Entries Tagged 'From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News' ↓
Genetic information migrates from plant to plant
February 1st, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
To generate phylogenetic trees and investigate relationships between organisms, scientists usually look for similarities and differences in the DNA. Plant scientists were confounded by the fact that the DNA extracted from the plants’ green chloroplasts sometimes showed the greatest similarities when related species grew in the same area. Scientists have now discovered that a transfer of entire chloroplasts, or at least their genomes, can occur in contact zones between plants. Inter-species crossing is not necessary. The new chloroplast genome can even be handed down to the next generation and, thereby, give a plant with new traits. These findings are of great importance to the understanding of evolution as well as the breeding of new plant varieties.
Botany: Moonlighting enzyme works double shift 24/7
January 31st, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
A team of researchers has discovered an overachieving plant enzyme that works both the day and night shifts. The discovery shows that plants evolved a new function for this enzyme by changing merely one of its protein building blocks.
Protein study gives fresh impetus in fight against superbugs
January 31st, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
Scientists have shed new light on the way superbugs such as MRSA are able to become resistant to treatment with antibiotics.
Ancient DNA holds clues to climate change adaptation
January 31st, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
Thirty-thousand-year-old bison bones discovered in permafrost at a Canadian goldmine are helping scientists unravel the mystery about how animals adapt to rapid environmental change.
Skin cells turned into neural precusors, bypassing stem-cell stage
January 30th, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
Mouse skin cells can be converted directly into cells that become the three main parts of the nervous system, according to researchers. The finding is an extension of a previous study by the same group showing that mouse and human skin cells can be directly converted into functional neurons.
That which does not kill yeast makes it stronger: Stress-induced genomic instability facilitates rapid cellular adaption in yeast
January 29th, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
Cells trying to keep pace with constantly changing environmental conditions need to strike a fine balance between maintaining their genomic integrity and allowing enough genetic flexibility to adapt to inhospitable conditions. In their latest study, researchers were able to show that under stressful conditions yeast genomes become unstable, readily acquiring or losing whole chromosomes to enable rapid adaption.
New information for flu fight: Researchers study RNA interference to determine host genes used by influenza for virus replication
January 27th, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
Influenza virus can rapidly evolve from one form to another, complicating the effectiveness of vaccines and anti-viral drugs used to treat it. By first understanding the complex host cell pathways that the flu uses for replication, researchers are finding new strategies for therapies and vaccines, according to a new study.
Grape seed extract kills head and neck cancer cells, leaves healthy cells unharmed
January 27th, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
In both cell lines and mouse models, grape seed extract kills head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed, new research shows.
Making poisonous plants and seeds safe and palatable: Canola now, cannabis next?
January 27th, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
Every night millions of people go to bed hungry. New genetic technology can help us feed the world by making inedible seeds edible and tasty.
Research on vitamins could lead to the design of novel drugs to combat malaria
January 27th, 2012 — From ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News
New research could lead to the design of more effective drugs to combat malaria. The research will enable scientists to learn more about the nature of the enzymes required for vitamin biosynthesis by the malaria causing pathogen Plasmodium. Vitamins are essential nutrients required in small amounts, the lack of which leads to deficiencies. Many pathogenic microorganisms produce vitamins, and these biosynthetic pathways may provide suitable targets for development of new drugs.