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Identifying proteins, molecule by molecule

A UNIGE team has developed a rapid and efficient method for identifying proteins molecule by molecule using nanopore technology and AI. The researchers used artificial intelligence to interpret the electrical signals produced by the nanopore, breaking them down into measurable characteristics that can be associated with specific proteins.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeNews article·DateJun 29, 2026

New software tool MARTi fast-tracks identification and response to microbial threats

MARTi enables rapid taxonomic classification and abundance analysis of microorganisms in various settings, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, and clinical environments. The tool provides immediate analysis results, allowing for quick identification and targeted treatments of pathogen infections.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2025

Singapore scientists unveil one of world’s largest long-read RNA sequencing datasets to advance disease research

A team of Singaporean scientists has released a comprehensive long-read RNA sequencing dataset, SG-NEx, to accelerate biomarker discovery and precision medicine. The dataset offers deeper biological insights into RNA complexity, enabling researchers to detect clinically relevant biomarkers and develop better treatments.

Genome Research publishes a special issue on long-read DNA and RNA sequencing applications in biology and medicine

This special issue highlights novel applications of long-read sequencing technologies in biology and medicine, including human disease detection, rare disease diagnostics, and structural variation analysis. Several studies demonstrate the use of long-read sequencing data approaches to overcome challenges posed by repetitive regions, id...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press·JournalGenome Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Unlocking the power of nanopores

Researchers have successfully designed transmembrane β-barrel pores with custom shapes and properties, enabling miniaturization of sensing and sequencing applications into portable devices. The design method uses computational tools to control the shape and chemistry on a molecular level, resulting in stable and quiet signal generation.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

SMART researchers pave the way for faster and safer T-cell therapy through novel contamination-detection method

A novel contamination-detection method enables faster and safer T-cell therapy production, reducing the risk for patients and speeding up treatment. The method uses cutting-edge technology to identify harmful microorganisms within 24 hours.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

Using nanopore single-molecule sensing to identify glycans

Researchers developed a glycan identification method based on nanopore single-molecule sensing through derivatization strategy. The method identified different glycan isomers, varying lengths, and branched simple glycans. It revealed cation-π interactions contributing to sensing and paving the way for glycan sequencing

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 8, 2023

Using nanopores to detect epigenetic changes faster

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have successfully characterized epigenetic modifications using nanopore analysis. The technique allows for rapid detection of protein fragments with varying levels of acetylation, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 31, 2022

Reading RNA modifications more precisely

Scientists at Kyoto University developed two methods to identify RNA modifications impacting gene regulation and disease. Their approach uses probability algorithms with high-throughput sequencing technology, distinguishing pseudouridine substitutions from other base changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenomics·DateAug 23, 2022

COVID-19 variants can’t hide from Variabel

Researchers at Rice University developed a new program called Variabel to accurately identify 'low-frequency' variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. By distinguishing true variants from sequencing errors, Variabel enables rapid characterization of within-host variation, which could aid in discovering future mutations.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2022

Single test for over 50 genetic diseases will cut diagnosis from decades to days

A new DNA test has been developed to identify a range of hard-to-diagnose neurological and neuromuscular genetic diseases quicker and more accurately than existing tests. The test uses Nanopore sequencing technology to scan for abnormally long repeats within patients' genes, which are the hallmarks of disease.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022

New 'nanopores' technique offers proof-of-concept of earlier, safer tumor detection

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a nanopore technique that can detect single-point mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with high accuracy. The method uses statistical analysis to identify the position of genetic mutations, paving the way for earlier and safer tumor detection.

Eleven human genomes in nine days

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed an efficient de novo human genome assembly algorithm using the Shasta toolkit, achieving high accuracy and scalability. The algorithm can assemble a complete human genome in under six hours and costs around $70, paving the way for pangenome research to represent true human diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 4, 2020

Researchers create synthetic nanopores made from DNA

Scientists successfully created a large synthetic nanopore made from DNA with a functional gating system for sensing and bio-sensing applications. The pore can translocate large protein-sized macromolecules between compartments separated by a lipid bilayer, enabling label-free real-time biosensing of trigger molecules.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2019

Nanotechnology and nanopore sequencing

Nanopore sequencing is a modern and promising technique that benefits from the potential advantages of label-free sequencing and long reads. This method analyzes DNA directly taken from cells, enhancing sequencing accuracy. Recent advances in solid-state nanopore sequencing are investigated in a review published in Recent Patents on Na...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Patents on Nanotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2017

'Poring over' DNA

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed a new electronic DNA sequencing platform using biologically engineered nanopores, enabling highly scalable, accurate single-molecule DNA sequencing. The method can transform precision medicine by dramatically lowering the cost of sequencing while increasing accuracy.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2016