Nexus - 0106 - New Times Magazine-pages

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intended to delay research until more is known about consequences arising from this work. Unfortunately, this legislation will also drive some biological work ‘underground’. strange and bizarre paths. Rich consumer societies are setting the direction of much research. Time will show us if we have created a Frankenstein out of touch with the needs of humanity. We may yet use this knowledge, information and technique in the service of humanity and the planet. h Snip Gene Shears Spiders’ Silk IRO scientists have found a way to ‘switch off” asingle gene. Thediscovery « may allow scientists to target and disable any ‘ single gene responsible for producing un- ; wanted or undesirable traits in any living thing. “T think this will be one of the most pow- erful tools in science to emerge in recent years,” said chief of the Division of Plant - Industry, Dr Jim Peacock. The discovery makes the creation of many new plant and animal varieties possible. It could be used to switch off genes that produce Spiders’ Silk itish biotechnologists have found a way B: genetically engineer spiders’ silk in the laboratory which is leading to new high strength and bullet-proof materials. Engineers have long envied the strength of spiders’ silk. Researcliers at PA Technol- ogy in Hertfordshire, Britain noticed how well spiderwebs withstand high-speed impact with flies and studied the very strong “drag-line” silk which spiders produce to stop them fall- unwanted food flavours or to remove un- The discovery was made while conduct- | ing to earth. The team isolated the genetic wanted chemicals from foods. ing basic research into plant viruses. Theteam | sequence spiders use to manufacture drag-line Dr Peacock said the division has applied | found a naturaily-occurring example of the | silk and injected it into a bacterium which can for patents on the technique. Speaking at the | gene within a virus. read it and reproduce the silk to order. May ANZAAS Congress, he said the tech- Dr Peacock believes gene shears may “Tt's very tough stuff and it might even nique involves adding a gene which has the | even be able to stop or slow mutations that | have possibilities in the manufacture of car biological effect of a pair of shears, dissecting | allow some viruses to develop rapid resis- | bodies and structural engineering,” said team and destroying only one target gene. tance. head Dr Nick Ashley. “We realised there was a way to hamess “It is, if you like, a way of beating evolu- It is also seen as a market contender for that mechanism to use it to our advantage in | tion,” he said. The division is now actively | bullet-proof vests andcan be used for the same changing plants, animals and micro-organ- | experimenting with the gene in a number of | purposes as kevlar. isms used in biotechnology,” Dr Peacock ! plants and animals. The Times (London) said. The Times (London) pau. NEXUS New Times Six - Spring 1988 NG @GE ANIMALS & FOOD