Articles tagged with Biotechnology
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a computer model to predict enzyme efficiency. This helps find efficient cell factories for producing biotech products like biofuels and medicines, and studies difficult diseases.
A newly identified link between chronic pain and lung cancer in mice suggests that old drugs such as clonidine, capsaicin, and fluphenazine may offer new treatments for chronic pain. The study found that blocking the BH4 pathway reduced pain sensitivity and decreased tumor growth in mouse models of KRAS-driven lung cancer.
Scientists developed a simple and rapid method to identify multiple food poisoning bacteria using nanometer-scaled organic metal nanohybrid structures that bind via antibodies to specific bacteria. The method can detect various types of bacteria in one hour without culturing, improving food safety.
SUTD researchers leverage nanosecond electroporation to deliver cancer-related molecules into living cells with excellent viability. The platform enables pores to remain open for up to 720 minutes, paving the way for efficient drug delivery and other applications.
Researchers tested a core-strengthening program using the AllCore360º to improve trunk function, balance, and mobility after stroke. The study showed promising effects on functional outcomes, including improved lateral control of posture and standardized treatment dosage.
Researchers developed a new enzyme that can degrade poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in bottles. The enzyme, HotPETase, is thermostable and selectively breaks down PET, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste challenge.
The Gerlich Group at IMBA found that histone acetylation establishes a sharp surface boundary on chromosomes, resisting microtubule perforation. Chromatin phase separation and DNA looping by condensin cooperates to build mitotic chromosomes with unique physical properties.
A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.
Researchers at Columbia University and Rover Diagnostics have developed a low-cost, portable platform that provides RT-PCR results in 23 minutes, matching laboratory-based tests. The system uses plasmonic nanoparticles to achieve real-time and multiplexed RT-qPCR on clinical specimens.
A new approach in metabolomics reveals how much of our body chemistry is traceable to what we consume. By matching molecular signatures with reference databases, scientists can create a diet profile of individuals and understand relationships between diet and health outcomes.
Research at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reveals Photorhabdus luminescens can protect plants from fungal infection, colonizing the fungus's hyphae and breaking down its cell wall. This secondary cell form also promotes plant growth and offers new potential for biological crop protection.
Researchers explore the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes in bioaerosols, including sources and detection strategies. The study highlights the need for monitoring and understanding the relationship between human, animal, and environmental microbiomes to counter the spread of AR.
Researchers have developed a diagnostic device that can identify chemical compounds from breath, sweat, and tears to diagnose diseases. The device uses volatile organic compounds as fingerprints for thousands of illnesses, potentially delivering a revolution in medicine's ability to diagnose and treat illnesses.
Researchers at Ural Federal University found that zinnia and tobacco plants can survive and even flourish in copper-contaminated soil, suggesting a possible use for landscaping areas. The study showed that these plants adapt by accumulating copper in their roots and limiting its transport to other parts of the plant.
University of Missouri researchers develop wearable smart bioelectronic devices, including a 'smart' face mask that can monitor physiological status and detect respiratory problems. The masks also use laser-assisted fabrication to provide breathable soft electronics for better real-time health monitoring.
A team of scientists has developed a novel computational approach to analyze DNA sequences of thousands of bacteria, revealing previously unknown gene clusters responsible for producing metabolites of interest. The study highlights the potential of these bacterial compounds in treating colon cancer and improving treatment options.
A Penn State-led team examines the shift to biotechnology platform-based vaccine manufacturing, which enabled rapid production of COVID-19 vaccines. This approach could be applied to future virus research and development, facilitating modular manufacturing and mass customization.
Nanomaterials may hold key to reducing cardiovascular disease deaths, according to researchers at Peking University in China. The unique properties of nanomaterials make them an appealing option for wearable and implantable monitoring and treatment devices.
Researchers developed a novel nanobody-based detection method for recombinant human interferon α2b (rhIFNα2b), which has a lower detection limit than existing methods. The assay's operation time was shortened from two days to a few minutes, making it suitable for rapid market counterfeit detection and early diagnosis of hepatitis.
Researchers from China have developed a novel bioconjugate that can suppress the growth of K-Ras mutant pancreatic tumors. The conjugate, which targets folate receptors and macropinocytosis, was found to be highly cytotoxic and effective at suppressing tumor growth.
Researchers at CMU propose a new cell delivery method using shrink-wrapped corneal endothelial cells as an alternative to cornea transplant. The technology enables rapid engraftment into intact tissues, showing promise in treating diseases such as cystic fibrosis and heart attack.
A massive analysis of data from over 700 studies revealed that genetically modified Bt corn has no negative effects on most invertebrate groups, including ladybeetles and lacewings. However, populations of Braconidae insects were reduced with Bt corn.
A team of researchers at University of Zurich successfully transplanted a human liver that was treated in a machine, paving the way for a potential solution to the global organ shortage. The liver was preserved for three days outside the body using a custom-made perfusion machine.
Researchers at Tsinghua University have discovered that Metformin, a small molecule drug used to treat type II diabetes, can improve the efficiency and efficacy of antibacterial treatments. The new approach uses chemodynamic therapy nanoagents to produce hydroxyl radical, which weakens and kills diseased or infected cells.
Research reveals pridopidine enhances autophagy in ALS model, reducing toxic protein aggregation and promoting neuronal health. The study supports pridopidine's potential as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC are testing the efficacy of 3K3A-APC as a cerebroprotectant to reduce brain bleeds in acute ischemic stroke patients. The experimental drug has shown promising results in Phase 2 clinical trials, reducing incidence of brain hemorrhage by nearly 20%.
The partnership aims to accelerate projects targeting the most dangerous bacteria. Since its founding, CARB-X has awarded $361 million to 92 projects from 12 countries.
Researchers from CAMP have identified a secreted metabolite biomarker, nicotinic acid to nicotinamide ratio, to detect microbial contaminations in human cell therapy products. This method enables early-stage detection of microbial contaminants and differentiates between live and dead bacteria.
A UFZ research team has developed a new method called 'mass transfer with a loop' to stabilize microbial communities in bioreactors. This approach prevents the loss of crucial microorganisms, which are essential for various biotechnological processes, by synchronizing their composition and functions.
A new nanosensor platform uses machine learning to analyze spectral signatures of carbon nanotubes for early detection of ovarian cancer. The approach detects biomarkers and recognizes the cancer itself, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers developed an algorithm to quickly identify two cancer drugs that work well together, reducing testing time from three years to eight weeks. The new method uses gene expression data to prioritize potential combinations and has been confirmed in lab tests.
The Center of BioModular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine develops rapid next-generation tests for human ailments like cancer and COVID-19 using saliva, urine, or blood samples. The technology has already helped patients through commercial partnerships with private firms.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to act as data loggers, capturing gene activity and metabolic responses in the gut. This allows for non-invasive monitoring of gut health and dietary status, enabling early diagnosis of malnutrition and inflammatory responses.
A novel network analysis technology can pinpoint seizure originating brain regions and predict a patient's seizure outcome before surgery, using only 10 minutes of resting state recordings.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that infected fruit flies continue to engage in courtship and mating behaviors, similar to uninfected flies. The study suggests that animals may invest more in reproduction when faced with a potential life threat, potentially to pass on genes to the next generation
A molecular switch, p57, enables stomach stem cells to change allegiance from normal digestion to injury response, potentially leading to new treatments for gastric pathologies. The study's findings suggest that p57 is a key regulator of reserve stem cell state in gastric chief cells.
Researchers used gene therapy to recover the TCF4 gene's function in human brain tissue, rescuing neural structure and function in brain organoids. The study offers promising insights into treating neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.
The study found that T-cell immunity was effective against Omicron variants in approximately 90% of vaccinated Europeans. The researchers identified a specific HLA-DRB1*03:01 variant that allowed the virus to evade immune recognition, particularly affecting individuals with this genetic variation.
Researchers identified key chemical marks that speed up and slow down gene expression in mRNA, opening new possibilities for genetic therapies. The discovery could lead to targeted protein production with minimal risk, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines.
Researchers have engineered a tiny living heart chamber replica to study disease progression and test new treatments. The miniPUMP device mimics the real organ's mechanics, allowing for accurate tracking of how the heart grows in embryos and studying the impact of disease.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology explores the intersection of open science practices and biosecurity risks, proposing solutions to mitigate catastrophic misuse. The authors argue that controlling access to research materials and software is necessary to prevent the spread of risky information.
Scientists have identified a potential new antibiotic candidate from the rare soil microbe Lentzea flaviverrucosa. The discovery was made using genomics-based approaches and shows that this actinomycete produces two different bioactive molecules that are active against various types of cancer cells.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) can reversibly control the rigidity of kinesin-propelled microtubules, a crucial component of molecular machines. The study demonstrates a simple method to dynamically adjust MT property and functions.
Finnish researchers created a comprehensive map of molecular interactions between 58 human receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), revealing key insights into their functions and roles in disease. The study's findings can aid understanding of diseases linked to abnormal RTK activity, particularly cancer.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new process for producing ethanol from waste wood and hydrogen, resulting in a lower cost compared to traditional methods. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and can be used as a low-carbon fuel alternative.
Katalin Karikó, a Hungarian-born biochemist, received the 2022 Vilcek Prize for Excellence in Biotechnology for her decades-long research leading to the development of safe and effective mRNA vaccines. Her work has had a profound impact on culture and society, particularly in the fight against COVID-19.
A new test predicts sepsis soon after infection in mice, enabling early antibiotic treatment and markedly increased survival. The findings provide a platform for developing rapid clinical tests for early sepsis detection and intervention.
In an animal study, researchers created an implantable biotechnology called MASTER that produces and releases CAR-T cells for attacking cancerous tumors. This technology reduces the manufacturing time from weeks to hours, increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
Researchers developed long-lived biological computers using RNA, which can persist inside cells. Unlike DNA-based devices, these RNA circuits are dependable and versatile, enabling continuous production in living cells.
Researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography discovered the enzyme-driven process that activates the anticancer molecule salinosporamide A. The team found that a single enzyme called SalC assembles the warhead, which is responsible for the molecule's anti-cancer properties.
BGE-175 effectively prevents death in a mouse model of COVID-19 by reversing immune aging, suggesting its potential to protect elderly patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The drug restores the immune system to a more youthful state by blocking the PGD2-DP1 pathway.
A new report has provided the first scientific consensus on healthy daily light exposure to support sleep, alertness, and well-being. The recommendations aim to optimize lighting in workplaces, public buildings, and homes to promote healthier body rhythms and improve overall health.
A recent viewpoint article highlights the need for open access to digital sequence information (DSI) to facilitate real-time responses to global crises. The authors propose community self-governance as a solution to enable international collaboration, improve benefit-sharing mechanisms, and promote equitable sharing of DSI benefits.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a way to stabilize the cancer-suppressing protein p53 by adding a spider silk protein, creating a more potent variant. This discovery has potential as an approach for cancer therapy.
Scientists from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have successfully embedded enzymes in metal-organic frameworks to enhance their stability. This innovation enables the use of these enzymes in both aqueous and organic solvents, leading to improved productivity and stability in continuous reactors.
Researchers at the University of Bologna have developed a new targeted cancer therapy based on a genetically modified phage that selectively eliminates tumour cells. The virus is engineered to transport a drug activated by light to target tumour cells, reducing side effects.
The new laboratory will use microfluidics, AI, and machine learning to conduct thousands of parallel experiments on single-cell eukaryotic yeast and other microbes. This will simplify the study of biology and provide a pathbreaking 'robot scientist' for fundamental research.
A research team at Leibniz-HKI has developed a new method to produce complex natural products, including the precursor to THC, in amoebae. By leveraging the natural properties of the amoeba, they were able to produce a functional inter-kingdom hybrid enzyme that produces olivetolic acid without additives.
Researchers found that polymer molecules interact with the flow around gas bubbles, causing a sudden increase in velocity. This knowledge can be used to predict oxygen input and design equipment for industries like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers identified eight new microorganisms that cleave ether bonds in the lignin-based compound-2-phenoxyacetophenone. These discoveries could enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle and facilitate biotechnological applications for lignin commercialization.