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Progress & accountability in modern life sciences in SLAS Technology Vol. 38

This volume of SLAS Technology highlights novel laboratory technologies, open-source software, and disease-specific tools for advancing life sciences research and development. The journal emphasizes the importance of education, knowledge exchange, and global community building to drive innovation in biomedical research.

AI tool improves predictions of which DNA sequences bind to each other

A novel AI model called BINND has been developed to predict which DNA molecules bind to each other. The model achieved an accuracy of 83.5% in predicting DNA pairs that would bind, surpassing the state-of-the-art model by at least 10%. This improvement has significant utility for biomedical diagnostic tools and DNA computing applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

Purdue researchers work to accelerate cancer drug discovery with next-gen tech platform

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a next-generation technology platform designed to dramatically accelerate one of the slowest stages of cancer drug discovery. The platform combines chemical synthesis, biological testing, and mass spectrometry into a single integrated workflow, allowing researchers to generate, evaluate, ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

DNA ‘barcodes’ help NUS researchers pinpoint gold nanoparticles that can strike cancer at its power source

The study uses DNA barcodes to track and compare dozens of gold nanoparticle designs in living tumour models, identifying those effective at reaching mitochondria. Two formulations emerged as standout performers, achieving high tumour regression when combined with RNA therapy and photothermal treatment.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 11, 2026

A novel technology to explore peptides as drug targets with high precision without using cells

Researchers developed a novel method to immobilize proteins onto magnetic microbeads, allowing precise measurement of binding strength and efficient selection of target peptides. The technique achieved a 10,000-fold concentration in a single sorting step, significantly enhancing the efficiency of drug discovery research.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2026

Turbo Platform for Plant Research

Scientists have created a micro-algal platform that allows for automated and fast testing of chloroplast genetic modifications, opening up plant chloroplasts to high-throughput applications. This platform enables researchers to fine-tune genetic circuits and identify which modifications have real potential.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 3, 2025

SLAS Discovery and SLAS Technology demonstrate research impact with 2024 impact factors

The Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening's two scientific journals, SLAS Discovery and SLAS Technology, have achieved substantial impact factor increases due to open access publishing. This shift has led to higher citations and visibility for authors, with SLAS Technology experiencing a notable rise of 1.2 points to 3.7.

SLAS Technology Vol. 32: AI, Robotics and Precision Diagnostics

This issue of SLAS Technology features a high-precision microfluidic flow splitter that outperforms commercial alternatives, enabling even flow division and simplifying multi-inlet perfusion. The journal showcases technological leaps in the life sciences, including rapid pathogen detection and AI-driven insights into schizophrenia.

Computational drug discovery: Exploring natural products targeting SARS-CoV-2

A recent study identifies 11 natural compounds that can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including caffeine, which exhibits high binding stability and excellent solubility. The discovery highlights the potential of natural products in combating COVID-19 and demonstrates the versatility of widely known compounds like caffeine.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2025

NUS researchers pioneer DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment

The team's novel technique enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. The research demonstrates the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, enabling personalized cancer treatments that are safer and more effective.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

High-tech tracking technology streamlines drug discovery

Researchers have developed a large-scale drug screening technique that tracks drug targets inside cells, allowing for the identification of potential new drugs. The technology screens candidate drugs 100 times faster than standard manual techniques, enabling the discovery of previously unknown drugs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2024

New screening tool could improve the survival rate of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma from 20% to 90%

A new machine-learning model using serum fusion-gene levels predicts HCC with an accuracy of 83-91%, significantly improving upon current biomarkers like serum alpha-fetal protein. This breakthrough tool may help identify patients at risk and monitor cancer recurrence, leading to improved survival rates.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2024

"Two-factor" screening of newborns enhances congenital hearing loss management

A study involving 119,606 Chinese newborns found that concurrent hearing and high-throughput genetic screening significantly enhances congenital hearing loss management. The detection rate of certain gene mutations was also reported, highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors for accurate diagnosis.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 2023