Longevity Medicine » Biotechnology

New technology licensed by Pain Therapeutics for treating hemophilia

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

Do you know that Hemophilia is a rare inherited blood clotting disorder which affects more than 4, 00,000 people worldwide? In order to cure this disease, Pain Therapeutics has licensed a new technology for treatment of this disorder. It was Stanford University School of Medicine which originally developed this technology and it would be entering the clinic by 2008. Remi Barbier, President and CEO, Pain Therapeutics stated: This licensing is part of our strategy to develop novel drug candidates in hematology/oncology, while maintaining a business model that requires a modest outlay of cash. Within a year the company would be developing a novel drug candidate which would be targeting major mechanism underlying hemophilia. Though the basic research would be undertaken at Stanford Pain Therapeutics would be focusing on the clinical program. Let’s hope that this time we are able to eradicate this disease from this world. Via prnewswire

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B-12 vitamin puzzle solved by MIT biologist

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

This mystery had troubled researchers for decades but Harvard and MIT researchers have finally been able to join all the pieces together. They have been able to figure out the last link of the synthesis pathway of vitamin B-12. This vitamin makes an immense contribution to the health of human beings. The researchers found out that a single enzyme synthesis the fragment and this outlines a new reaction mechanism which requires cannibalization of another vitamin. Graham Walker, Professor of biology, MIT stated: The work, which has roots in an MIT undergraduate teaching laboratory, completes a piece of our understanding of a process very fundamental to life. Researchers have now come to know that a mutant which has a defective form of enzyme known as BluB results ion B12 not being synthesized. Now a question which still needs to be solved is at to why soil bacteria synthesize B12 at all. Let’s hope the researchers come up with an answer for this question too. Via biologynews

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South Korea again gives a go ahead to use of human eggs in cloning research

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

South Korea is playing a risky game as it has given the permission for using human eggs in cloning research despite a high level scandal in their country which involved one of their top scientists admitting to his involvement in doctored research work. Hwang Woo-suk was the scientist who had claimed that he had cloned human embryos and extracted stem cells from them but it was found out that all his claims were false. What raised eyes were when eggs required for research were donated by a female scientist in his team and this questioned the ethics of such practice. This shameful incident caused Hwang Woo-suk to resign from his post at the Seoul National University and is now facing trial for misappropriation of government funds. In order to get over the shameful act the government has again given a go ahead to use of human eggs in cloning but this time with an act of caution and under a new set of guidelines has asked that researchers should only use eggs which are to be destroyed after fertility treatments or from other legal ways and a prior license would have to be obtained from the government for undertaking research. It seems this time South Korea wants to take no chances. Via theage

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Ruckus over FDA’s approval to food from cloned animals

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

The Food and Drug Administration is facing criticism over its recent preliminary approval to food from cloned animals as a consumer group has charged the agency for using flawed analysis. According to the Center for Food Safety, the FDA could not find studies on milk or meat from clones and whether they’re safe and the agency relied on studies done on cloned animals and whether they appeared healthy. Claiming that the conclusions drawn by the FDA was based on ‘scant data from few peer-reviewed studies’, Charles Margulis, a spokesman for Center for Food Safety, said: There isn’t the science to show that these foods are safe. I think the agency was heavily influenced by the biotechnology industry. Though FDA was tight lipped, Val Giddings, a scientist who consults with biotechnology companies, has come forward in FDA’s defence. According to Giddings an exhaustive amount of peer-reviewed data was the base of the conclusion. Giddings said: There’s not a single shred of data to suggest that food derived from clones or their offspring is in any way unsafe. All of what FDA has done here has been completely transparent. The FDA found that food from clones and food from conventional livestock has no virtual difference between and therefore special labels for cloned food would be necessary. Center for Food Safety might be in the process of waging a war against the FDA but Dean Foods Co. of Dallas has already decided to go against the idea of cloned food. Nations biggest milk company has decided it would not sell milk from cloned cows. The company’s decision was influenced by various surveys suggesting the dislike for dairy products from clones by Americans. Source.

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Soluble Omega-3 fats for cosmetics developed by Zymes

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

A water soluble omega 3 fatty acid has been developed by Zymes using nanotechnology for cosmetic applications. Since Omega 3 has got a dense composition of oil therefore at times it becomes difficult for formulating it with other ingredients. Here nanotechnology comes into picture as it offers increased solubility along with bioavailability and particle size reduction at nanometer level which leads to increased opportunities for companies looking to supplement their products with natural functional ingredients. Ubisol-Aqua from Zymes implements nanotechnology for improving the solubility of drugs and ingredients which are water insoluble and hence it becomes difficult for the human body to absorb it. The company has developed an omega 3fatty acid with 34 nanometers which implies that smaller particles could be absorbed easily into the skin or hair shaft of the user. It is also expected to increase the health benefits to the consumers. Via cosmeticdesign

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Bdelloid rotifers evolving over the past forty million years without sex

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

We were up till now aware of the fact that sexual reproduction was the only means of bringing life into this world but a group of microscopic organisms seems to have broken this fact. A recent study has found out that since the past forty million years Bdelloid rotifers were evolving without sex. These aquatic animals thrive in wet areas and are asexual. In this case the Bdelloid rotifers produce eggs which are genetic clones of the mother and above all there is no male species, just females out there doing their job. That sounds amazing!! We are all aware of the fact that asexual animals cannot evolve and mutate over a period of time but study of the fossil records of bdelloid rotifers has stated that their existence can be traced back to forty million years. Up till now it was thought that sexual reproduction was important for spitting into divergent species but this has shocked everybody and also left a question to be answered as to how these species have been able to diverge without the addition of any genetic material. Via cbc

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Preserve meats the ‘green way’ using green tea and some wildflower dark honey

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

Now you can avoid those chemical preservatives used to reduce pathogenic bacteria in meats. Go the ‘green’ way inspite. Extracts from green tea or Jasmine tea do all the magic taking the help of some wildflower dark honey. This scientific non-chemical, organic mixture can reduced Listeria monocytogenes in a turkey breast slice by 10 to 20 percent. Even applied to hot dogs, similar pathogen reductions have been observed. Daniel Fung, the Kansas State University food science professor who supervised the research for the Food Safety Consortium said, Our results indicated that Jasmine tea with honey and green tea with honey had the highest antimicrobial activity. Innovative and impertinent Fung said, We’re thinking of using tea to wash carcasses because of its natural compounds. If you can use tea or honey to wash carcasses instead of lactic acid, you can use a natural compound on the surface of meat.

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Notorious cancer gene may be responsible for tumor growth

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

A recent study has confirmed that a notorious cancer gene may be the reason for growth of tumor. Research involved the study of a protein called PMR1 which is a major player in the unusual mechanism that cells use for restraining the production of important proteins. Daniel R. Schoenberg, Professor, molecular and cellular biochemistry stated: The link between Src and cancer was discovered 30 years ago, but to this day, we still don’t know its exact role in tumor development. Our data suggest that Src may promote cancer by causing PMR1 to halt production of proteins that normally put the brakes on cell growth – tumor-suppressor proteins, for example, or other growth-regulating proteins The researchers figured out that activation takes place when PMR1 is joined temporarily by an unidentified enzyme and a contact with these enzymes leads to some changes in PMR1 properties and it also binds its targets mRNA. Via biologynews

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Smartgels can avoid surgery for chronic lower back pain patients

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

University of Manchester scientists have figured out that injections of sponge-like particles could help in avoiding surgery required in case of chronic lower back pain. The researchers have developed tiny gel particles which when injected into the damaged area tend to swell and stiffen. It has been discovered that degenerated animal intervertebral discs having these injected microgels regained their mechanical properties. If this turns out to be successful then patients would be able to gain their mobility after receiving these injections. When dispersed in water the microgel particles turn into smart sponges. It is a low pH fluid which can be injected with the aid a syringe and at physiological pH values it turns to stiff gel. It was developed in response to the need for non surgical method for repairing of intervertebral discs. In the future we might see biodegradable microgels releasing additives for stimulation of regeneration of intervertebral disc tissue. Via biologynews

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Secrecy surrounding genetically engineered grapes field tests can have serious repercussions

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:53 +0000

UC Davis and Cornell University have the approval for testing genetically engineered grapes in California. In this case no application or environmental assessments were undertaken for the permits and there were just notifications given by the institutes. As far as the field tests are concerned there seems to be a veil of secrecy surrounding them therefore grape growers are not aware regarding the measures which need to be taken for protecting their vineyards from genetic contamination which could dent their image and even cause huge losses if the customers shun genetically engineered products. USDA was even criticized for not paying attention towards the field trials being undertaken and the U.S. Inspector General report said: USDA lacks basic information about the field test sites it approves and is responsible for monitoring, including where and how the crops are being grown, and what becomes of them at the end of the field test. It was only last month when a federal judge ruling stated that USDA cannot give approval for new GE field trials without environmental assessments but this wont be applicable to the grape field tests which have been already given permission. Such secrecy is expected to cause huge problems in the future for GE foods and if proper study and transparency is not ensured then genetically modified food will have a tough time ahead. Via napavalleyregister

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New kind of wild orange with the sweetest strains of the native fruit being bred

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:49:15 +0000

A good news for orange lovers. The Australian market is soon to get a new kind of wild orange in its shelves. It will be made by developing tissue cultures. Though, the development and the research on it is in its primary stages, scientists at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens have started working hard on it. The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens are located in the Upper Spencer Gulf of South Australia. The scientists developing the new kind of orange are optimistic that the new version of the region’s native orange will be sweeter, rather the sweetest, compared to both the Capparis Mitchelli (the native orange) and the common oranges found anywhere. So, keep your fingers crossed to taste the sweetest strain of the native orange.

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Now the heart can be bioengineered piece by piece!

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:49:15 +0000

Technology and medical science have converged to give birth to ‘prototypes’ of all cardiovascular structures! Thanks to the researchers at the University of Michigan. They have helped engineer the prototypes of heart muscle, tri-leaflet valves, blood vessels, cell-based cardiac pumps and tissue engineered ventricles. According to them, today, it’s possible to engineer the heart piece by piece! But, they also noted, hurdles still remain before the products of this tissue engineering are ready to be implanted in patients as replacements for diseased or malformed structures. Ravi Birla, director of the University of Michigan, Artificial Heart Laboratory, and Louise Hecker, a graduate student in the University of Michigan, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology have analyzed the technologies used to engineer the heart. They’ve not just analyzed what was happening at the University of Michigan, but in other labs worldwide as well. Regenerative Medicine has just published their article under the title — Engineering the heart piece by piece: state of the art in cardiac tissue engineering.

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Anti-inflammatory effects of Carbon Monoxide

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:49:15 +0000

We all know that Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon or a carbonaceous material, but it is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects. To shed some more light on the anti-inflammatory effect of CO, a study was conducted by Harvard University and the University of Pittsburgh. The researchers claim to have solved the mystery behind this. The study which appears in the April issue of The FASEB Journal, shows that the anti-inflammatory effects of carbon monoxide is due to its reaction with the cell’s mitochondria. FASEB said in its release: The researchers say the mitochondria react to low levels of carbon monoxide by releasing chemical signals that reduce or shut down the body’s inflammatory response — raising the possibility for the development of new anti-inflammatory therapies. The report further states that inhaled medical grade carbon monoxide has been successfully tested on animals in a number of applications, including organ transplantation, vascular injury, inflammatory bowel disease and organ injury resulting from severe blood loss. Source.

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India leaves China behind in biotechnology sector

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:49:15 +0000

Indians should really smile when they read this. India has left China behind by miles in the arena of biotechnology. With India developing as a leading biotech region in the Asian region it is expected to leave behind China for the first time with regards to the area planted with biotechnology crop. The area under cultivation with biotechnology crop in 2006 in India has tripled as compared to last year and now the area under cultivation in India stands at 3.8 million when compared to 3.5 million in China. Quality seeds coupled with good biotechnology have made India stand strong. India is adopting biotechnology in a huge manner for meeting their growing need for fuel, fiber and food. 2007 will witness India investing $80 million in national chain of research laboratories. As per RNCOS report: Indian Biotechnology Market Outlook (2006)’, biotech will greatly influence the Indian agriculture sector by developing a large number of GM seeds. Amplifying at the rate of 28.09% from 2005, the Indian biotech industry is believed to reach the level of US$ 5 Billion by 2010 end. Is China sitting with closed eyes and why has India been able to defeat it in the arena of biotechnology, this is a question which only China can answer well. Via newswiretoday

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Access to safety results of GM crop field trial tests in India denied to Greenpeace

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:49:14 +0000

Even the Right to information act or RTI could not help Greenpeace in India. RTI activists tried using this right for getting information on the safety tests of GM crops but their request was rejected on the plea that disclosure of the information could harm the competitive position of the company developing these crops. Information was sought on the field trial locations and allergenicity and toxicity data related to the rice, brinjal and other crops being tested. Though information on location was revealed but access to other set of information was denied. Greenpeace and other farmer organizations are not satisfied with the manner in which the trials are being conducted and they fear that gross violations have been conducted while conducting the tests. On the other hand GEAC states that field trials were being conducted keeping in view all the biosafety and regulatory norms in mind but it seems that there is something fishy since the government is hiding certain results on pretext of safety. The government should come up with a clear picture or it might become difficult to make the people accept GM crops. Via hindu

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Scientists working on a pill to increase human lifespan

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:49:14 +0000

Scientists are working on a pill which could lead to healthier lives and if they succeed it would be possible to increase the lifespan of an average human being by thirty years with the aid of the pill. It is being said that thyroxine hormone can boost metabolism and at the same time lead to a longer lifespan. Tests are being conducted on mice and if the right dose is determined then the life span of human beings would increase by thirty years. The scientists have not been able to figure out the right dose till yet because if thyroxine in high doses is administered it could lead to life threatening health problems. Aberdeen university scientists conducted study on mice and they found out that mice which had a high metabolic rate lived for a longer period of time. It’s just that the right level of thyroxine has not been determined but when the right level is decided it would help human beings lead to a healthy and long life. Via paktribune

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Organ transplants can look easy with tissue engineering

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:49:14 +0000

There can be some respite for people suffering from organ failures as tissue engineering can come to their rescue. It can make organ transplant look so easy as people with damaged organs can purchase them over the counter in a similar manner as buying medicines. One’s own organ could be re grown for replacement. Though this may look unbelievable but it is achievable. Drs Cornelia Kasper and Frank Stahl of Hannover University stated: The idea of organs one day being freely available ‘off the shelf’ is still an aspiration today. The need is great, however, and patients are of course very eager to have personalized treatment from organ designers using tissue engineering. Building block principle can be applied to the tissue culture or organ type and the differentiation could be used through appropriation growth. Probably in the future we might see a one size fits all approach and lives of millions of patients looking for organ replacement might be saved quite easily. Via allafrica

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DuPont goes biotechnology way

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:13:00 +0000

DuPont which as of now is the world’s second largest chemical company is adopting biotechnology in its processes. The company has a biofuture vision and is looking forward to achieve economic growth through bio based raw materials. Charles O. Holliday, Jr., Chairman and CEO, DuPont stated: In the 21st century our emphasis will be on using nature’s processes to build sustainable systems and create sustainable products to address global need. He further stated that with growing population there would be an increased demand for energy and fiber and for addressing the needs of sustainability and productivity there is no better tool than biotechnology. The subsidiaries of the company are committed towards biotechnology and it has joined hands with Bunge for marketing low linolenic soybean oil. It has also created polymers from renewable resources and Sonora with Bio-PDO will be sold in the market in 2007. The company is surely committed to deriving the advantages of biotechnology in its various companies and this may result in a number of companies following the biotechnology trend. Via industryweek

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Artificial bone and tissue made from citric acid

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:12:00 +0000

Citric acid is the base for a polymer developed by a Professor Guillermo Ameer, which can be used in replacement of blood vessels and patch up damaged bone. He explained the procedure to make this polymer at the ‘American Chemical Society’ meeting in Chicago. According to Professor Ameer, combining citric acid with 1,8-octanediol- a non-toxic chemical results in a stretchy and strong yellow rubber that can be moulded into a wide variety of shapes and used to replace damaged body parts. when inserted into the body, the unique polymer causes almost no irritation and causes no adverse reaction to the body. This makes it a worthy replacement for the currently used PTFE tubes that clog within the first year and become nearly useless within four years. The polymer when mixed with hydroxyapatite powder gives out a very hard material that can be used to repair broken bones. As the tests made on animals revealed, it allows natural bone to grow into and over it, making the damaged bone as good as new. Hydroxyapatite powder is the same material that makes up natural bone and hence artificial bone is accepted without any adverse effects. Source.

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Hereditary lung diseases linked to gene mutations

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:10:00 +0000

Genes could be one of the reasons behind fatal lung diseases. John Hopkins scientists have been able to find out the genes which may be the reason behind hereditary lung diseases. In order to arrive at the conclusion the researchers screened DNA samples of people having inherited IPF and found out that around eighty percent of them were having mutations in the genes which could lead to an enzyme which can help in lengthening the fragile ends of the chromosome. Mutations in the case of telomerase lead to the wear and tear of chromosome ends and ultimately lead to death of the cell. Mary Armanios, M.D., Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center stated: The scientists’ first hint that telomerase plays a role in IPF came from studying the genetic traits of a family with a rare, premature-aging disorder caused by short telomeres. Many of the family members were suffering from the disorder’s second-leading cause of death — pulmonary fibrosis. We thought that perhaps there might be a link between telomerase mutations and IPF. Though there are no genes tests as of now for IPF but researchers are looking for ways for assessing the risks by undertaking screening of telomere length. Via sciencedaily

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