De Novo

De Novo explores the intersections of synthetic biology, innovative biotechnological advancements, and their broader implications. It covers breakthrough studies, such as generating eggs from male mice, in vitro oogenesis, and experimental epigenetic inheritance, alongside philosophical discussions on categorization, and reflections on cultural and scientific funding challenges.

Synthetic Biology Biotechnological Advancements Genetic Engineering Epigenetics Science Philosophy Cultural Reflections Scientific Funding Experimental Biology

The hottest Substack posts of De Novo

And their main takeaways

Eggs and scrambled chromosomes

121 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Genetics Research
  1. Growth of eggs from stem cells is challenging, but a new research approach involving injecting adult cell nucleus into a donor egg may offer an alternative.
  2. Chromosomes' proper segregation during meiosis II seems more efficient in inbred mice compared to hybrid mice, indicating the importance of genetic similarity in the process.
  3. Understanding the mechanism that aids proper segregation in inbred chromosomes could potentially lead to advancements in using the nuclear transfer method for human oocytes, though challenges like aneuploidy and efficiency still need to be addressed.

When the magic bullet goes astray

121 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
πŸ”¬ Science Chemistry Toxicity Cancer
  1. Antibiotics are poisons that target bacteria more than humans.
  2. Metronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole antibiotic, damages cellular molecules by reactive compounds.
  3. Metronidazole is effective against bacteria, parasites, and cancer due to its action in reducing environments.

Alternatives to Zookeeping

121 implied HN points β€’ 03 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Proteins Antibodies Research
  1. Synthetic biology can provide alternatives to traditional antibodies in biomedical research to improve progress and reproducibility.
  2. Current production and use of antibodies have intrinsic and extrinsic challenges, such as compatibility issues, cost, and reproducibility concerns.
  3. Moving towards new antibody technologies, like recombinant antibodies and phage display, could lead to better solutions in biomedical research, though adoption may require top-down support from funding agencies.

Will no one rid me of this turbulent pest?

110 implied HN points β€’ 14 Oct 23
πŸ”¬ Science Health Genetics Research Biology
  1. Political concerns are the main obstacles to deploying gene drives, not technical challenges.
  2. Gene drives have the potential to end malaria, but they need to be released soon to save lives.
  3. Gene drive organizations need to carefully navigate public perception and governmental support to avoid backlash and ensure success.
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Playing the game vs. finding a cheat code

99 implied HN points β€’ 10 Sep 23
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Development Research Genetics
  1. Playing the game versus using cheat codes can be applied to various situations like growing oocytes and making PokΓ©mon.
  2. Advantages of playing normally: it may take longer but strengthens understanding; button mashing can lead to quicker results but might have unforeseen issues.
  3. In different scenarios, like making natural products or evaluating computer code, deciding between conventional methods or shortcuts is crucial.

Of mice and men and eggs

165 implied HN points β€’ 17 Mar 23
πŸ”¬ Science Biology Genetics Research
  1. A study successfully produced eggs from male mice, resulting in baby mice with two biological fathers.
  2. Researchers converted male mouse stem cells to female cells by exploiting chromosomal instability and using a kinase inhibitor.
  3. This breakthrough suggests the possibility of growing eggs not only from women but also from men in the future.

Experimental Induction of Epigenetic Inheritance

77 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 23
πŸ”¬ Science Research Findings
  1. Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is weak in mammals due to erasure of epigenetic marks between generations
  2. Experimental induction of strong epigenetic perturbation can lead to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance
  3. Study induced DNA methylation in mouse embryonic stem cells, tracked it through multiple generations, revealing potential for persistent epigenetic changes

Runway Project

66 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
πŸ•Ή Technology Gaming Aerospace Engineering Art Design
  1. Runway Project is a combat tournament and art show based in Kerbal Space Program
  2. Craft design in Runway Project requires balancing firepower, thrust, maneuverability, resilience, and artistic potential
  3. Important design tips for Runway Project include considering round rules, incorporating art into craft design, testing designs, ensuring craft resilience, and tuning AI

Biological DOOM

2 HN points β€’ 29 Apr 23
πŸ”¬ Science
  1. DOOM, a classic 1993 game, ran on low computing power and simple code, making it hackable to run on unusual devices.
  2. Biological systems like cells can potentially be used for computation, utilizing methods such as nucleic acid hybridization, transcription and translation, and protein phosphorylation.
  3. Running complex games like DOOM on biological systems faces challenges in speed, memory, and system integration, with neurons and protein logic being the most promising options.

Money Money Money

1 HN point β€’ 16 Apr 23
πŸ’° Finance Funding Research Government
  1. Research funding is expensive and costs are continually rising
  2. Private funding can be quicker with higher chances of approval, but can have cons like non-standard terms and potential funding disappearance
  3. University administrators can pose bureaucratic challenges in processing funds and extracting overhead fees