Latest news with #molecularbiology
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists launch controversial project to create the world's first artificial human DNA
[Source] Researchers at five British universities have launched the Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG) with an initial grant of approximately $12.6 million from Wellcome, the U.K.'s largest biomedical research charity. Unveiled on Thursday, the five-year effort is led by molecular biologist Jason W. Chin at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and aims to assemble an entire human chromosome, base by base, inside the lab. Writing a genome Instead of tweaking existing DNA with tools such as CRISPR, SynHG will attempt to 'write' long stretches of code before inserting them into cultured human skin cells to study how chromosome architecture drives health and disease. The project builds on Chin's earlier success constructing a fully synthetic E. coli genome. The laboratory playbook blends generative-AI sequence design with high-throughput robotic assembly, allowing scientists to plan and assemble millions of DNA bases. Patrick Yizhi Cai of the University of Manchester, who oversees these methods, says the approach 'leverag[es] cutting-edge generative AI and advanced robotic assembly technologies to revolutionize synthetic mammalian chromosome engineering.' Trending on NextShark: Why experts are cautious Geneticist Robin Lovell-Badge of London's Francis Crick Institute emphasized the importance of understanding not only the scientific potential but also the societal values and risks involved. He warned that as research progresses, there is the possibility of creating synthetic cells that could, if used in humans, lead to tumors or produce novel infectious particles if not carefully designed. Lovell-Badge recommended that any engineered cells should include safeguards, such as inducible genetic kill switches, to ensure they can be eliminated from the body or targeted by the immune system if needed. Sarah Norcross, director of the Progress Educational Trust, echoed the need for transparency and public engagement, highlighting that synthesizing human genomes is controversial and requires researchers and the public to be in active communication. Norcross welcomed the project's built-in social science program, which surveys communities across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and the Americas as the science unfolds and is led by social scientist Joy Yueyue Zhang, as a way to ensure that public interests and concerns are considered from the outset. Trending on NextShark: Road ahead Over the next five years, the consortium will iterate design–build–test cycles, aiming first for an error-free synthetic chromosome representing roughly 2% of human DNA. Alongside the laboratory milestones, the team plans to release an open-access toolkit covering both the technical and governance lessons learned. Trending on NextShark: This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. ! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists launch controversial project to create the world's first artificial human DNA
[Source] Researchers at five British universities have launched the Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG) with an initial grant of approximately $12.6 million from Wellcome, the U.K.'s largest biomedical research charity. Unveiled on Thursday, the five-year effort is led by molecular biologist Jason W. Chin at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and aims to assemble an entire human chromosome, base by base, inside the lab. Writing a genome Instead of tweaking existing DNA with tools such as CRISPR, SynHG will attempt to 'write' long stretches of code before inserting them into cultured human skin cells to study how chromosome architecture drives health and disease. The project builds on Chin's earlier success constructing a fully synthetic E. coli genome. The laboratory playbook blends generative-AI sequence design with high-throughput robotic assembly, allowing scientists to plan and assemble millions of DNA bases. Patrick Yizhi Cai of the University of Manchester, who oversees these methods, says the approach 'leverag[es] cutting-edge generative AI and advanced robotic assembly technologies to revolutionize synthetic mammalian chromosome engineering.' Trending on NextShark: Why experts are cautious Geneticist Robin Lovell-Badge of London's Francis Crick Institute emphasized the importance of understanding not only the scientific potential but also the societal values and risks involved. He warned that as research progresses, there is the possibility of creating synthetic cells that could, if used in humans, lead to tumors or produce novel infectious particles if not carefully designed. Lovell-Badge recommended that any engineered cells should include safeguards, such as inducible genetic kill switches, to ensure they can be eliminated from the body or targeted by the immune system if needed. Sarah Norcross, director of the Progress Educational Trust, echoed the need for transparency and public engagement, highlighting that synthesizing human genomes is controversial and requires researchers and the public to be in active communication. Norcross welcomed the project's built-in social science program, which surveys communities across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and the Americas as the science unfolds and is led by social scientist Joy Yueyue Zhang, as a way to ensure that public interests and concerns are considered from the outset. Trending on NextShark: Road ahead Over the next five years, the consortium will iterate design–build–test cycles, aiming first for an error-free synthetic chromosome representing roughly 2% of human DNA. Alongside the laboratory milestones, the team plans to release an open-access toolkit covering both the technical and governance lessons learned. Trending on NextShark: This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. ! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
CBS News
04-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
This Delaware County high school student is getting a full ride to Princeton University
A high school senior in Delaware County is getting the opportunity of a lifetime. Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School student Kristen Ogogo is getting a full ride to Princeton University through QuestBridge, a program that supports high-achieving students from underserved communities. Out of more than 25,000 applicants, Ogogo was among 2,627 students to match with a prestigious university. "This has been a long time coming, and it's finally here," Ogogo said after commencement Wednesday morning. "I'm so glad I get to spend this joyous moment with my class." Raised by a single mother from Kenya, Ogogo knows the value of hard work and sacrifice. The 18-year-old salutatorian plans to study molecular biology in hopes of becoming an oncologist after losing her eighth grade teacher, Sue Masciantonio, to pancreatic cancer. "She was a big catalyst for all of my determination, all my motivation to have now, and after her passing, it only fueled me to strive harder," Ogogo said. Masciantonio's sister, Maureen Pearlingi, came to graduation to show her support. "For Kristen to use her talents, to want to take her talents, and improve the medical world, especially when it comes to cancer, to me is just a tribute to what my sister meant to her," Pearlingi said. But getting to this point wasn't easy. Ogogo said she wouldn't have been able to attend Bonner Prendie had it not been for generous donors helping cover her tuition. "We're sad to see her go, but we're very fortunate she has high endeavors," Andrea Ciliberti, assistant principal of academic affairs at Bonner Prendie, said. "She's going to reach those dreams." Amid the celebration, Ogogo is grateful to all the people who helped her along the way. "If it weren't for my mom coming here at 19 years old with only $15 in her pocket, she would not have been able to make a way for her two children to live the American dream," Ogogo said. It's a dream she'll continue chasing as she begins the next chapter of her life. "I am so proud of Kristen," Ruth Okello, Ogogo's mother, said. "It's beyond what I can describe."
