Yeast is a very important part of the production of fermented foods. Such as cheese, wine, and beer. For many decades scientists have struggled with altering the genomes of yeast due to
polyploidy. Polyploidy is problematic because once you successfully manage to alter a specific gene the unchanged copies can automatically correct the modification. This undoes the entire process. Scientists at the University of Illinois recently created a enzyme that acts as a, "knife", which seletcively slices through multiple copies of a gene in a very specific manner. The researchers showed that it is possible to use this to modify the genome of the industrial strain of yeast,
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is mainly used in the production of beer, wine, and other fermented products.
This is turn can reduce hangovers and increase the nutritional benefits of wine. This happens because the genetically modified yeast contains 10 times the amount of resveratol, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that is associated with a plethora of health benefits. I believe this is a great discovery in genetics. This is because it is applying science to another aspect of our lives to improve it, along with our health. It also may bring science to light of people who do not normally care for it, which could increase funding. This study also gave scientist's insight on a specific way of looking at genes that could determine flavor.
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/gm-yeast-could-boost-health-benefits-wine-and-reduce-hangovers
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