Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Milestone achieved toward production of malaria treatment using synthetic biology and fermentation

Amyris Biotechnologies has successfully increased the production of amorphadiene to 25g/L through E. coli fermentations, a crucial step towards commercially producing artemisinin precursors. This achievement demonstrates the potential of synthetic biology and fermentation to create a consistent and affordable source of artemisinin for ...

SourceAmyris Biotechnologies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2009

New ways to use biomass

Researchers have developed a new catalyst that directly converts cellulose into ethylene glycol, an important intermediate product for the chemical industry. The catalyst, made of tungsten carbide and nickel on a carbon support, achieves 100% conversion of cellulose with high selectivity.

SourceWiley·DateSep 23, 2008

Poultry workers at increased risk of carrying antibiotic-resistant E. coli

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that poultry workers in the US are 32 times more likely to carry gentamicin-resistant E. coli bacteria than others outside the industry. The study highlights the importance of non-hospital environments in the origin of drug-resistant infections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 17, 2007

Decoy makes sitting duck of superbugs

Scientists have developed a DNA-based therapy that can switch off antibiotic resistance in bacteria by delivering a short stretch of DNA as a decoy. This technology has the potential to slash the development time of new drugs and could give fresh patent life to existing antibiotics.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2007

How sweet is it?

A new crop simulation model can predict the timing, quality, and weight of sweet corn crops, addressing seasonal production limitations and perishability issues. The model has significant promise for improving sweet corn production, with potential applications for producers, technical consultants, and the agricultural industry.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateNov 5, 2007

Natural gas nanotech

Industry experts suggest nanotechnology can improve fuel extraction from dwindling resources and reduce pollution. Nanomaterials may be used to enhance efficiency, purification and storage of hydrocarbons.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2007

Finding the white wine difference

Researchers at CSIRO have found the genetic mutations that occurred thousands of years ago to give us white grapes. They discovered two genes involved in grape color that were mutated in white varieties, leading to over 3000 different white grape cultivars.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMar 5, 2007

Falcon decoys and simulated rifle fire keep birds from oil

Researchers developed a radar-activated system that uses cannons and falcon decoys to deter birds from oil sands mining ponds, showing promise for reducing bird deaths. The system detects birds more effectively than traditional deterrents and can be used in conjunction with industry efforts to reclaim mines and reduce hazardous waste.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 2, 2006

Drug companies and governments must act on fake drug problem

The production of sub-standard and fake drugs is a vast and under-reported problem that causes unnecessary deaths and illnesses. The authors argue that a multifaceted approach is needed to control the global epidemic of counterfeit and substandard drugs, including mandatory reporting by drug companies and governments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 10, 2005

Yale environmental journal translated into Chinese

The Yale Environmental Journal has been translated into Chinese to promote high-quality scientific research and communication on the global environment. The 'circular economy' is a crucial aspect of China's environmental policy, emphasizing loop closing and recycling to achieve sustainable economic growth.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateNov 12, 2004

DuPont scientists to unveil 'greener' process to reduce waste

DuPont scientists have developed an innovative process for converting hydrocarbons to fluorocarbons without generating waste, producing water as a byproduct. The alternate synthesis process uses principles of inorganic chemistry to produce fluorinated aromatics in environmentally and economically efficient manners.

SourceDuPont·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2002

Impact of China trade on jobs, investment

A federally funded study reveals that China trade has led to massive job shifts, with over 34,900 jobs lost in the US and stagnating wages. The study also shows that large companies are targeting low-cost markets in China and abroad, contrary to expectations of rising wages and living standards.

Earth-friendly, odor-free chemistry

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a fluorous chemistry-based method to convert alcohols into aldehydes and ketones, retaining the convenience of the Swern reaction. The new reagents eliminate the byproduct dimethyl sulfide, producing an odorless and easily recyclable alternative.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2001