Genetics

Natural cross-species transmission of 263 K scrapie in hamsterTransmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) diseases are known to cross species barriers. New TSE diseases have been identified  in deer and elk, in domestic cattle, and in humans. The amino acid sequence of the prion protein (PrP) is known to be an influential factor for cross-species transmission of TSE disease to a new host. [1]

Hurt et al 2011 report that I117V mutation in pandemic H1N1 is rare, and was detected in only one isolate from Australia. It confers only a mild resistance to oseltamivir, but combined with H275Y it exerts a synergistic effect of both mutations, increasing the resistance to the drug. The mutation I117M does not confer oseltamivir resistance. [1]

Brazilian plant geneticist of the states agency EMBRAPA introduced the RNA interference (RNAi) in pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). This GM bean  is resistant to the golden mosaic virus, and was approved by the Brazilian National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) for human consumption, and will be at the grocery stores in 2014. [1]

Faria et al 2011 describe a coordinated and integrated molecular network for stress signal to adapt to adverse conditions. Responses to a specific stress condition are interconnected with other environmental responses, using pathways among the organelles to respond to environmental signals.
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Scavia et al 2011 report that a HUS case in Italy in 2009 by the STEC strain (ED-703)   was found to have the same combination of virulence factors as the strain STEC O104 strain  of the German and French epidemic in 2011. It presented identical  Stx2 production and enteroaggregative adhesion genetic markers. [1]

 The German Ethics Council draws a very clear separation between humans and animals, even though both belonging to the animal kingdom. The Council cites as moral and law, which are fundamentals of religion and culture. Genetic techniques, developing rapidly since 1980, introduce human genes in mice tailored as model organisms. Nerve precursors won by human stem cells are being implanted in the mouse brain and primates to study Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson. [1]

To produce biofuel cellulose must be pretreated and then hydrolyzed with cellulases. Available pretreatment techniques include acid hydrolysis, steam explosion, ammonia fiber expansion, organosolve, sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose, alkaline wet oxidation and ozone pretreatment. [1]

The translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is important for many cellular functions in mammals and bacteria, such as steroid biosynthesis, cellular respiration, cell proliferation, apoptosis, immunomodulation, transport of porphyrins and anions. TSPO primarily functions to transport heme, porphyrins, steroids and anions. [1]

German beekeepers sued the Bavarian government after their honey was contaminated by field trials of Monsanto’s GM maize Monsanto 810 in 2005. The GM maize is used as feed and is not allowed for the consumption by humans. Any GM contaminated honey must now be subject to full safety authorisation and labelling. [1]

Yu et al. 2011 tried to improve the understanding of genome and chromosome evolution  which are linked to  inheritance and genetic evolution. [1]