http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/genetically_modified/ Genetically modified food, crops and GMO issues. Read current science articles on genetic engineering including mice with glowing hearts, disease-resistant mosquitos, GM bacteria chips and more. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/genetically_modified/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135840.htm Over-reliance on glyphosate-type herbicides for weed control on US farms has created a dramatic increase in the number of genetically-resistant weeds, according to agricultural researchers, who say the solution lies in an integrated weed management program. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208152340.htm Scientists searching for the genomics version of the holy grail – more insight into predicting how an animal’s genes affect physical or behavioral traits – now have a reference manual that should speed gene discoveries in everything from pest control to personalized medicine. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208152340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208090146.htm A large-scale study analyzing metabolic compounds in rice grains has identified 131 rice metabolites and clarified the genetic and environmental factors that influence their production. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208090146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206122456.htm Scientists have for the first time made finest details of nerve cells in the brain of a living mouse visible. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206122456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201180612.htm Mediterranean seagrass meadows contain genetically identical clones up to 15 kilometers apart, suggesting that these organisms must be thousands to tens of thousands of years old. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201180612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201104637.htm Scientists analyzing the release of genetically modified insects into the environment have found that access to accurate scientific information can be misleading. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201104637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131102521.htm Scientists have shed new light on the way superbugs such as MRSA are able to become resistant to treatment with antibiotics. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131102521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140013.htm 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. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172319.htm Tumor-targeted bioluminescent bacteria have been shown for the first time to provide accurate 3-D images of tumors in mice, further advancing the potential for targeted cancer drug delivery. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140103.htm A three year feeding study has shown no adverse health effects in pigs fed genetically modified (GM) maize.  The maize, which is a Bt-maize bred for its insect resistant properties, was sourced from Spain. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120107151904.htm Researchers refute claims by Greenpeace Germany that the western bean cutworm is "a new plant pest" that was "caused by genetically engineered corn." The Greenpeace Germany report offers a "surprisingly simplistic conclusion" regarding the spread of western bean cutworm over the last decade, according to researchers. Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120107151904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105175830.htm In the two and a half years since scientists discovered how a class of proteins find and bind specific sequences in plant genomes, researchers worldwide have moved fast to use this discovery. Now, the next step has been taken by determining the 3-D structure of a TAL effector bound to DNA. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105175830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145844.htm The knowledge that bacteria possess adaptable immune systems that protect them from individual viruses and other foreign invaders is relatively new to science, and researchers across the globe are working to learn how these systems function and to apply that knowledge in industry and medicine. Now, a team of researchers has discovered how to harness this bacterial immune system to selectively target and silence genes. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105111946.htm Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that the Anopheles mosquito’s innate immune system could be genetically engineered to block the transmission of the malaria-causing parasite to humans. In addition, they showed that the genetic modification had little impact on the mosquito’s fitness under laboratory conditions. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105111946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111225144318.htm RNA editing is a key step in gene expression. Scientists now report that they have engineered a gene capable of visually displaying the activity of the key enzyme ADAR in living fruit flies. Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111225144318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190237.htm Chronic infections by viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C eventually take hold because they wear the immune system out, a phenomenon immunologists describe as exhaustion. Yet exhausted immune cells can be revived after the introduction of fresh cells that act like coaches giving a pep talk, researchers have found. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209123216.htm Scientists have developed an efficient, cost-effective liquid solution that fights antibiotic-resistant bacteria on hospital surfaces and keeps patients safe from life-threatening infections. It's easy to prepare, easy to apply, non-toxic -- and it will cost just a few dollars per quart. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209123216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208141937.htm Researchers have found a key process in a plant's immune system response that may help future crops fight off dangerous diseases. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208141937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208092715.htm To swim or not? The same biological control that determines which capability genetically identical Salmonella will have impacts the virulence of the food pathogen. Swimmers do better in the gut, but non-motile Salmonella avoid triggering killer cells. An unusual protein turns on or off the manufacture of swimming apparatus in each new bacterium. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208092715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130120112.htm New research describes how by using magnetic resonance imaging and nanoparticle technology, scientists can monitor the growth of laboratory-engineered blood vessels after implantation in patients. This is an important step toward ensuring that blood vessels, and tissues engineered from a patient's own biological material, are taking hold and working as expected. This is the first method for monitoring the growth and progress of engineered tissues once they are implanted. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130120112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121114757.htm Genetically modified animals are designed to contain the spread of pathogens. One prerequisite for the release of such organisms into the environment is that the new gene variant does not spread uncontrollably, suppressing natural populations. Scientists have now established that certain mutations are maintained over an extended period if two separate populations exchange individuals with one another on a small scale. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121114757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104509.htm An international team of scientists has created super-strong, high-endurance mice and worms by suppressing a natural muscle-growth inhibitor, suggesting treatments for age-related or genetics-related muscle degeneration are within reach. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115180317.htm Patients who rely on recombinant, protein-based drugs must often endure frequent injections, often several times a week, or intravenous therapy. Researchers have demonstrated the possibility that blood vessels, made from genetically engineered cells, could secrete the drug on demand directly into the bloodstream. In a new study, they provide proof-of-concept, reversing anemia in mice with engineered vessels secreting erythropoietin (EPO). Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115180317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108201544.htm In the world of engineering, “noise” – random fluctuations from environmental sources such as heat – is generally a bad thing. In electronic circuits, it is unavoidable, and as circuits get smaller and smaller, noise has a greater and more detrimental effect on a circuit’s performance. Now some scientists are saying: if you can’t beat it, use it. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108201544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161056.htm Researchers have shown that eliminating cells that accumulate with age could prevent or delay the onset of age-related disorders and disabilities. The study, performed in mouse models, provides the first evidence that these "deadbeat" cells could contribute to aging and suggests a way to help people stay healthier as they age. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027112520.htm Multiple sclerosis is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For a long time, pathogens were believed to be such external influences. According to scientists from Germany, however, it is apparently not harmful bacteria that trigger multiple sclerosis, but beneficial ones -- specifically, the natural intestinal flora, which every human being needs for digestion. The researchers discovered that genetically modified mice develop an inflammation in the brain similar to the human disease if they have normal bacterial intestinal flora. The microorganisms begin by activating the immune system's T cells and, in a further step, the B immune cells. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027112520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025143522.htm Any way you slice it, bread that contains critical nutrients could help combat malnutrition in impoverished regions. That is the goal of a group of undergraduate students who are enhancing common yeast so that it makes vitamin-producing bread. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025143522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111023135717.htm A genetically engineered clotting factor that controlled hemophilia in an animal study offers a novel potential treatment for human hemophilia and a broad range of other bleeding problems. A research team took the naturally occurring coagulation factor Xa and engineered it into a variant that safely controlled bleeding in mouse models of hemophilia. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111023135717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024712.htm Scientists have developed Bt toxins for the management of Bt resistance in European corn borer and other crop pests. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017102547.htm Cave millipedes of the genus Tetracion are found on the southern Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee and Alabama, USA. New genetic analyses show that their populations are generally isolated and genetically distinct. Genetic divergence between two species of Tetracion suggests they diverged several million years ago. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017102547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112310.htm Molecular DNA testing methods offer clinicians powerful tools that serve to confirm or identify disease diagnoses. High sensitivity and high specificity, however, are frequently a challenge to achieve with these methods. Researchers now describe a new, robust technique that holds promise for identifying trace mutant DNA sequences (signals) in an overwhelming population of unmutated DNA (noise). Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007102111.htm Rapid population growth and a swiftly changing climate compound the challenges of ensuring a secure global food supply. Genetically modified plants could help to solve the problem, believes Norwegian a crop researcher. By 2050, 70 per cent more food will need to be produced worldwide on roughly the same area of farmland to keep up with global population growth. At the same time, major changes in climate are expected to occur. Some agricultural researchers believe that in order to ensure a secure global food supply, we will have to use every existing means -- including genetically modified organisms (GMO). Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007102111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004180106.htm A study into the muscle development of several different fish has given insights into the genetic leap that set the scene for the evolution of hind legs in terrestrial animals. This innovation gave rise to the tetrapods -- four-legged creatures, and our distant ancestors -- that made the first small steps on land some 400 million years ago. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004180106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123554.htm Researchers have discovered that the hormone orexin activates calorie-burning brown fat in mice. Orexin deficiency is associated with obesity, suggesting that orexin supplementation could provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. An orexin-based therapy would represent a new class of fat-fighting drugs -- one that focuses on peripheral fat-burning tissue rather than the brain's appetite control center. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927155224.htm Most of what we have come to think of as our daily fruits, vegetables, and grains were domesticated from wild ancestors. Over hundreds and thousands of years, humans have selected and bred plants for traits that benefit us -- traits such as bigger, juicier, and easier-to-harvest fruits, stems, tubers, or flowers. But how do long-lived species respond to short-term selection processes, and will this information be helpful in predicting responses to rapid climate changes? Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927155224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926111403.htm Mitochondria are compartments within cells and have their own DNA. The key protein required for the expression of the genetic information in this DNA is the mitochondrial RNA polymerase enzyme. Its three-dimensional structure has now been determined in atomic detail. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926111403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923194736.htm Powerful lobby groups opposed to genetically modified (GM) food are threatening public acceptance of the technology in Europe, research suggests. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923194736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921172851.htm A strain of genetically enhanced bacteria developed by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies may pave the way for new synthetic drugs and new ways of manufacturing medicines and biofuels, according to a new paper. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921172851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919131612.htm The biotech industry boosted farming across the globe to the tune of almost $65 billion during the period 1996 to 2009, according to the latest analysis. $65 billion is the increase in net farm income, the farm level benefit after paying for the seed and its biotech traits. Researchers estimate that almost half of that was derived by farmers in the developing world. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919131612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110917082732.htm Modifying soybean seed to increase phosphorus content can improve animal nutrition and reduce feed costs and nutrient pollution. However, further research is needed to commercialize this valuable technology. Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110917082732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113738.htm Researchers have developed polymers that fluoresce in the presence of bacteria, paving the way for the rapid detection and assessment of wound infection using ultra-violet light. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914131325.htm Scientists have decoded and compared the genome sequence of 17 mouse strains, developing a valuable mouse genetic blueprint that will accelerate future research and understanding of human genetics. The team found an astonishing 56.7 million SNPs among the strains, in addition to other more complex differences, and used these sequence differences to uncover genetic associations with more than 700 biological differences, including markers for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914131325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914122654.htm Consumers are eager to get their hands on, and teeth into, foods that are genetically modified to increase health benefits - and even pay more for the opportunity, new research shows. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914122654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103113.htm A new article reviews the history and current state of ethanol production of sugarcane in Brazil and presents a strategy for improving future ecosystem services and production. Researchers introduce a new approach that prioritizes a sustainable and responsible way of producing ethanol called the "midway" strategy. This innovative strategy involves producing the necessary biotechnology to increase biomass yield and ethanol production. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913103113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143541.htm It's no secret that a high-fat diet isn't healthy. Now researchers have discovered a molecular clue as to precisely why that is. Mice lacking a gene-expression-controlling enzyme fed a high-fat diet experience rapid thickening of the heart muscle and heart failure. This link -- at least in mice -- has implications for people on so-called Western diets and combating heart disease. Modulating the enzyme's activity could be a new pharmaceutical target. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912102126.htm Toxin proteins are genetically engineered into our food because they kill insects by perforating body cell walls, and now researchers studying membrane proteins have detected the molecular mechanism involved. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912102126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145112.htm Scientists have dramatically expanded the palette of fluorescent highlighters that can be used to track the movement of messengers inside of single cells. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110819080957.htm Researchers have found a simple way to grow muscle tissue with a real muscle structure in the laboratory. They found that the muscle cells automatically align themselves if they are subjected to tension in one direction -- this is essential for the ability of the muscle cells to exert a force. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110819080957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816112641.htm Researchers have discovered a key mechanism that -- much like a construction site foreperson -- controls the direction of plant growth as well as the physical properties of the biopolymers that plants produce. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816112641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162337.htm Researchers strengthen their theory that caffeine guards against skin cancer. Based on research on mice, scientists believe that caffeine applied directly to the skin may ultimately be effective as a topical sunscreeen. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811201523.htm Thousands of tons of toxic mercury are released into the environment every year. Much of this collects in sediment where it is converted into toxic methyl mercury, and enters the food chain ending up in the fish we eat. New research showcases genetically engineered bacteria which are not only able to withstand high levels of mercury but are also able to mop up mercury from their surroundings. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811201523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810101559.htm Genetically engineered spider silk could help overcome a major barrier to the use of gene therapy in everyday medicine, according to a new study. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810101559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805163551.htm Scientists are urging federal officials to decide whether genetically engineered salmon would be allowed for US consumption and arguing that not doing so may set back scientific efforts to increase food production. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805163551.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805135351.htm Researchers found that use over time and not just genetics informs the structure of jaw bones in human populations. The researchers say these findings may be used to predict the diet of an ancient population, even if little evidence exists in the fossil record. It can also make it easier for scientists to pinpoint the genetic relationship between fossils. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805135351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728144800.htm Researchers have developed a toolkit that enables them to turn off targeted cell populations while leaving others unaffected. The group focused on serotonin-producing neurons, observing how mice behave in a normal environment when suddenly their serotonin neurons are turned down. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728144800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721142414.htm Researchers in Alberta, Canada, have published a step-by-step plan to end the use of environmentally harmful chemicals on commercial crops by developing plants that produce their own fertilizer. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721142414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110719161548.htm By altering the genetic makeup of normally "unexcitable" cells, bioengineers have turned them into cells capable of generating and passing electrical current. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110719161548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713102023.htm If genetically modified Atlantic salmon were to escape from captivity they could succeed in breeding and passing their genes into the wild, researchers have found. Their research explores the potential reproductive implications of GM salmon as they are considered for commercial farming. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713102023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711164557.htm When it comes to how they respond to the environment, trees may not be that different from humans. Recent studies showed that even genetically identical human twins can have a different chance of getting a disease. This is because each twin has distinct personal experiences through their lifetime. According to new research, it turns out that the same is likely true for forest trees as well. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711164557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711164533.htm A team of researchers is making a connection between prehistoric times and the present -- ancient algae that can produce their own biofuel -- that could result in genetically creating a replacement for oil and coal shale deposits. Their discovery could have fundamental implications for the future of Earth's energy supplies. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711164533.htm