New synthetic 'augmented' life self replicates
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New synthetic 'augmented' life self replicates
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 ML1 Send message Joined: 25 Nov 01 Posts: 20289 Credit: 7,508,002 RAC: 20 
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For a fantastic genetic scientific WOW! Semi-synthetic bug extends ‘life's alphabet’ ... They had previously shown how the new bases - known as d5SICS and dNaM, or X and Y for simplicity - could be stably incorporated as a pair into the DNA molecule in vitro, in the "test tube". The latest advance sees them introduce this supplemented DNA into a living organism. What is more, the modified E. coli bug is able to copy the extended DNA and pass it down the generations. At the moment, the introduced base pair plays no active role in the bacterium's biology. But Prof Romesberg's team plans to change that in the future by giving X and Y some function. In normal DNA, it is the sequence of the natural base chemicals - which pair adenine (A) with thymine (T); and cytosine(C) with guanine (G) - that encodes the genes. And it is the genes that hold the recipes for cells to make chains of amino acids. These chains are then folded into the protein molecules that build and maintain the organism - be that an animal, a plant, or even just a simple bacterium. With an extended DNA "alphabet", it should, in principle, be possible to encode proteins from new, unnatural amino acids. This would be a route to making novel therapeutics, plastics and other materials. ... The new type of "DNA" may only be in effect parasitic to the life essential DNA of the organism. However, note that the artificial triphosphate units are supported and replicated in the augmented DNA... Literally, the beginnings of New Life! Keep searchin', Martin See new freedom: Mageia Linux Take a look for yourself: Linux Format The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3) ID: 1513677 ·  |
Batter Up  Send message Joined: 5 May 99 Posts: 1946 Credit: 24,860,347 RAC: 0 
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For a fantastic genetic scientific WOW! They call it the Terrestrial Andromeda Strain. 
ID: 1513706 · |
Bob DeWoody  Send message Joined: 9 May 10 Posts: 3387 Credit: 4,182,900 RAC: 10
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I hope they keep it locked up real tight. Bob DeWoody My motto: Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow as it may not be required. This no longer applies in light of current events. ID: 1513728 · |
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ML1 Send message Joined: 25 Nov 01 Posts: 20289 Credit: 7,508,002 RAC: 20
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I hope they keep it locked up real tight. This 'synthetic' life is completely benign and as described is so specialized that it cannot survive "out in the wild". The real scary stuff is what is being done with "GM-food" and along with that, all the 'collateral damage' being done to the environment and biosphere and ourselves eating the stuff... So far, there appears to be no GM-food that is beneficial other than for profitably locking down the agribusiness and food market... All on our only one planet, Martin See new freedom: Mageia Linux Take a look for yourself: Linux Format The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3) ID: 1513745 · |
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Batter Up Send message Joined: 5 May 99 Posts: 1946 Credit: 24,860,347 RAC: 0
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The problem as I see it is humans weaponize everything they touch.
ID: 1513759 · |
Julie  Send message Joined: 28 Oct 09 Posts: 34053 Credit: 18,883,157 RAC: 18 
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ID: 1513992 · |
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