Tag Archives: genetically

Can Humans Be Genetically Enhanced Using George Church’s Renowned Genetic Improvement List?

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Biologist George Church Curates Beneficial Genetic Variants

Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images

“Why should only tall people have access to tall genes? And why should only intelligent people have access to smart genes? Instead of accepting genetic inequality, we aim to provide everyone the opportunity to select beneficial genes for themselves and their future offspring. Genetics should not be a game of chance.”

This is the vision of Bootstrap Bio, a startup striving to empower future parents by enhancing genetic qualities for their children. While it seems that affluent families might already have genetic advantages, the pressing question remains: Can we genuinely enhance our children’s genetics if we choose to?

To understand the possibilities, I began with the List of Protective and Enhanced Gene Variants, curated by Harvard biologist George Church. When I inquired about the list’s purpose, Church explained that it addresses common questions from his lectures—such as whether all rare genetic variants are detrimental and what types of enhancements might be feasible. This list is particularly popular among transhumanists interested in genetic engineering for superhuman traits.

Let’s delve into its details.

Are You Sure You Want Extra Fingers?

The list is intricate, containing over 100 items, yet only about half represent specific genetic mutations linked to concrete effects, with the rest stemming from animal research or medical trials. Church identified mutations that may yield significant “positive effects,” from disease resistance to lower aggression levels in men.

Some traits on this list, however, may not be universally desirable. For instance, a mutation could theoretically lead to six fingers on each hand, enhancing “manipulative capabilities.” But is that really an improvement? Imagine trying to find gloves that fit!

Additionally, two genetic deletions that cause pain insensitivity are also featured, yet lacking the ability to feel pain is not an enhancement—children who are pain-insensitive can suffer severe injuries.

Many remaining traits appear to fall into the “nice to have” category but may not warrant genetic modification. For instance, “low odor production” seems unnecessary in an era of deodorants. While I would appreciate being able to hold my breath longer or endure high altitudes, I doubt my descendants will value these traits as much.

Only a limited number of mutations confer highly desirable characteristics, like extended lifespans or enhanced intelligence—traits for which wealthier prospective parents might be willing to pay. Still, we lack sufficient confidence that incorporating these mutations into children will actually lead to increased intelligence or longevity.

Less Sleep, But at What Consequence?

It is crucial to note that some associations may be misleading, and certain genetic variations might not produce the anticipated effects. Moreover, achieving the desired outcome may depend on combinations of other specific mutations.

Trade-offs are often present too. For example, high-intelligence mutations may increase the risk of future blindness, and resistance to norovirus might predispose individuals to Crohn’s disease, as noted in Church’s list. Personally, I would prefer to be a bit less intelligent and tolerate occasional bouts of norovirus rather than risk potential consequences for my children.

Most variants do not explicitly list drawbacks, but that does not imply they are without consequences. Consider mutations associated with sleep deprivation; the essential role of sleep in maintaining brain health suggests that trade-offs likely exist.

Moreover, many people fail to realize that our understanding of these genetic variations is still developing. In many instances, it is uncertain whether a specific change is genuinely beneficial. This is because biologists must study vast populations—tens of thousands or more—carrying a particular genetic mutation to ascertain both its positive and negative effects.

Creating a Fair Genetic Lottery

To maximize the likelihood that an individual will benefit from genetic engineering, multiple genetic modifications may be necessary simultaneously. This is especially true concerning traits promoted by Bootstrap Bio, as height and intelligence rely on hundreds of mutations, each contributing marginally. The challenge is that we currently lack the technology to safely implement multiple changes in human embryos, much less hundreds at once, as discussed in my previous article on preventing genetic illnesses.

I support the idea of genetic enhancement for children—it’s preferable to leaving a child’s destiny to a random genetic lottery. However, I remain skeptical about the immediate feasibility of heritable genome editing. Expanding studies like the UK Biobank, which tracks large populations over the years to clarify genetic variant effects, is essential.

Finally, the notion that companies offering genetic enhancements can create a fairer world deserves scrutiny. Currently, a fifth of all children worldwide are born shorter than their potential due to inadequate nutrition, and many lack access to quality education. Those genuinely interested in enhancing children’s life chances should prioritize ensuring that all children meet their existing genetic potential rather than focusing narrowly on selective gene enhancements.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Genetically Enhanced Microorganisms Could Optimize the Microbiota

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The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in health

Science Photo Library/Alamy

Genetically modified enterobacteria can effectively degrade compounds linked to kidney stones. This innovative approach to regulating gut microbiota could extend beyond just treating kidney stones, opening pathways for new therapies for various conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.

“The gut microbiota significantly influences our health and presents an exciting opportunity for intervention,” says Weston Whitaker from Stanford University in California. However, prior efforts in this area have encountered challenges. Bacteria, whether they are naturally occurring probiotics or genetically engineered strains, often struggle to colonize the large intestine because they must compete with the existing microbial flora.

In an innovative twist, Whitaker and his team decided to genetically modify bacteria that are already prevalent in most people’s intestines, specifically Phocaeicola vulgatus. “We aimed for a strain that would assimilate well into the gut environment,” he explains.

The research team made three key genetic modifications. The first enabled the bacteria to break down a compound called oxalates, which is known to contribute to kidney stones. The second modification allowed them to digest porphyran, a carbohydrate found in red seaweed, providing a competitive edge since most gut microbes do not utilize porphyran. The final adjustments made the bacteria dependent on porphyran for survival, allowing researchers to manage microbial growth effectively.

The researchers conducted a study involving 12 rats on a high-oxalate diet over four days, half of which were treated with genetically modified bacteria that could process oxalate. All rats received porphyran in their daily diet. After six days, those receiving the engineered bacteria had an average of 47% less oxalate in their urine compared to the control group.

The team also examined nine engineered microorganisms in cases of intestinal hyperoxaluria, a condition where excessive oxalate absorption leads to recurrent kidney stones. All subjects consumed 10 grams of porphyran daily for 28 days. On average, participants with the condition but without treatment displayed 27% more oxalate in their urine compared to those receiving the modified strains.

While this reduction in oxalate was not statistically significant, likely due to the small sample size, Whitaker notes that existing clinical trials indicate a 20% decrease in oxalate is sufficient to alleviate symptoms. Therefore, there remains hope for bacteria to help prevent kidney stones.

No serious side effects were reported among participants; however, those treated with genetically modified gut microorganisms were more prone to mild gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

A significant concern emerged from the genetic analysis of the gut microbiota of human subjects, conducted eight weeks post-supplementation, which revealed that only four individuals retained the engineered bacteria capable of digesting porphyran. This suggests that the modified bacteria exchanged genetic material with the resident gut microorganisms. Although this shouldn’t pose safety risks for participants, Whitaker emphasizes the necessity for further investigation in this area.

“This [approach] represents a major breakthrough,” states Christophe Thaiss at Stanford University, who was not involved in the study. He highlights the potential for designing intestinal microorganisms with therapeutic properties that can be reliably integrated into the gut, offering strategies to address various medical conditions.

“We understand that our gut microbiota is linked to many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer,” Whitaker observes. “However, the specific relationship between the microbiota and disease causation or prevention remains unclear,” he adds, emphasizing the need for further exploration into this approach.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Can Genetically Engineered “Woolly” Mice Aid in Reviving the Mammoth?

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Mouse modified to give a “mammoth-like” coat

Huge

There is Estimated genetic differences of 1.5 million Between wool mammoth and an Asian elephant. Colossal Biosciences, a company that seeks to revive extinct species through genetic engineering, now makes mice with “mammoth-like” fur, each with up to five genetic changes. It seems there's still a way to go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq9mvp_gg9y

Certainly, these mice have long, curly hair and blonde hair. In that way, it resembles a wool mammoth coat stored in permafrost. However, it is not clear that bringing the same genetic alterations in Asian elephants with far fewer hairs per area of ​​the skin will result in similar results.

“The work done with these mice doesn't mean there's a solution ready to regain the huge phenotype,” says team members. I love Darren At Stockholm University in Sweden, on the Scientific Advisory Committee of Corosal. “As you point out, we also need to understand how to grow more fur.”

Creating an Asian elephant with these genetic changes would also be much more difficult than doing it in a mouse. “Engineering mutations in mice are an established process and are not particularly challenging.” Dusko Ilic King's College London.

Mouse that has been fixed and unfixed

Huge

Techniques that work in mice often fail in other species, and the size of elephants and their slow breeding significantly increases the time and cost involved. “These methods have not been developed for elephants. They are not easy based on anatomy.” Vincent Lynch At Buffalo University, New York. “That's probably the biggest challenge.”

However, Lynch is undoubtedly achievable. surely, Thomas Hildebrandt At the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin, Germany – Another giant advisor – New Scientist His team is the first time they've collected eggs from elephants, but the results have not yet been made public. Egg collection is an important step in IVF and is a genetic modification of mammals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGT8SOKDSXO

So how did Colossal make a “mammoth” mouse? Researchers began by looking for known mutations in mice that looked like fur. “[T]The majority of these genes were selected based on previous observations of the coat phenotype in mice,” read in a paper published today, which has not been peer-reviewed.

They identified eight genes that affect patterns (curse), color and hair length when disabled in mice. According to Colossal, one of these eight is a mammoth and is naturally disabled.

From the mammoth genome, the team identified small mutations that are thought to affect hair patterns, along with another disordered gene involved in fat metabolism.

The company then tried to modify these genes in mice. For example, one experiment used CRISPR gene editing to attempt to disable five of these genes in fertilized eggs. From 134 edited eggs, 11 puppies were born, and one of these puppies invalidated copies of both five genes.

Fur stored in frozen mammoth rank

Arami Stock Photo

In another study, the researchers used a form of CRISPR called base editing to abolish several genes in embryonic mouse stem cells. They combined this with another technique called homologous recombination to create the exact mutations found in the mammoth genome. Make accurate changes is much more difficult than disabling genes, but the recombination method works well only in the mouse.

The team then sequenced the cells to identify cells with the desired change and injected into mouse embryos to create chimeric mice. Of the 90 injected embryos, seven mice were born with four intended changes.

These experiments can be said to be successful in producing several mice with desirable physical changes in the fur, but only one genetic change is in exact agreement with what is found in the mammoth genome. It takes more work to achieve Colossal's stated purpose With the creation of “a cold-resistant elephant with all the core biological properties of wool mammoths,” and the elephant pregnancy lasting for about two years, Colossal is in time for a spontaneous 2028 deadline.

“Elephants with fur are not mammoths in the way we think of them.” Juan Antonio Rodriguez At the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He says many of the 1.5 million differences between the mammoth and the Asian elephant genome may not be effective, but it is not clear which is more important.

Even if we did, it's dangerous to make broader changes, says Rodriguez. “The more things change in organisms, the more likely they are to tinker with major metabolic pathways and genes.”

Rodriguez, Lynch and Irik are all

Source: www.newscientist.com

Study finds Neanderthal populations were genetically and socially isolated for tens of thousands of years

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In 2015, archaeologists discovered Neanderthal fossils. Grotte Mandolin is located on the Mediterranean coast of France, in the shadow of a rock overhanging directly into the Rhône River valley. Nicknamed Thorin, the fossil is one of the most similar Neanderthal remains found in France since its discovery in Saint-Césaire in 1979. Globe Institute researcher Martin Sikora and his colleagues combined archaeological, chronostratigraphic, isotopic, and genomic analyses to reveal that Thorin belonged to a Neanderthal population that remained genetically isolated for 50,000 years. Apart from Thorin’s lineage, they found evidence of gene flow in the genome of the Les Côtés Neanderthal from another lineage that diverged from the ancestral lineage of European Neanderthals more than 80,000 years ago. The findings suggest the existence of multiple isolated Neanderthal communities in Europe close to the time of extinction and shed light on their social organization. Despite the close geographical proximity of these populations, there was limited, if any, interaction between the different Neanderthal populations during the last millennium.

Neanderthal. Image courtesy of Abel Grau, CSIC Communication.

“When we look at the Neanderthal genome, we see that they were quite inbred and didn’t have a lot of genetic diversity,” Dr Sikora said.

“They’ve lived in small groups for generations.”

“Inbreeding is known to reduce the genetic diversity of populations, which if continued over long periods of time can have negative effects on the viability of the population.”

“The newly discovered Neanderthal genome is from a different lineage to other late Neanderthals studied so far.”

“This supports the idea that Neanderthal social organization was different from that of early modern humans, who appear to have been more connected.”

“In other words, compared to Neanderthals, early modern humans were more likely to connect with other groups, which was advantageous for their survival.”

“This is purely speculation, but the concept of being able to communicate more and exchange knowledge is something humans can do that Neanderthals, who were organized in small groups and lived isolated lives, may not have been able to do to some extent.”

“And that’s an important skill,” noted Dr Tarshika Vimala, a population geneticist at the University of Copenhagen.

“We see evidence that early modern humans in Siberia, living in small communities, formed so-called mating networks to avoid problems with inbreeding, something that wasn’t seen in Neanderthals.”

Thorin’s fossils were first discovered in Mandolin Cave in 2015. Mandolin Cave is a cave that is thought to have been the site of an early Homo sapiens But not at the same time, and he is still being slowly unearthed.

Based on Thorin’s location in the cave deposits, archaeologists have speculated that he may have lived approximately 45,000 to 40,000 years ago.

To determine his age and relationships to other Neanderthals, the team extracted DNA from his teeth and jaw and compared his entire genome sequence to previously sequenced Neanderthal genomes.

Surprisingly, initial genome analysis suggested that Thorin’s genome was very different from other late Neanderthals and very similar to the genomes of Neanderthals who lived more than 100,000 years ago, suggesting that Thorin is much older than archaeological estimates.

To solve the mystery, the researchers analyzed isotopes from Thorin’s bones and teeth to gain insight into the type of climate he lived in. Late Neanderthals lived during the Ice Age, while early Neanderthals enjoyed a much warmer climate.

Isotopic analysis showed that Thorin lived in a very cold climate and was identified as a late Neanderthal.

Compared to previously sequenced Neanderthal genomes, Thorin’s genome is most similar to the individual from Gibraltar, leading the authors to speculate that Thorin’s population may have migrated from Gibraltar to France.

“This means that a previously unknown Neanderthal population was present in the Mediterranean, stretching from the westernmost tip of Europe to the Rhône Valley in France,” said Dr Ludovic Slimac, researcher at Toulouse-Paul Sabatier University and CNRS.

Knowing that Neanderthal communities were small and isolated may hold the key to understanding their extinction, because isolation is generally thought to be detrimental to a population’s fitness.

“It’s always a good thing for one group to have contact with another,” Dr Vimala said.

“Prolonged isolation limits genetic diversity and reduces the ability to adapt to changes in climate and pathogens. It’s also socially limiting, as they don’t share knowledge or evolve as a group.”

But to truly understand how Neanderthal populations were structured and why they became extinct, researchers say many more Neanderthal genomes need to be sequenced.

“If we had had more genomes from other regions over the same time period, we probably would have found other deeply structured populations,” Dr Sikora said.

A paper on the results of this study was published today. journal Cell Genomics.

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Ludovic Slimak others2024. The long genetic and social isolation of Neanderthals before their extinction. Cell Genomics 4(9):100593;doi: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100593

Source: www.sci.news

Golden Rice, Genetically Modified, Poised for Success in the Philippines

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Golden rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A

Ili

Farmers in the Philippines may be able to continue growing golden rice, which has been genetically modified to fight malnutrition, despite a court ruling revoking permits to grow it.

Adrian Duboc, a member of the Golden Rice Humanitarian Committee that guided the production of Golden Rice, said the Philippine government would oppose the decision. “A challenge will be filed in the Court of Appeals and I think it will probably be successful,” he says.

Golden Rice was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. As a result, it is estimated as follows. Up to 500,000 children go blind every yearHalf of them die within a year.

This is completely preventable if the child eats sufficient amounts of vitamin A or foods containing vitamin A precursors such as beta-carotene. This orange pigment, found in vegetables such as carrots, is converted into vitamins in the body.

In the 1980s, a group of scientists set out to genetically modify rice to contain beta-carotene, and it became known as golden rice because of its color.

The project became a major target for campaigners against genetically modified crops, and adoption of Golden Rice was significantly delayed. “The suspicions raised by Greenpeace were very effective,” Dubock said.

In 2021, the Philippines became the first country to approve the cultivation of golden rice (locally known as Marsog or healthy rice). It was previously approved as safe to eat. It is also approved for human consumption in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Rice cultivation and consumption is promoted by the Philippine Rice Institute, a government corporation.

This means that over the past three years, those who could benefit from that rice have finally been able to eat it. For example, the city of San Mateo introduced golden rice this year to its school lunch program for severely underweight infants.a recent research One in six children under the age of five in the Philippines has been found to be vitamin A deficient.

However, on April 17, the Philippine Court of Appeals revoked Golden Rice's permit following a lawsuit filed by Greenpeace Southeast Asia and other groups.

“This decision is a monumental victory for Filipino farmers and Filipinos who have been fighting against genetically modified (GM) crops for decades,” said Greenpeace Southeast Asia activist Wilhelmina Peregrina. stated in a statement.

Dubock said it is his understanding that the court's decision was based on a specific technical error that occurred during the approval process. “We have to assume that the Philippine government will win the appeal,” he says.

in a statementthe Philippine Rice Research Institute said it is reviewing the impact of the court's decision to prepare a response.

Scientists have also applied for permission to grow golden rice in Bangladesh, but the country has been delaying a decision since 2017. “The need is greater than the Philippines,” Duboc said.

There is also significant vitamin A deficiency in many African countries, he says.

In his own research, Dubock compared the health outcomes of children eating golden rice to other types of rice, and hopes the results will encourage more countries to adopt golden rice.

topic:

  • Genetic recombination/
  • nutrition

Source: www.newscientist.com

Mutated, Genetically Unique Strains of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Found on the ISS by Biologists

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Enterobacter bugandensis It is mainly present in clinical specimens such as the human gastrointestinal tract.

Example workflow illustrating the process of comparative genomics analysis Enterobacter bugandensis, its prevalence and metabolic interactions within the microbial community, and assess its adaptation success within the ISS habitat. Image credit: Sengupta other., doi: 10.1186/s40168-024-01777-1.

The International Space Station (ISS) is a testament to humanity's achievements in space exploration.

Despite a highly controlled environment characterized by microgravity, increased carbon dioxide levels, and increased solar radiation, microorganisms occupy a unique niche.

These resident microbial bacteria play an important role in influencing the health and well-being of astronauts.

One particularly interesting microorganism is the Enterobacter bugandensis, a Gram-negative bacterium notorious for its multidrug resistance.

“Microorganisms in the built environment have a significant impact on the health of residents,” says the lead author Dr. Kastri Venkateswaran by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and colleagues.

“The ISS is a highly controlled built environment with extreme conditions such as microgravity, solar radiation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels, providing a unique location to study microbial survival and adaptation. .”

“Recent studies have demonstrated that microorganisms exposed to microgravity acquire antibiotic resistance and become more virulent through rapid mutation and horizontal gene transfer.”

“Prolonged space travel in microgravity can compromise astronauts' immune systems and increase their vulnerability to disease.”

“The microbial population on the ISS can influence the astronauts' microbiome and could be replenished by the arrival of new crew members.”

“Understanding microbial colonization, inheritance, and interactions is therefore critical to ensuring the health of astronauts and managing microbial risks in isolated and confined human habitats.”

In the new study, the authors analyzed 13 bacterial strains. Enterobacter bugandensis It is isolated from the ISS.

Their results show that under stress these strains mutated and became genetically and functionally distinct compared to their terrestrial counterparts.

These strains were able to persist in large numbers on the ISS for long periods of time.

They coexisted with multiple other microorganisms, and in some cases may have helped those microorganisms survive.

“Our comprehensive analysis reveals not only how these interactions shape microbial diversity, but also the factors that may contribute to the potential dominance and inheritance of microorganisms. Ta. Enterobacter bugandensis within the ISS environment,” the researchers said.

“The implications of these findings are twofold,” they added.

“First, we shed light on the behavior, adaptation, and evolution of microorganisms in extreme and isolated environments.”

“Second, it highlights the need for strong precautions to ensure the health and safety of astronauts by mitigating risks associated with potential pathogen threats.”

of findings appear in the diary microbiome.

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P. Sengupta other. 2024. Genomic, functional, and metabolic enrichment in multidrug-resistant patients. Enterobacter bugandensis Facilitate survival and succession on the International Space Station. microbiome 12, 62; doi: 10.1186/s40168-024-01777-1

Source: www.sci.news

Could two genetically engineered mice save Valentine’s Day?

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love time

Valentine's Day celebrates coupling. Alan McWilliam told Feedback about an offer he received from a US-based biotech company before the most recent Valentine's Day. It combines charm with other qualities.

Alan says: “I received the following marketing email. I have never before been offered a “free breeding pair of genetically modified mice” for Valentine's Day. What could be more romantic than staring into the eyes of a mouse over the flame of a Bunsen burner before implanting a tumor and humanely euthanizing it a few weeks later? ”

Here are the notes:

“Dear Alan,

love is in the air, [REDACTED]share the love with a special Valentine's Day promotion just for you.

Theme: The perfect combination in research

Promotion: This Valentine's Day, we're giving away a free breeding pair of genetically modified mice using our genetic targeting service.

Coupon code: FREECOUPLE

This limited time offer is designed to enhance your studies and provide you with the perfect study companion. ”

Regardless of the romantic or commercial effects of this offer, its most powerful use may be as a psychological test. How would a person seemingly react to this opportunity?

political restraint

With a growing trove of top-notch data, British psychology researchers are keen to sift through it for lessons about leadership. Feedback infers this from news accounts.

of BMJ (formerly known as this) british medical journal) create medical care Note It has been reported that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is “fasting for 36 hours at the beginning of every week''. Sunak's past and current medical data may be of interest and inspiration to physicians, psychologists, and nutritional researchers. Over time, does the body of evidence expand or contract? How much of that inflation or deflation is due to leaders' first-person food control?

More complete data may already be available about the effects and effectiveness of self-regulation (or basically self-asserted restraint) by former Prime Minister David Cameron, who served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016. There is sex.

new scientistA 2015 report on Cameron Fluid Engineering explains: While this technique may be effective, it also appears to help people tell more convincing lies. ”

(By a happy coincidence, the 2011 Ig Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Award It was given to researchers in the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and the US to test the effectiveness of the delayed voiding technique. The award was announced naked weeks before Prime Minister David Cameron went public with his penchant for peeing. )

If it someday turns out that other British prime ministers have also exercised restraint, researchers will have even more data available.

Under the tarantula hole

Fascinating and surprising delights about living things can linger in the bibliography section of scientific papers about things that went extinct long ago.

Trilobite researchers still chat about their research. ”Frontal auxiliary impression of the Ordovician trilobite Darmanitina reed, 1905, from Varandian region, Czech Republic.' was published a few years ago. Earth Science Bulletin.

But only the most diligent researchers discovered something unexpected deep in the bibliography section at the end of the paper. It was a reference to the paper “''.Connection between heart and sucking stomach during tarantula ingestionWritten by Jason Dunlop, John Altringham, and Peter Mill, published in 1992 Journal of Experimental Biology.

And deep within that heart- and stomach-sucking paper lurks a different kind of surprise, a reminder that scientists must always proceed with caution. “In the absence of detailed information about the tarantula's body fluid flow, any model is speculative.”

gentle youth

Dave Kirby noticed another cookbook: anarchist cookbookperhaps a warning is needed (feedback suggested something like “If you don't cook the anarchist to the correct temperature, you may run into problems”).

Dave says: “In addition to the books you mentioned, you can also add the following. River Cottage Baby and Toddler Cookbook. My local restaurant's bookshelf is full of cookbooks, and I found this one there a few months ago.

“I was hesitant to look at the fine print on the menu.”

Depending on the cat

This is probably reassuring news for people who fear being temporarily separated from their cats.

A study conducted in California titled “Comparing people's attachment to romantic partners and pet cats'' was published in the journal anthropozoanAccording to a report, some people “don't necessarily need the reassurance from a cat or feel distressed in its absence, as would be the case with a romantic partner.”

Mark Abrahams hosted the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founded the magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Previously, he was working on unusual uses of computers.his website is impossible.com.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

First genetically modified banana approved by regulatory authorities

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Most banana plants are vulnerable to the fungal disease TR4

Ann Clark/iStockphoto/Getty Images

For the first time, genetically modified bananas have been approved for cultivation on farms. Regulators in Australia and New Zealand have given the green light to a Cavendish banana variety engineered to be resistant to a devastating fungal disease that is widespread in many countries around the world.

Australian Gene Technology Regulatory Authority issues license Allow commercial growth of modified bananas February 12th.

16 February, Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Approved as food, conclude that it is as safe and nutritious as traditional bananas. The food ministers of Australia and New Zealand can request a review of the decision within the next 60 days. Otherwise, approval is final.

The first banana widely eaten in Western countries was a variety called Gros Michel. However, by the 1950s, fusarium A fungal strain called Tropical Race 1 (TR1), which causes Panama disease, has forced farmers to switch to Cavendish bananas. Although reportedly not as tasty as Gros Michel, Cavendish is highly resistant to TR1.

Now, another stock fusariumIt is called TR4 and is popular all over the world. It can kill many varieties, including Cavendish.

team led by james dale Australia's Queensland University of Technology has created a resistant strain of banana called QCAV-4 by adding genes from wild bananas.

The decision is “a very important step towards creating a global Cavendish Banana safety net with TR4, which is already impacting many parts of the world,” Dale said. statement.

Quarantine measures currently limit the spread of TR4 in Australia, with only a small number of cases occurring each year. Therefore, there are currently no plans to grow QCAV-4 bananas on a large scale or sell them to consumers.

However, other countries where TR4 is more of a problem may decide to adopt genetically modified bananas. Dale's team now plans to use CRISPR gene editing QCAV-4 to make bananas resistant to another major fungal disease called black sigatoka which could mean it's even more attractive to farmers.

A Kenyan research team has already used CRISPR to create a strain of the Gonja Manjaya variety that is free of banana streak virus, a pathogen that integrates into the banana genome.

Genetically modified (GM) crops are now widely grown in many countries around the world, but in some regions, such as the United Kingdom and the European Union, very few crops are approved for cultivation by farmers.

in australia, Only four genetically modified crops have been approved so far. These are safflower, which contains high levels of oleic acid in its oil, and herbicide-resistant rapeseed (canola), Indian mustard, and cotton varieties.

However, Australia and New Zealand have approved Wider range of GM crops and edible products Similar to the situation in the UK and the EU.

topic:

  • Genetic recombination/
  • Eating and drinking

Source: www.newscientist.com

Irish Beer has a Genetically Unique Yeast in Guinness

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Some of the yeasts used to brew Guinness today are descendants of those used in 1903.

Artur Widak/NurPhoto SRL/Alamy

The yeast strain used to brew Guinness, Ireland's traditional stout, is genetically different from the yeast strains used to make other Irish beers.

Brewer's yeast (budding yeast) is an essential element in beer production. During fermentation, these microorganisms convert sugars from malt into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Using different strains of this yeast can result in different types of beer, such as stouts and lagers, and can also affect its flavor profile.

Daniel Kerruish A research team from food and drink company Diageo Ireland Unlimited has determined which yeasts are used to brew Guinness, based on records kept by the Guinness brewery since 1903 of the yeast strains used in its malty, bitter stout. investigated its evolution over many years.

The research team compared the genomes of 13 strains. S. cerevisiae There are up to 160 different strains, including those currently or historically used to brew Guinness, and six used by other Irish breweries.

Although Guinness yeast and other Irish brewer's yeasts belonged to the same lineage, Kerruish and his team discovered that they were genetically distinct enough that Guinness yeast belonged to a previously unidentified subpopulation. Did. Irish brewer's yeasts, other than Guinness, were more closely related to strains of British origin.

Guinness strains were also found to produce a particular balance of flavor compounds, including 4-vinylguaiacol, which produces a subtle clove-like aroma, and diacetyl, which imparts a buttery taste.

The research team also discovered that the two strains currently used in Guinness are descendants of the strain used to brew stout in 1903.

“The more we learn about Guinness yeast, the more we realize how unique and special it is,” says Keluisch. “Guinness is a great beer, so it probably won’t surprise you.”

“What's particularly unique and exciting about this study is that the company has very detailed records of past handling of the strains,” he says. brian gibson at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. “This information could be used to further develop these yeasts and others used in industrial applications.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com