handmade Cheese; Nonie Creme, creator of the Butter London; Tom Berquist, senior vice president of member strategies at BECU; and Ed Kelly, president and CEO of American Express Publishing. Additional upcoming briefs will feature Concur, Virginia Mason and Windermere Real Estate.

Working with CMOs, entrepreneurs and marketing leaders day in and out, weve gained a unique perspective on their world the highs, the lows, the pain points and the incredible insight that comes from their experiences and challenges, said Alan Brown, principal and managing director, DNA.

Were thrilled to offer CMO Brief as an interesting and relevant resource that taps into these marketing minds and shares a new perspective from this side of business, Brown added.

Initial CMO Brief video topics include:

About DNA

Founded in 1998, DNA is a full-service marketing communications agency based in Seattle, Washington. The agency provides services in brand strategy, advertising, interactive and design. As one of the fastest growing agencies on the West Coast, DNA has a talent and passion for transforming brandsand helping their client partners win unreasoning loyalty from their customers and prospects in the process. Some of DNAs clients include: Group Health Cooperative, PEMCO Insurance, BECU, The Avon Foundation, F5, Executive Travel Magazine, PowerA and Trupanion. Visit DNA on the Web atwww.dnaseattle.com, on Twitter at @dnaseattle and on Facebook.

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DNA Launches CMO Brief: Insights and Advice From and For Entrepreneurs and Marketing Leaders

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwired - Apr 23, 2013) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), (Twitter: @APDN), a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting technology and product authentication solutions, announced today that it has been awarded a Phase I research grant by the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for approximately $150,000, for advanced development of APDN's anti-counterfeiting platform for military electronics.

The award, granted by the MDA Small Business Innovative Research program (SBIR), aims to develop advanced and innovative methods of placing markings or coatings onto original parts at the time of manufacture, to enable customers at later stages in the supply chain to confirm that the component is authentic.

The project expands on, but is separate from the research and testing supported by the Defense Logistics Agency, a project which prepared the platform now required by DLA for all items in a class of electronics provided by contractors to the agency.

Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, commented:

"The SBIR research award from the Missile Defense Agency is another highly important sign that our company's technology has awakened widespread interest in the military and its suppliers.It builds on the momentum of the ongoing requirement by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) which requires use of our product by trusted suppliers to DLA.The research for MDA will aid our ongoing work in expanding the range of applications of SigNature DNA, further compressing the time used to mark and authenticate items, and opening up the ability to use still more and varied carriers for our mark."

The award is a Phase I (feasibility) grant, typically followed by a competition for Phase II (implementation) and Phase III (commercialization) grants.Said Dr. Hayward: "We are optimistic that we will be able to take this research project through implementation and move to the commercialization stage."

The MDA Small Business Innovative Research program distributes over $1 billion annually, in order to harness the creativity of smaller businesses in the service of its unmatched technological platform, and in defense of the country.

Approved for Public Release 13-MDA-7255 (19 April 13)

About Applied DNA Sciences

APDN is a provider of botanical-DNA based security and authentication solutions that can help protect products, brands and intellectual property of companies, governments and consumers from theft, counterfeiting, fraud and diversion. SigNature DNA and smartDNA, our principal anti-counterfeiting and product authentication solutions that essentially cannot be copied, provide a forensic chain of evidence and can be used to prosecute perpetrators.

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Applied DNA Sciences Awarded Phase I SBIR Contract by the United States Missile Defense Agency

Earlier this year Illumina, the maker of the worlds most widely used DNA sequencing machines, agreed to pay nearly half a billion dollars for Verinata, a startup in Redwood City, California, that has hardly any revenues. What Verinata does have is technology that can do something as ethically fraught as it is inevitable: sequence the DNA of a human fetus before birth.

Verinata is one of four U.S. companies already involved in a rapidly expanding market for prenatal DNA testing using Illuminas sequencers. Their existing tests, all launched in the last 18 months, can detect Down syndrome from traces of fetal DNA found in a syringeful of the mothers blood. Until now, detecting Down syndrome has meant grabbing fetal cells from the placenta or the amniotic fluid, procedures that carry a small risk of miscarriage.

The noninvasive screen is so much safer and easier that its become one of the most quickly adopted tests ever and an important new medical application for Illuminas DNA sequencing instruments, which have so far been used mainly in research labs. In January, Illuminas CEO, Jay Flatley, told investors that he expects the tests will eventually be offered to as many as two million women a year in the United States, representing half of all pregnanciesup from around 250,000 mothers, mostly older, who now undergo the invasive tests. Its unprecedented in medical testing how fast this has gone from lab research to acceptance, says Diana Bianchi, executive director of the Mother Infant Research Institute at Tufts University and the chief clinical advisor to Verinata. Its a huge impact for any technology in its first year.

But this is likely to be just the start for prenatal DNA sequencing. The same labs and companies that launched the Down syndrome tests, like Verinata, have also figured out how they can get much more information from a mothers bloodstream, including the complete genome sequence of her fetus. Thats a technical breakthrough, and maybe a commercial one, too. Pregnancy, with its hopes, anxieties, and frequent doctors visits, could be where genome sequencing finally finds a major consumer application.

I think that we are going to sequence the genome of everyoneof every fetus in the first trimester, at least in part, says Arthur Beaudet, a pediatrician and head of human genetics at the Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston. Today some patients have their genomes sequenced to shed light on genetic diseases or illnesses like cancer, but one day people wont wait until theyre sick. We are already going to know the data at birth, he says.

That wont happen right away. For one thing, sorting out a fetuss exact DNA code via its mothers blood requires a huge amount of repeated sequencing, making it too expensive for routine use. (Illumina currently charges $9,500 to sequence the genome of an adult, and so far attempts to sequence fetal DNA have cost much more.) And there are still technical problems: the fetal genome results are still not accurate enough for making diagnoses. Ethically, too, the technology is a minefield. If we learn the genetic destiny of our children while they are still in the womb, what kinds of choices might we make?

Technically, all this is possible before weve figured out whether we should be doing it, says Jay Shendure, a genome scientist at the University of Washington. Youve got the whole genomethen what do you do with that? There are a lot of things that will have to get ironed out. Shendure works with Ariosa, one of Verinatas competitors. Last summer, his was one of two U.S. labs to demonstrate how the fetal genome might be revealed from a pregnant womans blood. He says the studies conducted so far on fetuses, including his own study, have been retrospectivethey studied blood samples stored by hospitals. But Shendure says he is now working with doctors at Stanford to implement the technology during an actual pregnancy. In other words, as early as this year the first human whose complete genetic code is known in advance could be born.

Full Genome

In 1997, a Hong Kong scientist named Dennis Lo showed that a pregnant womans blood contains trillions of bits of DNA from her baby. The DNA comes from cells in the placenta that have died and ruptured. By Los estimate, as much as 15 percent of the free-floating DNA in a mothers bloodstream is the fetuss. High-speed DNA sequencing can turn those fragments into a wealth of information.

Sequencing the DNA in the blood of a pregnant woman could reveal the full genetic code of a fetus.

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Prenatal DNA Sequencing

23 April 2013 Last updated at 12:39 ET By Paul Rincon Science editor, BBC News website

DNA sequenced from nearly 40 ancient skeletons has shed light on the complex prehistoric events that shaped modern European populations.

A study of remains from Central Europe suggests the foundations of the modern gene pool were laid down between 4,000 and 2,000 BC - in Neolithic times.

These changes were likely brought about by the rapid growth and movement of some populations.

The work by an international team is published in Nature Communications.

Decades of study of the DNA patterns of modern Europeans suggests two major events in prehistory significantly affected the continent's genetic landscape: its initial peopling by hunter-gatherers in Palaeolithic times (35,000 years ago) and a wave of migration by Near Eastern farmers some 6,000 years ago. (in the early Neolithic)

But the extent to which present-day people are descended from the indigenous hunters versus the newcomers that arrived in the Neolithic has been a matter of some debate.

The genetic markers of this first pan-European culture, which was clearly very successful, were then suddenly replaced around 4,500 years ago, and we don't know why

Analysis of DNA from ancient remains in Central and Northern Europe appears to show that the genetic legacy of the hunter-gatherers was all but erased by later migrations, including pioneer Neolithic farmers but possibly by later waves of people too. Still others caution that more samples are needed, and suggest that this picture might not be true for all regions of the continent.

The latest paper reveals that events some time after the initial migration of farmers into Europe did indeed have a major impact on the modern gene pool.

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Making of Europe unlocked by DNA