A European team developed an affordable and customizable luminescence imaging instrument with dynamic illumination, offering precision in a single platform. The device supports complex illumination protocols and is freely accessible via Zenodo.
The European Commission has awarded €8 million to two projects, SUN-PERFORM and Solar to Butanol – S2B, to develop highly efficient bio-inspired technologies for renewable fuel production. These innovations target hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and shipping, aiming to significantly reduce Europe's carbon emissions.
A study published in Science Advances has revealed promising alternative pathways to overcome photorespiration, which can reduce crop productivity by up to 36%. The researchers identified mechanisms that could improve plant productivity while adapting to climate change and growing global food demands.
Researchers have created two new protocols using novel actinometers to quantify photons, providing versatile and precise light intensity measurements. The protocols are faster, more sensitive, and compatible with imaging systems, enabling accurate measurement of light intensity in biological samples.
The Bioaction project leverages bacteria as allies in promoting tissue regeneration, offering a paradigm shift in addressing infections. By developing functional bio-hydrogels, the project aims to accelerate healing and stimulate bone growth, reducing reliance on extended antibiotic therapies.
The PULSE project combines magnetic and acoustic levitation to bioprint highly sophisticated organoids that closely mimic human organs. These in vitro heart models will provide invaluable insights into cardiac physiology and pathology, enabling the development of preventive and therapeutic solutions.
The PRISM-LT project aims to create an adaptable platform for 3D bioprinting of living tissue with dynamic functionalities and predictable shapes, using a novel tunable bioink that fosters a symbiotic relationship between stem cells and microorganisms.
The DREAM project aims to optimize indoor production by studying plant needs and providing cultivation protocols for better resource management. The researchers will develop new sensors to interrogate plants and algae under natural-like light, allowing for customized lighting tools that adapt energy supply to plant needs.
Scientists have developed a solution that synergistically couples photorespiration and C4 metabolism in plants, conserving nitrogen and accumulating C4 metabolites. This breakthrough connects two main targets in plant metabolism and has the potential to improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
GAIN4CROPS project uses nature-inspired approaches to enhance photosynthetic efficiency in sunflowers, promoting climate-resilient crops and sustainable agriculture. The research could lead to decreased land, nitrogen, and water usage, aligning with efforts to conserve biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.