A paper stronger than steel
Australian scientists have made a composite material based on graphite that is as thin as paper and ten times stronger than steel.
University Technology Sydney: 28 April 2011
Image: A graphene paper sample. By Lisa Aloisio/UTS
Self-renewing neural stem cells created
US scientists have created self-renewing, neural precursor cells from human embryonic stem cells that can be directed to become many types of neuron without increased risk of tumor formation.
Uni California San Diego: 25 April 2011
Reference
Proceeding of the National Academies of Science (PNAS) Early edition 27 April
Published online before print April 27, 2011, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1014041108
Club Cosmos. Synthetic biology in the pub
By Jason Major
TechNyou
Club Cosmos does synthetic biology in the pub hosted by Wilson da Silva, editor of the Cosmos magazine. Wilson and three experts discuss the science, the hope and the societal implications of this emerging scientific field.
What is syn bio?
There was considerable discussion about what is synthetic biology and how properly defining it will help guide any regulatory process. The issue is of course finding that definition. Is it an extension of genetic engineering therefore coming under existing regulation (with some possible minor tweaking), or is it something completely different that will require a whole new set of laws?
This discussion extended to ethics. If it is just an extension genetic engineering then many of the ethical principles already in place and discussions we have had will apply to synthetic biology.
Plug-n-play V starting from scratch
I think that what we have done so far by synthetically generating copies of existing genes and whacking them in existing living cells (bacteria) is simply proof of concept that synthetic biology is possible, one day. When we have developed the technology to economically synthesize novel sequences of DNA with novel functions that can be integrated with similarly synthesized genes or existing ones with a known function to generate a self-replication organism with a similarly novel function, that is when we start getting into new territory. I am unsure yet if that will mean new ethical guidelines or societal implications. I certainly think for some people this will be pushing the envelope when it comes to tinkering with nature. Rational or not, initially at least (and for some the long-term) there will be a chasm between the acceptability of a genetically modified bacteria that produces insulin (plug-n-play) and a completely artificial life form with novel, never seen before traits or the ability to produce novel products (start from scratch).
As a discussion generated by one audience question, are cells just programmable machines to be manipulated and reprogrammed to suit our needs? This could lead to fascinating new technologies – cleaner and alternative energy sources, personalized medicine and more efficient and environment friendly industry. But without effective engagement with the public on this sort of stuff it could be viewed as scientists going power mad and maniacal. Or maybe, society may simply see this as unnecessary and not worth the risk that will inevitably come with this or any new technology. The question will be whether we can manage these risks in an acceptable way, and as we have seen from recent issues such as GM foods and nanoparticles this level of acceptability will be different for everyone.
It is probably better to start thinking about and discussing this stuff sooner rather than later. Club Cosmos is a good start.
Club Cosmos – Synthetic Biology in the Pub Part 1 from RiAus on Vimeo.
Club Cosmos – Synthetic Biology in the Pub Part 2 from RiAus on Vimeo.
Request for stem cells from three donors
Australian scientists want to change stem cell laws so they can create a type of hybrid cell to combat a debilitating disease.
ABC Radio AM: 18 April 2011
Boosting a plant’s defence
La Trobe University researchers are developing techniques to boost the natural defences of plants to disease.
Feature, Australian Life Scientist: 19 April 2011
Pre-conception genetic testing and eugenics
Not all agree with a UK report on Preconception Genetic Testing and Screening suggesting that such technology is without social/ethical implications.
Human Genetics Commission report: Increasing options, informing choice
BioNews Opinion: Dr Calum MacKellar
Breast cells naturally transform into stem cells
Thought impossible until now, research has found fully differentiated cells can revert back to a stem cell-like state all by themselves
Discover, Not exactly rocket science blog
Brain boost required? Grab a 9V battery
Scientists have found that some wires, a wet sponge and a 9volt battery that it can boost learning.
Nature Feature: 13 April 2011
Genetically modified bacteria filter out pesticides
Genetically modified bacteria could be used in air filters to extract pesticide vapors from polluted air.
Science Daily: 14 April 2011
Reference
n Li, Chao Yang, Yaqi He, Chuanling Qiao, Junxin Liu. Simultaneous removal of parathion and methyl parathion by genetically engineered Escherichia coli in a biofilter treating polluted air. International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2011; 45 (1/2/3): 3
Cord blood and cerebral palsy clinical trials
By Jason Major
TechNYou
Last week I posted a story about the use of cord blood stem cells to treat cerebral palsy. We had enquiries asking for more information on the research, especially stuff related to Australia.
We did find out that Monash University and a cord blood company have been given ethics approval to run a clinical trial in Australia – details below – but I have yet to find any more details than that. What I would like to know, but can’t get detail on is what is the science behind how these stem cells may be working in those with cerebral palsy? I suspect that if the stem cells are actually having a clinical effect then our understanding of how that is being achieved is minimal.
Clinical trial info
Prof Euan Wallace, from Monash University is the lead man on this.
His contact details are below
Prof EW Wallace
Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southern Health
Director, The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Monash University, Monash Medical Centre
246 Clayton Road
Clayton, Victoria 3168, AUSTRALIA
Tel 03 9594 5145
Email: euan.wallace@monash.edu
The company working with Monash Uni (Prof Wallace) is Cell Care Australia. We contacted them and they told us that clinical trial using autologous cord blood cells (The child’s own cells) in cerebral palsy received final ethics approval last week and will start shortly.
I don’t know what shortly means, but Professor Wallace has asked that all enquiries about the trial be directed to him.
Other clinical trials
The Duke University Translational Medicine Institute seems to be at the forefront of research into cord blood stem cells and cerebral palsy, especially Prof Joane Kurtsburg –
Check the embedded links for more info
Or this story