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NASA scientists study gene functions to treat diseases NASA NEWS RELEASE Posted: August 10, 2004 NASA scientists have discovered a way to identify the gene functions of all an organism's genes simultaneously by using unique DNA sequences or "bar codes." Scientists at NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., found that newly validated sequences of synthetic DNA tags, called molecular barcodes, can now be used to accurately characterize gene functions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's yeast. "This new approach will enable researchers to study yeast genes," said Dr. Viktor Stolc, director of the Genome Research Facility at Ames. "Using molecular barcodes helps us understand gene functions under any environmental condition, including microgravity and radiation of space flight. This technique allows scientists for the first time to unambiguously identify all yeast gene functions in parallel." DNA sequences are the exact order of the four chemical building blocks that make up an organism's DNA. Scientists can track cell growth by attaching short, unique DNA tags to a glass slide with many different DNA sequences that are complementary in sequence to DNA molecular barcodes derived from a biological sample. "Understanding yeast gene functions can ultimately result in treatment of human diseases, as many yeast genes have similar functions in human cells," Stolc added. Stolc's findings were recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA. The research was conducted in collaboration with the Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Calif., and Texas Southern University, Houston. |
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A Russian Proton M rocket launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome carrying the Amazonas communications satellite that will serve the Americas and Europe. (2min 25sec file)
This narrated animation profiles the mission of a Proton rocket launching the Amazonas communications satellite. (2min 27sec file)
The fully assembled Proton rocket is rolled to launch pad for its flight to place the Amazonas spacecraft into orbit. (41sec file)
The Boeing Delta 2-Heavy rocket launches at 2:16 a.m. EDT carrying the NASA's MESSENGER space probe from Cape Canaveral, Florida. (5min 23sec file)
The Cocoa Beach tracking camera site captured this beautiful view of the launch and separation of the ground-ignited solid rocket boosters. (1min 31sec file)
Expedition 10 Commander and NASA ISS Science Officer Leroy Chiao and Soyuz Commander and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov discuss their planned six-month mission on the space station. (11min 23sec file)