Articles tagged with Biotechnology
Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new system to control the behavior of nematode worms using two different light-sensitive proteins called opsins. The researchers found that exposing the worms to white light triggered avoidance behavior, while UV light stopped movement and green light restarted it.
The Euglena International Network (EIN) has launched a decade-long effort to sequence genomes of all known species of euglenoids, with the goal of understanding basic biology and translational applications. This will aid in exploring products for ecological and environmental management, as well as human welfare through biotechnology.
The UC San Diego Alpha Stem Cell Clinic will receive $8 million in funding to launch new clinical trials and improve accessibility of stem cell therapies. The clinic has already launched 59 clinical trials and treated 277 patients with various diseases.
Inducing a hibernation-like state in mice using Q neuron activation has been shown to protect kidneys from oxygen deprivation and avoid harmful side effects. This technique could lead to new methods of performing heart surgery with reduced organ damage.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
The West Texas Pharmacology Core laboratory at TTUHSC will focus on two primary areas: drug development and pediatric cancer. The core aims to address obstacles in drug development, including limited pharmacology expertise for small biotech companies and low profitability for pediatric cancer drugs.
The HUSH complex is involved in normal brain development, neuronal individuality, and connectivity. The complex also regulates repetitive-like gene clusters, including protocadherin gene clusters, which are essential for neuron-to-neuron interactions.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed an AI-powered method to identify optimal amino acid mutations in enzymes. This approach accelerates the enzyme engineering process, allowing for tailored enzyme designs suitable for various biochemical environments.
Researchers developed a single-cell Raman-based tool to efficiently mine live functional microbes from nature, eliminating the need for traditional culturing methods. This technique, called scRACS-Culture, allows for the direct screening and cultivation of cells with specific metabolic functions.
A comparison of two cancer drugs reveals that life cycle management strategy is crucial for a drug's commercial success. The research found that product sales are closely linked to the number of approved indications and inter-organizational alliances.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new control system for synthetic genes that can precisely regulate protein production in mammalian cells. The system uses CRISPR proteins to activate target genes and can be tuned to produce specific quantities of proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies.
A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a nanovaccine that delivers cancer antigens to dendritic cells, inducing strong cellular immunity. The new system, using positively charged cationic lipids, increases cytokine production by approximately 100 times compared to previous designs.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed optrodes that can measure neural activity using light, potentially revolutionizing medical technologies like nerve-operated prosthetics. The new approach addresses long-standing issues with impedance mismatch and crosstalk, paving the way for more complex neural networks.
Researchers have developed a method that uses urea from urine to trigger the production of proteins in bacteria, replacing costly 'inducer' molecules. The new system produces similar quantities of protein as standard methods while being cheaper and easier to use, opening up new avenues for biotech industries.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to manufacture materials that mimic the structure of living blood vessels, with promising implications for future surgery. The technology allows the body to accept and transform the implanted material into a functional 'living' blood vessel.
Researchers found that American participants had the most positive perception of gene-edited food, while German participants saw it as less beneficial and riskier. Japanese participants' perceptions were intermediate between Germans and Americans. The study suggests that public attitudes towards emerging science are influenced by regul...
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded $250,000 in prizes to four leading immigrant scientists: Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Edward Chouchani, Biyu J. He, and Shixin Liu. They received the 2023 Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Biomedical Science for their groundbreaking work in regeneration, metabolic disease, cognitive neuroscience, and nanoscal...
A German Research Foundation-funded research unit is developing switchable polymer gels for biomaterial applications, including tissues for biotechnological or biomedical uses. The team has successfully explored the nature of amphiphilic co-networks and will now focus on material design.
Researchers at IMBA found that Kipferl helps distribute Rhino to piRNA clusters, avoiding sequestration to Satellite arrays. This control mechanism ensures the effective silencing of jumping genes and maintains genome stability.
Researchers have discovered a novel sexual reproduction process in Galdieria microalgae, which has significant implications for biotechnology applications. The discovery could lead to the development of new industrial uses for microalgae, including wastewater treatment and food ingredient production.
Blastoids, derived from stem cells, mimic early embryonic development but may not develop into a fetus. Ethical considerations surround their use and regulation in research.
Researchers at Rice University have created macroscale, modular materials from engineered bacteria that can self-assemble and perform various functions. The materials, dubbed BUD-ELMs, contain living cells that allow them to grow, repair, and respond to external stimuli.
The UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has awarded £19 million to five world-class teams investigating bold ideas in bioscience. These projects will advance our understanding of fundamental rules of life, with potential implications for agriculture, health, biotechnology, and the green economy.
The NIH is launching a $8 million prize competition to develop technologies improving postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. Diagnostic devices and wearables are prioritized to detect conditions like heart-related conditions, infection, and bleeding during the first year after delivery.
The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has established a public-private partnership with the FDA and NIH to advance treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases. The partnership will leverage C-Path's expertise in data management, quantitative analytics, and regulatory science to accelerate medical product development.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have made significant discoveries about embryonic blood stem cell creation that could one day eliminate the need for blood stem cell donors. Two studies have emerged from UNSW researchers in this area that shine new light on how precursors to blood stem cells occur in animals and humans, and how they may be i...
Researchers have successfully inserted nanotubes into bacteria, allowing for the creation of
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 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.
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.
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.