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POPSMammoth genome may explain extinction. Perhaps after the ice age, woolly mammoths just overheated? Global warming means most of the Mammoths that have been in the deep freeze for 10,000 years, will thaw out. The next species on the agenda, is Neanderthal Man.
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POPS'Old-boy's club holding back innovation We all now have access to a vast amount of research and data on the net. a Few people would have absolutely no hope, but the networks being created on the web, are places where anyone can comment, or include findings, so the pieces can start coming together more quickly. It isn't what we know that is important. it's what we do with the knowledge
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POPSGene test could 'prevent' heart disease I believe genetic testing should be an option, not a requirement. That may be a good principle for adults, but the call is for testing to be done on 'at risk' children under 10. I'd be surprised if they could find anyone in the world that wasn't subject to some genetic risk or another. Still, a DNA Database is as good as a chip, or an ID card, and much better than a finger print...but I'm a cynic..or perhaps an optimist with experience.
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POPSResearchers regrow crucial inner ear cells One of the most common causes of hearing loss, is constant exposure to loud noise, which can literally snap the hairs off the base. The more exposure, the more hairs snap off, and of course now we are beginning to see the effects of the 'ipod syndrome' where the volume is maxed out. Like standing next to speakers that are turned up to 11. (You might need to know about the band Spinal Tap) There is no doubt that prevention is better than cure, but some people wont listen. Until they reach the point where they can't listen.
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POPSScientists identify childhood cancer gene They are beginning to find genes that are believed to be involved in a number of types of cancer. The study of these genes may not only tell us how they work, but why they are there, and how they are related to some essential, and regular metabolic functions, what exactly can turn a regular/benign cell cancerous, so potential sufferers can be Identified early.
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POPS'Flexi-bee' could pre-empt varroa mite.
Of course there is the honey, but there is also the critical role bees play in pollination, particularly crop fertilization. The loss of honey bee populations has the potential to have a devastating effect in many crops that at the moment we take for granted. There are two suggestions. One is to prevent the mite laying by altering a chemical released by the bees. The other disrupts the life cycle of the mite. It doesn't have to be either/or, both approaches need to be tried, in addition to further suggestions. The main thing we have to worry about taking into account our record of 'fixing' problems in nature (we don't seem to be that good at it) Is that our efforts don't further endanger the bee populations At the moment however, if we do nothing we will lose the bees. There is the possibility, that bees will develop their own resistance to the mite naturally. Selective breeding may be an option. I would be more inclined to listen to a beekeeper than a geneticist,.
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POPSPill may put women off 'Mr Right's' scent In the last few years there have been great discoveries regarding the role of scent or pheromones, in sexual or physical attraction. We are only just beginning to learn how important they are. They recorded a difference in preferences, but the preferences tested were limited to genetic potential. They can't be sure how this factor extends to other elements of a relationship.
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POPSExpert concerned by DIY genetic tests While DIY gene tests may have their place, often they can only highlight a factor, or give a likelihood rather than a certainty. I would think they would also tend to be used by people who expected to find problems. It being hard for their view of the results to be either objective, or subject to comparison with other possibilities and cases. I have trouble imagining a better test than family history, and the fact remains, that despite any number of tests our genes wont change.(Yet?) An interesting thing I heard which is somewhat related particularly with the statistics regarding the likelihood of cancer from any number of sources, is that by the age of 85 50% of people will have had some form of cancer. (One of the side effects of living for another generation.) I can't be sure of the accuracy of the figure, but it makes me feel more comfortable about smoking. At least if I'm going to get cancer, I can get it doing something I enjoy.
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POPSZebra's Stripes, Butterfly's Wings: How Do Biological Patterns Emerge? Previous work identified a specific signal necessary for getting these fly egg cells to move; the problem is that this signal is “graded.” Like drops of ink spreading out on wet paper, this signal travels in between surrounding cells, gradually fading away as it moves outwards. But clear lines are required for pattern formation — there is no grey area between a zebra’s black and white stripes, between heart and liver cells and, in this case, between migrating cells and those that stay put. How are graded signals converted to a clear move or stay signal? By examining flies containing mutations in different genes, the researchers discovered that one gene in particular, called apontic, is important for converting a graded signal.
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POPSQueen bees took time to play the field They suggest that while worker bees are sterile, and cannot breed themselves, helping the queen allows their genes to be passed on, while at the queen having multiple partners can widen the gene pool.
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POPSExtinct thylacine genome brought to life Known as the Tasmanian Tiger, it was one of the few marsupial predators that were in Australia before the arrival of the west. The other is the Tasmanian Devil, which survives, but is threatened by a disease that causes ulcers.
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POPSOld donated blood a risk after surgery. Blood has an official 'shelf life' of 6 weeks. The tendency to use old blood first to rotate stocks would mean that much of the blood used would be over the two week limit said to be dangerous. Blood can't be frozen or the red blood cells burst. Huge volumes are used in transplant and heart surgery that have been much more common over the last few years. Much of the blood used in these cases ends up on the floor. If a blood bank supply reaches the two week limit, supplies are said to be critically low. There needs to be a redevelopment of the practice of blood supply and distribution, Perhaps with alternatives to whole blood and the types surgery being considered. 'Keyhole' heart surgery is one option that has that saves the need for huge transfusions, and patient stress. Something I considerd as a comparison. How long can pasteurized, homogenized milk be kept in the fridge before it goes sour ?
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POPSOvereating disrupts web of genes. They say perhaps they can develop drugs that will solve the problem.? Perhaps sensible eating would be a good idea. We don't have any idea of the effects of a bad diet on our genes, amongst many other things. Many of these effects are no doubt passed down to the children.
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POPSRoyal jelly triggers queen genes I'm sure any beekeeper can tell you that a queen bee is just a worker that has been fed royal jelly, They wanted to study the process in more detail, because the principle is thought to work in other animals, including humans, and they were also trying to work out how to make 'clean' queens in an attempt to help repair the damage to the honey industry with what has become affected by something known as Colony Collapse disorder. They achieved the same results as royal jelly when they switched of a gene Dnmt3, which showed demetylization of DNA led to the development of certain traits. Studies continue, but in humans things like obesity,infertility, longevity, and brain disorders, are thought to be affected by the chemical effects on genes
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POPSGene map for synthetic life created in lab The Bacterium, M. genitalium has the smallest known genome of any truly living organism, with 485 working genes all in one chromosome. Viruses are smaller, but they cannot replicate by themselves. Dr Craig Ventner is described as a celebrity scientist. Struck me as an unusual way to describe a scientist.
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POPSJunk DNA tells tales of the pacific The 800 genetic markers studied, described as 'Junk DNA' are also known as 'microsatelites' and can vary a great deal between individuals, and can tell a great deal about a persons identity and history, according to the number of repeated segments. I'm sure they'll find a better name for junk when they discover how it fits into the gene sequence. I have trouble imagining it is there without having a function, or even an effect, but we still have a lot more to learn about DNA than we'd like to admit. Still, it could be like saying there is a reason for fingerprints besides identification. (Maybe grip?)
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POPSGene therapy could ease chronic pain I wonder why they can't just inject people with endorphins. Or use the same genes to create the endorphins outside the body. Sounds like a sales pitch to get people where it hurts.
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POPSMany negative drug studies don't see print Perhaps one of the reasons so many people on antidepressants, commit suicide. What does that say about cloning research. The public are obviously seen as nothing more as a market. What do you do if someone is depressed? Stun them with pharmaceuticals, and hope they don't wake up, or are too disoriented to argue. Of course you can always expect doctors to do what is right according to the information that is provided to them.
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POPSGene Combo May Hike Prostate cancer risk The research may lead to a blood test that can identify high risk individuals A statement struck me as bizarre - Looking at gene combos being a relatively new approach. They are about to release products of many strands of genetic research to the general public, and it has only just occurred to them that many diseases and conditions are a result of a gene 'combo'? I would have thought that had already been established. But the truth seems to be that while we can fathom some of the actions of single genes, the way they act in combination is a complete mystery. Evidence they Do Not Have Enough Information or understanding, to allow products of genetic research to enter the public domain. But that won't stop them.
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POPSHow to make your fish glow. First you take a pair of genes... There has been a lot of study in the field recombinant DNA for any number of reasons, and it's easy to think that it belongs strictly in the domain of science,and hope they know what they're doing. Science is not as much about knowing what you are doing, but having theories about what is possible and then using the scientific method to record what happens when tested. The principle behind experimentation is 'Lets try something and see what happens.' Often that is the only way something will be discovered. There are many factors to consider, generally a comparison between likely benefits and dangers and the likelihood of success based on the type of theory or past results. Mary Shelly sent us a warning Why did Dr Frankenstein create his monster? He wasn't sure if he could do it. He wanted to prove he could. There are no doubt untold benefits that can be acquired though genetic research, but we seem to be in a hurry to taunt the Sword of Damocles
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POPSStudy: Autism linked to Rare Gene Change The genetic variation, while rare, is a characteristic that can be detected to assist in the diagnosis, and further understand the way the condition of autism develops. The locations and functions of such genes, can shed light on the way they affect the thinking of someone diagnosed with Autism, and help determine the right combinations of genetic, pharmaceutical, and cognitive therapies.
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POPS273 Proteins found that AIDS Virus Preys on The AIDs virus is so simple that it is almost like a boot strap, with a protein mount point. Perhaps they could design a protein shell, with a 'lock' where the AIDs Virus 'key' is likely to fit, then Snap the Key off, spit it out and trap another virus. Protein Catalysts.
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POPSInner clock may lead Monarch butterflies They know where they are, according to the position of the sun. Scientists are trying to understand how a butterfly has this sense of direction, with a brain the size of a pin. Plants can grow according to the length of the day. Perhaps one day we'll develop a gene that will mean we can do without GPS
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POPSFragile X syndrome partly cured in mice Fragile X causes seizures,impaired memory, hyperactivity, and retardation It is caused by a mutation on the X chromoasome. the experiments are continuing. They are managing to manipulate genes with designer chemicals. Developments like this could be worth watching. They could have great potential.
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POPSMan Made Life Whoa. The implications from this will be enormous. If this project succeeds expect a concerted campaign of denial and attack from the religious conservatives.
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POPSScientists clone glow-in the-dark cats The cats glow due to a gene that is a marker gene, that can show a gene transplant can be possible, before more functional genes are used. The treatments and methods can then also be extended to other species including humans.
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