Archive for the ‘genetic’ tag
Light-speed computer connection will slash genetic data transfer time
Hot on the heels of a new supercomputer, plans for a new light-speed data line between the Translational Genomics Research Institute and Arizona State University could slash the time is takes to transfer genetic information.
Accelerating the flow of information could help speed discoveries that eventually could help produce treatments and cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, autism, diabetes and various cancers.
Because of the huge amounts of data generated by TGen’s experiments, it now take as long as 12 days using conventional cables to transmit 7 terabytes of information from a typical experiment 10 miles between TGen’s downtown Phoenix labs and ASU’s new Saguaro 2 supercomputer in Tempe.
But through a partnership between ASU and Obsidian Strategics Inc., an Edmonton, Alberta-based defense-intelligence contractor, the same voluminous data – the equivalent of 3.5 million iPod songs – soon could be transmitted in as short as 1 hour.
Read more on: Bio Tech, Electronics, genetic, supercomputerEngineering technique identifies disease-causing genes
Scientists believe that complex diseases such as schizophrenia, major depression and cancer are not caused by one, but a multitude of dysfunctional genes. A novel computational biology method developed by a research team led by Ali Abdi, PhD, associate professor in NJIT’s department of electrical and computer engineering, has found a way to uncover the critical genes responsible for disease development.
“We see our research developing a novel technology holding high promises for finding key molecules that contribute to human diseases and for identifying critical targets in drug development,” said Abdi. “The key to success was our collaboration among researchers with different backgrounds in engineering and medical sciences.”
The scientists analyzed large cellular molecular networks whose dysfunction contributed to the development of certain complex human disorders. Molecules–genes or proteins—communicate through interconnected pathways via different biochemical interactions, explained Abdi.
Read more on: Bio Tech, geneticTechnology helps identify proteins from within
A technology that enables scientists to map the energy flow inside a protein for identification purposes has been developed.
The new research outlines how an imaging technique known as coherent two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy, 2DIR, has been used to successfully identify proteins in laboratory tests. The technique uses an ultra short pulse of infra-red laser light to cause a vibration in one part of the protein molecule. The researchers then track the movement of energy from this vibration as it moves through the protein, building up an energy flow map of the protein which enables them to identify what kind of protein it is.
Read more on: Bio Tech, DNA, Energy, Energy, genetic, molecules, proteinsEarliest genetic material is extraterrestrial
An important component of early genetic material found in meteorite fragments is extraterrestrial in origin, according to scientists.
The scientists, from Europe and the USA, say that their research, published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, provides evidence that life’s raw materials came from sources beyond the Earth.
The materials they have found include the molecules uracil and xanthine, which are precursors to the molecules that make up DNA and RNA, and are known as nucleobases.
The team discovered the molecules in rock fragments of the Murchison meteorite, which crashed in Australia in 1969. They tested the meteorite material to determine whether the molecules came from the solar system or were a result of contamination when the meteorite landed on Earth. Analysis revealed the nucleobases contain a heavy form of carbon which could only have been formed in space. Materials formed o
Read more on: carbon, Electronics, genetic, material