Biotechnology
Articles tagged with Biotechnology
Swansea spin-out Bionema Group receives second King’s Award for Enterprise
Bionema Group Ltd, a Swansea University spin-out, has received the second King's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development. The company develops biological pest control and sustainable agriculture technologies, providing environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
How jellyfish bycatch could be valuable collagen source for cosmetics and biotech
Research suggests that jellyfish bycatch can provide high-quality collagen without compromising quality. This circular bioeconomy solution offers new economic opportunities for small-scale fisheries while reducing waste. The collaboration with fishers revealed a willingness to participate in recycling jellyfish bycatch, but also highli...
Invisible smart bug fights gum disease
Information processing in cells at the edge of jamming
New kind of CRISPR could treat viral infection and cancer by shredding sick cells’ DNA
A new CRISPR protein, Cas12a2, has shown potential for killing sick cells while leaving healthy ones untouched. Researchers have tested its effectiveness in destroying cancer cells and virus-infected cells with promising results.
BRIGHT and LanzaTech launch new partnership to accelerate carbon to value biotechnology in Europe
The partnership aims to establish a next-generation C1 biofoundry at DTU to convert CO2, CO, and methane into valuable products. This technology has the potential to reduce industrial emissions and enable circular, climate-positive solutions.
Introducing ecotech, nature’s innovation accelerator
Ecotech aims to develop scalable solutions inspired by nature to tackle environmental challenges. The field combines biology, engineering, and earth sciences for interdisciplinary collaboration.
With large DNA fragment assembly, scientists can design microbes that produce countless complex products
Researchers can now build and combine large DNA pieces, redesigning microbes as efficient cell factories for producing complex products like medicines and chemicals. This technology enables sustainable manufacturing, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology, and accelerates microbial cell factory development.
UCLA researchers develop new method to customize artificial tiny organs inside cells
Researchers have developed a new method to build programmable artificial organelles inside living cells using RNA, enabling customization of cellular compartments and tunable properties. This approach may lead to specialized biological functions for nanomedicine and gene engineering.
Challenging diseases addressed in vol. 39 of SLAS Discovery
Volume 39 of SLAS Discovery highlights novel assays and AI-assisted workflows to accelerate personalized cancer immunotherapy. The journal aims to advance life sciences discovery through education, knowledge exchange, and global community building.
First-ever freeze-dried artificial platelets are shelf-stable and portable—a major advance for field medicine
Artificial platelets have been developed that remain stable and effective after a year at room temperature and two months at high temperatures. This technology could enable direct injection of synthetic platelets into bone marrow to treat life-threatening bleeding in remote areas or disaster zones.
The Crop Journal study showcases CRISPR/CAS genome editing for high-quality cotton
Researchers from China have successfully demonstrated CRISPR/Cas genome editing in nonregenerative cotton via sexual hybridization, opening a novel technical avenue for genetic improvement. The approach eliminates toxicity in cottonseed protein, enabling valuable resource utilization and advanced biotechnologies.
Brain-computer interface based on Rice research wins FDA approval for first clinical trial
Motif Neurotech has received FDA approval to begin the first clinical trial of its therapeutic BCI device, DOT, for treatment-resistant depression. The study will test the device's effectiveness in delivering electrical stimulation to brain circuits linked to depression.
No batteries, just body heat: demonstrating the potential of battery-free sensing
A team of researchers at The University of Osaka has created a wireless EEG transmission system that can operate without external power sources. The system harnesses energy from the temperature difference between the human body and surrounding air, allowing it to function reliably even in hot summer conditions.
A universal toolkit for editing bacterial DNA
Researchers have developed a universal toolkit for editing bacterial DNA in 15 diverse species, including human pathogens and fast-growing biotechnology organisms. The technology uses retrons, an immune system that produces DNA, to efficiently modify genes, with varying success rates across different species.
New technology helps flat-faced dogs breathe easy
Australian scientists have developed an injectable therapy called Snoretox-1 to help clear blocked airways in flat-faced dogs suffering from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). The treatment shows early success in improving breathing difficulties in bulldogs.
USC-led team receives funding to build next-generation medical device that uses tears to monitor health
A USC-led team is working on a medical device that uses tears to monitor health, starting with dry eye disease. The device aims to provide continuous monitoring and automated medication delivery, improving patient comfort and treatment efficacy.
MIT faculty examine how to expand the US economy in new book, “Priority Technologies”
The book highlights the importance of sustaining innovation in sectors such as semiconductors, biotechnology, and critical minerals to drive economic growth and national security. By rebuilding domestic manufacturing and leveraging new technologies, the US can regain leadership in these areas and capture a $4 trillion market.
How a key regulatory protein guides cartilage formation during embryonic development
Researchers mapped how Sox9 guides cartilage formation in mouse embryonic limbs, finding that it dynamically targets different genes depending on developmental timing and cell type. The study provides a foundation for understanding skeletal development and may contribute to future research on bone and cartilage diseases.
Scientists unveil how heat-loving enzyme could help improve plastic recycling
Researchers developed a heat-tolerant cutinase enzyme that combines structural rigidity with flexibility, enabling efficient degradation of PET at high temperatures. This discovery provides new insights into designing enzymes for sustainable plastic recycling and addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste.
VUB and La Monnaie/De Munt unveil world-first shoe made entirely from pure mycelium at Milan Design Week
Researchers at VUB and La Monnaie/De Munt have created a world-first shoe using pure mycelium as the sole material, achieving load-bearing capacity without reinforcement. The innovative design showcases the potential of fungal materials in traditional crafts.
RBL LLC launches Duracyte, advancing living pharmacy platform in Houston’s growing biotech hub
Duracyte's technology uses an implantable device to produce therapeutic proteins continuously inside the human body, replacing injections and infusions with a single device. The device can sense biological signals, monitor tumor environments and adjust therapeutic output in real time.
Don't build the engine, grow it: biohybrid miniature robots using living organisms
Researchers create living biohybrid miniature robots that solve traditional engineering trade-offs between structural rigidity and environmental adaptability. These biological engines utilize embodied intelligence to navigate complex terrains and achieve performance metrics rivaling state-of-the-art synthetics.
Surface charge and membrane lipid composition define extracellular vesicle (EV) function: Lipid asymmetry enables new quality metrics for EV-based therapeutics
A comprehensive review reveals how phospholipid asymmetry governs EV surface charge, providing a unified framework for classification, functional understanding, and standardization in nanomedicine. The study highlights the importance of membrane lipid composition and surface charge in determining EV function.
Enzyme produced by fungus may replace chemicals in the paper industry
A new enzyme from a fungus cultivated in sugarcane bagasse or wheat bran can promote cellulose pulp bleaching. The xylanase facilitates the removal of xylan fractions associated with residual lignin, increasing brightness and efficiency in subsequent stages of pulp processing. This non-toxic alternative reduces chemical load and has gr...
MPGK simplifies advanced post-GWAS analyses for researchers and beginners
A new bioinformatics tool, MPGK, integrates MR, PRS, GO, and KEGG analyses into a single reproducible workflow, reducing technical barriers for researchers. The tool successfully identified causal relationships between diabetes and psoriasis using publicly available datasets.
DNA steps out of the "blueprint" role to become an active "field agent"
Researchers have repurposed a bacterial DNA synthesis system to enable DNA to act as an active 'field agent' inside living cells. This allows for the creation of programmable DNA fragments that can regulate gene expression and control protein behavior.
Five-year field study reveals smarter biochar strategy to cut methane from rice paddies
A five-year field study shows that small, repeated additions of biochar combined with water-saving irrigation can significantly reduce methane emissions from rice paddies over time while maintaining strong crop yields. Continuous application maintained and strengthened methane reduction, producing net negative emissions in some cases.
Air surveillance reveals hidden reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes
A review by an international team of researchers highlights that air monitoring is essential for global public health strategies, as airborne antibiotic resistance genes can spread silently between humans, animals, and the environment.
Biochar–microbe partnership unlocks soil phosphorus and boosts tomato yields
Researchers found that combining biochar with beneficial bacteria significantly improves phosphorus availability, reshaping plant development and increasing crop yields in greenhouse-grown cherry tomatoes. The study also showed that this approach can enhance soil fertility and crop productivity without increasing fertilizer inputs.
USC announces a joint biomedical engineering department, bridging medical and engineering schools to accelerate health care innovation
The new joint department combines expertise in medical devices, neuroengineering, imaging science, and more to advance biomedical research and translate discoveries into meaningful health advances. The partnership aims to accelerate the translation of discoveries into improvements in human health.
Biochar can curb methane emissions in rice fields, but nitrogen levels make the difference
A new study found that biochar can significantly reduce methane emissions from rice paddies when applied at optimal nitrogen levels. However, high nitrogen inputs may actually increase methane emissions, highlighting the need for careful management of fertilizer inputs.
Terasaki Institute principal investigator Dr. Yangzhi Zhu awarded American Heart Association Career Development Award for advancing translational biosensing research
Dr. Yangzhi Zhu has been awarded a prestigious Career Development Award from the American Heart Association to support his research in translational biosensing and organ health assessment. The award aims to develop innovative sensing strategies for improving donor organ condition and supporting better clinical care.
AI-guided biochar design offers new pathway to tackle emerging water pollutants
A new study presents a framework combining biochar engineering with artificial intelligence to design next-generation materials tailored for specific pollutants. The work highlights how advanced data-driven approaches can accelerate the development of sustainable water treatment technologies.
Solving the oxygen problem in cell-based drug delivery
The Hybrid Oxygenation Bioelectronics system, or HOBIT, shields cells from the immune system while providing access to oxygen and nutrients. The compact device supports higher cell densities in a smaller space, enabling the production of multiple biologic molecules simultaneously.
SLAS Technology Vol. 36 charts the next era of intelligent laboratory automation
This issue highlights advancements in drug discovery, synthetic biology, and laboratory digitalization. SLAS Technology emphasizes scientific and technical advances that enable improved biomedical research and development.
Nano-enabled biochar fertilizers help rice grow safer in contaminated soils
A new study reveals that nano-biochar fertilizers can actively regulate soil processes and help protect rice from harmful metal accumulation. The findings show improved rice growth, enhanced soil biological activity, and reduced cadmium and arsenic uptake in contaminated soils.
Four UMass Amherst researchers honored with election to American Association for the Advancement of Science
Four UMass Amherst researchers have been elected as American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellows for their distinguished contributions to various fields. Om Parkash Dhankher's work in agricultural biotechnology has led to the development of arsenic-free rice and phytoremediation of toxic metals.
Baking the earth to cool the sky: How tailored biochar can dial down agricultural emissions
A comprehensive meta-analysis reveals that biochar functions as a highly active biological regulator, restructuring the earth to boost porosity and moisture retention. Biochar disrupts the soil's nitrogen cycle by suppressing specific enzyme activities, slowing down processes like nitrification and denitrification.
Engineered biochar and beneficial bacteria team up to boost crop growth
Researchers developed a specially engineered biochar made from sewage sludge that significantly enhances plant growth when combined with beneficial bacteria. The biochar-bacteria combination improved nitrogen cycling and increased the abundance of beneficial soil microbes, leading to greater plant nutrition and growth.
Mass spectrometry-based glycomics towards GlycoRNA
Researchers develop MS-based glycoRNA analytical pipeline for precise structural characterization. Glycan abundance patterns reveal distinctive physiological and pathological states, serving as potential biomarkers.
Turning crops into carbon sinks: Biochar offers a low-cost path to carbon removal in China
A new study reveals that transforming biomass from dedicated energy crops into biochar could provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping China move closer to its carbon neutrality goals. Biochar can lock carbon in soils for decades or even centuries while improving soil health.
Terasaki Principal Investigator Dr. Aliesha O’Raw selected for 2026 ACS BrightEdge Entrepreneurs Program Cohort
Dr. Aliesha O’Raw, Principal Investigator at TIBI and Co-Founder of OnVagus, has been selected for the 2026 ACS BrightEdge Entrepreneurs Program. The program provides mentorship, entrepreneur training, and early-stage investment support to advance cancer diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.
BRIGHT at DTU partners with Novonesis in effort to turn captured CO₂ into nutritious protein
BRIGHT at DTU joins forces with Novonesis to develop microbes that can efficiently utilize acetic acid produced from captured carbon, enabling the production of sustainable protein. The collaboration aims to accelerate microbial fermentation and reduce costs, ultimately contributing to a circular bioeconomy.
Novel cancer drug delivery system improves Paclitaxel absorption
A novel drug delivery system developed by Osaka Metropolitan University improves Paclitaxel absorption by binding to the lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase enzyme, enabling selective delivery to cancer tissues. The system demonstrates significant tumor suppression effects even after administration cessation.
Capsule technology opens new window into individual cells
Researchers developed a capsule-based method to analyze individual cells through multiple experimental steps, overcoming a long-standing limitation in cell research. The technology, called semi-permeable capsule technology, allows scientists to keep cells' DNA intact and analyze hundreds of thousands of cells simultaneously.
Mussel adhesion meets conductivity: new bioglue for bioelectronic implants
A conductive bioglue was developed to ensure firm adhesion and stable electrical signaling within the human body. It overcomes challenges in connecting damaged tissues or attaching bioelectronic devices, promoting muscle and nerve regeneration and stable implant stability.
Detecting Alzheimer's with DNA aptamers—new tool for an easy blood test
Researchers develop world's first DNA aptamer that binds to neurofilament light chain, a protein released into the blood with neurodegeneration. The aptamer, MN711, shows high affinity and specificity comparable to commercially available antibodies.
New stimulation method builds on focused ultrasound research
Researchers developed a new noninvasive brain stimulation technique by combining focused ultrasound with electrical stimulation, producing stronger, targeted brain responses. This approach, called transcranial electro-acoustic stimulation, clarifies conflicting results in the field and introduces a new approach to noninvasive brain sti...
Landmark in real-time metabolic monitoring on chip: BLOC benchtop NMR comes to light
Researchers at IBEC have developed a compact, cost-effective NMR platform capable of direct observation of dynamic metabolic fluxes in microfluidic systems. This technology leverages hyperpolarization to bridge the gap between high-field NMR performance and lab-on-chip analysis.
Terasaki Institute and Keck Graduate Institute launch partnership to advance biomedical innovation
The partnership aims to accelerate biomedical innovation through joint research programs, faculty collaboration, and expanded student training opportunities. Researchers will have access to shared laboratory infrastructure, reciprocal faculty affiliations, and joint grant proposals.
When light boosts protein evolution
Researchers developed a method called optovolution that uses light to guide the evolution of proteins with dynamic, multi-state, and computational functions. This approach favors variants with better dynamics, allowing for the creation of new variants with improved light sensitivity and responsiveness.
Novel plant-based approach to a better, cheaper GLP-1 delivery system
A novel plant-based approach uses lettuce chloroplasts to produce functional GLP-1 peptides, paving the way for more affordable and better-tolerated oral medications. This method bypasses hurdles such as manufacturing cost, delivery system, and side effects associated with conventional approaches.
Understanding how cells take up and use isolated ‘powerhouses’ to restore energy function
A recent study has shed light on the processes that drive mitochondrial uptake and its benefits for cells. Isolated mitochondria were found to be taken up by mesenchymal stromal cells, enhancing proliferation and cytoprotection, and improving energy metabolism.
SFU researchers break the mold with new prosthetic design
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a new, fully customizable 3D printed socket design that combines pressure mapping with AI software and a lighter infill. This innovation has shown improved comfort and reduced common complications for prosthetics wearers.
New insights into how the immune system recognizes viral RNA
Scientists at Institute of Science Tokyo have discovered how LGP2 and MDA5 work together to recognize viral RNA. The study reveals that LGP2 binds to the ends of a dsRNA molecule, recruiting MDA5 molecules behind it and forming filament-like structures, ultimately triggering an innate immune response.
An endangered natural pharmacy hidden in coral reefs
Researchers have identified new microbial species in corals that produce unique natural products, offering a vast arsenal of potential benefits to humanity. The study highlights the importance of protecting coral reefs' microbiomes to tap into this untapped resource before it's lost forever.
Small models, big insights into vision
Researchers used machine learning techniques to compress a large model of the visual cortex, creating smaller versions that predict neural responses with high accuracy. The compact models revealed specific computational patterns in how neurons detect important features, offering insights into how visual information is processed.
Putting some ‘muscle’ into material design
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created protein fibers that can exhibit high tensile strength, toughness, and mechanical stability, making them suitable for active wear and biomedical implants. The materials are grown using synthetic biology approaches and can be processed into a meat-like structure.