ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News

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• Scientist works to detach protein that HIV uses as protective shield
• How a protein protects cells from HIV infection
• Potential for incorrect relationship identification in new forensic familial searching techniques
• Not the black sheep of domestic animals: Unprecedented in-depth view of the genetic history of sheep
• Circular RNAs more common than previously thought: Unexpected mode of gene expression is surprisingly widespread

Scientist works to detach protein that HIV uses as protective shield Posted: 13 Feb 2012 10:37 AM PST One of the frustrations for scientists working on HIV/AIDS treatments has been the human immunodeficiency virus' ability to evade the body's immune system. Now a researcher has discovered a compound that could help put the immune system back in the hunt.

How a protein protects cells from HIV infection Posted: 12 Feb 2012 04:25 PM PST A novel discovery reveals a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt the spread of HIV. Harnessing this mechanism may open up new paths for therapeutic research aimed at slowing the virus' progression to AIDS.

Potential for incorrect relationship identification in new forensic familial searching techniques Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:28 PM PST New research suggests that unrelated individuals may be mistakenly identified as genetic family members due to inaccurate genetic assumptions. This is particularly relevant when considering familial searching: a new technique which extends forensic identification to family members of individuals with profiles in offender/arrestee DNA databases. In a new study, researchers show that false familial identification may be more likely for individuals with particular genetic backgrounds; for example, in the USA, those of Asian or Native American descent.

Not the black sheep of domestic animals: Unprecedented in-depth view of the genetic history of sheep Posted: 07 Feb 2012 05:26 PM PST Mapping the ancestry of sheep over the past 11,000 years has revealed that our woolly friends are stars among domestic animals, boasting vast genetic diversity and substantial prospects for continued breeding to further boost wool and food production for a rising world population. An international research team has provided an unprecedented in-depth view of the genetic history of sheep, one of the world's most important livestock species. The study maps out how humans have moulded sheep to suit diverse environments and to enhance the specialised production of meat, wool and milk.

Circular RNAs more common than previously thought: Unexpected mode of gene expression is surprisingly widespread Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:06 PM PST It may be time to revise this traditional understanding of human gene expression, as new research suggests that circular RNA molecules, rather than the classical linear molecules, are a widespread feature of the gene expression program in every human cell.

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