Friday, March 23, 2012

ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News

ScienceDaily: Biotechnology News


Can our genes be making us fat?

Posted: 22 Mar 2012 01:20 PM PDT

While high-fat foods are thought to be of universal appeal, there is actually a lot of variation in the extent to which people like and consume fat. A new study reported that two specific genes (TAS2R38–a bitter taste receptor and CD36–a possible fat receptor), may play a role in some people's ability to taste and enjoy dietary fat. By understanding the role of these two genes, food scientists may be able to help people who have trouble controlling how much fat they eat.

Somatic stem cells obtained from skin cells; pluripotency 'detour' skipped

Posted: 22 Mar 2012 10:15 AM PDT

Breaking new ground, scientists have succeeded in obtaining somatic stem cells from fully differentiated somatic cells. Researchers in Germany took skin cells from mice and, using a unique combination of growth factors while ensuring appropriate culturing conditions, have managed to induce the cells' differentiation into neuronal somatic stem cells.

Cell protein interactions favor fats

Posted: 22 Mar 2012 10:13 AM PDT

Scientists are learning how the fat molecules within cell membranes help the cells' signaling proteins to assemble and function. Their initial findings suggest the lipids play an important role in regulating cellular protein interactions.

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