Biotechblog

Indian scientists are stressing upon the need for developing a system of genome database and are also highlighting the importance of bioinformatics and its utilization in organization of huge data. They are also stating that bioinformatics and computing should be applied in identification of genes causing diseases and their cure with the aid of medical imaging.

They have also laid emphasis on 3D structure identification of genes and drug designing and stated that we were not away from the time when human beings would be carrying a genetic barcode identity. It is also being said that India is the only country where Bioinformatics was coined. Still a number of synthetic materials were required to be discovered and they can certainly help in improving upon the technological standards in a number of fields. Definitely Indian researchers have a very strong vision for the country.

Via hindustantimes

While talking on pro life issues to a group of experts, Pope Benedict XVI lashed out at genetic engineering and designer babies. Speaking to the group he expressed his views on the issue and condemned in vitro fertilization and diagnostic tests undertaken for the purpose of abortion.

Pope stated in his speech:

In developed countries, there is a growing interest for the most sophisticated biotechnological research to introduce subtle and extensive eugenics methods in the obsessive search for the perfect child.

He was opposed to the methods such as artificial insemination for deciding on the selection of the child and he stated that the right to life was being attacked in countries world over and as a result euthanasia was being promoted. I would probably agree with him on certain issues that we are playing with Mother Nature and this will certainly bring harm to the mankind.

Via lifenews

Researchers have found out tat a bit of gene tweaking could empower the human body in fighting off the most serious diseases. If you don’t believe me then read this following case to strengthen your facts:

MARK ORIGER of Watertown, Wisconsin, should be dead. In 2004 it became clear that conventional treatments for his skin cancer had failed. The disease had spread to his liver, and it wasn’t clear whether he’d live long enough to make it to his daughter’s wedding the following year. Yet he not only made it to the wedding, he is still alive today. His tumours are gone, and he appears to be free of cancer.

It was genetic engineering which came to his rescue. Cells taken from his body were given a programmed gene for attacking melanoma cells and then were again re implanted. The cells which were modified survived and destroyed all the tumors. Though this was just one of the patients who survived but it has rekindled hope that genetic engineering could work wonders for the mankind.

Via newscientist

With the aid of genetic engineering scientists can insert genes from one species into another which might not be possible naturally. One of the best examples of this is human genes in rice and fish genes in tomatoes. The biggest problem encountered is that insertion of genes might interfere with the genes of the animals or plants and hence cause the food to become toxic. This may further lead to interbreeding with natural organisms and hence contaminate various non genetic engineering environment and future generations might suffer as a result of this.

Some experts are of the opinion that genetic engineering might lead to unpredictable impact on health of human beings, animals and even plants. It is also quite difficult to recall these organisms if they are released in the environment. Genetic pollution is hard to control and Greenpeace and other organizations have been campaigning against such practices for almost a decade. Let us stop experimenting if we would like to save our world from any irreparable damage.

Via thepeninsulaqatar

Genetic researchers have found a new way that is expected to expand its role during human development in case of autism and mental retardation. These finding were found out during study of mutations which lead to rare genetic disease. The team of researchers was able to pinpoint the two genes which led to Cornelia deLange syndrome, a disease which can lead to grave consequences in human beings.

Ian D. Krantz, study leader stated:

Our work suggests that a subset of patients with mental retardation may have mutations in these genes, without showing the broader range of symptoms identified in diseases such as Cornelia deLange syndrome.

This research was published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The recent study states that mutations in the two genes results in mental retardation but with fewer pronounced facial features and no limb defects.

Via sciencedaily

Up till now it was thought that Rett syndrome could not be cured. It is regarded as a severe form of autism and researchers were able to reverse the symptoms in the case of adult mice through correction of errant gene. It is being regarded as a surprising development and up till now researchers used to assume that in case the brain did not wire itself correctly during certain stages of development it would not be possible to correct the deficit.

As of now it will not be possible to undertake this treatment on human beings as genetically engineered mice were used before conception but it has been figured out that neurons were intact and therefore it has encouraged new approaches.

This has rekindled the hope that it might be possible to treat Rett syndrome and even autism too.

Via nytimes

Some relief for people having problems with their hip joints!! Duke University researchers have developed a method which enables specific measurement of biomechanical properties of hip joints in the case of mice. They have found out that lubricin which is a joint fluid has an important role to play in keeping joints agile.

This has helped to come to a conclusion that treatments designed for increasing lubricin levels could aid in stopping the deterioration of arthritic joints. Tests conducted on mice showed that arthritic joints of mice lacked the gene which controlled production of lubricin showed greater friction as compared to joints of other animals and even at molecular level it demonstrated that joint cartilage of mutant animals appeared less stiff and rougher. This has suggested to the researchers that there can be a loss of cartilage mechanical integrity without requiring lubricin.

Stefan Zauscher, Professor, Pratt School said:

Lubricin has been considered important, but the experiments had not been done. This is the first look at the effects on biomechanics of lubricin’s presence or absence

All this has opened a new window of hope for joint patients.

Via sciencedaily

This can certainly help in clinical diagnosis. Genetic testing for eye diseases could certainly help in revealing important information regarding complex retinal diseases. Genetic testing is a new practice and it is being said that molecular diagnostics does not lead to the replacement of the ophthalmologist but it offers another tool to the ophthalmologist for diagnosis.

Genetic counseling comes handy when there is a risk of the patient facing blindness and hence it becomes necessary for the family to prepare all test results, understand the various implications of test results and deciding on the various limitations of genetic testing.

The review of the test was conducted over a period of five years at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center and the diagnosis has been confirmed in half of the cases.

Via sciencedaily

This could certainly help people suffering from hearing problems. Researchers are working on an implant for the inner ear which will be able to help them in regaining their sense of balance. Some tests have been conducted on animals with implants which will be able to aid people who have lost their balance as a result of some genetic illness or disorder.

These vestibular implants could help people in restoring their reflexes. The vestibular-ocular reflex get lost when hair in the inner ear tend to die but are replaced in tests on chinchillas with gyroscopic sensors which transmit information to the nerve through electrodes and hence bypass the dead hair cells.

Dr Santina stated on ears:

It’s the fastest reflex in the body. Without it, the world looks like you are watching it through a hand-held video camera.

If this works out it could certainly help people suffering from hearing problems. It will be a blessing in disguise for them.

Via tuvps

FDA has given the green signal to a new type of absorbable suture created from material which has been isolated from bacteria modified by recombinant DNA technology. Called as TephaFLEX Absorbable Suture, it has been developed by Tepha and has been made from designer biomaterials.

These sutures are based on a technology which is based on natural materials called polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHA polymers and have been synthesized by various microorganisms. When compared with other polymers these polymers are thermoplastic and hence can be processed like the plastic used as of now.

The biomaterials have been developed through proprietary transgenic fermentation process which is similar to one used for producing biopharmaceuticals but results in a very high yield. The company is also looking to incorporate polyhydroxyalkanoates in various implantable medical devices such as vascular grafts and artificial cardiac valves.

Via medgadget