Articles tagged with Biotechnology
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Japanese research team developed a new microfluidic chip that uses dielectrophoresis to sort living cells in just 30 minutes. This technology eliminates the need for labor-intensive sample pretreatment and chemical tagging techniques, preserving cell structure and enabling faster separation of differently sized cells.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a novel PET imaging tool to selectively monitor inflammation and innate immune activity. The new radio-labeled molecule, [18F]4FN, is more specific and robust than existing agents, offering potential for early biomarker detection of immune-related adverse events.
Biochemists analyze fermented drinks from Russia and South Africa for antioxidants, fatty acids, and volatile compounds. Kefir and ryazhenka have more diverse fatty acid profiles, while amasi has branched chain fatty acids with potential health benefits.
Harris Wang, a synthetic and systems biologist at Columbia University, received the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for his development of tools to track and engineer microbes. His research aims to improve diagnostic and therapeutic applications using genomic technologies.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel droplet manipulation method called WRAP, which can transport micro-sized droplets using electromagnets or programmable electromagnetic fields. The method overcomes challenges in traditional magnetic actuation, such as contamination from added magnetic particles.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to produce non-alcoholic beer that tastes like regular beer, improving its flavor and sustainability. The technique involves using micro-factories of yeast cells to release hop aroma molecules, eliminating the need for expensive aroma hops.
Researchers developed a fully autonomous biohybrid fish from human stem-cell derived cardiac muscle cells that recreates the muscle contractions of a pumping heart. The device has two layers of muscle cells that work together to propel the fish for over 100 days.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have engineered 3D human spinal cord tissues and implanted them in lab models with long-term chronic paralysis, resulting in an 80% success rate in restoring walking abilities. The team aims to conduct clinical trials in human patients within a few years to make the treatment commercially available.
Biologists isolated the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in its pure form to create more accurate antibody tests. The new approach significantly improves sensitivity, increasing the ability to detect antibodies to the nucleoprotein. This breakthrough helps determine if vaccinated individuals have been infected with COVID-19.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have simplified a potential cancer treatment by removing a complex ring from a natural antibiotic. The modified compound, called lankacyclinone C, still shows promise in killing cancer cells.
Breakthrough research reveals Tuberous Sclerosis Complex arises from human-specific progenitor cells, explaining its pathology. Human-derived cerebral organoid models shed light on complex brain development and potential mechanisms for other diseases.
Researchers have identified a potential novel mechanism of action against drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) caused by mutations in the EmbR protein, which binds to transmembrane kinase PknH. This study proposes a new approach for computer-aided drug discovery and has important implications for treating other critical diseases.
A new 9-step blueprint has been developed to improve the use of genetics and breeding strategies in aquaculture species, aiming to strengthen food security and meet growing global demand for fish. The guidelines also aim to address concerns over fish stocks, mercury levels, and farmed fish nutritional value.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed a biotechnology-based solution to produce ovalbumin, a key protein in egg white powder. The fungus-produced ovalbumin reduces greenhouse gas emissions and land use by up to 72% compared to traditional chicken-based production.
Researchers developed a computer model of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, shedding light on its mechanism and substrate specificity. This knowledge creates opportunities for therapeutic interventions against cardiovascular disease.
A new technology developed by Aarhus University researchers uses sustainable biochar-based photocatalytic nanomaterial to break down PFAS into harmless substances. The process is powered by solar energy and produces non-toxic fluorides, CO2, and clean water.
A team of researchers from Chemnitz University of Technology, IFW Dresden, and Max Planck Institute CBG presents a new type of biomedical tool with a tiny biocompatible microelectronic micro-catheter. The catheter has sensor and actuator functions integrated into its wall, making it highly flexible and adaptable to the body.
Researchers from SUTD developed a highly-customisable, 3D-printed peristaltic pump kit for microfluidics, which can be downloaded and assembled by users. The pump kit is powered by Arduino and offers precise control of flow rates, with an estimated cost of $50 per unit.
Researchers from Hiroshima University analyzed 839 collections of genetic material to identify common features of oxidative stress. They found two genes, CRIP1 and CRIP3, downregulated during oxidative stress, suggesting a relationship with zinc homeostasis. The study also identified shared biological processes between the two types of...
A new study found that a specific type of carbohydrate called ‘fodmaps’ can aggravate intestinal problems, but its impact is not as significant as previously believed. IBS symptoms were found to be influenced more by psychological factors and individual differences in metabolism and intestinal flora.
A Korean research team has developed a metasurface-based optical device that can store over 100 times more information than conventional rainbow hologram stickers. The device selectively displays images according to angle, color, and polarization, making it highly secure against counterfeiting.
Researchers at University at Buffalo successfully freeze-dried a liposome-based liquid vaccine formula, offering a thermostable solution for future COVID-19 vaccines. The freeze-dried product showed stability at elevated temperatures and induced effective antibody responses in mice.
Researchers in Japan have designed the first de novo-designed peptides that can form artificial nanopores to identify and enable single molecule-sorting of genetic material in a lipid membrane. The peptides can detect specific molecules, including DNA, and have the potential to mimic natural proteins' ability to detect specific proteins.
Researchers developed an AI method to correct speed of sound aberrations in photoacoustic images, resulting in improved image quality and resolution. The technique reduced streak artifacts by up to 5% and increased signal-to-noise ratio by about 25 decibels.
A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 saliva testing kits with a preservative can accurately measure the oral microbiome, which may lead to new treatments for lung health in people with COVID-19. The study collected saliva samples from participants and compared their ability to measure microbes before and after COVID-19 infection.
A new study has identified the CCR2 gene as a key player in the progression of type 1 diabetes. The research found that lower blood levels of CCL-2, a ligand for CCR2, were associated with increased immune cell recruitment to the pancreas, leading to islet cell destruction.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a biocompatible adhesive hydrogel that can stick to various surfaces underwater, with properties similar to natural mussel foot protein and spider silk. This breakthrough has potential applications in tissue repair, particularly for tendon-bone repair.
Researchers have genetically engineered bacteria to detect specific chemicals in the gut, which can help maintain balanced neurotransmitter levels. The bacteria, called Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, produce enzymes that degrade or synthesize target chemicals, potentially alleviating mental health issues.
A research team developed a treatment for myocardial infarction using mussel adhesive proteins, promoting cell proliferation and migration in damaged heart tissue. The MAP-based microneedle bandage alleviated fibrosis and restored the damaged myocardial wall.
Researchers identified bacteria and yeast on photovoltaic panels in Brazil, similar to those found in Spain, the US, Arctic, and Antarctic. The microorganisms have adapted to sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and water scarcity, making them suitable for biotech applications.
Paxlovid demonstrates significant efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 virus, reducing hospitalization and death risks in adult patients by up to 89%. The treatment's development involved cutting-edge X-ray technology from the Advanced Photon Source.
Lignocellulose, a plant-based material, can be used to create light-reactive surfaces for windows or materials that react to certain chemicals. By customizing lignocellulose, researchers can improve light absorption and achieve better operating efficiency in solar cells.
A team of Lehigh University undergraduates has won the National Institutes of Health's Healthcare Technologies for Low-Resource Settings Prize for developing a diagnostic device to detect sickle cell disease in infants. The $15,000 prize will support further development and testing of the device, which could improve healthcare outcomes...
Researchers from Osaka City University found that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) accelerates cell growth and promotes bone regeneration in animal models with critical bone defects. Micro-CT images showed a 1.51 times larger bone volume after 10-minute treatment, while histological analysis confirmed new bone formation ...
Scientists develop a method to precisely control gas-liquid interfaces at the nanoscale, enabling precise enrichment of target molecules. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including chemical and biological processes.
Researchers discovered two defence systems in bacteria that work together to protect against modified DNA bacteriophages. BrxU has the potential to be a biotechnological tool for mapping the human epigenome, which alters in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers identify key neurons and signaling pathway regulating female activity before ovulation. Discoveries could lead to new treatments for menopause that sidestep estrogen and reactivates the circuit with CRISPRa technology.
A new hydrogel treatment kills drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, and induces the expression of naturally-existing antimicrobial peptides in human skin cells. The gel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and scalable.
A team of bioinformaticians at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed a method to identify small active substance molecules using machine-learning methods. They successfully identified 11 new, previously unknown bile acids in mice using this approach.
Researchers developed a quick test to identify beneficial bacteria species known to benefit coral, allowing for non-invasive assessment of coral health. The method enables rapid detection of specific bacterial species in seawater and coral samples, suggesting that the bacteria may be concentrated in coral.
A new pouch device has been developed to protect transplanted human liver cells from immune systems for up to six months, producing crucial biomolecules. This breakthrough offers a potential path toward treating human diseases without needing to suppress the patient's immune system.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have created custom-fitted wearable devices that can monitor physiological parameters without needing recharging. The biosymbiotic devices use wireless power transfer and compact energy storage to enable continuous operation, providing accurate data on body temperature, strain, and muscle deform...