A Laboratory of the Future Human Experience
You could make a vaccine with a machine that synthesises DNA to an emailed sequence.
Craig Venter, who quietly sequenced the human genome using his own DNA, then made “synthetic life” by outfitting a gutted bacterium with homemade genes, says his next trick will be emailing biological molecules, using 3D biological printers. The move could revolutionise healthcare – and biological warfare.
Continue reading… “Emailing vaccines around the world”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzSXTWhBUD0&hd=1[/youtube]
The cost of sequencing genomes has declined 50% faster per year than the cost of computers, since 2007. Declining sequencing costs have been due to a combination of Moore’s law and massive scaleups. An author and an expert on the life sciences industry, Juan Enriquez, runs a venture capital fund that invests in life science startups that could produce useful products and treatments within the next five years. He also engages in more long-term forecasting. In an interview for Next Big Future, Enriquez discusses the exponential rate of change for biotechnology with Sander Olson. Enrique also discusses why he believes that the changes wrought by the biosciences during the next three decades could surpass the industrial revolution in importance. (video)
Continue reading… “DNA sequencing is improving faster than Moore’s law”
The genes researchers found only have small effects, and are only linked with a limited number of features.
One day, police may be able to reconstruct the shape of a suspect’s face from their DNA. Thanks to identification of five genes that contribute to facial shape and features that possibility is getting closer.
Continue reading… “DNA from a crime scene could help police create an image of suspect’s face”
23andMe is part of a fledgling industry that allows consumers to peek into their genetic code.
23andMe, a genetic test maker, is asking the Food and Drug Administration to approve its personalized DNA test in a move that, if successful, could boost acceptance of technology that is viewed skeptically by leading scientists who question its usefulness.
Craig Venter
Craig Venter: I was asked earlier whether the goal is to dissect what Schrödinger had spoken and written, or to present the new summary, and I always like to be forward-looking, so I won’t give you a history lesson except for very briefly. I will present our findings on first on reading the genetic code, and then learning to synthesize and write the genetic code, and as many of you know, we synthesized an entire genome, booted it up to create an entirely new synthetic cell where every protein in the cell was based on the synthetic DNA code.
Continue reading… “Craig Venter: A 21st century perspective on life”
The latest technological competition involves the idea of threading a single strand of DNA through a tiny, molecular-scale eyelet known as a nanopore.
Rapid DNA sequencing can provide enormous amount of information previously sequestered in the human genome’s 3 billion nucleotide bases and soon may become a routine part of each individual’s medical record.
Continue reading… “Rapid DNA sequencing could soon become a routine part of your medical record”
The gene, SIRT6, in laboratory mice and found it extended their lifespan by up to 15 per cent.
A gene has been discovered by scientists that could hold the key to extending life by up to two decades. The gene is found in all mammals and is known to protect against age-related cell damage.
Continue reading… “Scientists discover gene that holds key to extending life 20 years”
Twin birth rate rose 76 percent from 1980 through 2009.
Over the past three decades, the number of twins born to American women has risen dramatically, a new government study shows.
Continue reading… “Number of twins born in U.S. skyrockets”
Genes determine our perfume preferences.
You may love the scent of a particular perfume but someone else may find the scent repulsive. Our genes determine our perfume preference, a new study suggests.
Continue reading… “Perfume preference determined by our genes”
Synthetic biology will lead to new forms of bioterrorism.
Computer-designed viruses that cure disease, new bacteria capable of synthesizing an unlimited fuel supply, new organisms that wipe out entire populations and bio-toxins that target world leaders may sound like devices restricted to feature-film script writers, but it is possible to create all of these today, using the latest advances in synthetic biology.
Continue reading… “DNA could be the next frontier for hackers and biological warfare”
Short people have shortage of genes.
Height is mostly passed down through families but scientists have so far only identified specific gene characteristics to explain about 10 per cent of the difference between people’s heights.
A simple swab of the inside cheek will tell if your child will be a future sports star.
Is your kid the next LeBron James, Peyton Manning or Albert Pujols? A Colorado company claims it can find out through DNA testing.
Continue reading… “Colorado company claims DNA testing could help choose your kids’ sport”
