Things that might trigger a zombie apocalypse

What will it take?

[triggeringthezombieapocalypse]

GM mosquito trial sparks ‘Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ lab fears

Burkino Faso malaria test raises stakes at UN biodiversity conference

“Thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes are to be released in Burkina Faso as a step towards the world’s first field test of “gene-drive” technology.The trial, which has been funded by organisations linked to the Gates Foundation, Facebook, and – indirectly – the Pentagon, is part of a project to eradicate malaria, but it has prompted concerns among local civil society organisations, who say their country is being set up as a laboratory for “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” technology before the risks are fully understood.“

[mindblowingscience]

Scientists accidentally create mutant enzyme that eats plastic bottles

The breakthrough, spurred by the discovery of plastic-eating bugs at a Japanese dump, could help solve the global plastic pollution crisis

Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles – by accident. The breakthrough could help solve the global plastic pollution crisis by enabling for the first time the full recycling of bottles.

The new research was spurred by the discovery in 2016 of the first bacterium that had naturally evolved to eat plastic, at a waste dump in Japan. Scientists have now revealed the detailed structure of the crucial enzyme produced by the bug.

The international team then tweaked the enzyme to see how it had evolved, but tests showed they had inadvertently made the molecule even better at breaking down the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic used for soft drink bottles. “What actually turned out was we improved the enzyme, which was a bit of a shock,” said Prof John McGeehan, at the University of Portsmouth, UK, who led the research. “It’s great and a real finding.”

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Report: Scientists Have Advanced Bio-Weapon Capabilities

The field of synthetic biology can facilitate altering the structure of bacteria to make them more harmful.

“The field of synthetic biology – which is described as a futuristic field of science that seeks to master the machinery of life – can facilitate altering the structure of bacteria to make them more harmful as well as modify microbes to distribute lethal toxins “

[triggeringthezombieapocalypse]

Alien invasion: French territory under siege from giant predatory worms (PHOTOS)

Biologists are warning about an invasion of giant predatory worms in French territories across four continents. The infestation has gone underreported for almost two decades and poses a threat to fauna, according to researchers.

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All hell breaks loose as the tundra thaws

A recent heatwave in Siberia’s frozen wastes has resulted in outbreaks of deadly anthrax and a series of violent explosions

"Doubt of the real facts, as I must reveal them, is inevitable; yet if I suppressed what will seem extravagant and incredible there would be nothing left. The hitherto withheld photographs, both ordinary and aërial, will count in my favour; for they are damnably vivid and graphic. Still, they will be doubted because of the great lengths to which clever fakery can be carried. The ink drawings, of course, will be jeered at as obvious impostures; notwithstanding a strangeness of technique which art experts ought to remark and puzzle over." H.P. Lovecraft - At the Mountains of Madness

[triggeringthezombieapocalypse]

GM mosquitoes approved for field trial release in Florida

State officials have approved a controversial plan to fight diseases such as Zika and dengue with genetically engineered insects

Oh ffs

[triggeringthezombieapocalypse]

How Canadian researchers reconstituted an extinct poxvirus for $100,000 using mail-order DNA

A study that brought horsepox back to life is triggering a new debate about the risks and power of synthetic biology

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Scientists revive weird microbes after freeing them from ancient cave crystals

It sounds like a sci-fi tale: Scientists manage to revive microbes that have been trapped inside giant cave crystals for tens of thousands of years.

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Mail-Order CRISPR Kits Allow Absolutely Anyone to Hack DNA

Experts debate what amateur scientists could accomplish with the powerful DNA editing tool—and whether its ready availability is cause for concern

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Russian scientists find new life form in Antarctica, only 86% genetically similar to all known living organisms

Russian scientists have reported discovering a new life form in subglacial Lake Vostok in Antarctica. Interestingly, experts say that the newly discovered lifeform is only 86% genetically similar to all known living organisms.

[triggeringthezombieapocalypse]

Scientists have engineered the first ever 'semi-synthetic' organisms, by breeding E. coli bacteria with an expanded, six-letter genetic code. While every living thing on Earth is formed according to a DNA code made up of four bases (represented by the letters G, T, C and A), these modified E. coli carry an entirely new type of DNA, with two additional DNA bases, X and Y, nestled in their genetic code.