San Francisco and ETH Zurich have developed a method that enables them to precisely control gene expression in individual cells of yeast.

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He has spent the last ten years trying to build them and has come up with of 70, 000 DNA parts that can be used to control gene expression.

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This combination of technique allows for precise control of gene expression in yeast, which is something that can be useful for genetic engineering.

FORBES: Cyborg Yeast Have Their Genes Controlled By Computer

One gene appeared to control the tendency to sting - the mean gene.

BBC: Sci/Tech

And, in any case, gene regulation happens under the control of genes that are as selfish as any others.

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For example, if a yeast cell was genetically modified to include a particular gene, this technique would allow the expression of that gene to come under precise control.

FORBES: Cyborg Yeast Have Their Genes Controlled By Computer

Despite some similar symptoms such as lack of motor control, SMA is caused by an unrelated gene defect.

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Millennium Pharmaceuticals (nasdaq: MLNM - news - people ) and Abbott, for instance, are already in the early stages of human testing on a gene-derived medicine that helps control appetite.

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He knew that the same gene that caused fragile X also helped control protein production.

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In tests on 135 mice genetically engineered to develop ALS symptoms, mice that got the new gene therapy treatment lived 20% to 30% longer than mice that were injected with a control virus.

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