How Scientists Plan to Grow Cities Out of Living Organisms

Imagine a future where there is no need to cut down a tree and and reshape that raw material into a chair or table. Perhaps glowing bacteria will light our cities, and we'll be able to bring back extinct species. Synthetic biology could help us accomplish all that, and more.

Fountain Of Youth? Embryonic Gene Nanog Reverses Aging In Adult Stem Cells

The fountain of youth may reside in an embryonic stem cell gene named Nanog. In a series of experiments the gene kicked into action dormant cellular processes that are key to preventing weak bones, clogged arteries and other telltale signs of growing old.

Chinese team to pioneer first human CRISPR trial

A team of researchers at Sichuan University's West China Hospital has announced plans to begin a clinical trial where cells modified using the CRISPR gene editing technique will be used on human beings for the very first time.

Quantum Living: Epigenetics And Exercise: How Genes Take Shape To Change Your DNA

Epigenetics, a cutting-edge new science that studies how our gene expression is influenced and changed by a whole host of factors—from diet, exercise, and mindfulness practices - to environmental factors and lifestyle modifications as well.

CRISPR Targets Cancer in First Human Trial - What You Need to Know

It's happening: as early as later this year, the gene-editing power tool CRISPR could be used in its first ever human trial.

Scientists have created mice with hyper-long telomeres without altering the genes

A research team has succeeded in creating mice in the laboratory with hyper-long telomeres and with reduced molecular ageing, avoiding the use of genetic manipulation.

Chinese Scientists Genetically Modify Human Embryos - Again

Just one year after scientists in China made history by modifying the DNA of human embryos, a second team of Chinese researchers has done it again. Using CRISPR/Cas9, the researchers introduced HIV-resistance into the embryos, showcasing the tremendous potential for gene-editing.

Simple Synthetic Cell Could Aid Hunt for Alien Life

The identification of core genes needed for life may not only spill secrets of how biology got its start on Earth, but also shed light on the hunt for life beyond the planet.

19 Pieces Of Non-Human DNA Found In Human Genome

Eight percent of your DNA is alien, in that it�s made up of non-human, viral fragments. In fact, viral fragments are often hiding within the genome of anything on Earth that has a jaw and a spinal cord, which is a remarkable reminder of how they�ve shaped evolution for hundreds of millions of years.

Mad Scientists Created Synthetic Bacteria With Only 473 Genes

Behold syn3.0, a synthetic bacterial genome that's smaller than anything found in nature. Biologists hope it will further our understanding of the fundamentals of life and inspire the creation of new synthetic life.

Scientists Have Managed To Edit HIV Out Of Infected Cells

The last few years has seen a massive leap in terms of genome editing. With the development of the incredible CRISPR/Cas9 technique, never before have scientists been able to so easily and precisely identify, edit, or remove specific sections of DNA.

Genes may help some nations stay on top of happiness index

Presence of a gene variant involved in sensory pleasure and pain reduction may contribute towards making a population happier than others, suggests new research.

Scientists Capture Crispr’s Gene-Cutting in Action

FOR ALL THE furious hype around the gene-editing tool Crispr/Cas9, no one has ever really seen it in action. Like really seen it. How the protein Cas9 unzips a strand of DNA, how it slips in the molecule that guides it to a target—and finally, how it goes snip snip on the DNA.

Untapped region of a brain cell 'contains hidden autism genes - and could offer a goldmine of targets for new treatments'

Overlooked brain area has a 'motherlode' of autism genes. These genes are mutated Rbfox1 - which regulates cell proteins. When Rbfox1 genes 'go awry', it can increase the risk of autism. Scientists discovered a region of cells full packed with Rbfox1 genes. This finding provides fresh drug targets for new therapies.

IBM Watson ups the ante on digital wellness with gene-based health app

At the 2016 CES, IBM Watson and Pathway Genomics unveiled a new health app that takes the user's genes into account.