First robust genetic links to depression emerge

Jonathan Flint and his team have found the first two genetic makers reproducibly linked to major depressive disorder, one of which is the leading causes of disability worldwide. This study yield two genetic sequences that seemed to have relation with depression: one in a stretch of DNA that codes for an enzyme whose function is not understood thoroughly until now and the other is next to the gene SIRT1, this however, is important for energy-producing structures called mitochondria. Those findings could give scientists guide for new drugs development and could one day be applied to aid diagnosis. Moreover, it may serve as a framework for the future data collection of tens of thousands of people.

Oil droplets turn cells into tiny lasers
Hyun Yun and Matjaž Humar, optical physicists at Harvard Medical School in Cambridge, Massachusetts devised a system that turned individual cells into miniature lasers by injecting them with droplets of oil or fat mixed with fluorescent dye that can be activated by short pulses of light. Those findings, could help to understand how light is used for the medical diagnosis and treatment. Compared to conventional luminescent probes, this new microlasers enlarged the number of probes that can be used simultaneously, making it easier to label cells with light. Tracking thousands of cells simultaneously with a single technique is the most brilliant trait of this study.

Hacked molecular machine could pump out custom proteins
A cell requires functioning ribosomes to survive, however they are difficult to engineer. An engineered ribosome learns to do better what you want. But it starts to forget how to do its normal job. So, Mankin, Michael Jewett and other biomedical engineer tried to create ribosome that engineers could tinker with. The study result unlocked a molecular playground for bioengineers: they can tweak the engineered machines to their liking without halting growth by tethering the artificial subunits together. “We are going to try to expand the genetic code in unique and transformational ways.” said Jewett.
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Source: http://www.nature.com/subjects/biotechnology