Articles tagged with Biotechnology
Farny will investigate the impact of methylation on gene expression of Pseudomonas putida in soil and laboratory conditions, building gene circuits to test engineered bacteria. The project aims to advance the use of bacteria for environmental cleanups and create educational resources for undergraduate students.
Scientists have discovered a way to break down styrene, a toxic plastic component, using microorganisms that produce an enzyme called styrene oxide isomerase. This enzyme accelerates the conversion of styrene into a less toxic compound, offering a potential solution for biodegradable plastics.
A team of researchers has developed a hemostasis sponge that swiftly staunchs kidney bleeding and facilitates wound recovery. The material uses kidney-derived decellularized extracellular matrix to recreate the kidney's microenvironment, boasting high biocompatibility.
A new study reveals that women make up just 13% of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery membership. The authors highlight the need for education, mentorship, and sponsorship to address these disparities and promote a more inclusive future for female surgeons.
Scientists have created complex, spatially controlled and multifunctional structures using engineered plant living materials. The materials combine the traits of living organisms with the stability and durability of non-living substances.
Researchers at the University of Washington have solved a long-standing chemical mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which allow current to flow in devices like implantable biosensors. The study reveals that OECTs turn on via a two-step process, causing a lag, and off through a simpler one-step process.
A new study uncovers obscured contributions to microbiome biomarkers in colorectal cancer development, highlighting potential future targets for intervention. The research employs quantitative methods and extensive confounder control to reveal robust associations between certain microbial taxa and CRC.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a Single Cell Atlas (SCA) platform to profile human biology through multi-omics technologies. The extensive collection of data provides unique insights into individual cell properties and tissue interactions.
Scientists have developed mini-colon tissues that can simulate the complex process of tumorigenesis outside the body with high fidelity. These miniature organs mimic the physical structure and cellular diversity of colon tissue, allowing researchers to study colorectal cancer development and test potential therapies.
Researchers have discovered that rice bran-derived nanoparticles exhibit strong anticancer effects, selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The nanoparticles reduced tumor growth and inhibited metastatic cell growth in mice models.
A new case report uses longitudinal multi-omics monitoring to detect a precancerous pancreatic tumor in a patient. The study highlights the potential of blood-based LMOM for early detection and personalized medicine, warranting further translational research.
Jos Malda receives ERC grant to crack cartilage code and create regenerative treatments. By studying cartilage 'organ-on-a-chip' models and animal cartilages, researchers aim to recreate the intricate internal structure of cartilage.
Synthetic platelets made of hydrogel nanoparticles mimic the size and shape of human platelets, promoting clotting and healing. The innovative device has shown promising results in animal models and is being developed for clinical use to treat various medical conditions.
Researchers at Hiroshima University identified 14 genes that are up-regulated and eight genes that are down-regulated when responding to five specific abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, and cold. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental stressors.
Researchers from Inner Mongolia University and The Sorbonne University of France review the biological mechanisms underlying polysaccharide cosmetics. They found that controlled molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and functional groups can enhance cosmetic efficacy.
The RUBY reporter uses a vivid red betalain pigment to visually confirm gene expression in soybean plants, allowing for quick assessment of genetic modifications. Transgene-free homozygous mutants exhibit distinct green coloration, simplifying selection from transformed seedlings.
Researchers developed a spring-like device that maximizes muscle contractions to power biohybrid robots. The new flexure design enables predictable and reliable movement, allowing engineers to build muscle-powered robots with increased precision and versatility.
Researchers at Columbia University developed BeatProfiler, an AI-based software that automates the analysis of heart cell function from video data, significantly speeding up the process and reducing errors. The tool can accurately analyze cardiomyocyte function, outperforming existing tools by being faster and more reliable.
The review highlights the clinical applications of MRgFUS in treating essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and other intracranial disorders. High-intensity FUS is found to be a safe and effective treatment for these conditions, with potential benefits including non-invasive therapy and real-time temperature monitoring.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel imaging platform to visualize the growth of the placenta throughout pregnancy. The approach provides detailed images of blood flow and oxygen metabolism, shedding light on how lifestyle factors and health complications affect placental development.
A multi-institutional team is creating innovative technologies to reduce complications associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), including infection, thrombosis, stroke, and bleeding. The new LVAD will deliver a physiological response to changes in the recipient's activity levels using a 'smart' Maglev drive technology.
A team of researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to enhance the nutritional profile and flavor of fungi, creating a new source of plant-based food alternatives. The modified fungi produce heme and ergothioneine, which can improve cardiovascular health benefits.
Thirty-three young investigators under 45 were selected for their work on bio-inspired nanomaterials with applications in clean energy, human healthcare, monitoring, and disease treatments. The NR45 Awards recognize young researchers for their distinguished accomplishments and potential contributions to nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a new technology offering test strips for rapid, on-the-spot disease detection. The test strips are accurate and cost-effective, making them suitable for various applications including public health, environmental diagnostics, and cancer cell detection.
This year's Discover BMB program includes top experts unveiling groundbreaking discoveries and revolutionary approaches in biochemistry and molecular biology. Advances in natural product biochemistry and biotechnology will be showcased, along with a deeper understanding of RNA biology, its role in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases,...
Researchers have created a new tool called epidecodeR to analyze epigenetic marks and predict their impact on gene activity. The tool can identify correlations between specific modifications and gene responses in various conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to produce protein-rich, sustainable foods with improved texture. By inserting foreign genes into cyanobacteria, they can create fibrous strands resembling meat fibers, which could be used in plant-based products.
Researchers developed a new recombinant flu vaccine called Hexaplex, which provided superior protection against H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in animal models. The vaccine's combination of six proteins from different groups resulted in strong antibody production and T-cell activation, offering broader immunity.
Researchers created Elenagen, a novel DNA immunotherapy for deadly ovarian cancer, which significantly enhances standard chemotherapy and provides clinical benefits. The study shows that Elenagen delays disease progression in patients with stage III and IV platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
A long-term study in Eilat found that artificial reefs reduce diving pressure on natural reefs, allowing for the preservation of both dive tourism and coral reefs. The reef has attracted many species of fish and invertebrates, making it a successful alternative to natural reefs.
Researchers from Osaka University developed an innovative biomanufacturing technology using chemically synthesized non-natural sugars, enabling fermentation production of lactate and solving the problem of competing with food. This achievement will expand biomanufacturing and provide a sustainable raw sugar supply.
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.
Researchers developed a new enzyme that uses formamides as a substrate for biocatalysis, achieving equivalent or slightly better results than traditional formate-based systems. The enzyme converts formamides into NADPH, producing CO2 as a waste product and opening up new possibilities for asymmetric reductive amination.
A team of researchers from Harvard and Texas developed a soft implantable device with dozens of sensors to record single-neuron activity stably for months. The device uses fluorinated elastomers and is 10,000 times softer than conventional flexible probes.
Princeton researchers create a system to control the growth of microtubule branches, enabling precise chemical transport and potential applications in soft robotics, new medicines, and biomolecular transport. The technique harnesses cellular scaffolding to build novel materials and technologies.
Researchers at RIKEN successfully spin artificial spider silk that closely matches natural production, mimicking the complex molecular structure of silk. The eco-friendly innovation has potential benefits for environment and biomedical fields.
A team of researchers created a 3D bioprinted brain blood vessel model to investigate the impact of blood vessel curvature on metastatic cancer development. The model revealed that increased blood vessel curvature correlates with heightened cancer cell adherence and extravasation.
Researchers at Duke University developed an adaptive deep brain stimulation therapy for Parkinson's disease, targeting two key brain structures and using a novel self-adjusting device. The study found that this approach improved motor symptoms and reduced medication doses in six patients.
Researchers have enhanced microvascular sensitivity using ultrafast ultrasound, capturing the three-dimensional vascular network of renal arteries and veins without contrast agents. This technique reveals sharp decreases in renal blood flow during acute renal failure and chronic vascular degeneration in diabetic nephropathy.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered that manipulating polyamines enhances the functional profiles of monoclonal antibodies. The study found that controlling polyamine levels increases IgG galactosylation, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo developed a bio-tagging method using dissolvable microneedle arrays for permanent animal identification. The approach, called 'MAPs,' uses customizable molds to tattoo unique identifiers into the skin, offering a safer and more humane alternative to traditional ear tags or RFID chips.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a nasal spray with IgA antibodies that can protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The treatment significantly diminished virus load in infected mice and showed stronger binding to the spike protein compared to original IgG antibodies.
A recent study in Uganda found that asymptomatic individuals with low-level malaria infections had highly variable parasite dynamics and species present. Frequent sampling every other day or daily was sufficient to detect a proportion of infections similar to daily testing, but less frequent tests may miss up to one-third of cases.
Researchers from Brazil have discovered two novel peptides with biotechnological potential in the venom of the pit viper Cotiara and the South American bushmaster. The peptides, including Bc-7a and Lm-10a, show promise as potential treatments for high blood pressure.
Chicken sperm can retain fertility and viability for up to three weeks after refrigeration, making it unsuitable for traditional cryopreservation methods. The study found that removing calcium ions impacts energy metabolism dynamics, inducing a physiological dormancy-like state in the sperm cells.
Researchers have developed a mineral coating that maintains mRNA activity for up to six months at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the storage of mRNA therapeutics like COVID-19 vaccines on medical shelves, bridging the gap between rich and poor communities.
Researchers have elucidated the metabolic pathways of Halopseudomonas bacteria that break down plastic coatings. The study shows the bacteria can rapidly degrade polyester polyurethanes, making it a promising solution to global waste problems.
Letters in Applied Microbiology invites submissions on Pseudomonas biotechnology, covering applied biotechnology and metabolic engineering, as well as novel genetic tools. Early-career researchers are encouraged to share their work, fostering collaboration and inspiring future innovations.
Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI technology to measure interstitial fluid flow, crucial for tumour treatment. The new method combines phase-contrast MRI with an improved stimulation echo sequence, reducing signal loss and improving detection accuracy.
Researchers at KAIST have developed eco-friendly technologies for producing plastics and processing waste plastics using microorganisms. The team presented the latest microorganism-based technologies that can produce plastics from renewable biomass resources and decompose waste plastics, contributing to a circular economy.
The new robotic replica, called RRV, can mimic healthy and diseased states, allowing scientists to test cardiac devices and therapies. The model can also be used to study the effects of mechanical ventilation on the right ventricle and develop strategies to prevent right heart failure.
A team of engineers has developed a novel printing method called deep-penetrating acoustic volumetric printing (DVAP) that uses soundwaves to solidify biologically compatible structures in deep tissues. The technique involves a specialized ink that reacts to ultrasound waves, enabling the creation of intricate structures for biomedical...
Researchers have elucidated the molecular mechanism of formaldehyde poisoning in a class of efficient hydrogen-producing biocatalysts. The study suggests that modifying the enzyme to resist formaldehyde inhibition could enable its use in bio-based industrial processes and understanding metabolic pathways.
Researchers developed a flexible new platform that solves part of the daunting delivery problem in cell and gene therapies. The workhorses behind this platform are extracellular vesicles, which bind to target cells and effectively transfer drugs inside.
A new technology enables the printing of complex robots with soft, elastic, and rigid materials in one go. This allows for the creation of delicate structures and parts with cavities as desired.
A team of researchers developed synthetic enzymes that can control the behavior of the signaling protein Vg1, which plays a key role in vertebrate embryonic development. The study uses zebrafish to investigate how Vg1 is formed and found that it must undergo additional processing before it can be activated.
Researchers use 3D human breast organoids to study cellular and molecular processes of lactogenesis, milk production, and involution. The models form structures characteristic of human breast tissue, maintain various cell subtypes, and respond to hormone or drug treatments.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel platform that combines nanopore technology with artificial intelligence to detect different coronavirus variants quickly. The platform was tested on 241 saliva samples and detected the Omicron variant 100% of the time.
Researchers developed 'acoustic touch' smart glasses that translate visual information into distinct sound icons, enhancing the ability of blind or low-vision individuals to navigate their surroundings. The technology significantly improved object recognition and reaching abilities, empowering independence and quality of life.