ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News

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• Scientists helps find structure of gene-editing protein
• Flatworm flouts fundamental rule of biology: Worm regenerates without centrosome, a structure long thought necessary for cell division
• World’s first primate chimeric offspring produced: Research demonstrates not all embryonic stem cells are equal
• Scientists 'hijack' bacterial immune system
• Flatworms' minimalist approach to cell division reveals the molecular architecture of the human centrosome
• Maintaining balance: Blood progenitor cells receive signals from niche cells and the daughter blood cells they create

Scientists helps find structure of gene-editing protein Posted: 05 Jan 2012 02:58 PM PST In the two and a half years since scientists discovered how a class of proteins find and bind specific sequences in plant genomes, researchers worldwide have moved fast to use this discovery. Now, the next step has been taken by determining the 3-D structure of a TAL effector bound to DNA.

Flatworm flouts fundamental rule of biology: Worm regenerates without centrosome, a structure long thought necessary for cell division Posted: 05 Jan 2012 02:42 PM PST A tiny, freshwater flatworm found in ponds and rivers around the world that has long intrigued scientists for its remarkable ability to regenerate has now added a new wrinkle to biology.

World’s first primate chimeric offspring produced: Research demonstrates not all embryonic stem cells are equal Posted: 05 Jan 2012 01:47 PM PST Scientists have shed new light on how early embryonic stem cells develop and take part in formation of the primate species. The research has also resulted in the first successful birth of chimeric monkeys -- monkeys developed from stem cells taken from two separate embryos.

Scientists 'hijack' bacterial immune system Posted: 05 Jan 2012 11:58 AM PST The knowledge that bacteria possess adaptable immune systems that protect them from individual viruses and other foreign invaders is relatively new to science, and researchers across the globe are working to learn how these systems function and to apply that knowledge in industry and medicine. Now, a team of researchers has discovered how to harness this bacterial immune system to selectively target and silence genes.

Flatworms' minimalist approach to cell division reveals the molecular architecture of the human centrosome Posted: 05 Jan 2012 11:11 AM PST Researchers have discovered that planarians, tiny flatworms fabled for their regenerative powers, completely lack centrosomes, cellular structures that organize the network of microtubules that pulls chromosomes apart during cell division.

Maintaining balance: Blood progenitor cells receive signals from niche cells and the daughter blood cells they create Posted: 22 Dec 2011 10:33 AM PST Maintaining balance is crucial. In Drosophila, the common fruit fly, the creation and maintenance of the blood supply requires such balance. Stem cell scientists have now uncovered that two-way signaling from two different sets of cells is necessary for that balance, both to ensure enough blood cells are made to respond to injury and infection and that the blood progenitor cell population remains available for future needs.

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