Jackson, C. (4 August 2023). Dopamine neurons are more diverse than previously thought. https://www.genengnews.com/topics/translational-medicine/dopamine-neurons-more-diverse-than-previously-thought/
Study finds alternative behavior in dopamine pathways in the brain. Certain people, especially those with a history of Alzheimers in their families, show increased risk of dopamine-pathway degradation as they age. This is previously unknown information, as neuroscientists did not know there could be mutational links to this phenomenon.
Identifying a cause of Alzheimers, particularly one related to certain genetic mutations, could pave the way for the eradication of the disease, given that tools like CRISPR could replace the guilty mutations causing the disease to occur in the first place. More research should also be done with drugs, as certain drugs have been noted to help patients with a varied range of mysterious conditions, such as MDMA as a PTSD treatment or ketamine for people suffering from depression. Since we know some of these drugs link parts of the brain that aren’t usually connected, perhaps some of them could re-pave the destroyed pathways brought on by Alzheimers.

Thomas, U. (4 August 2023). U.K. population study links obesity risk to sex and age genes.

U.K. Population Study Links Obesity Risk to Sex and Age Genes

A growing problem in the modern world is obesity, with over $173 million being in medical care in the US being attributed to obesity-related costs. A UK study ran by UK Biobank examined nearly 420,000 adults to try and discover if there was a genetic link to a higher chance of becoming obese. Their discoveries were that the presence of 3 specific genes affected the chance of an adult becoming obese, with 2 of the genes being specifically related to women’s rates of becoming obese.
Certainly a pressing issue in a world where alternative foods, more sustainable and healthy alternatives, that is, becoming more important in the food industry, obesity is the enemy of many aging adults as it inhibits many normal human functions, and can be harmful to one’s mental health. Tying back to the previous article, the use of CRISPR or other genetic engineering technology to remove these genomes associated with higher obesity rates could be monumental in fighting this rapidly growing epidemic of obesity in modern society.

Bello, C. (22 May 2023) “Scientists discover the key to extending human lifespans and supercharging cancer-fighting cells”
https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/05/19/scientists-discover-the-key-to-extending-human-lifespans-and-supercharging-cancer-fighting
Article about a Taipei Medical University research breakthrough about a genetic modification in mice that powered a cancer-killing cell to function at 2-7 times it’s original killing rate, as well as possibly increasing the mices’ lifespans by ~20%. This breakthrough sparks hopes that the same treatment could be used to combat cancer in humans and extend our lifespans.
The positives of this breakthrough are plain to see, as cancer has claimed millions over decades of its reign, and finding a cure could save many people spanning all ages from a premature death. However, the treatment could be gatekept by high costs and be reserved for only members of a higher class who can afford treatments.

Vuksanaj, K. (5 June 2023). Three ways CRISPR is making animal research models more predictive.
https://www.genengnews.com/insights/three-ways-crispr-is-making-animal-research-models-more-predictive/
CRISPR is a gene-editing technology that is often considered the face and future of genetic engineering. Charles River Laboratories explains in the article what CRISPR is being used for with mice to be later emulated in humans, such as studying disease genes that were implanted into the mice to investigate their behavior.
CRISPR is the future of fighting diseases. The ability to input genomes that fight invasive diseases could prevent many cases of slow commandeering of a body by a disease. CRISPR also comes with some significant risks of power abuse, as the ability to edit genes opens doors to the possibility of many cruel experiments. However, for now, it is worth investing time and research into proper use and the full extent of it’s possible uses.

Genet. F (2023, January 11) Governing biotechnology to provide safety and security and address ethical, legal, and social implications. Retrieved 21, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9873990/

The field of biotechnology has produced a wide variety of materials and products which are rapidly entering the commercial marketplace. With the updated technology and the usage requires safety features including updated security representing the product’s ethical, legal, and social implications. In order to unlock technological capability, biotechnology firms must invest in research and development efforts that are aimed at making the technology more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. This may include developing new genetic engineering techniques, improving the efficiency of fermentation processes, or finding new ways to extract or purify biologically active compounds. At the same time, biotechnology companies must also be mindful of the potential risks associated with their products and processes. This may involve conducting risk assessments, designing safety protocols, and engaging in open communication with stakeholders such as regulators, consumers, and environmental groups.

This article is related to environmental science because it explains the process of biotechnology which would be benefiical towards our environment. Environmental science is the branch of biotechnology that addresses environmental problems, such as the removal of pollution, renewable energy generation or biomass production, by exploiting biological processes. 

GenengNews (2023, April 28). Lifespan Extension Record Set In Yeast Cells Using Synthetic Gene Oscillator. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.genengnews.com/news/lifespan-extension-record-set-in-yeast-cells-using-synthetic-gene-oscillator/

A team of University of California San Diego scientists has genetically rewired the circuit that controls cell aging in yeast. The reconnect circut operates like a clock-like device, called a gene oscillator, that drives the cell to periodically switch between two detrimental “aged” states, avoiding prolonged commitment to either and thereby slowing the cell’s degeneration. Human lifespan is related to the aging of our individual cells and cellular aging is a fundamental and complex biological process and is an underlying driver for many diseases.  Many cells including yeast contain gene regulatory circuits that are responsible for many physiological functions, including aging. After researching that yeast includes aging, the researchers genetically manipulated these processes to extend the lifespan of cells. 

This article is related to environmental science because it’s through an ecological process through an organic material and dissipation of carbon and energy through the soil ecosystem. Yeast is a cell that is a bacteria and grows from a single cell. 

Stein, R. (2023, March 6). Experts weigh medical advances in gene-editing with ethical dilemmas. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/03/06/1158705095/genome-summit-gene-editing-ethics-crspr

Multiple doctors, bioethicists, and patients are debating about an issue reguarding powerful new gene-editing technologies. A big problem and concern is whether scientists should try to make gene-edited babies by modifying the DNA in human sperm, eggs, or embryos again.This could help several families who have been plagued by devastating genetic disorders. Recently, scientists have developed new evidence about the risks and possible shortcomings of gene-editing, while developing more worldy techniques that could be safer. “There are more than 10,000 single genetic mutations that collectively affect probably hundreds of million of people around the world” says Shoukhrat Mitalipov, a biologist at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. 

This article is related to environmental science because gene editing is an advancement in plant and animal breeding that can support sustainability by helping farmers conserve water, reduce pesticide use, enhance soil health, improve air quality, safeguard animal well-being, and protect wildlife. It’s an advancement in technology that will be beneficial to our planet. 

Popkin, G. (2023, February 16). For the First Time, Genetically Modified Trees Have Been Planted in a U.S. Forest. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/science/genetically-modified-trees-living-carbon.html

Workers have planted poplar trees which have been genetically engineered to grow wood at turbocharged rates. The poplar trees may be one of the first genetically modified trees located in the United States. A San Francisco biotech company that manufactured the poplar trees, intends for its trees to be a large-scale solution to climate change. Scientists are trying to genetically modify plants for maximum sustainability with photosynthesis. The resources are not recovering fast enough but with genetic engineering people can modify the resources to have the most effective and resourceful regenerative period. 

This article is related to environmental science because it explains how genetic engineering is helping the poplar trees grow. Poplar trees are a part of the environment as they use products like soil to grow in the ground. They talked about scientists trying to genetically modify plants

Adopt-a-Topic: Biotech/Genetic Engineering Phase: World

LeMieux, P. (2 August 2023). Genetic variant in people of African descent reduces HIV load.
https://www.genengnews.com/topics/infectious-diseases/genetic-variant-in-people-of-african-descent-reduces-hiv-load/
Research by an uncredited international group has discovered that a genetic variant is present in African people, lowering their risk of developing HIV and even slower progression of those with the virus. Between 6 and 13% of African people are speculated to carry the mutated genome. This has been cited as a leading explanation in why some African people or those of African descent have lower rates of HIV.
This discovery is very exciting news for groups investigating the health benefits of genetic engineering. The identified genome could be edited in people who lack it in their own DNA, which would be an important step forward in combating HIV; a disease still extremely viral and widespread among many African nations.

Jackson, C. (2023, August 4). Dopamine neurons more diverse than previously thought. GEN. https://www.genengnews.com/topics/translational-medicine/dopamine-neurons-more-diverse-than-previously-thought/ 

A study by researchers at Northwestern University challenges understanding dopamine neurons in the brain. The study revealed that dopamine neurons are more diverse than initially thought, which are genetic subtypes of dopamine neurons that control movements without responding to feelings of reward. This study shows how the brain’s complexity may cause dopamine neuron loss and affect the motor system. 

Neurological disorders significantly affect individuals and their communities, including potential impacts on the environment, healthcare systems, and quality of life. Further understanding the brain’s functions and diseases will help produce better effective treatments and interventions. Overall, it positively benefits society and environmental aspects related to neurological health.