INDIAN COBRA GENOME SEQUENCED
An international team of researchers have sequenced the genome of the Indian cobra, in the process identifying the genes that define its venom. What is the significance? This genome sequence can provide a blueprint for developing more effective anti-venom. The cobra genome sequence is of really high quality. Sequence information of the genes that code […]
GOLDEN RICE
Golden Rice is a new type of rice that contains beta-carotene (provitamin A), which is converted into vitamin A as needed by the body and gives the grain its golden color. It is developed through genetic engineering and produces two new enzymes that complete the beta-carotene expression in the rice grain. Research has indicated that one cup of Golden Rice […]
‘IndiGen’ GENOME PROJECT
The initiative was implemented by the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. Significance, outcomes and benefits of the project: The outcomes of the IndiGen will have applications in a number of areas including predictive and preventive medicine with faster and efficient diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. The […]
LRRK2
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a kinase enzyme that protects the body against viral and bacterial infections by triggering inflammation like swelling, redness, heat and pain. According to a recent study, this enhanced inflammation can lead to collateral damage to the body. Inflammation caused by mutation in a gene can raise the risk of […]
DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL RIPENING OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals and play an important role in preventing Vitamin C and A deficiencies. WHO recommends 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day for a healthy living. However, the health benefits of fruits depend on how they are ripened. The best course will be to allow them to […]
CAR-T
An 11-year-old has become the first patient to receive CAR-T therapy (immunotherapy) that uses the body’s own cells to fight cancer. CAR-T is a personalized form of cancer treatment. CAR-T involves removing immune cells and modifying them in a laboratory so they can recognize cancer cells. Immunotherapy is treatment that uses your body’s own immune […]
GENETICALLY MODIFIED AEDES AEGYPTI
What is the initiative? Aedes aegypti mosquito is the carrier of diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya. A new initiative thus aims at reducing the population of Aedes aegypti mosquito. It comes from the Mumbai-based company, Gangabishan Bhikulal Investment and Trading Limited (GBIT). What is the new gene? Diseases such as Zika, dengue and […]
RNA INTERFERENCE (RNAi)
RNAi is a gene silencing technology that inhibits protein synthesis in target cells using double-stranded RNA. Same result is achieved by Antisense technology through single-stranded RNA. RNAi technologies are now known to formulate drugs capable of reducing cholesterol levels by half. The technology also finds immense importance in treating acute viral infections like acquired immunodeficiency […]
CHINA’S GENE EDITING RULES
China has decided to introduce new Gene-editing rules. Rules require researchers to obtain prior approval from the government before undertaking clinical trials. Those found violating the rules will be punished and this includes a lifetime ban on research. The rules would also require all future trials to be approved by administrative authorities as well as ethical committees. Background Last year, […]
STEM CELL
Stem cells are the body’s raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under certain conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, […]