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DIY brings high throughput to continuous cell culturing

eVOLVER, an open-source system developed by Rice University, enables high-throughput continuous cell culturing using automated growth experiments. The system can support 96-chamber experiments and allows for real-time data tracking and monitoring of culture conditions, making it suitable for applications in synthetic biology and antibi...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 11, 2018

An electronic rescue dog

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a device that combines multiple gas sensors to detect entrapped people. The device, the size of a small computer chip, can identify specific chemical compounds emitted by humans and distinguish them from other sources.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2018

Mining for gold with a computer

The Texas A🏩;M/Virginia Tech team developed image-analysis software to quickly measure key features of nanoporous gold from 150 peer-reviewed papers, correlating them with processing techniques. This allowed the identification of a new parameter and a quantitative law for controlling NPG properties.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2018

One step closer to reality

A new open-access software called PyFRAP has been developed to accurately analyze molecular diffusion in living cells. The program takes into account three-dimensional structures and provides reliable results, especially under complicated conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

Democratizing single-cell analysis

Scientists at Allen Institute and University of Washington developed scalable SPLiT-seq method to characterize RNA in individual cells, enabling identification of various cell types in the brain. The technique significantly lowers the cost barrier for labs that want to perform single-cell profiling.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2018

The Protein Society's Best Paper Award

The Protein Society has awarded Minfei Su and Chang-Ting Lin the 'Best Paper' award for their research on autophagy, a critical process in eukaryotic cells. The winners' work investigates the structural and thermodynamic details of protein interactions, shedding light on cellular homeostasis and evolution.

Two-stage gas sensor reports on soil dynamics

Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of gas sensor that can monitor microbes' health and activity in soil without disturbing them. The sensor uses genetically engineered microbes to report on their environment and activity, providing valuable data for bioengineers, geobiologists, and other researchers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 1, 2018

New technique for finding life on Mars

Researchers from McGill University develop a miniature life detection platform to identify and analyze microorganisms in extreme environments, providing proof-of-concept for direct life detection on Mars and other planets. The technique has potential applications on Earth, including detecting pathogens during epidemics in remote areas.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 19, 2018

New technique for finding life on Mars

Researchers develop a modular 'life detection platform' to directly detect and characterize microorganisms in extreme environments. The platform uses existing low-cost technology in new ways, enabling real-time analysis of microbial ecology and DNA sequencing.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 18, 2018

Biodegradable sensor could help doctors monitor serious health conditions

UConn researchers have created a biodegradable pressure sensor that can be implanted in the body to monitor conditions like chronic lung disease and swelling of the brain. The sensor emits a small electrical charge when pressure is applied, allowing for non-invasive monitoring and potential treatment via electrical stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2018