The current method for prenatal genetic testing involves either amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to get embryo fluids or placenta cells from a pregnant woman’s abdomen. The placenta or placental fluids contain cells generated by the fetus. These cells are used to identify chromosomal abnormalities that can affect a baby’s survival or capacity at birth. Prenatal genetic tests are mainly used to provide information to the parents about their unborn child’s genetic condition before birth, so they can make informed decisions and manage the pregnancy better.

Unfortunately, the current methods are invasive and tests can take up to a month before results are known. And these tests don’t provide information about other genetic conditions that don’t show up on chromosome changes.

Today, a BBC report reveals that a “universal embryo test” may soon provide information on 15,000 genetic conditions… at least and for the meantime, in theory. The test is called “Karyomapping” which looks for abnormalities in the fetus’ DNA by comparing his genome with the parents. The technique maps all of the fetal chromosomes, so it can check for any gene before the baby is born, or even years after birth. The technique can potentially identify non-life-threatening genetic conditions, and so open a possibility for creating “designer babies”. Hence, once the test is approved for use, only a number of conditions – usually life-threatening -  will be allowed to be tested using karypmapping. For now.

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Post from: Genetics & Health

The ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday leaves Creve Coeur-based Monsanto with two options. It can appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court or hope for regulatory approval after the Agriculture Department completes a comprehensive environmental review. (stltoday.com)

Environmental groups and alfalfa-seed farmers sued the government in 2007 over its decision to release GM alfalfa without reviewing how the crop can potentially affect the environment. According to this news, the case marks the “first time a thorough environmental review has been required for regulatory approval of a genetically modified crop”.

And I am surprised that there wasn’t a thorough review in the first place, before Monsanto even invested acres of land on planting GM alfalfa. Isn’t it breeding 101 to test the impact of introduced crops or animals? I mean, the US Customs is so strict about bringing live plants, fruits and animals on board planes from overseas, and yet the Department of Agriculture did not have measures in place to test for this new technology.

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Post from: Genetics & Health

According to a quote through the Examiner, Russian scientists secretly warned Prime Minister Putin about a “critical link” between the H1N1 Influenza virus and genetically modified amylopectin potatoes which are sold in Western countries as french fries.

The report goes on to say that the genetically changed protease enzyme in the potatoes is so stored in the host cells (that’s us, humans who eat the fries) that our cells’ contact with an H1N1 virus creates an explosion in the viral envelope. The protein causes an acidic environment for the virus that explodes its envelope and releases the H1N1 RNA and core proteins into the host cell.

Majority of cases of H1N1 infections have been found in Western countries such as the US, Canada, UK and Australia, where genetically modified french fries are consumed the most. Moreover, the young adult population is worst hit by the swine flu; the same segment of population that loves to consume fries.

At least that’s what the report claims.

So, what do you think? Are you buying this?

It smells like a sack of rotten potatoes to me.

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Post from: Genetics & Health

I had quite a small discovery when my mother drew our family tree some years back. We found distant relations to the wife of a national hero, and though it sounds shallow, that’s become a source of family pride. Ha-ha, indulge me. But other than this, and a possibility that we may have come from some Portuguese immigrant, nothing really pops up about my past.

At least nothing quite like the family history of Sir Paul Maxime Nurse, the noted biochemist, Nobel Laureate, Knight Bachelor and president of Rockefeller University in NYC.

In this humorous storytelling, Paul Nurse recounts how he discovered the source of his exceptional talents. Nurse begins by saying he’s always felt like the oddball of the family. He was the only one to pursue academic excellence while the rest of his family had left school at 15.

The mystery started to unravel with his daughter’s school project – tracing the family tree and his mother’s ashen-face confession that she and Nurse’s father were born out of wedlock. So there was no way to trace back Nurse’s lineage.

But the shock of his life came when Nurse was 58 years old, at the height of his career, and rejected for a US Green Card. He dug up a secret that his family has kept from him for half a century.

Here is the full story as told by Paul Nurse at the World Science Festival on June 12.

Image: Newscom/ HT: The Scientist

Post from: Genetics & Health