This week it is your turn to find a current event related to our current unit - DNA, genetics, protein synthesis, and transformation. Find a news article related DNA. Write the name of the article and the author in your post. Paste the link into your comment. And then describe the article and how it relates to what you have learned in this unit.
Here are some sources that you can use to find articles:
SF Gate: http://www.sfgate.com/science/
Science News: http://www.sciencenews.org/
NY Times Science News: http://www.nytimes.com/pages/science/
Popular Science: http://www.popsci.com/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
The article I found is called "New DNA Tests Aimed at Reducing Colon Cancer" and was written by Nicholas Wade of the New York Times. The link is: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/29/health/29cancer.html?_r=1&hp.
ReplyDeleteThe article is about how scientists have discovered a way to find out if people may have colon cancer--through their DNA. There are two new tests, one checks for four genes in a person's stool that often mean cancer. The second is a blood test that checks for the gene Setpin 9. Right now, people have to get a colonoscopy to see if they have cancer in their colon, but these new ways are easier and less expensive. The test have not yet been approved because scientists are not completely sure of their effectiveness yet, but they could be ready within 2 years. So far the test that checks in stool is almost ready, but it would still need to be done regularly to prevent cancer. I thought this article was interesting because I never knew that you could check for cancer using DNA. I think it is a step in the right direction, because if we can find genes that create cancer we can figure out how to cure it much easier. It relates to what we are learning because we are learning about DNA and its uses, and this is one of the uses.
The article I found is called, “From Superseeds to Mutant Tomatoes’ written by robin finn of the New York TIMES. The link is
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/nyregion/22tomato.html?_r=1&ref=genetic_engineering
The article is about a man who genetically engineered tomato plants to produce more flowers therefore more tomatoes. Zachary B. Lippman produced a strain of hyper-productive tomato seeds through his manipulation of a “flower power gene” known as S.F.T. (single flower truss). This is the “command gene” that tells plants when and how many flowers to generate. Doctor Lippman hopes to do this with other food plants.
The article I found is called "Protein Database Promises Rapid Drug Development." It was written by Clay Dillow. http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-11/spanish-researchers-unveil-worlds-largest-video-protein-database
ReplyDeleteThis article is about a new database developed by Spanish biologists is giving quick access to protein structure data that could lead to more rapid development of important biologic drugs. The database, known as MoDEL, contains protein motion data for more than 1,700 different human proteins, making it the largest such database of proteins in the world.
Scientists at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine looked into the international Protein Data Bank (PDB) to create the new video database.Each of the 1,700 proteins catalogued there is displayed through a series of 10,000 to 100,000 photos, showing how the higher order structures of proteins move and change. And while 1,700 proteins out of 40,000. Many of the proteins logged in the PDB are highly similar to those 1,700 proteins that represent something like 40 percent of proteins with a known structure.
currently, most drugs are designed around a picture of proteins. By offering researchers a clearer picture of how protein structures move and change, it should help them more quickly to identify new potential therapies and reduce failures in clinical trials.
In the article I read called GMOs Alter the Genetic Make Up of Our Healthy Bacteria they talk about the effects that GMF have on people. On the one occasion where scientists did a study and published their findings pertained to GM soy, and the results didn't look good. It was said that the soy's genetic code infiltrated our healthy bacteria, and changed their genetic makeup. Now healthy bacteria is our first line of defense when it comes to getting sick, and if they have been altered, who knows if they will still work the way they are still do the job they where designed to do. Mad cow disease is an example of what happens if you do this to your cells. So that then means that every day we are altering our genes and altering our cells even if we do make the effort to make healthy choices. This relates to what we are learning in class for at the moment we are writing a research paper all about GMOs.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.naturalnews.com/028635_GMOs_bacteria.html
The article I found is called "Genes jump more in one type of autism." It was written by Tina Hesman Saey.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/65682/title/Genes_jump_more_in_one_type_of_autism
This article is about how gene defects lead to Rett syndrome wich leads a severe form of autism that usually strikes girls.Jumping genes hopping in neurons, a study in the November 18 Nature shows thatparts of the genetic blueprint that they might be important for brain development or function. If the jumping genes land in parts of the genetic blueprint that are important for brain development or function, they could contribute to the variability of symptoms seen in the disorder. Rett syndrome is caused by mutations in a gene called MeCP2. The protein tells the gene when to stay silent and when to be loud. When the gene makes noise when its supposed to be silent it can cause speech and movement disorders. There have been scientists who have discovered a type of jumping gene not only in brains of healthy people but also in hearts taken from people with Rett syndrome wich showed no more jumping gene activity than those from normal people.Other scientists aren’t convinced that jumping genes have a functional consequence. A Studer says. “It might have some important biological function, but until we can switch it on and off we really won’t know.”
The article I found is called "Rare Mutations Key to Brain Disorders." the author is Tina Hesman Saey. http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/65454/title/Rare_mutations_key_to_brain_disorders. The article discusses a group of scientists who have found that mutations in a child can lead to a brina disorder. Preveiously they thought that it was an inhereted disease. The scientists found that during sperm production, big chunks of DNA can get lost or duplicated, leading to diseases or disorders in a man’s offspring. All of the patients had mutations in different genes. It also discussed how other mutations may lead to other diseases too. This relates to what we have been studying because we have been disscusiong different mutations.
ReplyDeleteIn the article Stunning Research Shows High Potential for DNA Damage from Nanoparticles, they explain how nanoparticles may be able to damage DNA, without even coming in contact with them. A study was done where researchers created particles of chromium and cobalt that were either four millionths (micro scale) or 30 billionths (nano scale) of a meter across, then placed them on a thin, artificial membrane composed of human cells. On the other side of the membrane, researchers placed human fibroblast cells, which are important components of connective tissue. They found that although no particles crossed the cellular membrane, fibroblast cells placed across from the metal particles suffered DNA damage in 10 times as many locations and cells placed next to a membrane with nothing on the other side. Researchers are unsure of how the particles didn't cross the membrane, and yet still had an effect on the DNA. Nanoparticles are also used in the manufacture of sunscreens, cosmetics, sporting goods and other consumer products.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.naturalnews.com/028453_nanoparticles_DNA_damage.html
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60122/title/Whats_missing_may_be_key_to_understanding_genetics_of_autism
ReplyDeleteThe artical I used is called Whats Missing May Be Key to Understanding Genetics of Autism. Autism is a genetic disorder and it is common in 1 of every 100 kids in the US. Autism is more common in boys. Researchers are trying to find if this disease comes from genes or if it comes from a rare substance makes this disease. This relates to what we are learning because we are learning about modifications in genes that can be either positive or negative. In the case of autism it is negative. In someones genes even one copy can change someones genes enough to make them autistic. New studies show that there are 25 new areas that may be able to help with detecting autistm.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/4788/title/Food_for_Thought__Fishy_Alpha_Males
ReplyDeleteThe next article I did was called Fishy Alpha Males. It was about companies who are trying to genetically modify fish so that they grow faster. They believe that it's going to help protect the wild fish. Researchers have found out that genetically modified fish could replace other fish populations. Since in class we are talking about the negative and positive effects of genetically modified organisms. In this case they are using getetically modified fish to create more fish to sell. They are thinkning that it is going to be positive to their company but they dont know that it is hurting other wild fish populations.
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-05/roundup-resistant-superweeds-invade-us-fields
ReplyDeleteAfter Years of Herbicide Use, Roundup-resistant Superweeds are Evolving to Invade US Fields is about weeds getting this antibiotic they makes them immune to herbicides. These weeds are taking control of farms in the US because it is becoming more work to get rid of the weeds. This is a negative effect of a genetically modified organism because it is making it so that the weeds are getting in the way of new things being grown.
The article I found is called, "Trees Infused With Glowing Nanoparticles Could Replace Streetlights," on http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-11/trees-could-one-day-serve-streetlights-thanks-gold-nanoparticles written by Julie Beck.
ReplyDeleteThe article is about how these nanoparticles could be infused with the leaves of trees to light up the streets of Taiwan or, most likely, in cities and towns internationally. This discovery came about unintentionally by scientists trying to find a more efficient way of using LED lights without using toxic phosphorus powder so they could reduce pollution.
The infusion between the golden luminescent nanoparticle, (that are shaped like sea urchins,) and the leaves of a tree take place of the light polluting street lights. The trees would be able to give off a red glow to light up the sidewalks and streets at night.
The benefit of this discovery is to reduce pollution, lower electricity costs, and to also to reduce carbon emissions.
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-10/scientists-deploy-dna-forensics-protect-overhunted-animals
ReplyDeleteTitle: Is Your Dinner Endangered? DNA Detectives Investigate
Author: Laura Allen
This article is talks about a campaign that helps endangered species.The detectives working in the campaign discovered how to tell if a product or item of some sort came from or is an endangered species through DNA identification.
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-11/mits-martian-dna-hunter-will-search-earth-life-red-planet
Title:MIT's Martian Genome Project Will Search for Alien DNA on the Red Planet
Author:Clay Dillow
This article is about some MIT researchers who believe that life on Mars is actually similar to life on Earth. They are creating an alien DNA decoder to send with NASA on a trip in 2018. The decoder is going to dig through the rocks looking for some forms of lost DNA.
"DNA Molecules Can Be Used to Make A Much More Powerful Electronic Nose"
ReplyDeleteby:Rebecca Boyle
In the article "DNA Molecules Can Be Used to Make A Much More Powerful Electronic Nose" author, Rebecca Boyle states that scientist have now discovered a new way of making electronic noses by using DNA to extract different kinds of smell molecules in the air and detect them. A team of scientist in Stanford University been working on the fluorescent sensors change that change color depending on the smell they have been exposed to. To make the sensors, the team took one side of a DNA double helix and replaced its four bases with fluorescent base-pair substitutes, according to a Stanford news release. Scientist say that this could help military and other forces against bomb threats, since the electronic nose can detect explosives and other substances, people could use this as a cure against terrorism or even drug cartels around the world. Maybe now dogs would have to retire from the police stations, since now scientist invented things that could seek out smell dogs wont have to do their job seeking out bombs or other substances like drugs.
Website: http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-08/new-e-nose-hijacks-dna-sniff-out-vapors-and-identifies-them-fluorescence
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/16/MNKF1GBCRJ.DTL&type=science
ReplyDeleteI read the article above. In this article, an engineer is trying to make an artificial kidney. He explains that engineering with satellites is not that different from engineering a kidney. The artificial kidney will not be ready for another five years, but the waiting list is already very long. A prototype of the kidney has been built and it is large enough to fill a whole hospital room. This article relates to what we are learning now, because like a GMO, the kidney is a foreign object being placed in an organism to help it and make it better.
The article i read was about how a bunch of jellyfish washed up on the shore of Ocean Beach recently. Apparently, this is not the first time something like this had happened. The jellyfish were quite the attraction. People stopped to take pictures of them, kids stomped on them, dogs even played in them. The jellyfish that washed up on the shore are called moon jellies and their toxins are not harmful unless you are allergic to them.
ReplyDeletethe link to the article i used: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/15/BAS11GC2I0.DTL&type=science
The article I read was about how new technology have been leading scientists to find a victim of a crime scene's exact age by testing their blood. This technology is very new and is far from perfect, however. There is a 9 year range in the age of the person and it will take a while to get the age exact. Scientists are allowed to learn the ages by distinct molecules in the T-Cells.
ReplyDeleteLink for this article: http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-11/new-forensic-method-can-determine-persons-age-blood-left-crime-scene
The article I read was about a new planet found in a different galaxy. There has been a lot of planet hunting recently. 500 planets have been found orbiting around stars in the milky way not too long ago. This new planet the article is about, is called HP 13044. It is from a different galaxy called the Hemni stream. It is a little bit larger than Jupiter, meaning it is a big planet.
ReplyDeleteLink to this article: http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-11/researchers-find-first-planet-another-galaxy-orbiting-star-milky-way
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/43979/title/Science_%2B_the_Public__Air_pollution_makes_chromosomes_look_older
ReplyDeleteIn hte article Air pollution makes chromosomes look older
By Janet Raloff, the author states that People who are exposed topoluted air alot can make there cells and chromosomes look up to 10 years older. THere are diffrent thought to what this mean, like what this does to the life tiome overall. THis relates to our unit in biology because we are learning about chromosomes and cells and mutaions and things that could go wrong.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/44955/title/Science_%2B_the_Public__Vitamins_add_vitality_to_aging_chromosomes
ReplyDeleteIn the Article Vitamins add vitality to aging chromosomes By Janet Raloff States the information about a expramenbt that was conducted. They had A goup of women and gave about half of the women vitamens and the other half none. Then after a while they extraced white blood cells and tested them. They found that the women with out the vitamins chromosomes shrunk. Thisrelates to our unit because we were studying chromosomes.
The article I read was about how wi-fi Radiation is killing trees. New studies have found that that trees in areas with high Wi-Fi activity were suffering from symptoms. The symptoms were fissures in the bark, the death of parts of leaves, and abnormal growth. To test the hypothesis reseachers took 20 ash trees and exposed them to diffrent kinds of radiations for 3 months. The ash trees exposed to Wi-Fi signals showed signs of radiation sickness, including a "lead-like shine" on their leaves,wich proved the oncoming death of those leaves. Researchers are planning more studies to figure out the effects of radiation on plant life. In my opinion I think that wi-fi may not only be the only resong this is happening to trees but im sure they will find a way to solve this.
ReplyDeleteLink to this article:http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-11/wi-fi-radiation-killing-trees
The article I read was anout how adding face shields to battle Helmets could reduce brain injuries from explosions. A new study by MIT scientists suggests that adding a simple face shield to standard issue combat helmets could reduce brain injury in soldiers.The face works like a conduit for blast waves moving through the skull and into the brain,wich can cause a long-term brain damage and post-traumatic stress disorder. By observing the way a chemical explosion impacts the head both with a combat helmet and without, the teamfound out that the Advanced Combat Helmet didn’t reduce the overall impact because waves could travel through the face. But after adding a conceptual face shield to the simulation, the models showed reduction in the amount of stress placed on the brain during blasts. This will keep soldiers safer from braindamages while they are in war.
ReplyDeleteThe article I read was about how a new forensic method can determine a peson's age from blood left at a crime scene. Researchers have found a method for estimating the age of a suspect or missing person by examining blood collected from the scene, even if that blood isn’t fresh. Science turns on a certain molecular process tied to the T cells in blood. This is achieved by a rearrangement of the T cells’ DNA over time. By counting up the number of these circular DNA molecules in a sample and comparing it to the quantity of another reference helps to have a percentage of the persons age. This can help police crimes be solved more acurately and perhaps faster.
ReplyDeletelink:http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-11/new-forensic-method-can-determine-persons-age-blood-left-crime-scene