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An endangered natural pharmacy hidden in coral reefs

Researchers have identified new microbial species in corals that produce unique natural products, offering a vast arsenal of potential benefits to humanity. The study highlights the importance of protecting coral reefs' microbiomes to tap into this untapped resource before it's lost forever.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2026

Borrowing from biology to power next-gen data storage

Researchers at Penn State have developed a bio-hybrid system that combines synthetic DNA with perovskite semiconductors to create a memory resistor that stores and processes data with minimal power consumption. This technology has the potential to enable more efficient data centers, speedier data processing and more complex data analysis.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2026

3D printing soft robots

Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new fabrication method for printing robotic devices with long filaments featuring precisely placed hollow channels. This allows the device to bend and deform in predetermined ways, enabling the creation of soft robots with predictable s...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

JMIR Publications’ JMIR Bioinformatics and Biotechnology invites submissions on Bridging Data, AI, and Innovation to Transform Health

The journal explores the convergence of computational biology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation, with a focus on precision medicine and enhanced patient care. Submissions are accepted from researchers, clinicians, and technologists on topics such as AI in medicine, computational genomics, and drug discovery.

Rhododendron-derived drugs now made by bacteria

Kobe University scientists have engineered bacteria to produce a group of compounds with promising pharmacological activities. The breakthrough uses a rational design strategy to create a platform for industrial production of drug candidates.

SourceKobe University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Seashells and coconut char: A coastal recipe for super-compost

A study published in Carbon Research reveals that a unique Ca-modified biochar can act as a powerful catalyst for the composting process, transforming pig manure and rice straw into stable, nutrient-rich humus. The innovation helps improve waste management in tropical regions, reducing nitrogen loss and environmental footprint.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Novel photoreactive probe enables sensitive detection of epigenetic intermediates

Researchers developed a light-sensitive oligonucleotide probe that selectively detects 5-formylcytosine, an epigenetically important intermediate. The probe demonstrates stable cross-linking with 5fC across various conditions, enabling its detection in target DNA and complex biological samples.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

International team led by HonorHealth Research Institute and U of A develop 3D chip platform for laboratory testing in cancer research

Researchers created a 3D chip platform called ASTEROIDS that mimics human physiology and enables precise testing of new drugs and personalized medicine models. The technology has the potential to reduce animal testing in cancer research and improve human clinical outcomes.

SourceHonorHealth Research Institute·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2026

Reimagining proprioception: when biology meets technology

A new theory of proprioception challenges traditional understanding by incorporating frontier bionic evidence. The proposed framework reconceptualizes proprioception as a dynamic augmentable interface, enabling functional movement and potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes in sports injuries and neurological diseases. Researcher...

SourceJournal of Sport and Health Science·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 22, 2026

Advances in biosynthetic preparation and application of human milk oligosaccharides

Researchers have made progress in creating human milk oligosaccharides through bioengineering, enabling the industrial-scale production of complex HMOs. This allows infant formula to mimic human milk's compositional complexity, potentially offering benefits for gut microbiota development and immune protection.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlycoscience & Therapy·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 21, 2026

Ribosomal engineering creates “super-probiotic” bacteria

Researchers from Shinshu University used ribosome engineering to modify probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, resulting in increased colonization and enhanced immune stimulation. The engineered bacteria exhibit altered surface protein expression and induce higher activation of immune cells.

SourceShinshu University·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

This self-powered eye tracker harnesses energy from blinking and is as comfortable as everyday glasses

Researchers developed a lightweight, self-powered eye-tracking system that runs off the energy generated through blinking. The system detects eye movements with high precision and can be used to enable people with mobility impairments such as ALS to control wheelchairs or communicate by moving only their eyes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Seeing thyroid cancer in a new light: when AI meets label-free imaging in the operating room

Researchers combined Dynamic Optical Contrast Imaging (DOCI) with machine learning to identify thyroid cancer during surgery. The AI analysis framework accurately classified samples across three categories and generated tumor probability maps for precise location identification.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2026

Mathematicians tame cellular “noise” to control life at the single-cell level

Researchers create a novel mathematical framework to control biological noise, enabling precise single-cell control. The 'Noise Robust Perfect Adaptation' technology suppresses stochastic fluctuations while maintaining stable average behavior, with promising applications in cancer therapy and synthetic biology.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 2, 2026

"See-and-treat" solution for stroke via quantum dot-engineered extracellular vesicles derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth stem cells

A new study introduces a 'theragnostic' agent that combines therapy and diagnosis for ischemic stroke. The engineered extracellular vesicles demonstrate dual capability of dynamic monitoring and synergistic therapy, tracking restoration of vascular integrity and reducing infarction volume.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalTranslational Dental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2025

Biochar and beneficial microbes team up to protect crops and restore cadmium contaminated soils

Researchers found that adding biochar with beneficial microorganisms like Trichoderma significantly reduced cadmium stress in crops while improving soil health. The combination restored photosynthetic capacity, biomass production, and enzyme activity, making it a promising solution for sustainable agriculture and soil remediation.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2025

Jeonbuk National University researchers explore the impact of different seasonings on the flavor perception of Doenjang soup

Jeonbuk National University researchers examine how different seasonings shape kokumi perception in doenjang soup, influencing consumer acceptance. They found that umami is a major sensory driver of kokumi perception and can be enhanced to improve the flavor quality of fermented foods.

Refining the uncharted landscape of human transcription factors: a strategic framework for future prioritization

A study analyzed large-scale human ChIP-seq data to identify unmeasured transcription factor-tissue/cell type pairs, revealing significant gaps in current knowledge. These findings indicate that essential regulatory mechanisms may have been overlooked, emphasizing the need for strategic prioritization of measurement targets.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBriefings in Functional Genomics·DateDec 15, 2025

Raw materials from CO

Researchers have created a novel synthetic enzyme that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid, opening up new possibilities for biotechnological production of valuable chemicals and fuels. The enzyme, FAR, tolerates high concentrations of formate and is stable in both living cells and cell-free systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalACS Catalysis·DateDec 15, 2025

Illinois Tech biomedical engineering professor Philip R. Troyk elected as Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Philip R. Troyk, director of the Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering at Illinois Tech, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for his groundbreaking work on neuroprosthetic devices, including an implanted cortical visual prosthesis that provides artificial vision to individuals with profo...

Towards inclusive wearable sensors: Polarized light boosts accuracy of wearable health sensors for all skin tones

A newly developed wearable sensor uses polarized light to improve photoplethysmography (PPG) signal accuracy across different skin tones. The device splits light into two channels, detecting co-polarized and cross-polarized signals to filter out superficial scattering and capture stronger signals from deeper tissue.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2025

A Trojan horse for artificial amino acids

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a solution to introduce artificial amino acids into bacteria efficiently. By hijacking a natural transport system, they can produce designer proteins with unnatural amino acids just as efficiently as their natural counterparts. This breakthrough enables the expansion of the 'amino acid toolbox' ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 2025