dna

Researchers in Maryland unleash synthetic DNA

Researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute have created the largest man-made DNA structure to date, putting them one step closer to producing a completely synthetic organism, according to the institute.

The work, published online by Dan Gibson, Ph.D. in the journal Science, raises hopes for benefits like new drugs and pollution scarfing micro-organisms while spooking some with visions of biological warfare and patent wielding corporations controlling all future forms of synthetic life.

The researchers chemically created DNA fragments in the lab then used homologous recombination (a process that cells use to repair damage to their chromosomes) in the … Read more

Of mice and bats

Scientists have created mice with abnormally long forelimbs by outfitting the rodents with a chunk of DNA that directs wing development in bats, according to Technology Review.

The slightly longer forelimbs of the transgenic mice do make them more batlike. But the mice won't be flying out of the cage, says one of the scientists. First mice would have to develop very different forelimbs, like those of bats, which are longer and have membranes stretched between the bones. So we shouldn't see Mighty Mouse anytime soon.

Are winged swine on the horizon? That would give new meaning to … Read more

When you fail at Linux, there's always dating

Kevin Carmony, former CEO of Linspire, couldn't make a viable business in Linux. Perhaps, however, his attempt to marry Linux to Microsoft inspired his next move: an online dating service.

The fact that Carmony's dating service has nothing to do with Linux may bode well for its success. Reading through the press release above, it's difficult to see how Carmony's service (Dating DNA) is much different from other dating sites, except that this one has trendy names like "social networking" thrown in, but perhaps it will finally help Carmony to match up like-minded groups. … Read more

DNA dating site predicts chemical romance

The first dating service to use lab-based genetic profiling launched online last week. Scientific Match promises to pair up people who will be physically attracted to each other because their DNA is different.

Well-matched couples will like each others' natural scents, have more fun in bed, and bear healthier children than those who are genetically similar, the company claims.

The service, available only in the Boston area, charges $1,995 for a year-long subscription.

"I strongly believe this will dominate the future of dating services," said founder Eric Holzle, a mechanical engineer.

Members swab their cheeks and send … Read more

Scientists create glow-in-the-dark cats

This may be the fluffiest, freakiest thing since Alba, the green fluorescent bunny from artist Eduardo Kac.

South Korean scientists tinkering with fluorescence protein genes say they have bred white Turkish Angora cats to glow red under ultraviolet light.

The pair of cats cloned from a mother's altered skin cell are nearly a year old. The researchers told the AFP that their work could help unravel mysteries of some 250 genetic diseases suffered by both humans and cats. The findings also could be used to clone endangered tigers, leopards, and other animals, the report said.

However, it's unlikely … Read more

DNA dating: Sweet smell of attraction

ScientificMatch.com claims the sweet smell of successful matchmaking through DNA testing. The Florida company which opens its doors in Boston on Tuesday says it can find a mate with "a natural odor you'll love, with whom you'd have healthier children and a more satisfying sex life." The company tests DNA samples of its clients and matches people who have different immune systems. It claims these couples will be attracted to each other by smell.

Read the full story on WCVB TV/DT: Body odor called key romantic attraction.

Deary, I have spices older than you

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, the holiday season is near. For some, it's a time to begin taking stock of the past year. For example, did you stick to your New Year's resolutions? (Eat more chocolate? Check!)

For others--namely, holiday bakers--it's a time to take stock of what's in the pantry. You want to be sure that pumpkin cheesecake with bourbon sauce is going to turn out just right. So, you open the pantry, upend all the baking staples and check the "best by" dates.

You save the spices for last … Read more

eSnips launches Social DNA, an inquisitive answer to friend finding

eSnips has launched a service called Social DNA, a series of quizzes created in-house to help its users connect with one another. Quizzes can have any mashup of content--although most is text--ranging from toilet etiquette to political views to current events. The service is starting out with text, pictures, and audio clips, and is expected to expand to video in the near future.

What makes Social DNA interesting is how it pairs you up with other eSnips users as you go, providing percentages of how well you match other users based on your responses to the quizzing. Those who are … Read more

DNA art company launches lip paintings

The company that makes art from DNA has turned a bit more Andy Warhol for an encore.

DNA 11, an online company that creates personalized oil paintings from the buyer's DNA or fingerprint, introduced a new way for people to buy art--by puckering up. In partnership with cosmetics company MAC, DNA 11 now lets people buy a personalized painting by sending in a print of their lips, or what are called Kiss Portraits. (It's very Marilyn Monroe.)

DNA 11 has been selling on-demand paintings of people's genetic code for years. Its art work has even appeared on … Read more

The cheek is in the mail: Ancestry launches DNA testing

Ancestry.com's PR team sent me a few envelopes with cheek swabs in them the other day. These are part of the company's new service, DNA Ancestry, that uses genetic markers to locate you in the family tree of all humanity.

I had visions of my DNA fingerprint landing in a government vault to be used to finger me in crime I have yet to commit, so I did not rush to send off my epithelials. Instead, I got on the phone with Brett Folkman, VP of Ancestry's DNA product, to learn a bit more about the … Read more