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Biotech Archived News Items

Alzheimers may be caused by a recessive gene!

Discovering new antibiotics the long way

Cows and Humans have 83% identical DNA

Researchers have mapped out the human and cow genomes to discover that we are more alike than we thought. This discovery may aid in increasing our knowledge of phenomena such as lactation.

DNA used to prove early southwest humans were cannibals

Archaeologists use DNA analysis to recreate the last moments of a paleo-indian village.

Reaping the DNA rewards from soil microorganisms

Researchers work at isolating DNA from soil organisms in hopes of finding new antibiotics, fungicides, and other pharmaceuticals.

Using gold to see DNA

New DNA analysis technique may give doctors instant answers regarding a patients genetic makeup.

Using genetics to purify protein production

Researchers have found a way to safely produce human proteins, such as insulin, with the help of genetics.

Genetically modified crop model suggests that birds populations may suffer.

Scientists use a mathematical model to predict what effect using genetically modified crops may have on wildlife.

Gene therapy works for heart patients!

This may be one of the first successful gene therapy trials.

A link between Alzheimers disease and a prion-like protein has been discovered.

This finding may lead to new treatments of Alzheimers.

Using transposons as a new way to do gene therapy

Researchers may have found a new way to get genetic material into living cells.

A new spin on the use of classical gene therapy.

Researchers discover that a specific genetic sequence can be used as a trigger rather than a target. This method may eliminate current specificity problems.

Soil microbes may hold the key to new antibiotics, fungicides and more.

Researchers are harvesting the DNA from soil microbes to see if there gentic code holds the key to new pharmaceuticals.

Using information from the Human Genome project to find order in the chaos of skin cancer.

Reserachers utilize Human Genome data to uncover subtypes of melanoma, the deadly type of skin cancer.

Scientists urge caution in the use of telomerase.

Reserachers discover that telomerase can turn on cancer genes such as c-myc oncogene, and hence its use in molecular therapy should be used with caution.

Algae to be used in cleaning coal burning smoke stacks.

Scientists have found a way to use the process of photosynthesis to decrease carbon dioxide emissions from coal smoke stacks.

Spontaneous creation of artificial bacteria.

Reserachers discover a way to create a bacteria like structure.

Are human's changing the ecosystem through our over use of antibiotics?

Growing Plastic?

Reserachers discover a way to turn growing plants into plastics.

Third world countries and the debate over genetically modified crops.

Debate over the safety of genetically modified foods is a step backwards in the fight to stop starvation and hunger in third world countries.

Growing more crops on less land

Genetically improving crops to withstand environmental stress may allow future farmers to have two growing seasons in one year!

What's the latest news on big fruit?

Researchers discover that the gene in plants that makes their fruits bigger is similar to the human oncogene.

A Cure for Malaria

Scientists have figured out how to create a transgenic mosquito that glows in the dark. Using this technique researchers may find a way to prevent the spread of the disease Malaria, which is carried by the mosquito.

Immortal Cells

Scientists warn that caution is needed with cell line developed for therapeutic use.

A Cure for Diabetes

Researchers find a way to transplant insulin producing cells into diabetic animals and cure their diabetes. Could the same approach cure humans?

Slowing down bacterial resistance.

Scientists attack bacterial resistance from the point of RNA.

Using DNA to detect progress of bioremediation

Scientists evaluate bacterial progress at hazardous waste sites by seeing if the proteins needed to break down the toxins are present.

Lipids may be the origins of life on Earth.

Researchers look at lipid droplet formation as the first self-replicator.

Spices may protect bacteria from radiation treatments!

Studies show that radiation treatments used to kill bacteria in food may not be as effective if certain spices are also present.

Protein to give plants an immune system boost.

Researchers discovered that a protein called hairpin can be given to plants to increase their ability to protect themselves from pathogen and insect invaders.

Finding our way through the Human Genome!

Scientists find a way to locate specific genes from the human genome with the use of a DNA Biosensor.

Baby in a Bubble Saved Through Gene Therapy!

Gene therapy, as an idea, has been around for quite some time with few possitive results. In this months journal of Science there is a documented case of gene therapy reversing the defects caused by a missing gene.

Human Genome Cloned! (almost) What's next?

The next step in biotechnology is discovering the function of all proteins coded for in the human genome. Scientists call this new field of study Proteomics.

Finally the Drosophila genome is cloned!!

Due to a new approach in genome sequencing, researchers were able to fully clone the fruit fly genome in record time. This project provides immense amounts of information for future research.

Bioengineered bacterium gets the EPA's stamp of approval

Human Toxichip!!

Researchers use human gene chip to quickly screen toxicity of chemicals on human genes.

Mother Nature saves the day!

Using bacteria in the bioremediation of, the toxic and abundant pollutant, Toluene.

Biotechnology feeding the world

Is it the social responsibility of developed nations, with biotechnology resources, to provide assistance to developing countries with starving populations?

Algae as a renewable natural resource?

Scientists have found a way to flip a molecular switch in algae which causes them to produce Hydrogen gas.

Gene therapy for heart disease could be right around the corner.

Researchers show a reverse in cholesterol levels in mice treated with gene therapy.

Never brush your teeth again?

Maybe not, but researchers may have found a way to prevent tooth decay for life!

How did bacteria first sense oxygen?

Scientists discover myoglobin-like proteins in ancient bacteria. Evolutionary ties to todays bacteria and other living things explored!

Breathing DNA?

Researchers create a new type of probe that allows them to see vibration and other movements of DNA that were previously suspected, yet unconfirmed by data.

Using Gene therapy may prevent the need for repeat heart bypass surgery!

RNA as a computer?

Researchers use RNA and its biological properties to create a supercomputer of sorts.

Are redder tomatoes better for you?

New evidence shows that the crimson pigment in tomatoes is a key antioxidant needed for better health. Start looking for genetically enhanced crimson tomatoes at the supermarket!

Super Glue

Cloning marine mussel proteins to produce a truly super Glue is on the minds of industrial adhesive manufacturers.

Nicotine induces gene activity

Differing rates of nicotine related disease in men and women may be traced to a nicotine activated gene.

Researchers create Synthetic Antibodies

Synthetic antibodies open the door to new research techniques and medical advances.

Possible early detection of Clinical AIDS

Research group discovers pattern AIDS virus that may lead to early detection of Clinical AIDS.

New understanding of the our cells tiny motors

Recent findings about Molecular Motors may lead to new and interesting therapies.

Recent genetic findings should be used to fight diseases

One researcher believes that recent genetic findings should be used now to fight diseases. Also learn about different genetic diseases and techniques used to combat them.

Molecular Biologists question the "Out of Africa" hypothesis

Since the 1980s, molecular biologists have believed that modern humanity could be traced to Africa. Now, what is call the "Out of Africa" hypothesis is coming under fire due to new gene studies and fossil evidence.

AIDS Resistant Genes

Research shows that some people possess a particular variant of a gene that allows them to be resistant to HIV infection. This genetic trait that protects against AIDS is being studied farther.

Genetic Vaccines

Vaccines made out of genetic material may be the key to preventing major infections. Creating vaccines out of DNA or RNA may be our best bet for fighting diseases like AIDS and malaria.

New Device Invented to Detect Harmful Bacteria

Special biosensors can now be used to detect very small quantities of harmful bacteria. A laser is used to "read" the bacteria and send up a warning if it detects any amount of a harmful bacteria that it can recognize.

The Challenge of Antibiotic Resistance

In this article for Scientific American, microbiologist Stuart Levy discusses the growing problem of bacterial pathogens that are resistant to many of the current antibiotics.

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BIOTECH Project
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
The University of Arizona
September 20, 2000



http://biotech.biology.arizona.edu