"Science and Biotechnology Books Made Simple" |
"Science and Biotechnology Books Made Simple" |
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Newsday, Inc. 9/26/03 Influenza and Bioterrorism Scientists at For its survival, the flu virus constantly mutates, and hence, vaccines must be updated all the time. Drs. Ann Arvin and Harry S. Greenberg hope to study the immunity that develops following flu vaccination so that they can create a vaccine that could be used to protect people in the event of terrorism. Such a vaccine will be different from the immunizations used to prevent seasonal exposure to influenza viruses. To protect against influenza caused by bioterrorism, a vaccine would have to work quickly in the respiratory tract, in a matter of days. Using information from past influenza outbreaks,
such as the 1976 swine flu, the 1977 Russian flu or the avian flu scare
six years ago in Source-
SeatleTimes 9/16/03 Scientists transform stem cells into sperm Scientists in Japan were able to transform mouse embryonic stem cells into sperm cells. Embryonic stem cells are the early cells that reside in embryos and later differentiate into different types of cells needed to make an adult body. The researchers transferred the mixture of stem cells into mice, under the tissue capsule that surrounds the testes. Eventually, some of the cells transformed into sperms. The sperms then successfully penetrated the outer shell of mouse eggs. The fertilized eggs underwent cell divisions before becoming an embryo. According to Dr. Toshiaki Noce, further tests are needed to see if those early embryos can continue to divide and develop into fetuses and baby mice. In May, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania were able to make eggs from either male or female stem cells. However, only male stem cells are needed to make sperm cells. These studies could lead to new methods of reproduction and other biological applications. It could also open new doors over ethical controversies. Source-
Science Dailey 9/03/03 Diabetes-resistant Mouse Lacking the SCD-1 Gene A mouse, in which a gene known as SCD-1 is removed, is able to resist the onset of diabetes II. The mouse is also immune to the weight gain effects of a high-calorie, high-fat diet. The gene SCD-1 codes for an enzyme that affects the production of fatty acids. Humans who may lack the SCD-1 equivalent, remain lean and without diabetes, despite a fatty diet. “We are beginning to suspect that obese
individuals have increased expression of this enzyme,” says Dr. James
Ntambi, a In the mice lacking the gene SDC-1, the Source-
8/21/03 Control Stems from MicroRNAs According to a paper published in the journal Dev. Cell, authors H. Houbavity and his group showed that the ability of embryonic stem (ES) cells to produce almost any body tissue may be partly controlled by strings of 20-24 nucleotides, known as microRNAs (miRNAs). The researchers identified 12 miRNA-encoding genes in the ES cells from mice. Six of these genes, are switched off when the ES cells differentiate into tissues called embryoid bodies. The scientists suggest that these genes may turn off other genes involved in ES-cell differentiation. These RNA are not found in adult mammalian cells examined so far. The study also showed that three miRNA genes found in humans are related to the mouse genes. Researchers are trying to manipulate stem cells for therapeutic purposes. Source-
8/8/03 HIV Vaccine’s First Human Tests Phase I trial of a vaccine against the HIV subtype
that is common in subSaharan African and A Durban-based biotech company, AlphaVax, helped
develop the technology and manufactured the trial vaccine. To insure that VEE will not cause an infection,
the vaccine contains only a copy of a small section of HIV gene and does
not include the genes needed to make a live virus. The vaccine targets cells in the lymph nodes, which are important for the immune system. The vector will express “gag,” a major protein in the HIV particle, inducing the immune system to respond to it. Source-
Sun-sentinel.com
7/16/03 Couch Potato Gene? A study shows that some people with a certain genetic variation are prone to lack of activity. About 60 percent of Americans are not active which contributes to many problems including cancer and stroke. Researchers estimate that 20 to 50 percent of variation between people's activity levels and response to exercise is genetic. Other factors, such as environmental, health status, diet and age contribute to lack of activity. The study found that people with a certain variation of a gene interfered with signals from the brain to tell the body to consume energy. Affected individuals were 10 percent less active than those who don't have the variation in their gene. The goal of the study is to create an exercise program that tailors best with a person's genetic make-up to help prevent or treat certain illnesses related to inactivity.
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