ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News

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• Leaky genes put evolution on the fast track, researchers find
• 'SpongeBob' mushroom discovered in the forests of Borneo
• What makes a plant a plant?
• Scientists override errant form of genetic signaling for first time: Changing genetic 'red light' to green holds promise for treating disease
• A knockout resource for mouse genetics: Mouse gene knockout resource will empower mammalian gene studies for a generation
• Malaria vaccination strategy provides model for superior protection
• Mimivirus isolated, genome amputated

Leaky genes put evolution on the fast track, researchers find Posted: 15 Jun 2011 01:17 PM PDT Small genetic mutations that add up over time could create an evolutionary express lane that leads to the rapid development of new traits, researchers report.

'SpongeBob' mushroom discovered in the forests of Borneo Posted: 15 Jun 2011 11:26 AM PDT A researcher has discovered Spongiforma squarepantsii, a new species of mushroom almost as strange as its cartoon namesake.

What makes a plant a plant? Posted: 15 Jun 2011 11:26 AM PDT Although scientists have been able to sequence the genomes of many organisms, they still lack a context for associating the proteins encoded in genes with specific biological processes. To better understand the genetics underlying plant physiology and ecology -- especially in regard to photosynthesis -- a team of researchers has identified a list of proteins encoded in the genomes of plants and green algae, but not in the genomes of organisms that don't generate energy through photosynthesis.

Scientists override errant form of genetic signaling for first time: Changing genetic 'red light' to green holds promise for treating disease Posted: 15 Jun 2011 10:20 AM PDT Researchers found a new way to surpass a common mutation that is estimated to cause a third of genetic disorders. The mutation causes the body to create shortened, disabled proteins, which lead to disease like cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and cancer. The newly discovered approach directs the body to create normal, full-length proteins and could aid the development of treatment strategies to change the course of these, and other debilitating genetic conditions.

A knockout resource for mouse genetics: Mouse gene knockout resource will empower mammalian gene studies for a generation Posted: 15 Jun 2011 10:20 AM PDT Researchers report that they have knocked out almost 40 percent of the genes in the mouse genome. The results are founded on a novel, efficient production line that targets each specific gene in turn. This developing resource will be essential in our understanding of the role of genes in all mammals -- including humans. The completed resource will power studies in models of human disease.

Malaria vaccination strategy provides model for superior protection Posted: 15 Jun 2011 09:37 AM PDT A new study uncovers a powerful strategy for eliciting an immune response that can combat the parasite during multiple stages of its complex life cycle and describes what may be the most effective next-generation vaccination approach for malaria.

Mimivirus isolated, genome amputated Posted: 14 Jun 2011 05:39 AM PDT In the absence of competition with other microorganisms, Mimivirus, the largest known DNA virus, loses 17% of its genome.

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