Nielsen: CRISPR baby mutation significantly increases mortality

A genetic mutation to help fend off HIV infection is also associated with a 21% increase in mortality in later life, according to an analysis by IB Professor Rasmus Nielsen & postdoctoral scholar Xinzhu Wei.

“Beyond the many ethical issues involved with the CRISPR babies, the fact is that, right now, with current knowledge, it is still very dangerous to try to introduce mutations without knowing the full effect of what those mutations do,” said Nielsen. “In this case, it is probably not a mutation that most people would want to have. You are actually, on average, worse off having it.”

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Essig’s SFO exhibition showcases six-legged frequent fliers

Flying out of San Francisco International Airport soon? Stop by the new “The Intriguing World of Insects” exhibition in the pre-security area of the San Francisco International Terminal! This exhibit will feature stunning specimens, sculptures, and models on loan from the Essig Museum of Entomology.

Exhibition closes August 18, 2019!

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Researchers Work to Reverse Cognitive Decline as People Age

Daniela Kaufer, professor of integrative biology at the University of California, Berkeley, shared progress toward addressing another cause of cognitive decline: dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier ordinarily protects the brain, but Kaufer’s work shows that when the barrier falters, itself a sign of aging, proteins can enter brain cells called astrocytes, which causes inflammation in the brain and leads to cognitive impairments.