Saturday, September 26, 2009

How do viruses reproduce?

In the first part of this series aboutviruses, we looked at virus structure and function. As is true in most organisms, structure and function are thoroughly intertwined. This week we look at a fascinating subject -- virus replication.

Replication

A single virus particle (virion) is in and of itself essentially inert. It lacks needed components that cells have to reproduce. Viruses are intracellular obligate parasites which means that they cannot reproduce or express their genes without the help of a living cell.

Once a virus has "infected" a cell, it will "marshal" the cell's ribosomes, enzymes and much of the cellular machinery to reproduce. Unlike what we have seen in mitosis and meiosis, viral reproduction produces many, many progeny, that when complete, leave the host cell to infect other cells in the organism.



Bacteriophage binding to the cell wall of a bacterium.
Copyright Dr. Gary Kaiser. Used with permission.


Bacteriophage injecting its genetic material into the bacterium.
Copyright Dr. Gary Kaiser. Used with permission.


The exact nature of what happens after the host is infected varies depending on the nature of the virus. In most cases, the process depends on the form of the genome. The process for double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, double-stranded RNA and single-stranded RNA will differ.

The bacteriophage genome replicates.
Copyright Dr. Gary Kaiser. Used with permission.


Self-Assembly

Interestingly enough, once the viral progeny components are produced by the cellular machinery, the assembly of the viral genome and the viral capsids is a non-enzymatic process. It is usually spontaneous.


The bacteriophage components and enzymes continue to be produced.
Copyright Dr. Gary Kaiser. Used with permission.


The components of the bacteriophage assemble.
Copyright Dr. Gary Kaiser. Used with permission.


Bacteriophage enzyme breaks down the bacterial cell wall causing the bacterium to split open.
Copyright Dr. Gary Kaiser. Used with permission.


Specificity

Ah, the beauties of structure and function! Viruses typically can only infect a limited number of hosts (also known as host range). The "lock and key" mechanism is the most common explanation for this range. Certain proteins on the virus particle must fit certain receptor sites on the particular host's cell surface.




Script has taken from the link below 




http://biology.about.com

An introduction to the structure of viruses.(taken from BIOLOGY.ABOUT.COM)

Scientists have long sought to uncover the structure and function of viruses. Viruses are unique -- they have been classified as both living and nonliving at various points in the history of biology. What makes them so interesting? Let's look at the structure of viruses.

Structure

A virus particle, also known as a virion, is essentially a nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein shell or coat. Viruses are extremely small, approximately 15 - 25 nanometers in diameter.


Adenovirus - Images courtesy of Linda M. Stannard, University of Cape Town.


Genetic Material

Viruses may have double-stranded DNA, double-stranded RNA, single-stranded DNA or single-stranded RNA. In different viruses, which of the four is the "genetic material," depends on the nature and function of the specific virus.

The viral genome can consist of a very small number of genes or up to hundreds of genes depending on the type of virus. Note that the genome is typically organized as a long molecule that is usually straight or circular.

Protein Coat

The protein coat that envelopes the genetic material is known as a capsid. It can have several shapes: polyhedral, rod or "complex." The protein subunits of the capsid are called capsomeres.


Papillomavirus - polyhedral capsid

Tobacco Mosaic virus - rod-shaped capsid

T4 Bacteriophage - complex capsid
Papillomavirus image courtesy of Linda M. Stannard, University of Cape Town.

Tobacco Mosaic virus and T4 Bacteriophage images copyrightDennis Kunkel.


In addition to the protein coat, some viruses have specialized structures. For example, the flu virus has a membrane-like envelope around its capsid. The envelope has both host cell and viral components and assists the virus in infecting its host.

Influenza virus
Image courtesy of Linda M. Stannard, University of Cape Town.


Capsid additions are also found in bacteriophages. For example, bacteriophages can have a protein "tail" attached to the capsid that is used to infect the host bacteria.

Bacteriophage - Image copyrightDennis Kunkel.
 
 
 
 
 
  

Gene Therapy Reverses Muscular Dystrophy

Using a novel approach, scientists at the Children's National Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh have successfully repaired muscles in hamsters that were ravaged by a form of muscular dystrophy called limb girdle muscular dystrophy.
In the study, the researchers used a non-replicating adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a gene vector. The virus carried a gene for a component of skeletal muscle called sarcoglycan protein. This protein is not made properly by people suffering from limb girdle muscular dystrophy. AAV is unique in that it does not provoke a response from the immune system and can reside in cells without initiating a response. Once integrated within a cell, it will stay there permanently. This allows the sarcoglycan protein to be produced over the long term.
The AAV vector along with the sarcoglycan gene was injected into the leg muscles of hamsters with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. After approximately a month, the treated muscles were tested and the results were startling. The muscles had increased almost 100 percent in strength and were nearly normal in size. This was the first time that researchers had observed entire muscles being functionally repaired and restored after being ravaged by the effects of muscular dystrophy.
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy causes degeneration of the large muscles attached to the hips and shoulders. It is fatal and has no known effective treatment. A more common variant called Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects some 20,000 individuals in the United States alone.
The researchers are currently exploring ways to develop a treatment protocol based on their findings in this study. They believe that using the non-toxic gene vector will make it possible to safely and effectively "shuttle" the gene to muscles affected by limb girdle muscular dystrophy and perhaps other forms of muscular dystrophy as well.

Script taken from the link below but I am sure you have get the information that you wanted.


http://biology.about.com

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Cell rupture and cell disruption, & homogenizing system

System Options

  • IQ, OQ and PQ support.
  • SIP including necessary instrumentation and steam traps.
  • Systems meeting hazardous area classifications including Class 1 Div 1.
  • Dual redundant PLC or DCS based controls.
  • CE compliance (for Europe).
  • WFI break tank for aseptic plunger flush.
  • WFI aseptic plunger flush cooler.
  • Product pre-cooler
  • Second homogenizing stage.

Cell rupture and cell disruption

Cell disruption - bacteria, yeast, algae and plant cells. The Niro Soavi VHP System offers an efficient method of cell rupture with yields of over 90% being achieved with a single pass without the addition of expensive chemicals or agents, therefore maintaining product quality and reducing production time.

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Cell Disruption

Before cell disruption
Before cell disruption
After 1000 bar x 2 pass giving a cell breakage of 95%
After 1000 bar x 2 pass giving a cell breakage of 95%

GEA Liquid Processing cell rupture skid for biologic cell lysing. The homogenizer feature the high efficiency sharp profile rupture valve type R which enable cell disruption at lower pressures.

GEA Liquid Processing cell rupture skid for biologic cell lysing. The homogenizer feature the high efficiency sharp profile rupture valve type R which enable cell disruption at lower pressures.

GEA Niro Soavi VHP cell rupture (cell disruption) systems can be easily scaled from the lab and pilot systems through to the commercial size systems. Also, the homogenizer meets all the ASME BPE requirements for cell disruptors and the compression head has non shedding components and parts due to material selection and design.

Homogenizing system for particle size reduction

Particle size reduction - oral dosage, intravenous parenterals, nano-suspensions, nanoemulsions and liposome's. The GEA Niro Soavi VHP System reduces particle size efficiently and often at reduced pressure and fewer passes than competing technologies. This is due to the Niro Soavi sharp profile homogenizer valve type R.
GEA Niro Soavi R type sharp profile valve

GEA Niro Soavi R type sharp profile valve


IV Emulsion Particle Size Results

Pre-mixed not homogenized, particle size=5 µm
Pre-mixed not homogenized, particle size=5 µm
500 bar x 4 pass, particles dimension < 1 µm
500 bar x 4 pass, particles dimension < 1 µm
Here me posting, topic related to immune defence system working in our body from birth to death.I am sure it will facsinate you.

What are carotenoids?

Life presents us with a kaleidoscope of colors. From the green, green grass of home to a forest's ruddy autumn hues, we are surrounded by living color. Living things obtain their colors, with few exceptions, from natural pigments. In addition to their role in coloration, natural pigments carry out a variety of important biological functions. Among the most common and most important natural pigments are the carotenoids.
Carotenoids are a class of natural fat-soluble pigments found principally in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, where they play a critical role in the photosynthetic process. They also occur in some non-photosynthetic bacteria, yeasts, and molds, where they may carry out a protective function against damage by light and oxygen. Although animals appear to be incapable of synthesizing carotenoids, many animals incorporate carotenoids from their diet. Within animals, carotenoids provide bright coloration, serve as antioxidants, and can be a source for vitamin A activity (Ong and Tee 1992; Britton et al. 1995).
Carotenoids are responsible for many of the red, orange, and yellow hues of plant leaves, fruits, and flowers, as well as the colors of some birds, insects, fish, and crustaceans. Some familiar examples of carotenoid coloration are the oranges of carrots and citrus fruits, the reds of peppers and tomatoes, and the pinks of flamingoes and salmon (Pfander 1992). Some 600 different carotenoids are known to occur naturally (Ong and Tee 1992), and new carotenoids continue to be identified (Mercadante 1999).
Carotenoids are defined by their chemical structure. The majority carotenoids are derived from a 40-carbon polyene chain, which could be considered the backbone of the molecule (Fig. 1). This chain may be terminated by cyclic end-groups (rings) and may be complemented with oxygen-containing functional groups. The hydrocarbon carotenoids are known as carotenes, while oxygenated derivatives of these hydrocarbons are known as xanthophylls. Beta-carotene, the principal carotenoid in carrots, is a familiar carotene, while lutein, the major yellow pigment of marigold petals, is a common xanthophyll (Fig. 1).
The structure of a carotenoid ultimately determines what potential biological function(s) that pigment may have. The distinctive pattern of alternating single and double bonds in the polyene backbone of carotenoids is what allows them to absorb excess energy from other molecules, while the nature of the specific end groups on carotenoids may influence their polarity. The former may account for the antioxidant properties of biological carotenoids, while the latter may explain the differences in the ways that individual carotenoids interact with biological membranes (Britton 1995).

 
 


 Article was taken from the link below
http://www.astaxanthin.org

The Best Foods for a Healthy, Wrinkle Free Skin

Nature has provided us with many natural foods which are good for various ailments of the body. I have selected the following foods which are extremely useful for a youthful well maintained skin. The skin should stay wrinkle free , without blemishes or acne , taut and full of vigor. To maintain and encourage your skin to stay youthful ,  the following foods are useful. They are normal everyday foods and you will be surprised how much they can benefit your skin.

Oranges contain vitamin C which is most essential to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays . This Vitamin  helps in preventing wrinkles by producing collagen in the skin. Eat one whole fruit ( not just  juice) everyday, regularly for beneficial effects.
Sunflower seeds contain essential fatty acids which help skin secrete natural oils that lubricate it and prevent water loss. This helps keep skin soft and supple, improve hair texture and reduce blackhead formation . Take three teaspoons twice a week or use sunflower oil to cook your food in.
Papayas are a low calorie fruit filled with the goodness of carotenoids releasing vitamin A.  They have an anti oxidant effect and help in maintaining younger looking skin. One bowl ( apx. 200- 250 grams ) of fruit a day is enough.
Whole Grains are a source of Vitamins of the B group. They help in replacing dead cells in the skin and in fighting skin infections. Niacin in whole grain helps skin cells to absorb nutrients and release energy. In order to increase intake, simply replace your normal white breads with whole grain bread , biscuits and pasta  with whole grain products.
Green Tea is loaded with flavonoids and antioxidants. They prevent skin from UV rays and free radical chemicals in the atmosphere, prevent wrinkle formation and remove blemishes from the skin. Take Green tea without milk  boiled in hot water twice a day to enjoy the beneficial effects.
Pulses are a rich source of proteins that help skin glow. They contain biotin which also helps in controlling hair loss. Simply cook well in boiling water to release nutrients and enjoy a protein rich meal.
Aloe Vera is considered a miracle plant with multifarious positive effects on the human body. The juice of this plant is very beneficial for patchy irritated skin, helps prevent acne and skin pigmentation. Simply take 30-40 ml of juice daily for better skin. However do not extract juice from raw pulp but take the juice available at chemists in pre-packaged form. Raw pulp if ingested without processing can contain some harmful ingredients which can cause stomach upsets and more.
Concept was taken from the link below.




http://www.janicebeauty.com

White Teeth

Hi guys this is a simple and easy method to make your teeth neat and clean and last your teeth and you become white with this efforts by doing this procdure.This article is from Janice Kumar and I tried hard to make you feel good and working hard to make my all effort possible for you all my visitor.


Many people have stained front teeth and they look bad when they smile or laugh. They  stains may give the impression of bad oral hygiene but the cause may be somewhere else. It is important to understand the cause of the problem and try to find a long term or cosmetic cure. White teeth always look good and they enhance confidence levels and also one's personality. So let us strive for them.
Some possible causes of these dirty brown stains on the pearly white teeth may be identified as below. These are some common cause and your problem may be due to some totally other reason. In that case you are requested to consult a professional dentist.
More than two cups of coffee a day can cause your white teeth to stain quickly. These brown stains manifest on the front teeth and are difficult to get rid of.
Another common cause is,  red wine. This red wine can quickly stain your teeth and the cosmetic cure can be really expensive .
Smoking is another common cause of brown teeth. Look around , most long term smokers will have stained yellow teeth. Tobacco cause quick staining which is again very difficult to remove.
Gum disease , infections and bad oral hygiene can also cause  white teeth to turn yellow.

I suggest the following home remedies and basic dental care . If this does not work or the condition is chronic then you definitely need to consult a dentist. Or try a cosmetic dental treatment.
Reduce coffee and red wine intake and reduce smoking. This is common sense and also good for your body.
Try chewing raw vegetables , once a day . Raw vegetables are a healthy snack and they will also help in cleaning your teeth.
Strawberries have a natural bleaching effect and are high on Vitamin 'C'. So have some every day . This is a 'tasty' healthy solution to the yellow teeth problem.  Of course  make sure, you are not allergic to them.
Floss everyday.  Stains form easily between teeth and flossing is an easy solution.
Brush your teeth everyday, every 12 hours. Do ensue the bristles are not worn out. Change your brush regularly. Old worn out  brushes just cannot brush away plaque forming bacteria and are useless.
Try a natural herbal cure :
Rub some burnt almond shell powder lightly on your front teeth , twice a day and check the results after a fortnight. You may be surprised!
Try putting some raw common salt on your tooth paste before brushing. The fine grains of the salt will remove and reduce yellow stains and bring a white shine back to your teeth.
Another home remedy that works with many kind of stains is to rub the teeth with a bay leaf , thrice a week. This seems to work for many people and is inexpensive.
If nothing works then:
Get your teeth professionally cleaned and polished by a dentist.
Go for professional bleaching job after studying the pros and cons of the process.
You may also try various bleaching packs and home teeth whitening systems. You may require these to maintain the white shine, especially if you cannot control smoking, coffee and red wine intake. Do read and understand the 'patented' process before rushing to buy some. A comparison between various options available in the market will definitely be beneficial.


Script was taken from the link below




http://www.janicebeauty.com

Cavity Fighting Bacteria

We've all been taught that the way to prevent cavities is to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. Researchers at the University of Florida have taken a different approach to fighting tooth decay. They have altered the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which is known to cause tooth decay, so that it is no longer harmful to teeth.
The leading researcher in the study, dentist J. D. Hillman, accomplished this task by stripping the bacterium of its ability to produce lactic acid. It is this byproduct of the breakdown of sugar by Streptococcus mutans that causes tooth decay. If the bacteria are not able to produce lactic acid tooth decay is stopped.
As many as 500 different species of bacteria inhabit your mouth and can colonize on your teeth and gums. When you eat a meal bacteria help to digest the food and sugar left on your teeth and gums. In the process lactic acid is produced which breaks down tooth enamel and leads to cavities. Streptococcus mutans has been found to be the most cariogenic (promotes tooth decay) of these bacteria.

Streptococcus mutans. Image courtesy of Fusao Ota, University of Tokushima, Japan.
The genetically altered strain of Streptococcus mutans appeared to thrive on sugar. It was tested on rats with positive results. Researchers introduced a solution containing the bacterial strain into the oral cavity of rats. The rats were fed a high sugar diet and showed no evidence of tooth decay. Researchers found that the strain was able to stay on the surface of the teeth indefinitely and prevented the natural strain from colonizing on the teeth. The altered strain is genetically stable and no ill effects have been noted.
Hillman is hopeful that human trials will begin this year. These trials will attempt to determine the number of applications needed to prevent tooth decay permanently. Researchers warn that this does not mean that you can get rid of your tooth brush. Brushing and other forms of dental hygiene would still be recommended to prevent plaque build-up.

For additional information you can surf this website.This is not a self effort but taken from the open source from the internet.


http://biology.about.com

Brain Power


Researchers at Duke University and MCP Hahnemann University have developed a technique for using brain signals to control a robotic arm. This feat was accomplished by recording signals from electrodes that were implanted in the brains of rats. It is believed that this new method may some day offer hope to those suffering from spinal cord injuries who have prosthetic limbs. Theoretically, the electrodes could be implanted into the brain to allow the person to have control over limb movement, much as they would an actual limb.

In the experiment, rats were taught to operate a robotic arm by pressing a lever. Pressing the lever resulted in the rats receiving a reward. Researchers recorded the neuronal activity responsible for muscle movement using implanted electrode arrays. Once the specific groups of neurons that were used for muscle movement when pressing the lever were identified, researchers changed the control of the robotic arm from the lever to the electrode implants.

The rats promptly learned that they could move the robotic arm to receive a reward without having to press the lever. All they had to do was to activate the particular neurons in the brain that they had previously used when physically pressing the lever.

This ground-breaking study established the first tangible evidence that neuron signals can be used to control external devises. Prior to this study, scientists suspected that neuronal control of external devices was possible but there was no demonstrable proof.

Researchers speculate that the knowledge gained from this study could be used to develop new techniques to treat those suffering from a variety of disabilities including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and locked-in syndrome. Since those with locked-in syndrome may have intact thinking skills but no ability to interact with their environment, external control of devices through neurons may be particularly helpful.

The researchers also strongly emphasize that there are still significant technical obstacles that must be overcome before any attempts at human clinical trials can begin. They do however believe that these obstacles are not impossible to overcome.





Link was taken from the following website






http://biology.about.com

Bioengineering Blood Vessels

Using a system that closely resembles the fetal environment, scientists have produced new blood vessels from cells taken from the arteries of an adult pig. When re-implanted into the same animals, the "artificial" vessels performed very similarly to normal blood vessels.
The scientists used a bioreactor to produce the vessels by simulating the fetal environment. It provided nutrients that the cells need to develop into strong vessels and "stressed" the vessels much like the heart would in normal vessel development.
Scientists used a tube of a biodegradable polymer, approximately 98% air, to provide the edifice for the vessels. Smooth muscle cells were then extracted from the pigs and layered on the outside of the tube. The layered tube was then placed in the bioreactor through which it received nutrients.
After approximately two and a half months in the bioreactor, the muscle cells were pervasive throughout the original structure. Much of the polymer had already dissolved.
Endothelial cells were then extracted from the pigs and layered on the inside of the tube. After a few days, the arteries were complete. They were then implanted back into the pigs.
The researchers noted that most culture methods currently in use are static. This study added the component of stressing or "pulsing" the vessels as the heart would in normal fetal development. When compared to vessels produced in the normal static culture method, the researchers found that the pulsed vessels were inherently stronger and were a very close approximation of the real thing.
While trials in humans are a ways off, the researchers believe that success in pigs is a big step toward being able to reproduce the results in humans. Though human vessel cells are more difficult to grow outside of the body, researchers believe they will soon be able to overcome the technological hurdles in humans.
Bioengineered vessels could help many patients suffering from heart disease. For those needing bypass surgeries, bioengineered vessels could be a potential lifesaver, particularly when the patient's own vessels have deteriorated significantly.

This biotechnique script is taken from the link below.for more detail you can join our site for new indormation


http://biology.about.com/library/weekly/aa042299.htm

For additional information please go through this link.

Functional Arteries Grown from Cells Using Novel System that Simulates Fetal Environment  

Monday, September 21, 2009

Artificial Plasmids

Scientists at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill announced this week that they have successfully inserted an artificial plasmid into a cultured human cell. Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA. This announcement is significant because this plasmid was approximately 20 times larger than previously used plasmids. Scientists hope this research will lead to a successful in vivo procedure.
The genes transferred were responsible for the production of Beta-globin, a component of hemoglobin. The transplanted genes also replicated when the constituent cell replicated. The DNA plasmids went from double-stranded DNA to single-stranded RNA, which indicated that the traditional protein production model was being followed.

This written script is taken from an authentic website,here is the link below;



http://biology.about.com/library/weekly/aa090398.htm

Artificial Liver

The Extracorporeal Liver Assist Device, or ELAD, is the first artificial liver to use cells from humans rather than from pigs. The device is used to sustain patients awaiting a liver transplant or whose own liver is not functioning and needs to recover.
The ELAD uses a chamber system in which each of the two chambers is filled with cartridges that contain liver cells. Similar to a dialysis machine, when the device is connected via blood vessels, the blood is filtered, remixed, and returned to the body.
Devices that used pig cells caused several concerns. Patients were exposed to animal cells which could harbor potentially dangerous infectious agents. Scientists hope that with the use of human cells, the potential for adverse reactions will be minimized.
The ELAD also has a longer use period. The pig cell device could only be used for six to ten hours; the new device could potentially be used continuously by swapping cartridges. Clinical trials of the ELAD are set to begin at the University of Chicago hospitals. The trials will attempt to determine both the safety and effectiveness of the device in acute situations.
The trials will focus on using the ELAD to assist people with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), a liver disease. FHF occurs in otherwise healthy people and can possibly be precipitated by exposure to toxins and certain drugs. Its exact cause remains unknown.
The device will be used to protect the patient's other vital organs during liver failure and to provide adequate time for the patient's liver to recover from the effects of the disease.
Scientists are optimistic that by providing this additional time for a patient's liver to recover, the number of people needing transplants may decrease, particularly for those with limited damage to the liver. Should the patient's liver not recover, the device will be used to allow additional time for a liver transplant. It is estimated that some 12.5 thousand people currently need a liver transplant. Less than 5,000 livers are donated in the average year, thus the need for such a device.
for more related search you can join the link below


http://biology.about.com/library/weekly/aa040899.htm

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Could Stem Cell Research End Animal Experimentation?

"Scientist: Stem cells could end animal testing." However, as one reads the article, it becomes clear that the headline is not completely accurate. The scientist featured in the article, Christine Mummery, a Professor of Developmental Biology at Leiden University Medical Center in The Netherlands, does not say that stem cell research could end vivisection. Instead, the article reports that Mummery "described how using embryonic stem cells to create human heart cells could be a viable and scientifically exciting alternative to animal testing" at a recent scientific meeting in the UK.

Developing one alternative to animal testing is not the same as ending animal testing. Stem cell research may someday replace certain tests, but will not replace all vivisection. Mummery uses the example of early stages of drug testing. What the article does not mention is that a drug passing these early stages may then be tested on live animals, and eventually humans, in later stages.

This information script is taken from the link below,Is you need some more detail just go through this link;


http://animalrights.about.com/od/vivisection/a/StemCell.htm

Animal Testing Without Animals

Two researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed an Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) device that uses electricity to study complex cell behavior. The device offers researchers a way of testing cell interactions through non-invasive means.
The ECIS device is an "electronic eavesdropper" on cells and can measure the activity of cells over time. Because it is connected via software to a computer, all data acquisition and analysis can be automated. Data about a cell's response can be taken as frequently as every quarter second.
The device works by electrically culturing live cells in a set of trays which sit in bays that are supplied with a low-level alternating current from an electrode. When electricity is present, cells will expand over the electrode, allowing changes to be measured.
This electrical sensor allows a new level of detail for the results. Instead of the traditional petri dish for cultures and examination by a microscope, the entire procedure is now automated.
Many people question the use of animals in research, particularly in nonessential testing. Others maintain that animal modeling is a necessary prerequisite for the discovery of new treatments. One target is the cosmetics industry. This device could markedly reduce or even eliminate the need to use live animals to test and measure the toxicity levels of chemicals.
The device is also cost effective. Data can be taken in real time essentially 24 hours a day with minimal human interaction. The device is manufactured by Applied BioPhysics and retails for approximately $40,000. Several large universities and biotechnology companies in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States are currently using the machine.
What do you think? Will this device allow companies to explore the feasibility of testing without animals? Or will companies stay with the status quo? Come over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings.

For related information please see:
Taking The Animal Out Of Animal Testing

for more detail,check this link:
http://biology.about.com/library/weekly/aa041599.htm

Blood From a Plant

Biotechnology and genetic engineering have long promised to revolutionize the biological sciences. Recent research at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory of the Department of Energy may bring this promise to fruition. The research focuses on using plants to produce human blood components.
In the experiments, tobacco plants were modified to produce human blood components. The necessary human genes were transplanted into the tobacco plants. Among the substances and factors produced were thrombin, factor XIII, and coagulation factor VIII.
Traditionally, these blood factors are made from blood plasma or through the cultivation of certain types of mammal cells. These procedures can be more risky when compared to the production using plants. Producing blood components using plants prevents the spread of diseases that may go undetected in human plasma.
The cost savings can also be enormous. The researchers estimate that the production through the use of plants could be from eight to ten times cheaper than current production methods.
Unlike production from humans, the production from the tobacco plant provides a stable source over time. The purified amounts of the substances are also much higher.
I am sure this information helps you a lot,if you have any other question you can simply check this link,I assure you this will help you perfectly


http://biology.about.com/library/weekly/aa080599.htm