New Atlas

Science Audio available

Reawakening chili genes could serve up spicy tomatoes

Rich Haridy January 7, 2019

A new opinion article has outlined how tomatoes could be genetically engineered to produce capsaicinoids, the spicy compound found in chilies. The scientists suggest the innovation would be geared towards an efficient and easier way to mass produce capsaicinoids for commercial purposes.

Tomatoes could hypothetically be gene-edited to produce the same spicy compounds found in hot chili peppers

Science

Scientists hack plant photosynthesis to boost crop yields by 40%

Rich Haridy January 3, 2019

A team of researchers has, for the first time, demonstrated that by fixing a common glitch in photosynthesis, a crop’s yield could be improved by around 40 percent. The landmark study suggests optimizing a plant’s photosynthetic efficiency could significantly increase worldwide food productivity.

The genetically modified crops grow faster and taller than their conventional counterparts

Science Audio available

Modified ivy uses synthetic rabbit gene to clean the air

Ben Coxworth December 19, 2018

While plants do help clean the air within a home, it is estimated that over 20 per room would be required to make a difference. That likely wouldn't be the case with a new genetically-modified ivy, however, which has proven to be highly effective at removing chloroform and benzene from the air.

The research team, from left to right: Ryan Routsong, Long Zhang and Stuart Strand

Biology Audio available

Pigs genetically-engineered to resist deadly swine virus

Michael Irving December 16, 2018

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a highly infectious and deadly disease among pigs, with outbreaks leading to huge livestock losses. Now, researchers from Jilin University in China have genetically modified pigs to be resistant to the virus, which will also pass that down to their offspring.

Chinese researchers have genetically engineered pigs to be resistant to a widespread and deadly virus

Science Audio available

Scientist behind world's first genetically modified babies is "proud" of his work

Rich Haridy November 29, 2018

On Wednesday Chinese scientist He Jiankui took to the stage amidst a maelstrom of controversy surrounding his recent revelation of creating the world’s first genetically edited babies. As He announced pride in his work, the Chinese government called it “shocking and unacceptable.”

He Jiankui presenting his research on Wednesday in Hong Kong

Biology Audio available

Birth of world's first gene-edited babies triggers ethical outcry

Michael Irving November 26, 2018

The world’s first gene-edited human babies have been born in China. Professor Jiankui He claims that by removing a specific gene from the embryos using CRISPR-Cas9, the twin girls would have a natural immunity to HIV. But scientists question the safety, effectiveness and morality of the procedure.

The world's first gene-edited human babies have reportedly been born in China

Medical Audio available

How moth viruses, magnetic particles and gene editing could cure disease

Michael Irving November 12, 2018

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new way to activate treatments only in the right places, using an inert virus, magnetic nanoparticles and the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9.

Rice researchers have developed a new method for targeted gene editing

Biology

Synthetic organisms engineered to shed light on ancient evolution

Michael Irving October 30, 2018

To peer back in time at certain key steps of evolution, scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have engineered synthetic microorganisms designed to be similar to some that might have lived billions of years ago.

These synthetic microorganisms are made up of yeast cells (blue) with bacteria (pink) inside them, which ...

Biology

Mice born of two genetic mothers, thanks to stem cells and gene editing

Michael Irving October 11, 2018

Chinese researchers have successfully managed to breed healthy mice with genetic material from two mothers, using stem cells and gene editing.

Through genetic editing and stem cells, this adult mouse has DNA from two mothers – and ...

Science

Genetic technique improves visual learning in mice with autism

Rich Haridy September 24, 2018

A new study has proposed a novel strategy to help autistic individuals improve their ability to process visual information. Mice, engineered with autistic characteristics, were genetically altered to improve their visual and sensory learning abilities.

An experimental technique boosted activity in areas of the visual cortex, helping autistic mice learn a ...