Engineers have created a bacterium that can consume all three major sugars present in corn stalks, opening up possibilities for more efficient biomanufacturing processes. The new strain of Pseudomonas putida was developed using an automated culturing platform and can potentially be used to produce valuable molecules like indigoidine.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A joint KAIST research team developed a new framework for analyzing networks of circulating amino acids, reflecting the body's metabolic state. They showed that this approach can predict recurrence or metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer more accurately than current methods.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2026
A new study found that bacteria in contaminated brick kiln soils reorganize their communities, strengthen stress-response functions, and activate detoxification genes. This understanding can help design more effective microbial restoration strategies for industrial sites.
SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2026
Researchers used genome editing to inactivate a gene involved in anthocyanin production, resulting in increased accumulation of other flavonoids. This modification did not affect lettuce growth, suggesting a promising strategy for developing cultivars with tailored functional components.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Genome Editing·DateApr 20, 2026
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
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.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2026
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.
Scientists developed a cost-effective method to produce 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP), an industrial chemical used in disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint. The new process using engineered microbes to ferment plant sugars into 3-HP has been validated for commercial potential.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026
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
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.
SourceKobe University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025
Researchers developed a new metabolic engineering strategy to boost the yield of succinic acid production in yeast, improving its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The new process reduces the minimum product selling price by 25% and is expected to save companies millions of dollars annually.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2025
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025
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.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2025
Researchers use a new pipeline to make genetically engineered plants with improved oil production, reducing labor and time in the process. The FAST-PB platform integrates automation and single-cell lipidomics to accelerate plant transformation.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025
Researchers at KAIST evaluated industrial microbial cell factories to identify suitable strains and optimal metabolic engineering strategies. Using genome-scale metabolic models, they calculated maximum theoretical yields and achievable yields under industrial conditions for 235 bio-based chemicals.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 27, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025
Researchers developed a method to produce strigolactones using microbial cell factories, amplifying production by over 125 times. This allows for the study of these scarce plant molecules in greater depth, offering insights into sustainable agricultural practices and plant development.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2025
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.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A KAIST research team has successfully produced a microbial-based plastic that is biodegradable and can replace existing PET bottles. The team used metabolic engineering to develop a microbial strain that efficiently produces pseudoaromatic dicarboxylic acids, which are better suited for producing polymers than traditional methods.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 10, 2024
Researchers engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generating cellular energy without traditional carbon feedstocks. The hybrids can produce important hydrocarbons, paving new biotechnical pathways to non-petroleum-based energy and synthetic biology applications.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024
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.
SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalMedicinal Plant Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at KAIST have developed high-performance strains producing a variety of compounds, including succinic acid, biodegradable plastics, and biofuels. They provide insights into advancements in polyamide monomer production and synthesizing bio-based polyamides through chemical conversion.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalTrends in Chemistry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 25, 2023
A recent study in Nature Communications has identified a gene cluster in wheat that produces triticein, an isoflavone compound with potential health benefits. This discovery offers opportunities for metabolic engineering efforts to improve wheat's nutritional quality and resistance to disease.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalCell Systems·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 9, 2023
Researchers at CABBI developed an economical method for producing succinic acid, a key chemical in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products, using acid-tolerant yeast. The new pipeline eliminates costly downstream processing steps, significantly reducing costs and emissions.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers at CABBI develop photoenzymatic system to efficiently synthesize chiral amines, crucial chemical building blocks with wide applications. The team's new method addresses a longstanding challenge in synthetic chemistry and offers a promising platform for biomanufacturing.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023
Researchers at KAIST have developed microbial cell factories that can produce a variety of food and cosmetic compounds, including natural pigments, flavors, and functional compounds. These eco-friendly alternatives can help address global food shortages and environmental concerns.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Reviews Bioengineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2023
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.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023
Researchers at KAIST have developed a hybrid system that combines electrochemical CO2 conversion with microbial bioconversion to produce bioplastics. The system resulted in the world's highest productivity, producing up to 83% of cell dry weight as bioplastic from CO2.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 30, 2023
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 24, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
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.
SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022
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.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalmBio·DateSep 26, 2022
Researchers have developed a systematic strategy for creating phage-resistant E. coli strains, solving a major problem in industrial fermentation. The approach integrates a defense system and mutations to restrict phage life cycle, maintaining bacterial functionality and productivity.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2022
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022
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.
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.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2022
Kobe University researchers successfully developed a tyrosine chassis in the yeast Pichia pastoris to produce various useful compounds with high yields. They introduced biosynthesis pathways for resveratrol, naringenin, norcoclaurine, and reticuline, achieving significant improvements in production rates.
SourceKobe University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2022
Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a new mechanism by which E. coli captures glucose and secretes it as glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), leading to increased production of target compounds. By trapping the secreted G6P on the surface of the bacteria, they developed a novel technique to improve bioproduction efficiency.
SourceKobe University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
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.
SourceOsaka University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
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.
SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering·DateNov 3, 2021
A new genetic engineering platform has been established in methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, enhancing homologous recombination rates and genome editing efficiency. This breakthrough can enable the stable loading of over 100 exogenous genes and precise regulating of gene expression.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 9, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
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.
Researchers at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology aim to understand the design principles behind microbial community division of labor. They plan to use these principles to engineer microbial communities to produce chemicals through metabolic engineering.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateSep 17, 2018
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateJun 17, 2018
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.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
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.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMar 28, 2017
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 7, 2016
Researchers at KAIST have developed ten general strategies of systems metabolic engineering to successfully develop industrial microbial strains. The strategies cover economic, state-of-the-art biological techniques and traditional bioprocess aspects.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 12, 2015
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.
SourceGhent University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 22, 2015
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.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateAug 14, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers at KAIST engineered an E. coli strain to produce 1,3-diaminopropane via fermentation, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based processes. The production titer increased about 21-fold, with 13 grams per liter of 1,3-diaminopropane obtained through Fed-batch fermentation.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 11, 2015
A Korean research team developed a novel strategy for microbial gasoline production through metabolic engineering of E. coli, producing 580 mg of gasoline per liter of cultured broth. The platform E. coli strain can be modified to produce other chemicals, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil resources.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2013
A Korean research team at KAIST has developed a powerful strategy for developing high-performance microbial cell factories by employing synthetic small RNAs. This approach allows for rapid identification of multiple genes to be attenuated in multiple strains simultaneously, making it easier to find the best platform strain.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Protocols·DateAug 8, 2013
A new strategy uses synthetic small RNA to regulate multiple genes at the translation level, allowing for efficient development of microbial cell factories. This method enables fine control of gene expression levels, transferability to different host strains, and identification of essential genes.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 20, 2013
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A Korean research team successfully produced 5-aminovaleric acid and glutaric acid using metabolically engineered Escherichia coli. The study demonstrates the first microbial process for producing these C5 platform chemicals, showcasing the potential for sustainable production of chemicals and plastics.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateDec 20, 2012
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.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateOct 8, 2012
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 ...
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 18, 2012
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers believe metabolic engineering could revolutionize the production of chemicals, replacing non-renewable resources with bio-based alternatives. Jay Keasling's work aims to engineer microbes to perform complex chemistry, expanding product availability and reducing costs.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 2, 2010
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.
SourceEngineering Conferences International·DateJun 29, 2009