biotechnology news report
by jaquise hart
dna
Scientists have been studying ways to use synthetic DNA as a building block for smaller and faster devices. DNA has the advantage of being inherently "coded". Each DNA strand is formed of one of four "codes" that can link to only one complementary code each, thus binding two DNA strands together. Scientists are using this inherent coding to manipulate and "fold" DNA to form "origami nanostructures": extremely small two- and three-dimensional shapes that can then be used as construction material to build nanodevices such as nanomotors for use in targeted drug delivery inside the body.
human carcinogenic risk
Prior to obtaining regulatory approval for use in humans, novel pharmaceutical drugs require extensive safety testing. Guidelines regarding testing strategies are issued by the International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), an agreement established in 1991 between the regulatory authorities in the United States, European Community (EC), and Japan. These guidelines help drug developers evaluate potential human health risks of pharmaceuticals including genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity.