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Scientists Create Synthesized DNA Bases

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the and-mother-nature-is-pissed dept.

Iddo Genuth writes to tell us that researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego have created two artificial DNA bases in an effort to "expand biology's potential." "In the future, [chemist Floyd] Romesberg envisions manipulating the genetic code of bacteria in order to assemble better drugs or even man-made proteins. Until now, the bases only work in bacteria, so human augmentation is currently not possible. Another option is to use alpha and beta to help construct nanomachines to be used for drug delivery. 'This is like jumping from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age,' Romesberg says. 'It takes time to figure out how best to use metal.'" Update 18:10 GMT by SM: Roger writes to share the NewScientist link with a bit more information. There is also the original release text for consideration.

9 of 125 comments (clear)

  1. Re:These are bases not amino acids by olyar · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mostly they just want to be able to write a technical paper called "All your base (pairs) are belong to us".

    --
    Custom, hands-free Linux installs. Instalinux
  2. Re:I want my Vitamin C! by Sir_Real · · Score: 2, Funny

    Can we get back our Vitamin C gene again? I would love being able to eat less fruit... Scurvy sucks.

    Apparently a war has already been delcared on Scurvy, and it appears to almost be won

  3. Re:I for one... by eviloverlordx · · Score: 4, Funny

    The Island of Dr. Moreau called; they want their genetic manipulation with unintended consequences back. I told the caller to take a number.

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    'Loose' is when your pants are three sizes too big. 'Lose' is when you misuse 'loose'.
  4. In the brave new world of patented genetics ... by winomonkey · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... all your base are belong to us.

  5. Re:I want my Vitamin C! by jollyreaper · · Score: 3, Funny

    Can we get back our Vitamin C gene again? I would love being able to eat less fruit... Scurvy sucks.

    Have you ever tried coconut rum and fresh OJ? You'll never bitch about drinking your fruits again.

    --
    Kwisatz Haderach
    Sell the spice to CHOAM
    This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
  6. Re:I want my Vitamin C! by ShieldW0lf · · Score: 3, Funny

    If it hasn't been sprayed through a pile of burning rotten vegetation from Scotland, it's shite.

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    -1 Uncomfortable Truth
  7. Re:I want my Vitamin C! by 93,000 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Pretty reckless with your precious fluilds, there, buddy.

    I only drink grain alcohol and rain water.

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    Sweet informative mod.
  8. Re:I want my Vitamin C! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    dude, calm down man.

  9. Re:I want my Vitamin C! by spazdor · · Score: 2, Funny

    Nicknames are meaningless. The big giveaway that you're a girl was that you drink Rieslings.

    That shit's for ladies and, uh, whoever plays one on the Internet.

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    DRM: Terminator crops for your mind!