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+--- Thread: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA (/thread-221.html)
'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Faw_Peter - 05-27-2008
In an echo of the film Jurassic Park, DNA from an extinct animal has been re-activated in the laboratory for the first time.
Scientists took genetic material from the Tasmanian tiger – officially declared extinct 70 years ago – and inserted it into mouse embryos where it played a role in developing cartilage and future bone.
Dr Andrew Pask, from the University of Melbourne in Australia, who led the research, said: "This is the first time that DNA from an extinct species has been used to induce a functional response in another living organism. As more and more species of animals become extinct, we are continuing to lose critical knowledge of gene function and their potential."
In the film Jurassic Park, dinosaurs are brought to life by resurrecting their preserved DNA. Some scientists have suggested bringing back the Tasmanian tiger using cloning technology like that depicted in the movie. Others are sceptical, pointing out that the DNA needed is unlikely to be well enough preserved.
The new research proved that DNA from an extinct animal could be resurrected. The 5ft-long Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus), a type of marsupial wolf, was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 1900s and the last captive specimen died in Tasmania's Hobart Zoo in 1936. But some infant specimens were kept and preserved.
Dr Pask's team took DNA fragments and selected an "enhancer" element associated with a gene called Col2a1 that makes collagen. Although not a gene in itself, the element helped the gene to function.
Placed into mouse embryos, the DNA was "switched on" and assisted the development of cartilage, the first step in making bone.
The findings, published in the journal PLoS ONE, have enormous potential for the understanding of the biology of extinct animals, say the scientists.
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Terry - 05-30-2008
would you look at that, hollywood movies contributing to science, it should be vice-versa
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Hardy - 06-12-2008
Science fiction always inspired science to achieve new heights. Almost all gadgets that are a reality today were described in science fiction stories and movies.
There is another scary things about all this... most of the movies related to genetics are horror movies....... :?
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Terry - 06-12-2008
yes, movies like "Resident evil" are useful for the science in the "upside-down" meaning. Only good things must be taken as a background of a project, otherwise it can have catastrophic consequences
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Steven - 06-18-2008
when I first watched Jurassic Park, I thought - wow, it's really interesting, why don't people try to do that indeed. I see my thoughts are now becoming true.
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Benn - 06-18-2008
we must be careful that scientists don't take the example of the Terminator movie, otherwise we're all finished :nonnon
But, it would be great if there is one real dinasour of each specie in the world, so people could see them for real.
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Steven - 06-18-2008
I wonder what would the religious supporter say if this happens. They will have to admit that dinosaurs existed
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Faw_Peter - 06-19-2008
actually there is no religion that denies the dinosaurs.
There is no religion that mentions the internet or cell phones, either. That does not prove or disprove anything.
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Terry - 06-25-2008
yes, but how can Christianity accept dinosaurs if it says that human were first to live on this planet?
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - M.Helen - 06-27-2008
actually it says that the nature and animals were create first. It doesn't mention what animals. So why not dinosaurs?
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Faw_Peter - 07-01-2008
that's correct. I think the Bible should be interpreted mythical. So when it says "1st day" it probably actually means several milleniums or centuries.
Re: 'Jurassic Park' technique resurrects extinct DNA - Terry - 07-04-2008
I understood that movie makers and scientists are mutually complementary - one can't develop fast without the second.