Articles tagged with Genetic Engineering
Researchers developed a new approach called SHIFTERS that uses focused ultrasound to temporarily 'light up' solid tumors, giving cancer-fighting immune cells a target they can recognize. The technology allows doctors to control where and when treatment switches on, potentially making solid tumors easier to treat.
Scientists created a platform that pinpoints genetic triggers for microbes to produce new chemicals and materials. The method enables rapid, precise reprogramming of bacteria as biotechnology tools, supporting the domestic production of valuable products.
Researchers have successfully engineered plants to produce myoglobin, an important component of animal muscle, using a gene gun to insert the genes into chloroplasts. The yield was approximately three times higher than when inserted into the nuclear genome, paving the way for plant-grown meat production.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a gene editing tool to treat Huntington's disease by altering a specific point in the huntingtin gene. The treatment reduced toxic protein fragments, symptoms, and brain degeneration in mice, providing a new approach for treating genetic diseases.
Scientists have discovered that oxygenic photosynthesis is possible with only one photosystem, overturning a long-held assumption in biology. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that the absence of one photosystem can be compensated by an alternative mechanism.
A study by John Innes Centre researchers reveals that inner tissues play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, contradicting the widespread assumption that external layers control growth. By analyzing cell division orientation and gene editing techniques, they discovered genes affecting stem thickness in Arabidopsis.
The study demonstrated sustained improvements in disease features in mouse models with effects lasting throughout their lifespan. Genespire's approach has the potential to translate into human health as a single-administration treatment for patients with MMA.
A new gene circuit technology has enabled cells to autonomously generate programmed responses, processing multiple molecular signals at once. The RATEX platform allows cells to compute and respond to various types of molecular information.
A new Europe-wide survey found broad public support for fertility treatment and reproductive research in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The study suggests that public understanding and opinion on these topics continue to develop, with areas where public views are not yet settled identified.
A team from Technical University of Munich developed a DNA switch that can be controlled quickly and precisely, and operates reliably over extended periods. The switch demonstrates two potential applications: controlling optical signals and chemical reactions.
A POSTECH research team has created an automated, modular system for assembling reconstituted cell-free systems, significantly reducing costs by 95% and preparation time to 2 days. This innovation enables the customization of individual components, paving the way for improved biologically engineered high-value therapeutics.
A study identified molecular anchors on gut phages that enable them to attach to human cells and remain intact. The findings suggest that these proteins are evolutionarily advantageous strategies driven by modular phage surface proteins.
Researchers developed a silver nanoparticle-based technology to precisely cut and join DNA at targeted sites, increasing assembly efficiency by 2-5 times. The process uses chemical reactions instead of restriction enzymes, resulting in higher DNA recovery rates and improved joining efficiencies.
The SMArT platform achieves near-pure selection of correctly edited blood stem cells while reducing dangerous genomic alterations. The innovative strategy enables enrichment of cells with targeted integration to 100% purity.
Recent advancements in animal models, organoid models, and bioengineered organoids have provided new tools for studying primary sclerosing cholangitis. These models replicate the effects of bile retention and inflammation, enabling studies of disease mechanisms, drug screening, and preclinical evaluation.
Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers studied cyanobacteria Synechocystis to understand how it adapts to fluctuating light conditions, revealing mutations that enhance resilience. These findings may provide new strategies for improving crop tolerance to changing light intensities.
Researchers have discovered that native soil bacteria can degrade persistent pollutants like dioxins without genetic engineering. Using decoy molecules, the bacteria's natural enzymes are tricked into breaking down these toxic compounds.
A new bioinformatics tool, MPGK, integrates MR, PRS, GO, and KEGG analyses into a single reproducible workflow, reducing technical barriers for researchers. The tool successfully identified causal relationships between diabetes and psoriasis using publicly available datasets.
The new joint department combines expertise in medical devices, neuroengineering, imaging science, and more to advance biomedical research and translate discoveries into meaningful health advances. The partnership aims to accelerate the translation of discoveries into improvements in human health.
Microalgae are transformed into functionalized composite bioproducts for precision diagnosis, targeted therapy, and integrated theranostics. They offer exceptional biological properties for biomedical engineering, including molecular loading, active movement, and intense autofluorescence for imaging applications.
BRIGHT at DTU joins forces with Novonesis to develop microbes that can efficiently utilize acetic acid produced from captured carbon, enabling the production of sustainable protein. The collaboration aims to accelerate microbial fermentation and reduce costs, ultimately contributing to a circular bioeconomy.
Researchers developed a biomimetic platform to enhance CAR T cell therapy against leukemia by creating a molecular bridge that reinforces the interface between CAR T cells and leukemia cells. This platform, called FACE, uses ferritin to bind to CD71 on leukemia cells, improving cell recognition and elimination.
Researchers genetically modified a probiotic yeast to reduce its virulence in immunocompromised patients. The modified yeast was found to be less likely to cause infection, with improved survival rates in animal models.
Researchers identified genes that are activated when yeast cells are in the gut, suggesting a roadmap for engineering more efficient drug-delivery vehicles. The study found that yeast cells were digesting more lipids than carbohydrates in the gut, highlighting potential modifications to improve efficiency.
The journal explores the convergence of computational biology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation, with a focus on precision medicine and enhanced patient care. Submissions are accepted from researchers, clinicians, and technologists on topics such as AI in medicine, computational genomics, and drug discovery.
The John Innes Centre has been awarded £21.5m in funding to support four precision breeding projects, aiming to reduce emissions and strengthen crop resilience. These projects will help protect two major agricultural crops from diseases, enhance the nutritional content of tomatoes, and develop sustainable sources of rubber.
A two-step genome editing method integrates large human genomic fragments into mice, mimicking human regulatory landscapes. This platform enables the creation of physiologically relevant humanized models for therapeutic targets and disease research.
A multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts is developing an off-the-shelf engineered product that could address liver failure in millions of patients. The ImPLANT project aims to create synthetic biology-based gene circuits in human induced pluripotent stem cells to drive cell differentiation into all required liver cell types.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a new mode of epigenetic targeting in plant cells, where specific DNA sequences guide DNA methylation patterns. This finding has major implications for understanding epigenetic regulation and could inform future strategies for epigenetic engineering.
Researchers at KIT successfully used the CRISPR/Cas method to fuse two chromosomes into one, reducing the number of chromosomes in plants by half. This process does not affect plant growth and has potential applications for improving crop yields and resilience.
Researchers used CRISPR to increase fungal production efficiency and cut environmental impact by 61% without adding foreign DNA. The genetically tweaked fungus tastes like meat and is easier to digest than its naturally occurring counterpart.
A nonsurgical approach has been demonstrated to quiet a specific brain circuit in an animal model by delivering engineered gene therapy only to the targeted region. The method uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing precise control over brain activity without impacting off-target areas.
Genetic engineers design gene circuits to program cells with new functions, but dilution causes loss of function. Researchers use liquid-liquid phase separation to form transcriptional condensates around genes, protecting genetic programs and maintaining stability across cell generations.
A team of plant biotechnologists at Texas Tech University has developed a groundbreaking method to accelerate crop creation, bypassing the time-consuming process of tissue culture. The new technique enables plants to grow new shoots directly from wounded tissue, eliminating the need for traditional lab-based regeneration steps.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel gene-editing method that can correct multiple disease-causing mutations simultaneously. This approach uses bacterial retrons to protect the microbes from viral infection and has shown promising results in correcting scoliosis-causing mutations in zebrafish embryos.
Researchers found that Agrobacterium's virulence is more effective in its natural two-chromosome state, but it grows faster and handles stress better when fused into a single chromosome. This study opens the door for optimizing its use as a crop improvement tool or devising new ways to protect crops vulnerable to crown galls.
A new method called GenomePAM enables targeted modification of genomes using CRISPR technology. This breakthrough accelerates the development of precision gene editing tools and advances clinical drug development.
The CityUHK team is developing two core therapeutic medicines using state-of-the-art DNA surgery technology to treat liver and cardiovascular genetic diseases. Their approach offers a durable and long-lasting solution, eliminating the need for repeated medications.
Researchers developed bridge recombinase technology, allowing for large genomic region manipulation and potential applications in genetic therapies. The system enables efficient insertion, excision, and inversion of genomic sequences with high specificity.
Researchers developed a novel genome editing approach called 'append editing' by mimicking the natural bacterial defense system against viruses. This method enables precise genetic modifications in bacteria, plants, and human cells with high accuracy and minimal disruption.
A new review in Microbial Biotechnology highlights microbes as allies in various industries, from food fermentation to biofuels. Films such as French Kiss and The Martian showcase microbes as positive forces, challenging the traditional villain stereotype.
Researchers developed photo-inducible binary interaction tools (PhoBITs) to precisely control gene expression, cell signaling, and immune responses. PhoBITs enable targeted treatment with minimal side effects, opening new avenues for cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine.
Engineered cell lines are prone to misidentification, threatening scientific discoveries and intellectual property. Researchers at UT Dallas have developed a novel method to embed unique genetic identifiers, eliminating identification errors and safeguarding innovations with tamper-proof genomic tags.
Albino cane toads created using CRISPR technology reveal that albinism affects survival and hunting abilities, with poor eyesight being the core problem. In controlled environments, albino tadpoles were less likely to survive and developed faster when competing with pigmented siblings for food and space.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a controlled evolution technique that dramatically increases plasmid DNA (pDNA) production in E. coli bacteria. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of gene therapies and expedite research, making pDNA resources more accessible.
A new study demonstrates the potential to produce cellular spheroids from clinically relevant embryonic stem cells to generate scaffold-free chondrogenic or osteochondrogenic graft tissues. The researchers successfully cultured ES-MSC cellular spheroids, which matured into neocartilage tissues expressing cartilage-associated genes.
A new study reveals how Lactococcus lactis regulates the production of a key precursor in vitamin K2 biosynthesis. By tuning substrate supply and genetic architecture, researchers can push production above natural ceilings, opening the door to engineering bacteria for enhanced vitamin K2 production.
A new AI model called RiboNN predicts translation efficiency of mRNA sequences, accelerating the development of mRNA therapeutics. The tool helps predict how much protein cells will produce, minimizing trial-and-error experimentation.
A team of scientists proposes an integrated framework combining biotechnology and AI to revolutionize crop breeding, exploring multi-omics, genome editing, and high-throughput phenotyping. The authors present a forward-looking framework for AI-assisted crop germplasm design, offering a roadmap for sustainable agriculture.
A comprehensive review highlights Gemini surfactants as a promising alternative to viral vectors in gene therapy delivery. The review outlines key structural elements governing delivery performance and complex stability, as well as next-gen upgrades such as cancer-homing peptides and biomimetic coatings.
A team of scientists proposes using gene editing to restore lost genetic diversity in endangered species, enabling them to adapt to future environmental changes. The approach could complement traditional conservation methods and attract new investors and expertise.
Researchers developed an AI-informed method for rapid protein evolution, integrating structural and evolutionary constraints. The approach, AiCE, outperforms traditional methods in predicting high-fitness mutations, enabling efficient protein redesign and applications in precision medicine.
Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a biological 'artificial intelligence' system called PROTEUS, which can accelerate cycles of evolution and natural selection to create molecules with new functions in weeks. The system has potential applications in finding new medicines and improving gene editing technology like CRISPR.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have identified vorinostat as a promising treatment for Rett Syndrome using an AI-driven drug discovery process and innovative disease modeling. The findings demonstrate disease-modifying abilities across multiple tissues, offering hope for a potentially curative treatment.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
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.
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
Chinese researchers developed a groundbreaking 3D genome mapping technology that reveals how the 3D organization of plant genomes influences gene expression, especially in photosynthesis. The innovation provides a precise tool for understanding long-range chromatin interactions and their role in regulating biological processes.
A team of scientists from SR-Tiget has identified a unique window shortly after birth to deliver lentiviral vectors directly into the bloodstream, enabling gene transfer and long-term engraftment. This approach shows promise for treating some genetic blood disorders without stem cell transplantation or chemotherapy.