(editor's note: In my daily treks through the news files of the world I'm amazed at the depth and scope of emerging science technologies! In the bigger picture of our changing world, we understand that these are stepping stones towards joining our Galactic community of scientists.
Today I bring you a story of scientists who are gaining a better understanding of how DNA works and getting closer to unlocking the door to understanding how cells develop and function.
Then, using bacteria, scientists have created a method that can block the concrete’s pores, keeping out water and other damaging substances to prolong the life of the concrete.
~All my Love, Boo)
New Technique Will Transform Epigenetics Research
Epigenetics is a branch of genetics that studies modifications to the DNA which affect gene activity. The research, published April 26 in the journal Science,has important implications for stem cell research and the development of regenerative medicines.
All the cells in the body have the same DNA sequence (genome), but it is how this DNA sequence is interpreted that results in the formation of different cell types. Epigenetic changes control how a DNA sequence is interpreted, specifically how different genes are switched on and off in different cell types, tissues and organs.
"It has recently become apparent that in addition to DNA methylation, there are other modifications of DNA, such as for example hydroxymethylation. This suggests that DNA modifications are more dynamic than we previously thought. With the new method we are now in a position to map these modifications at great precision, and to relate them to stem cell function, aging, and perhaps more generally to how the environment interacts with the genome." (Professor Wolf Reik who led the study at the Babraham Institute)
Self-Healing Concrete?
Dr Alan Richardson, a Senior Lecturer in Construction in the School of the Built and Natural Environment, is using a ground-borne bacteria – bacilli megaterium - to create calcite, a crystalline form of natural calcium carbonate. This can then be used to block the concrete’s pores, keeping out water and other damaging substances to prolong the life of the concrete.
The bacteria is grown on a nutrient broth of yeast, minerals and urea and is then added to the concrete. With its food source in the concrete, the bacteria breeds and spreads, acting as a filler to seal the cracks and prevent further deterioration.
So-called ‘concrete cancer’ may be caused by the swelling and breaking of concrete and is estimated to cost billions of pounds worth of damage to buildings.
Dr Richardson said: “This project is hugely exciting. The potential is there to have a building that can look after itself.”
