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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.

Exploring metabolic noise opens new paths to better biomanufacturing

Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered the cause of fluctuating metabolic activity in microorganisms and developed strategies to optimize bioproduction. They found that fluctuations in enzyme expression account for most of the variability in betaxanthin production.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

Biodegradable PET alternative bioproduced at unprecedented levels

A Kobe University team has engineered E. coli bacteria to produce the compound pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) from glucose at unprecedented levels, surpassing previously reported concentrations. The breakthrough enables the clean and efficient synthesis of a biodegradable PET alternative with superior physical properties.

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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Using light-powered enzymes to build clean, high-value chemicals

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.

Harnessing generative AI to expand the mitochondrial targeting toolkit

Researchers used generative AI to design diverse mitochondrial targeting sequences, achieving a 50-100% success rate in yeast, plant cells, and mammalian cells. The AI-generated sequences showed improved targeting abilities compared to existing ones, with potential applications in metabolic engineering and therapeutics.

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DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

KAIST develops eco-friendly, nylon-like plastic using microorganisms​

Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed an eco-friendly, bio-based plastic that combines the advantages of PET and nylon. The new material was produced through microbial fermentation and exhibited characteristics similar to high-density polyethylene, making it strong and durable enough for industrial use.

An enzyme in training camp

Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed a new, efficient metabolic pathway to convert acetyl-CoA into pyruvate, enabling effective CO2 utilization. The 'lactyl-CoA mutase' enzyme can produce valuable products like 3-hydroxypropionate for sustainable plastics.

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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

KAIST finds ways for bacteria to produce PET-like materials​

Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed a microbial strain that efficiently produces aromatic polyester using systems metabolic engineering. The team achieved the world's highest concentration (12.3±0.1 g/L) for efficient production of poly(PhLA), demonstrating the possibility of industrial-level production.

Research progress on the biosynthesis, metabolic engineering, and pharmacology of bioactive compounds from the Lonicera Genus-A Review from Yin Xiaojian's team at the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences

The article reviews research progress on the biosynthesis, metabolic engineering, and pharmacology of bioactive compounds from the Lonicera genus. Key findings include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant stress, and liver protection effects of Lonicera plants.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

KAIST proposes alternatives to chemical factories through “iBridge”

A novel computer simulation program 'iBridge' was developed at KAIST to predict gene targets for efficient production of valuable compounds in microbial cell factories. The system successfully established E. coli strains capable of producing three high-demand compounds, including panthenol and nylon components.

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Tiny microbes could brew big benefits for green biomanufacturing

Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.

Overview of the 30-year history of metabolic engineering​

The 30-year history of metabolic engineering has progressed significantly, enabling microorganisms to efficiently produce chemicals and degrade recalcitrant contaminants. Recent breakthroughs in systems metabolic engineering and data science have driven advancements in sustainability and health.

Artificial intelligence makes enzyme engineering easy

Researchers from Osaka University have developed an AI-powered method to identify optimal amino acid mutations in enzymes. This approach accelerates the enzyme engineering process, allowing for tailored enzyme designs suitable for various biochemical environments.

Industrial microorganism uptakes sugars differently

A research team has identified the transporters responsible for sugar uptake in Clostridium thermocellum, a key industrial microorganism. The study found that transporter B is used to take up cellodextrins derived from cellulose, while transporter A is used for glucose uptake.

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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Interactive map of metabolical synthesis of chemicals​

Researchers have developed an interactive metabolic map of bio-based chemicals, providing a versatile tool for easy assessment and optimization of synthetic pathways. The map enables exploration and analysis of complex networks of biological and/or chemical reactions, facilitating the design and production of desired chemicals.

Metabolically engineered bacterium produces lutein​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a method to produce lutein in E. coli bacteria using glycerol as a cheap carbon source. The production process involves systems metabolic engineering and substrate channeling to overcome bottleneck enzymes that inhibit lutein biosynthesis.

A 'wise counsel' for synthetic biology

A team of researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft developed METIS, a modular software system for optimizing biological systems using machine learning. The tool allows users to optimize their already discovered or synthesized biological systems and can be used with different lab equipment.

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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Light-powered microbes are super-producing chemical factories

Researchers from Osaka University engineered microorganisms to use light as an external energy source, accelerating biomanufacturing of target compounds without disrupting the host microorganism's natural metabolism. This approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in bioprocesses.

A new cell factory for high-efficiency production of ectoine

Researchers have engineered E. coli to produce high levels of ectoine, a natural stabilizer of proteins and membranes, through metabolic engineering and fed-batch fermentation. This breakthrough increases efficiency and reduces the need for high-salinity culture mediums, paving the way for large-scale industrial production.

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An honored inventor

Terry Papoutsakis, University of Delaware professor and Unidel Eugene Du Pont Chair, was named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He holds over 16 patents and contributes to sustainable manufacturing and human health through his work on microbial engineering tools.

P.V. Danckwerts Memorial Lecture awards distinguished Professor Lee

Professor Lee recognized for his work on metabolic engineering to develop sustainable chemical materials, with notable research in drug-drug and food interactions using AI and novel enzymes. He is the second Asian recipient of the prestigious award, honoring Professor Peter V. Danckwerts.

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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

A new way to do metabolic engineering

Researchers developed a novel method called CRISPR-AID that combines genetic manipulations to improve metabolic engineering efficiency. By exploring different combinations of gene modifications, scientists can discover optimal solutions for specific goals.

Sharing expert experimental knowledge to expedite design

A new SBOL repository has been created to optimize metabolic processes and facilitate design of useful synthetic biological systems. The repository contains thousands of chemical compounds, enzyme classes, and metabolic reactions from nearly 4000 organisms.

Non-natural biomedical polymers produced from microorganisms

A Korean research team has developed metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains to synthesize non-natural, biomedically important polymers including poly(lactate-co-glycolate) (PLGA). The team successfully produced PLGA and various novel copolymers through microbial fermentation directly from carbohydrates.

Scientists develop rice variety with high folate stability

Researchers from Ghent University have developed a new rice prototype with stable folate content, which remains effective upon long-term storage. This breakthrough can offer a solution to health problems related to folate deficiency in developing countries.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

BESC creates microbe that bolsters isobutanol production

Researchers have engineered a microbe called Clostridium thermocellum to produce up to 6 grams of isobutanol per liter, a significant improvement over previous results. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient biofuels production and overcome the challenges of recalcitrance in plant biomass.

GoPro HERO13 Black

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Super-microbes engineered to solve world environmental problems

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has successfully engineered microbes to produce biodegradable materials like polylactic acid, which can be used in various applications. Metabolic engineering enhances microbial performance to improve the production of desired chemicals and materials.

Production of chemicals without petroleum

Researchers at KAIST develop microorganisms to produce natural and non-natural chemicals from renewable biomass through systems metabolic engineering. The study presents new general strategies for improving cellular characteristics and designing synthetic metabolic pathways, enabling high-efficiency production of desired chemicals and ...

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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Gregory Stephanopoulos winner of 2009 Amgen Biochemical Engineering Award

Professor Gregory Stephanopoulos has been awarded the 2009 Amgen Biochemical Engineering Award for his outstanding contributions to metabolic engineering. He has made significant contributions to the field of biochemical engineering, including the development of microbial cells for the production of fuels and chemicals.