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Tiny heroes and innovative technology are here to fight back against antibiotic-resistant biofilms

Researchers create silver nanoparticles infused with azithromycin that effectively break down biofilms and unveil a new sensing method to assess antimicrobial activity. The novel approach offers a promising solution against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with potential applications in coating medical devices.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Starting a fluorescent biosensor revolution

A novel synthetic biology platform enables rapid and cost-effective transformation of protein binders into high-contrast nanosensors for various applications. The platform uses fluorogenic amino acids to increase fluorescence up to 100-fold, enabling the detection of specific proteins, peptides, and small molecules.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Advanced biosensor uncovers role of gibberellin in integrating light signaling and stem growth in plants

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that gibberellin hormone plays a crucial role in integrating light signaling and stem growth in plants. Using advanced biosensors, they found that gibberellin levels are higher in longer cells and that a specific enzyme called GA20ox1 produces a gradient that controls cell elon...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

Next generation biosensor reveals gibberellin’s critical role in legume nitrogen-fixation – paving the way for more productive legume crops and self-fertilizing cereals

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that the plant hormone gibberellin is essential for legume nitrogen-fixing root nodule formation and maturation. The study used a highly sensitive next-generation biosensor to visualize GA accumulation in specific zones of the root, revealing its critical role in nodulation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Visualizing addiction: How new research could change the way we fight the opioid epidemic

A new technological breakthrough has enabled scientists to visualize opioid signaling in the brain in real-time, providing a deeper understanding of how opioids affect the brain. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for developing more effective and safer therapeutics for pain management and mental health disorders.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

Microbeads with adaptable fluorescent colors from visible light to near-infrared

The team created microbeads that emit various colors of light depending on the illuminating light and bead size, offering a wide range of applications. The use of plant-derived materials allows for low-cost and energy-efficient synthesis, making them an attractive alternative to conventional luminescent devices.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

The Lundquist Institute receives $2.6 million grant from U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity to develop wearable biosensors

The Lundquist Institute has been awarded a four-year, $2.6 million grant to develop wearable multiplex biosensors that can monitor exacerbation risk in COPD. The proposed sensors have the potential to revolutionize COPD management and transform chronic disease management by providing real-time, non-invasive monitoring.

Neurobiology: How bats distinguish different sounds

Scientists have discovered that the bat brainstem processes echolocation and communication calls differently, with a stronger response to less frequent calls due to better neural synchronization. The findings may also be relevant to medical applications in humans, such as understanding diseases like ADHD or schizophrenia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Would you prefer a mammogram, MRI, or saliva on a test strip?

Researchers have developed a hand-held biosensor that can detect breast cancer biomarkers from saliva with high accuracy and efficiency. The device is portable, reusable, and cost-effective, making it an excellent choice for communities or hospitals without access to advanced technologies like MRI.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateFeb 13, 2024

HZDR team develops a new approach for fast and cost-effective pathogen detection

A research team at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develops a new approach for fast and cost-effective pathogen detection using miniaturized biosensor devices and systems. The system can simultaneously carry out up to thirty-two analyses of one sample, offering significant advantages over traditional electronic FET-based biosensors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 7, 2024

Researchers develop rapid test for detecting fentanyl

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

How fruit flies smell CO2

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have identified molecules that block CO2 receptors in fruit flies, leading to potential insect repellents. The team's findings could also enable the development of a CO2 biosensor for detecting volatile substances.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2024

A molecular anchor

A team of scientists identified VAP as a molecular anchor that stabilizes mitochondria near synapses in dendrites, supporting memory formation and plasticity. The discovery links VAP to ALS-linked protein and suggests that mitochondrial stabilization is critical for neuronal function and health.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Self-powered microbial fuel cell biosensor for monitoring organic freshwater pollution

Researchers from Ritsumeikan University developed a low-cost, self-powered biosensor for monitoring organic wastewater in freshwater lakes and rivers. The biosensor uses a microbial fuel cell to detect the level of organic contamination in water samples, providing an early warning system for water quality management.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalBiochemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Vision via sound for the blind

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists develop deep learning-based biosensing platform to count viral particles better

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a deep learning-based biosensing platform called DeepGT, which can accurately quantify nanoscale bioparticles, including viruses. The platform harnesses the advantages of Gires-Tournois biosensors and AI to refine visual artifacts and extract relevant info...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Today·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 17, 2023

Latest in body art? ‘Tattoos’ for individual cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed nanoscale tattoos that can stick to live cells, allowing for the first time to monitor and control individual cell health in real-time. This technology bridges the gap between living cells and conventional sensors, enabling early disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

A butterfly effect

Researchers at MPFI discovered Protein Kinase C delta's (PKCd) role in regulating cell-wide gene expression through synaptic plasticity. The study found that PKCd activates biochemical reactions that spread throughout the neuron, influencing gene transcription and memory formation.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023