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CRISPR Gene Drives and the Future of Evolution
CRISPR Gene Drives and the Future of Evolution
Genetic engineering pioneer Kevin Esvelt’s work highlights biotechnology’s immense potential for good—but also for catastrophe.
Genetic engineering pioneer Kevin Esvelt’s work highlights biotechnology’s immense potential for good—but also for catastrophe.
synthetic biology, evolution
Scientists Resurrect Ancient Rubiscos to Understand Their Evolution
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Oct 14, 2022 | 5 min read
A team proposes that the addition of a small accessory subunit to the carbon-fixing enzyme was key to improving its catalytic properties and specificity to CO2.
The Scientist Speaks - DIY Cells: Understanding Life with a Synthetic Minimal Cell
Sejal Davla, PhD | Feb 25, 2022 | 1 min read
John Glass describes why researchers constructed a synthetic unicellular organism and how it unravels the secrets of evolution.
DNA’s Coding Power Doubled
Ruth Williams | Feb 21, 2019 | 3 min read
All life on Earth uses a genetic code based on four nucleotides. Now, scientists have created one with eight.
Minimal Genome Created
Ruth Williams | Mar 24, 2016 | 3 min read
Scientists build a living cellular organism with a genome smaller than any known in nature.
Human Genes Can Save Yeast
Ruth Williams | May 21, 2015 | 3 min read
Replacing yeast genes with their human equivalents reveals functional conservation despite a billion years of divergent evolution.
Evolution in Oil Droplets
Bob Grant | Dec 9, 2014 | 2 min read
For the first time, researchers have mimicked biological evolution using chemicals instead of living organisms.
Contributors
Kate Yandell and Chris Palmer | Aug 1, 2013 | 3 min read
Meet some of the people featured in the August 2013 issue of The Scientist.
Finding the Way
Mary Beth Aberlin | Aug 1, 2013 | 3 min read
A focus on the movements of species and disciplines through space, time, and minds
Speaking of Science
The Scientist | Jul 1, 2012 | 2 min read
July 2012's selection of notable quotes
Synthetic Genetic Evolution
Ruth Williams | Apr 19, 2012 | 3 min read
Scientists show that manmade nucleic acids can replicate and evolve, ushering in a new era in synthetic biology.
Rewriting E. coli’s Genetic Code
Sabine Louët | Aug 5, 2011 | 3 min read
Researchers use directed evolution to create a bacterial strain that substitutes a synthetic base for thymine.