The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating gene expression in insects by administering a composition comprising an RNA effector molecule and a delivery agent. Methods are provided for controlling pest populations by inhibiting insect growth, development, survival, reproduction and/or viability. Also provided herein are methods for treating or preventing disease in an insect caused by a pathogen or by external factors (e.g., pollution, environment, stress, weather, etc.).

Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated NpHR-based molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated NpHR-based molecule and a promoter. Either a high expression of the molecule manifests a toxicity level that is less than about 75%, or the light-activated NpHR-based proteins are expressed using at least two NpHR-based molecular variants. Each of the variants characterized in being useful for expressing a light-activated NpHR-based molecule that responds to light by producing an inhibitory current to dissuade depolarization of the neuron. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion pumps or for controlling inhibitory currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Transgenic silkworms comprising at least one nucleic acid encoding a chimeric silk polypeptide comprising one or more spider silk elasticity and strength motifs are disclosed. Expression cassettes comprising nucleic acids encoding a variety of chimeric spider silk polypeptides (Spider 2, Spider 4, Spider 6, Spider 8) are also disclosed. A piggyBac vector system is used to incorporate nucleic acids encoding chimeric spider silk polypeptides into the mutant silkworms to generate stable transgenic silkworms. Chimeric silk fibers having improved tensile strength and elasticity characteristics compared to native silkworm silk fibers are also provided. The transgenic silkworms greatly facilitate the commercial production of chimeric silk fibers suitable for use in a wide variety of medical and industrial applications.

Transgenic silkworms comprising at least one nucleic acid encoding a chimeric silk polypeptide comprising one or more spider silk elasticity and strength motifs are disclosed. Expression cassettes comprising nucleic acids encoding a variety of chimeric spider silk polypeptides (Spider 2, Spider 4, Spider 6, Spider 8) are also disclosed. A piggyBac vector system is used to incorporate nucleic acids encoding chimeric spider silk polypeptides into the mutant silkworms to generate stable transgenic silkworms. Chimeric silk fibers having improved tensile strength and elasticity characteristics compared to native silkworm silk fibers are also provided. The transgenic silkworms greatly facilitate the commercial production of chimeric silk fibers suitable for use in a wide variety of medical and industrial applications.

The invention concerns a device (10) for dropping fragile products (5) comprising: a storage means (4) for storing said products, comprising a discharge means (4a) for discharging said products, a means for distributing the fragile products comprising at least one cavity (1a, 1b) provided in the surface of a support (2), the support being capable of assuming at least two positions, a first position in which the at least one cavity is located opposite and at a distance from said discharge means and can be filled with fragile products, and a second position in which said cavity is spaced apart from said discharge means and can be emptied, said device further comprising a flexible means (3) for bringing the discharge means with the at least one cavity into communication in order to fill said cavity with fragile products.

The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

Transgenic silkworms comprising at least one nucleic acid encoding a chimeric silk polypeptide comprising one or more spider silk elasticity and strength motifs are disclosed. Expression cassettes comprising nucleic acids encoding a variety of chimeric spider silk polypeptides (Spider 2, Spider 4, Spider 6, Spider 8) are also disclosed. A piggyBac vector system is used to incorporate nucleic acids encoding chimeric spider silk polypeptides into the mutant silkworms to generate stable transgenic silkworms. Chimeric silk fibers having improved tensile strength and elasticity characteristics compared to native silkworm silk fibers are also provided. The transgenic silkworms greatly facilitate the commercial production of chimeric silk fibers suitable for use in a wide variety of medical and industrial applications.

An installation for producing and collecting newly-hatched larvae comprises cages equipped with at least one collector of insect eggs, a transfer line for transferring the larvae from the collectors to a conveyor, and equipment for concentrating the newly-hatched larvae. It also comprises: a collection of modules grouping together a plurality of egg collectors, the modules being open at their bottom; the modules being mobile between a point of loading and the transfer line; the transfer line being open to receive the modules at the top, and at the bottom having a guide system with divergent walls, which at its top has a width tailored to the cross section of the modules and at its bottom has an opening tailored to the dimensions of a conveyor, the guide system being configured to group together the newly-hatched larvae falling from the collectors onto the upper surface of the conveyor.

Provided herein are methods, compositions and kits for preventing and treating malaria. Also included herein are kits for preventing and treating malaria.