Scientist Creates New DNA
Labels:
artificial DNA,
base pair not found in nature,
DNA,
Floyd Romesberg,
human genome,
Monsanto,
Scripps Research Institute
We have heard of patients requiring specific blood types, or donors requiring similar organs, due to the issue of compatibility. This is because our bodies reject the alien or imitated DNA within the blood and organs. However, scientists have now figured how to trick the DNA and ignore the imitation. Scientist have created a new “base pair,” one that is not found in nature.
The Hope
Researchers, for the first time ever, have created microbes that contain artificial DNA. Their hope is to create new antibiotics, vaccines, and other medical products. Scientists have essentially created two additions to the normal human genetic code.
What it is
“The cells recognized it as natural,” said chemical biologist Floyd Romesberg at in ., who led the research group.
The original article goes onto to say this “demonstrates the feasibility of life-forms based on a different DNA code.” This can lead to an expansion of the existing human genetic code, or design living cells to make new medical compounds.
The extra pair of “letters” created in the DNA does not exist or can be found in nature.
“Life on Earth in all its diversity is encoded by only two pairs of DNA bases, A-T and C-G, and what we’ve made is an organism that stably contains those two plus a third, unnatural pair of bases,” explains director of research and associate professor at , Floyd E. Romesberg. “This shows that other solutions to storing information are possible and, of course, takes us closer to an expanded-DNA biology that will have many exciting applications—from new medicines to new kinds of nanotechnology.”
Anyone see an issue with this?
While the news brings on a quality of futuristic coolness, the possibility of growing your own extra organs, this author finds it a bit unnerving. have always attempted to cross-breed plants to create stronger more efficient outcomes. However, the idea of manipulating one’s own DNA structure, with the possibility of cross-contamination into the human population scares me a bit.
Take the monopolization on seeds with .
Take the monopolization on seeds with .
“Through patents on seed, has become the “Life Lord” of our planet, collecting rents for life’s renewal from farmers, the original breeders.”
cannot contain its own GMO seeds within its confined area. While the ever expansion of GMO seeds occurs, the heirloom real seeds become less. Legal battles are also continual in the name of proprietary.
It is not too big a stretch to see this same scenario being played out as proprietary legal issues on altered DNA that creates efficient organs and other enhancements.
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