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New at-home test for gingivitis protects oral health

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new at-home test that uses saliva to detect early signs of gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. The device can identify periodontal disease caused by bacteria in saliva, providing an opportunity for consumers to protect their oral health.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalSensors & Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

A first for ferrocene: Organometallic capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions

A ferrocene-based capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions has been synthesized, allowing for reversible encapsulation and release of guest molecules. The capsule can bind to a variety of organic and inorganic dyes and electron-accepting molecules, demonstrating its potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and chemic...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

Protective particles allow engineered probiotics to report gut disease

Researchers developed a platform that allows engineered biosensor bacteria to safely pass through the gastrointestinal tract in animal models. The platform enables real-time monitoring of gut health and can be used to diagnose and monitor various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. It has the potential to revolutionize pati...

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Game-changing potential for drug testing and cardiovascular disease treatments - Tiny Heart Model Carries Massive Implications

A miniature human heart model, approximately half a grain of rice in size, has been developed to transform drug testing and cardiovascular research. This self-paced, multi-chambered model provides real-time measurements of essential parameters, enabling unprecedented insights into heart function and diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

3D/4D printed bio-piezoelectric smart scaffolds for next-generation bone tissue engineering

Researchers developed bio-piezoelectric smart scaffolds for next-generation bone tissue engineering, demonstrating potential for clinical applications. The scaffolds can reconstruct desired tissue EM through non-invasive ultrasonic stimulation, promoting cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 18, 2023

Will robotic assisted in situ bioprinting become the next generation of surgical modality for cartilage repair?

The technique has the potential to overcome major shortcomings associated with conventional bioprinting, allowing real-time wound treatment and immediate anastomosis with native tissue. However, challenges remain, including integration with surrounding tissues and limited access to defect sites in articular joints.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 25, 2023

Cartesian Therapeutics announces landmark study in The Lancet Neurology of first successful clinical trial of RNA cell therapy in autoimmunity

Cartesian Therapeutics has successfully treated patients with generalized myasthenia gravis using an RNA CAR-T therapy. The trial demonstrated marked and long-lasting clinical improvement, with three patients achieving complete or near-complete eradication of disease symptoms.

SourceCartesian Therapeutics·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

New method enables study of nano-sized particles

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method called single-particle profiling (SPP) to study bioparticles in health and disease. The SPP enables the measurement of thousands of particles between 5 and 200 nanometres in size, with potential applications in vaccine development and creating more effective nanocarriers.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 12, 2023

Study deciphers the biosynthetic pathway of the antidepressant orcinol glucoside from the plant Curculigo orchioides and engineers the production of orcinol glucoside in the biotech-friendly yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, with yields over 6,400-fold higher th

Researchers have deciphered the biosynthetic pathway of orcinol glucoside from Curculigo orchioides and successfully engineered its production in Yarrowia lipolytica. The resulting yields are significantly higher, exceeding 6,400-fold that of natural plant extraction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2023

Automated, accurate reporting for NGS-based clonality testing

Researchers have developed an automated calling algorithm for determining B and T cell clonality from NGS data with greater sensitivity than previous models. The new model increases the assay's sensitivity in detecting clonality, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of lymphoproliferative disorders.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2023

Insight into brain’s waste clearing system may shed light on brain diseases

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way to enhance glymphatic transport using focused ultrasound with microbubbles, opening new opportunities for studying brain diseases and function. The non-invasive method shows promise for potentially mitigating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists discover why wavy wounds heal faster than straight wounds

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University found that cells near wavy shaped wounds moved in a swirling manner, while those near straight wounds moved in straight lines. This discovery reveals that the swirling motion is crucial for gap-bridging and accelerates wound healing in wavy wounds.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2023

Detailed image of the human retina

Researchers have created a detailed map of human retinal organoid development, revealing information on cell types, proteins, and gene expression. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to visualize multiple proteins simultaneously and provides insights into retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 8, 2023

Tiny microbes could brew big benefits for green biomanufacturing

Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

More efficient and cost-effective mRNA vaccines: Researchers from Graz University of Technology produce pseudouridine by means of biocatalytic synthesis

Researchers from Graz University of Technology have developed a novel method for producing central components of mRNA vaccines using biocatalytic synthesis. This approach achieves a yield of 92-95% compared to 40-50% for chemical processes, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Treasure hunt in hot springs?

A research group has successfully developed an adsorbent material that can selectively recover rare earth elements from hot spring water, a process expected to contribute to a metal resource-circulating society. The method uses environmentally friendly and inexpensive materials, such as baker's yeast and trimetaphosphate.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalEnvironmental Technology & Innovation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2023

Academic institutions receive lower financial returns from biotechnology licenses than commercial firms

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that academic institutions receive significantly lower royalty rates, total payments, and pre-commercial payments for biotechnology licenses compared to commercial firms. The disparities were observed even after accounting for differences in product stage development.

SourceBentley University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2023

Development of an artificial kidney for early detection of drug toxicity

A research team from Pohang University of Science & Technology has engineered an artificial kidney to detect adverse drug reactions and provide personalized treatment. The team successfully fabricated a glomerular microvessel-on-a-chip that recapitulates the kidney's filtering function and evaluates its response to various toxins.

Generating power with blood sugar

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has created an implantable fuel cell that uses excess blood sugar to generate electrical energy. The device powers artificial beta cells that produce insulin, effectively regulating blood glucose levels.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

James Chappell wins NSF CAREER Award

James Chappell, a Rice University bioscientist, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create RNA programming methods for microbial communities in natural habitats. His research aims to improve human health and the environment by genetically manipulating microbial communities.

Richard McIndoe, PhD, will direct Coordinating Unit for new, national research initiative in diabetes, obesity

Richard McIndoe is leading a national research initiative to advance understanding of diabetes and obesity through the National Centers for Metabolic Phenotyping in Live Models of Obesity and Diabetes (MPMOD). The MPMOD initiative provides access to advanced testing services, including bariatric surgery on mice, to enable new insights ...