Lab notes: DNA editing, dearth of new antibiotics and knowing your mind

This week ’s top story brings hope for millions of those who are unable to conceive. British scientists haverevealed the role of ‘master gene’ in human embryo development. The study marks a first for the UK and could help uncover the cause of recurrent miscarriages and improve fertility treatments. Scientists used Crispr/Cas9 gene-editing tool to make precise cuts in DNA and deactivate a gene called OCT4. The study showed this gene is critical for the embryo to develop and the results could help produce more effective IVF treatment. Meanwhile,the WHO has warned over the paucity of new antibiotics. In a report it said the world was facing a global crisis of drug resistance as too few antibiotics were being made leading to too many infections becoming untreatable around the world. It cites the spread ofmulti-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) that kills 250,000 people a year. The report calls for urgent investment and responsible use of existing antibiotics. Elsewhere, world ’s top neuroscientists have launched an ambitious project to unravel the mysteries of brain. Experts from 21 labs in the US and Europeare to uncover how the brain makes decision: where, when, and how neurons take information from the outside world, make sense of it, and work out how to respond. Mind boggling stuff!Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Science Source Type: news