Articles tagged with Biotechnology
A long-term follow-up study found significant improvement in health-related quality of life after bariatric surgery for patients with BPD-DS. The study evaluated 27 patients who underwent the procedure and compared their outcomes to pre-surgery scores and those from the general population.
Researchers have developed an innovative anti-biofilm coating with significant anti-adhesive potential, preventing destructive bacterial growth on metal surfaces. The coating has potential applications in medical implants, devices, and surgical equipment, as well as industrial uses such as preventing aquatic biofouling.
A biologically younger woman demonstrates the world's first successful gene therapy against human aging. Elizabeth Parrish's white blood cells showed a 20-year increase in telomere length, implying a reversal of age-related diseases.
The partnership will enable pharmaceutical companies to identify compounds most likely to succeed in human clinical trials, shortening the timeline to drug approval. Advanced lipidomic profiling analysis on tissues such as the liver will be made available, enhancing the depth and quality of scientific data.
Researchers developed a novel RNA-based hairpin molecule to inhibit microRNA activity in cells and mice. The plasmid-based microRNA inhibitor system effectively knocks down endogenous miRs, revealing roles for miRs in developmental pathways and cellular processes.
A Phase 2 study found that patients treated with MultiStem therapy experienced a complete or near full recovery from their stroke after one year, with 23.1% achieving this outcome compared to 8.2% of placebo patients. The therapy appears to reduce local inflammatory response and protect neurons in the brain.
Researchers developed a designer recombinase called Brec1 that can specifically remove the provirus from most primary HIV-1 isolates. The approach has shown promise as a potential new therapy for HIV, with antiviral effects without measurable cytotoxic or genotoxic side effects.
The special focus issue brings together experts from various fields to discuss the past, present, and future of nanomedicine. It addresses current debates and future perspectives on nanomedical research, including social, ethical, and safety aspects.
Recent genome engineering and gene editing breakthroughs will significantly impact biological system engineering, enabling more efficient production of drugs and other important products. Dr. Ryan Gill discusses the future directions and funding needs in the field.
Researchers can improve research and reduce costs by replacing animal-derived antibodies with modern technologies like recombinant antibodies and aptamers. This switch has the potential to save tens of thousands of animals from suffering in laboratories.
Biotech expert Mitchell Finer shares his experiences and strategies for achieving commercial success, including the importance of clinical data and access to capital. He also discusses the growth of companies like bluebird bio and Cell Genesys, and the potential for gene therapy to revolutionize treatment options.
Brazilian scientists review advances in nanodentistry, exploring how nanoparticles can improve dental materials, prevent oral diseases, and create wearable toothpaste. However, safety and cost concerns hinder the adoption of these new technologies.
A phase III clinical trial's results may lead to the first approved gene therapy product in the US for treating Leber congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2). The treatment, SPK-RPE65, could improve patients' ability to see and function at night or in dimmer light levels.
Researchers at Austrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB) have elucidated a new pathway that makes yeast Pichia pastoris unique. The study reveals the utilization of methanol as a nutrient, similar to plants using CO2, and demonstrates the leading role of Vienna researchers in biotech yeast research.
The company, Newcells Biotech Ltd, will use pioneering technology to create iPSCs for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic customers, offering benefits in testing treatments on cells with specific genetic make-ups.
The 2015 BIO International Convention in Philadelphia featured the Innovation Zone, a 5,000-square-foot exhibit space dedicated to companies with cutting-edge biomedical technologies supported by NSF's Directorate for Engineering. The zone showcased over 75 companies, including those funded by the NSF Small Business Innovation Research...
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that cytoplasmic intermediate filaments interact with specific contractile actin filament structures called arcs, which transport intermediate filaments towards the nucleus. Disruption of these interactions leads to defects in cell morphogenesis and shape abnormalities.
Researchers discovered a specific immune cell type that reduces inflammation and protects against liver damage. The Ly6C-negative monocyte subset dampens the immune response and induces anti-inflammatory genes in nearby cells.
Scientists at the University of Eastern Finland have identified two separate sites on the protein NOS1AP that can be blocked to reduce damaging signals caused by NOS-1 in brain cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs for neurological diseases such as stroke, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Researchers have successfully introduced a gene into foetal cells from Luxi Yellow cattle to increase the levels of beneficial omega-3 oils in beef. The study found that introducing the fat1 gene resulted in over five times higher levels of these fatty acids.
Researchers at Stanford have created a new field of interactive biotechnology that allows users to interact with living cells using games and remote-controlled labs. The team developed three projects: arcade-style kiosks, biotic games for teaching bioengineering devices, and robotic biology cloud labs.
Self-affirmations help level the playing field, reducing power differences in high-stakes situations. Writing down a self-affirmation can be more effective than just thinking it, boosting confidence and performance.
The $2.5 million funding package supports five health innovations in India, including mobile daycare centers for migrant construction workers' children and early childhood development programs. Grand Challenges Canada has partnered with the Indian government to accelerate efforts to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis in Bihar.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a synthetic pathway for biosynthesis of renewable propane, paving the way for its commercial production. The breakthrough uses an engineered enzyme variant to redirect microbial pathways, producing propane as a clean-burning alternative to fossil fuels.
A special focus issue in Nanomedicine examines the intersection of nanomedicine and regenerative medicine, showcasing advancements in nanotopography, nanofunctionalization, and stem cell research. The field of nanoregeneration has grown exponentially over the last 15 years, with potential applications in drug discovery and cell targeting.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel biotechnological solution to treat erectile dysfunction by triggering reliable erections with gene therapy and blue light exposure. The system works similarly across all mammals, including humans, and is expected to have few side effects.
The Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology has developed the world's first continuous purification method for recombinant antibodies from clarified CHO cultures. This breakthrough technology is expected to significantly reduce production costs for highly valued drugs, such as cancer treatments and autoimmune disease therapies. The...
Continuous bioprocessing is gaining consideration as a method of industrial bioprocessing, with potential advantages including lower costs and increased efficiency. Dr. Konstantin Konstantinov and Dr. Charles Cooney emphasize the need for methods to evolve around this new platform.
Researchers at Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research have found that bioelectrochemical processes promise improved yields and can be economically competitive. The technology has the potential to save costs of up to 18% in EU and US markets, with estimated savings over a ten-year horizon reaching $50 million.
The National Collection of Yeast Cultures has added the 4,000th yeast strain to its collection, including a novel species found in Ecuador's Yasuní National Park. This discovery expands microbial biodiversity and offers new possibilities for sustainable biotechnology.
Scientists at TU Dresden have presented a novel method, real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC), to mechanically screen large populations of cells quickly and accurately. This technology enables the continuous, on-the-fly mechanical screening of hundreds of cells per second.
A study reveals enzymatic hydrolysis and drying significantly alter lignocellulosic biomass nanostructure, reducing pore volume by up to 80%. The accessible reaction space is also reduced, hindering hydrolysis. This work sheds light on the importance of physical features in defining hydrolysis rates.
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that existing models for predicting outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury perform poorly. The study identified older age, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, and less education as the strongest predictors of poor outcomes after mTBI.
Researchers from CU School of Medicine and Taiga Biotechnologies have discovered a way to expand production of stem cells used to treat cancer patients. This breakthrough technology could also be used to treat inborn immunodeficiency conditions, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
A new study reveals that better communication of basic research results during the discovery stage can lead to faster commercialization. Biotech firms often give up on inventions and transfer technology to other firms for repurposing in a new disease category, causing time losses earlier in the pathway.
The 2014 World Stem Cell Summit will bring together leading scientists, business leaders, and regulators to discuss the future of regenerative medicine. The summit will feature over 200 prominent speakers from more than 40 nations, exploring the latest scientific discoveries and innovative business models.
The Festschrift issue honors Dr. Koprowski's pioneering work on vaccines, including the oral polio vaccine, and its impact on cancer biology research. Dr. Koprowski's achievements have been recognized by CASIS, which enabled visionaries to explore life science research in microgravity environments.
Amunix is presenting unpublished data on its XTEN half-life extension technology, which extends the half-life of biologically active molecules via chemical conjugation. The technology has been used to extend the half-life of genetically fused therapeutic proteins and peptides.
Elsevier has launched an open-access journal, Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal (CSBJ), on behalf of the Research Network of Computational and Structural Biotechnology. The journal publishes high-quality research articles and reviews in computational biotechnology, with a focus on mechanistic understanding through appl...
Researchers are developing a new, freeze-stable tetanus vaccine using lipid nanoparticles and a hollow microneedle system. The delivery device can target specific areas of the skin, increasing vaccine efficacy.
Scientists suggest that every town could have a small-scale cultured meat factory, producing sustainable and cruelty-free meat alternatives. The production process involves taking stem cells from cell banks and using them to create minced meat cakes.
A new paper from Rice University's Baker Institute calls for revised patenting guidelines to address the broad patent landscape in biotechnology. The authors suggest initial steps to reform patent licensing and require detailed patent descriptions to prevent costly lawsuits.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will conduct a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3K3A-APC, an experimental drug combining with rtPA to treat ischemic strokes. The study aims to reduce risks and improve outcomes for stroke patients.
The 2014 AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Film competition recognized four engaging science books exploring school gardens, fossil discovery, backyard bird watching, and biotechnology. Winners received $1500 and a plaque for their outstanding contributions to science writing and illustration.
Tel Aviv University researchers developed a computer algorithm that predicts which genetic genes are lethal to cells when overexpressed. The new algorithm, called Expression Dependent Gene Effects (EDGE), helps guide metabolic engineering to produce new chemicals in more efficient ways.
The UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has launched 13 unique collaborative networks to promote interaction between academia and industry, pooling skills to develop research projects with potential to overcome major challenges in industrial biotechnology and bioenergy. The networks will unlock innovative ways t...
A new study finds that an experimental drug called 3K3A-APC reduces brain damage and eliminates brain hemorrhaging in stroke-afflicted mice and rats. The drug extends the therapeutic window of FDA-approved clot-busting therapy tPA, counteracting its tendency to induce bleeding.
Genome researchers at Bielefeld University have successfully sequenced the Chinese hamster genome, providing valuable data for biopharmaceutical production. The decoded genome consists of eleven pairs of chromosomes and is comparable in magnitude to the human genome.
University of Illinois bioengineers find way to permanently modify silicone polymer surface with organic material, resulting in stable adhesion for several months. The method enables practical applications in cell culture platforms, microfluidic devices, and tissue engineering.
The 2013 World Stem Cell Report will be published as a special supplement to the peer-reviewed journal Stem Cells and Development. The report delivers an orbital and unique viewpoint on regenerative medicine, featuring content from leading policy-makers, regulators, and experts.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine delivery system that mimics pathogens to stimulate the immune system without causing infection. The technology uses inulin acetate from plant fibers, showing promise for preventing viral diseases such as influenza, with an estimated cost of one or two dollars per dose.
The India-developed rotavirus vaccine ROTAVAC has demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy in a Phase III clinical trial, reducing severe rotavirus diarrhoea by over half. The vaccine's impact extends beyond rotavirus infections, also showing protection against severe diarrhoea of any cause.
This year's AAPS National Biotechnology Conference award winners have made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, including the development of novel drug delivery systems and innovative approaches to protein-matrix interactions. The awards recognize excellence in research, innovation, and education.
The researchers are being honored for their contributions to the discovery and applications of optogenetics, a technology that allows scientists to control brain activity by genetically engineering neurons. Hundreds of labs have started using the technique to manipulate brain activity in experimental animals.
A team of international researchers has created an instruction manual for the human genome, providing a framework to understand the relationship between genetic makeup and lifestyle. The model explains how individual biological parts operate differently within each person, paving the way for tailored treatments in personalized medicine.
Researchers John Wong, Ronald Berger, and Hien Nguyen receive awards and funding to develop life-saving technologies. The Life Prizes aim to accelerate the translation of promising research into commercial applications, speeding up the delivery of innovative medical solutions.
The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) represses microRNA-148a, leading to increased levels of the oncogenic protein HPIP and subsequent oncogenic transformation in liver cancer. This study demonstrates a cancer-associated virus promoting carcinogenesis through direct manipulation of a microRNA.
Researchers have discovered that the penicillin-producing fungus Penicillium chrysogenum reproduces sexually through a two-gender cycle. This leads to strains with new properties, including high penicillin production without contaminating genes.
Douglas Kell, a University of Manchester professor, was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work in quantitative and systems biology and analytical biotechnology. He is one of fewer than 50 UK scientists to hold this honor, and will receive an official certificate and pin at the AA...
Researchers successfully engineered Arabidopsis plants to reduce xylan content and improve breakdown of carbohydrate into simple sugars. The resulting plants exhibit improved saccharification properties, allowing for better production of biofuels from plant biomass.