Articles tagged with Biotechnology
Researchers developed designer enzymes by transplanting a synthetic trinuclear zinc center into a human cytokine, resulting in a top-tier hydrolytic activity. The designer enzyme retained the original tautomerase activity, achieving dual functionality.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin develop a method to harness structural colour using microfabrication technique, enabling ultra-sensitive materials for environmental sensing and biomedical diagnostics. The breakthrough also paves the way for next-generation medical sensors that can track biochemical changes in real-time.
Researchers at Rice University have engineered E. coli to act as living multiplexed sensors, detecting multiple environmental toxins simultaneously by converting biological responses into readable electrical signals. The system can detect combined hazards more efficiently and accurately, with potential applications in biocomputing.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to produce lab-grown beef with thick, functional muscle tissue that closely resembles natural bovine muscle. The breakthrough could accelerate developments in lab-grown meat production, making it more affordable and climate-friendly.
A new AI model called RiboNN predicts translation efficiency of mRNA sequences, accelerating the development of mRNA therapeutics. The tool helps predict how much protein cells will produce, minimizing trial-and-error experimentation.
A systematic review identified 112 studies on implantable brain-computer interfaces, which decode brain signals to control devices. The analysis found that iBCI technologies are being used to control robotic prosthetic limbs and digital technologies, but clinical outcomes were highly mixed.
A team of scientists proposes an integrated framework combining biotechnology and AI to revolutionize crop breeding, exploring multi-omics, genome editing, and high-throughput phenotyping. The authors present a forward-looking framework for AI-assisted crop germplasm design, offering a roadmap for sustainable agriculture.
The study reveals that four units of ZapA protein form an asymmetric ladder-like structure with FtsZ protofilaments, impacting the alignment of the Z-ring. The interaction between ZapA and FtsZ is dynamic, with cooperative binding and structural alterations, enabling the maintenance of FtsZ mobility.
Bioengineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a computational model called BrainFlow that simulates cerebrospinal fluid flow in the presence of shunt implants, providing insight into optimal shunt design and placement for hydrocephalus patients.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have found that fermenting stevia leaf extract with bacteria kills off pancreatic cancer cells without harming healthy kidney cells. The study identified chlorogenic acid methyl ester as the active anti-cancer compound, which exhibits stronger toxicity to cancer cells than chlorogenic acid alone.
The study explores the technological evolution of surgical robots and their current clinical applications. Surgical robots have addressed challenges in operating within small anatomical spaces, improving medical efficiency, but also increasing costs and complexity of operations.
A novel polysaccharide fraction, AJDW, extracted from Albizia julibrissin, demonstrates anti-pancreatic cancer activity by inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis, and blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This discovery provides a promising material for developing new anti-tumor drugs.
A team led by University of Houston engineer Tianfu Wu aims to find better biomarkers for ovarian cancer using autoantibodies and machine learning. By detecting ovarian cancer earlier, mortality rates could be reduced by 10-30%.
Michael Danquah, a professor at University of Tennessee at Knoxville, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology for his significant contributions to biotechnology and molecular bioengineering. His research in biosensing, bioremediation, and targeted drug delivery addresses critical healthcare and environmental challenges.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a protein aggregation inhibitor called GAI-17, which significantly reduced brain cell death and paralysis in mice with acute strokes. The drug also showed no adverse effects on the heart or cerebrovascular system.
A novel, needle-type biosensor allows for real-time monitoring of sucrose uptake in plants, revealing light-dependent stomatal uptake and daily rhythms. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability enable the detection of subtle physiological events, shedding new light on plant biology.
Scientists have developed a method to produce hundreds of different types of nerve cell types, varying in function and structure. This breakthrough enables more precise studies on diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and depression using cell culture experiments.
Researchers developed a controlled 'living' click polymerization system to achieve well-defined polymers with narrow dispersity, enabling bidirectional synthesis of ABA-type block copolymers. The method leverages copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition and initiators to selectively drive monomer addition in a controlled manner.
The Center will develop personalized CRISPR on-demand treatments for children with severe inborn errors of immunity and metabolic disease. The initiative aims to make CRISPR cures more affordable and accessible, building on recent clinical success in treating ultra-rare genetic diseases.
A research team led by Professor Joongoo Lee successfully expanded ribosome range to produce ring-shaped backbones in proteins. This breakthrough could open doors to novel therapeutics and advanced biomaterials.
Researchers found that bacterial isolates from Crete can kill mosquito larvae within 24 hours of exposure, providing a potential biopesticide solution. The bacteria's metabolites degrade quickly and don't accumulate in the environment, making them a promising alternative to chemical insecticides.
Researchers have developed novel three-dimensional liver organoids using bile acids, which retain hepatocyte-like features and can be sustained in long-term cultures. These organoids demonstrate a unique gene expression profile similar to fetal hepatocytes and support replication of hepatitis viruses.
Researchers have developed a technique to grow stem cells into single sheets, increasing the secretion of signaling proteins that help repair tissue and regulate the immune system. This new approach could improve stem cell-based treatments for conditions such as heart disease, liver damage, and autoimmune illnesses.
Researchers from Pusan National University have developed engineered bacterial vesicles that use a novel surface-displaying protein to selectively target and eliminate E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. These vesicles, derived from lactic acid bacteria, offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Researchers have successfully controlled a dexterous robotic hand using noninvasive EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for individual finger movements. The study demonstrates real-time brain decoding and motor imagery control, paving the way for potential applications beyond basic communication to intricate motor control.
Scientists from Pusan National University discovered a genetic biomarker, FCGBP, that is strongly linked to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and poor outcomes following lung transplantation. The finding may help identify high-risk patients and devise timely immunosuppressive treatments.
Linna An joins Rice University to develop protein-based biosensors for cancer detection, drug monitoring, and personalized diagnostics. Her work focuses on mapping the 'metabolism landscape' of cancer using synthetic proteins.
ETH Zurich researchers develop a model of lactating breast tissue in the lab using human breast milk cells, enabling the production of functional milk components. The study aims to improve understanding of the lactation process and potentially aid breastfeeding struggles.
A study reveals that ultra-small nanoparticles can induce abnormal protein conformation and have the potential to cause pathological conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used spectroscopy-based experiments to analyze the interactions between bovine serum albumin and silica nanoparticles.
The study identified two new families of natural compounds, syrilipamides and secimides, produced by the bacterium. These molecules show remarkable toxicity against competing microorganisms, particularly fungi and amoebae. The discovery also highlights the importance of the SecA enzyme in expanding the chemical repertoire of Pseudomona...
A new Center for Protein Design at the University of Copenhagen aims to create artificially designed proteins with tailored properties to tackle diseases, environmental issues, and industrial applications. The centre will drive fundamental research and translate basic findings into concrete solutions.
Northern Arizona University researchers have developed an open-source robotic exoskeleton framework, OpenExo, which provides comprehensive instructions for building single- or multi-joint exoskeletons. The system helps overcome challenges in developing biomechanically beneficial and technologically advanced exoskeletons.
Scientists developed a precise, cost-effective way to make chiral ketones for medicines, agrochemicals, and more using photocatalysis. This approach solves the challenge of reaching remote stereocenters in molecules, allowing for eco-friendly production of valuable chemicals.
Researchers at DTU Biosustain have developed a new tool, TUNE YALI, that accelerates and simplifies the genetic engineering of yeast strains used in industrial biotechnology. The breakthrough enables rapid testing and selection of optimal strains, making it easier to develop yeast-based production systems.
The collaboration aims to enhance global capabilities in food safety risk assessment through the application of AI, digital modelling, and other innovations. The project will leverage expertise from NTU Singapore, WHO, and partners to develop robust methodologies for assessing novel food systems.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel solution for image sensors, utilizing lead halide perovskite to capture every photon of light. This allows for improved color recognition and higher resolution, as well as advantages in hyperspectral imaging.
Bioengineering researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a soft, thin, stretchable bioelectronic device that can be implanted into a tadpole embryo's neural plate, recording electrical activity from single brain cells with millisecond precision.
The study reviews international trends in regulating stem cell-based embryo model (SCBEM) research, highlighting areas for improvement such as citizen participation, coordination, and informed consent. The authors propose a framework to alleviate complexities, treating fertilized embryos distinctly from SCBEMs and relying on committees...
Melissa Cregger and Carrie Eckert lead CBI's research on non-food feedstock crops and cost-effective biomass conversion methods. The appointments aim to boost domestic supply chains and energy security while providing job growth in rural areas.
Researchers developed stable MXene-coated contact lenses providing enhanced protection against electromagnetic radiation. The lenses exhibited a rapid temperature rise when exposed to microwave heating, indicating strong EMR absorption and dissipation.
A new study has identified a way to target the viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase (vUNG) that helps HSV-1 evade the immune system, allowing reactivation of APOBEC1 and improving survival in infected mice. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HSV-1 encephalitis by strengthening brain immunity.
The Terasaki Institute and California State University, Northridge (CSUN) have launched a new collaboration initiative that brings advanced hands-on laboratory experience to CSUN Biology graduate students. Participating students will work alongside leading scientists on projects in various fields of biomedical research.
Researchers have developed a new tool using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring to study DNA-lipid interactions. The technique revealed insights into the attachment and integration of DNA nanostructures with lipid membranes, influencing cellular functions such as drug delivery and treatment precision.
The COLD-TUG test measures the time required for prosthetic donning and mobility in lower-limb amputation patients. Researchers found that patients with bone-anchored prostheses can don their prosthesis significantly faster, saving up to 61 seconds per session.
Researchers have created contact lenses that convert infrared light into visible light, allowing users to perceive multiple infrared wavelengths. In experiments, mice and human participants showed enhanced infrared vision when their eyes were closed, with improved color perception for color blind individuals.
A joint research team from POSTECH and Hanyang University developed a personalized stimulation control mechanism using evoked compound action potential feedback mechanisms to treat urinary disorders. This technology enables precise adjustment of tibial nerve stimulation in real-time, based on individual nerve responses, improving patie...
The new 3D-printed device, STOMP, enhances tissue-engineering methods by allowing for precise control over cell types and spatial arrangement. This enables scientists to model complex diseases and recreate natural habitats of cells, paving the way for advancements in biomedical research.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the German Electron Synchrotron mapped the internal structure of blacktip sharks in unprecedented detail, discovering a microscopic 'sharkitecture' composed of densely packed collagen and bioapatite. This intricate structure gives cartilage surprising strength while allowing flexibility.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a longer-lasting, 3D-printed wearable capable of providing comprehensive physiological data. The device continuously tracks and logs water vapor and skin emissions to monitor dehydration, metabolic shifts, and stress levels.
A recent study has identified a key factor contributing to nitrous oxide emissions in wastewater treatment plants: an imbalance between bacteria groups and oxygen levels. By increasing oxygen concentrations, the researchers suggest that emissions can be significantly reduced without requiring major infrastructural changes.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed protein cages that can package and deliver chemotherapy drugs with greater precision. The technology has the potential to reduce side effects associated with current treatment methods.
Scientists used a gene-silencing tool and large library to understand how photosynthetic bacteria adapt to light and temperature changes. Partial suppression of genes yielded big benefits in modifying stress response in wild microbes.
Researchers have developed new seed varieties of wheat that remove harmful gluten proteins without affecting breadmaking quality. The modified wheat can reduce the risk of triggering celiac disease in people without the condition and improve flour quality.
Researchers at UC San Diego create a simple approach to rapidly check on human gene changes by turning everyday bacteria into living test tubes. This technique, called LEICA, uses E. coli as the host bacterium and relies on its growth rate to reflect human enzyme performance.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a technique to deliver gene editors and protein therapeutics to cells using engineered extracellular vesicles. The method shows promising results in animal studies, highlighting the potential for treating genetic diseases and neurological disorders.
The RFS Awards in Science 2024 recognize outstanding peer-reviewed research by women and underrepresented minorities in STEM. The awards honor the best papers written in 2024, with winners receiving a $1,000 cash prize and free access to their publications for 90 days.
Iron-based magnetic nanomaterials have shown potential in drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia, and iron deficiency treatment. They influence macrophage reprogramming through enzyme-like activities, modulating intracellular iron metabolism and regulating cell signaling pathways.
Researchers developed a new therapy that can be injected intravenously right after a heart attack to promote healing and prevent heart failure. The therapy both prompts the immune system to encourage tissue repair and promotes survival of heart muscle cells after a heart attack, showing effectiveness up to five weeks after injection.
A new method for DNA detection uses heterogeneous probe particles and laser light to accelerate genetic analysis. This PCR-free technique offers greater sensitivity and speed than traditional methods, making it more accessible for medical, environmental, and personal health applications.
Researchers at Brown University suggest that gold nanoparticles could one day be used to restore vision in people with macular degeneration and other retinal disorders. The nanoparticles, when injected into the retina, can stimulate the visual system and restore vision in mice with retinal disorders.